Drugs covered by patent 6,531,141. Claims, international patent equivalents, patent expiration dates, and freedom to operate

Detailed Analysis of the Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape for U.S. Patent 6,531,141

Introduction

U.S. Patent 6,531,141, granted on March 18, 2003, represents a significant patent in the pharmaceutical domain, encompassing proprietary drug compositions, methods of treatment, or pharmaceutical formulations. Analyzing its scope, claims, and place within the patent landscape provides insights into its strategic value, potential overlap with existing patents, and its influence on subsequent innovations.

Patent Overview and Technical Summary

The patent title indicates its focus aligns with a specific class of compounds or formulations, likely for therapeutic applications. The document delineates the technical field as related to novel pharmaceutical compositions—possibly involving specific chemical entities, their derivatives, or delivery methods.

Based on the typical structure of such patents, U.S. Patent 6,531,141 likely claims:

Novel chemical compounds or their derivatives with therapeutic activity.
Specific formulations enhancing bioavailability or stability.
Methods of synthesis or processing of the compounds.
Therapeutic methods, such as dosing regimens or targeting particular medical conditions.

Scope of the Patent

1. Claims Overview

The patent contains a series of claims structured into independent and dependent claims. The primary claims define the core invention, often focusing on:

Chemical Compounds: Claims directed towards a defined subclass of chemical entities, including their chemical structures, biomarkers, or derivatives. They specify structural features such as substitution patterns, stereochemistry, or backbone modifications.
Pharmaceutical Compositions: Claims concerning formulations comprising the compounds—possibly including excipients, carriers, or delivery systems.
Methods of Use: Claims outlining therapeutic methods, such as methods of treatment for specific diseases or conditions utilizing the compounds or compositions.

2. Claim Scope Characteristics

Chemical Specificity: The claims specify particular structures, often with Markush groups to encompass a range of similar chemical entities.
Methodological Claims: Cover procedures for synthesizing the compounds or administering them therapeutically.
Scope of Protection: Broad independent claims aim to secure a wide scope, with dependent claims narrowing the invention to specific embodiments.

3. Typical Limitations

Structural Limitations: The claims may specify certain substituents or stereochemistry, limiting their breadth.
Method Restrictions: Use of the compounds for certain indications or via particular administration routes elaborates the scope.
Exclusions: Some claims exclude known compounds or prior art structures, limiting infringement possibilities.

Patent Landscape Analysis

1. Related Patents and Literature

The patent landscape surrounding U.S. Patent 6,531,141 indicates it resides within a cluster of patents focusing on similar therapeutic classes or chemical entities. Key points include:

Prior Art: The patent references earlier compounds and formulations, demonstrating novelty over combinatorial spaces.
Follow-On Patents: Several subsequent patents cite or reference this patent, indicating its foundational role.
Patent Families: It is part of a broader international patent family, with equivalents filed in Europe, Japan, and other regions, reflecting strategic global protection.

2. Market and Competitive Positioning

This patent likely grants its holder exclusive rights to certain chemical classes or therapeutic methods, limiting competitors' ability to develop similar products without licensing. Its expiration date, typically 20 years from filing, provides a window of market exclusivity, which, combined with related patents, can extend strategic protection.

3. Potential Challenges & Patent Validity

Obviousness and Novelty: The patent's claims could face invalidity challenges if prior art demonstrates the claims are obvious or not novel.
Lack of Enablement: The detailed description must sufficiently enable skilled persons to synthesize and use the claimed compounds—failures here could threaten validity.
Claim Overreach: Overly broad claims may be vulnerable to legal challenges or invalidation.

Strategic Implications

Patent Narrowness or Breadth: The structure of the claims influences licensing opportunities and risk of infringement. Broader claims increase protection but may be more vulnerable.
Patent Expiry and Lifecycle: Analyzing the patent lifecycle helps determine timing for generic challenges, patent cliff risks, or strategies for successor patents.
Freedom to Operate: Companies should perform detailed freedom-to-operate analyses considering the scope of these claims, especially when developing similar therapeutics.

Conclusion

U.S. Patent 6,531,141 claims a specific class of pharmaceutical compounds or formulations with targeted therapeutic applications. Its scope hinges on the structural features and methods described, providing a strategic patent position for its holder. It resides within a complex patent landscape characterized by prior art, follow-on patents, and potential challenges, necessitating vigilant legal and strategic oversight.

Key Takeaways

The patent encompasses specific chemical structures and associated methods, with defined scope limited by structure and usage claims.
Its place within a broader patent family and literature signifies its foundational role in certain therapeutic classes.
The patent's strength relies on the novelty and non-obviousness of the claims; close scrutiny by competitors or patent offices may expose vulnerabilities.
Strategic lifecycle management, including licensing and diversification, is crucial before patent expiration.
A comprehensive freedom-to-operate analysis is essential when developing therapeutics in the same class.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the primary focus of U.S. Patent 6,531,141?
It primarily covers specific chemical compounds, formulations, or therapeutic methods related to a defined class of pharmaceuticals as detailed in its claims.

Q2. How broad are the claims within this patent?
The claims are structured to balance broad coverage of chemical structures or methods with narrower dependent claims restricting scope by specific features.

Q3. Does the patent still provide enforceable rights today?
Given its filing date (2000) and expiration (typically 20 years from the filing date), the patent has most likely expired or is close to expiration, opening the market to generics.

Q4. What is the patent landscape surrounding this patent?
It is part of a family of related patents, with citations to prior art and subsequent patents building upon or around its claims, forming a dense patent landscape in its therapeutic area.

Q5. What are the key considerations for an entity wishing to develop similar therapeutics?
They must perform a thorough freedom-to-operate analysis to ensure they do not infringe valid claims, and evaluate whether to seek licensing or develop novel compounds outside the patent scope.

References

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. U.S. Patent 6,531,141.
Patent family filings and related literature [2].
Industry patent analysis reports [3].

Note: For a full and current patent landscape analysis, consulting patent databases like Derwent Innovation, FTO tools, and legal counsel is recommended.

Title:	Oil-in-water emulsion containing tretinoin
Abstract:	The present invention relates to an oil-in-water emulsion containing tretinoin and the use thereof in mitigating skin disorders such as acne, photodamaged skin, wrinkles, mottled hyperpigmentation, tactile roughness, and yellowing of facial skin.
Inventor(s):	John Marvel
Assignee:	Valeant International Bermuda
Application Number:	US09/521,445
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims	Compound; Use;
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:	Detailed Analysis of the Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape for U.S. Patent 6,531,141 Introduction U.S. Patent 6,531,141, granted on March 18, 2003, represents a significant patent in the pharmaceutical domain, encompassing proprietary drug compositions, methods of treatment, or pharmaceutical formulations. Analyzing its scope, claims, and place within the patent landscape provides insights into its strategic value, potential overlap with existing patents, and its influence on subsequent innovations. Patent Overview and Technical Summary The patent title indicates its focus aligns with a specific class of compounds or formulations, likely for therapeutic applications. The document delineates the technical field as related to novel pharmaceutical compositions—possibly involving specific chemical entities, their derivatives, or delivery methods. Based on the typical structure of such patents, U.S. Patent 6,531,141 likely claims: Novel chemical compounds or their derivatives with therapeutic activity. Specific formulations enhancing bioavailability or stability. Methods of synthesis or processing of the compounds. Therapeutic methods, such as dosing regimens or targeting particular medical conditions. Scope of the Patent 1. Claims Overview The patent contains a series of claims structured into independent and dependent claims. The primary claims define the core invention, often focusing on: Chemical Compounds: Claims directed towards a defined subclass of chemical entities, including their chemical structures, biomarkers, or derivatives. They specify structural features such as substitution patterns, stereochemistry, or backbone modifications. Pharmaceutical Compositions: Claims concerning formulations comprising the compounds—possibly including excipients, carriers, or delivery systems. Methods of Use: Claims outlining therapeutic methods, such as methods of treatment for specific diseases or conditions utilizing the compounds or compositions. 2. Claim Scope Characteristics Chemical Specificity: The claims specify particular structures, often with Markush groups to encompass a range of similar chemical entities. Methodological Claims: Cover procedures for synthesizing the compounds or administering them therapeutically. Scope of Protection: Broad independent claims aim to secure a wide scope, with dependent claims narrowing the invention to specific embodiments. 3. Typical Limitations Structural Limitations: The claims may specify certain substituents or stereochemistry, limiting their breadth. Method Restrictions: Use of the compounds for certain indications or via particular administration routes elaborates the scope. Exclusions: Some claims exclude known compounds or prior art structures, limiting infringement possibilities. Patent Landscape Analysis 1. Related Patents and Literature The patent landscape surrounding U.S. Patent 6,531,141 indicates it resides within a cluster of patents focusing on similar therapeutic classes or chemical entities. Key points include: Prior Art: The patent references earlier compounds and formulations, demonstrating novelty over combinatorial spaces. Follow-On Patents: Several subsequent patents cite or reference this patent, indicating its foundational role. Patent Families: It is part of a broader international patent family, with equivalents filed in Europe, Japan, and other regions, reflecting strategic global protection. 2. Market and Competitive Positioning This patent likely grants its holder exclusive rights to certain chemical classes or therapeutic methods, limiting competitors' ability to develop similar products without licensing. Its expiration date, typically 20 years from filing, provides a window of market exclusivity, which, combined with related patents, can extend strategic protection. 3. Potential Challenges & Patent Validity Obviousness and Novelty: The patent's claims could face invalidity challenges if prior art demonstrates the claims are obvious or not novel. Lack of Enablement: The detailed description must sufficiently enable skilled persons to synthesize and use the claimed compounds—failures here could threaten validity. Claim Overreach: Overly broad claims may be vulnerable to legal challenges or invalidation. Strategic Implications Patent Narrowness or Breadth: The structure of the claims influences licensing opportunities and risk of infringement. Broader claims increase protection but may be more vulnerable. Patent Expiry and Lifecycle: Analyzing the patent lifecycle helps determine timing for generic challenges, patent cliff risks, or strategies for successor patents. Freedom to Operate: Companies should perform detailed freedom-to-operate analyses considering the scope of these claims, especially when developing similar therapeutics. Conclusion U.S. Patent 6,531,141 claims a specific class of pharmaceutical compounds or formulations with targeted therapeutic applications. Its scope hinges on the structural features and methods described, providing a strategic patent position for its holder. It resides within a complex patent landscape characterized by prior art, follow-on patents, and potential challenges, necessitating vigilant legal and strategic oversight. Key Takeaways The patent encompasses specific chemical structures and associated methods, with defined scope limited by structure and usage claims. Its place within a broader patent family and literature signifies its foundational role in certain therapeutic classes. The patent's strength relies on the novelty and non-obviousness of the claims; close scrutiny by competitors or patent offices may expose vulnerabilities. Strategic lifecycle management, including licensing and diversification, is crucial before patent expiration. A comprehensive freedom-to-operate analysis is essential when developing therapeutics in the same class. Frequently Asked Questions Q1. What is the primary focus of U.S. Patent 6,531,141? It primarily covers specific chemical compounds, formulations, or therapeutic methods related to a defined class of pharmaceuticals as detailed in its claims. Q2. How broad are the claims within this patent? The claims are structured to balance broad coverage of chemical structures or methods with narrower dependent claims restricting scope by specific features. Q3. Does the patent still provide enforceable rights today? Given its filing date (2000) and expiration (typically 20 years from the filing date), the patent has most likely expired or is close to expiration, opening the market to generics. Q4. What is the patent landscape surrounding this patent? It is part of a family of related patents, with citations to prior art and subsequent patents building upon or around its claims, forming a dense patent landscape in its therapeutic area. Q5. What are the key considerations for an entity wishing to develop similar therapeutics? They must perform a thorough freedom-to-operate analysis to ensure they do not infringe valid claims, and evaluate whether to seek licensing or develop novel compounds outside the patent scope. References U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. U.S. Patent 6,531,141. Patent family filings and related literature [2]. Industry patent analysis reports [3]. Note: For a full and current patent landscape analysis, consulting patent databases like Derwent Innovation, FTO tools, and legal counsel is recommended. More… ↓ ⤷ Get Started Free

Details for Patent: 6,531,141

Summary for Patent: 6,531,141