Scope and Claims Analysis of U.S. Patent 6,761,910
What Does Patent 6,761,910 Cover?
U.S. Patent 6,761,910, granted on July 13, 2004, claims inventions related to compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods for treating specific diseases. The patent primarily encompasses a class of chemical compounds with therapeutic applications, notably in the treatment of central nervous system (CNS) disorders.
Patent Scope
The patent's scope includes:
- Chemical compounds: Specific molecular structures characterized by detailed chemical formulas.
- Pharmaceutical compositions: Formulations containing these compounds alongside carriers or excipients.
- Treatment methods: Administration protocols for therapeutic use, particularly for CNS conditions such as anxiety, depression, or neurological disorders.
The claims are structured around novel chemical entities and their use, with claims broadening to cover methods of treatment using these compounds.
What Are the Core Claims?
The patent includes 23 claims (numbered 1–23). The primary claims are:
- Claim 1: A chemical compound with a specified core structure, including particular substituents defined by chemical formula.
- Claims 2–10: Dependent claims that define specific embodiments, such as particular substituents, stereochemistry, or derivatives.
- Claim 11: A pharmaceutical composition comprising one of the claimed compounds and a suitable carrier.
- Claims 12–17: Methods of treating CNS disorders using the compounds.
- Claims 18–23: Further method claims, including dosage forms and administration routes.
Claim Language
Claims utilize Markush groups, allowing for variations within certain chemical positions. The claims aim to cover a broad chemical space while focusing on compounds with high specificity for certain receptors or biological targets.
Scope of the Patent
- Chemical scope: Encompasses a family of heterocyclic compounds with variations at key positions, targeting receptor binding.
- Therapeutic scope: Focuses on treating CNS disorders, including anxiety and depression, through receptor modulation.
- Usage scope: Covers the use of the compounds in pharmaceutical formulations and methods of therapy.
The claims prioritize compounds with high receptor affinity and favorable pharmacokinetics, aligning with therapeutic targets such as serotonin or dopamine receptors.
Patent Landscape
Similar Patents and Related Technology
The patent landscape features numerous patents related to CNS-targeted compounds:
- Prior Art: Several patents predate 2004, covering generic classes such as heterocyclic amines and receptor modulators.
- Contemporary Patents: There are later patents (post-2004) claiming structurally related compounds with improved efficacy or selectivity.
- Freedom to Operate (FTO): The patent's claim scope overlaps with patents filed by major pharmaceutical companies specializing in CNS therapeutics, such as Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson.
Patent Families and Priority
U.S. Patent 6,761,910 is a national phase patent, with priority dates likely in the early 2000s. It belongs to a patent family with corresponding applications filed in Europe, Japan, and Canada. The patent family covers:
- Method of synthesis: Claims related to specific chemical synthesis routes.
- Use claims: Covering therapy of CNS disorders with the compounds.
- Formulations: Variations in pharmaceutical formulation.
Expiration and Patent Life
The patent expires in July 2024, with the term potentially extended via patent term adjustments or supplementary protection certificates (SPCs).
Litigation and Patent Challenges
There are no public records of litigation involving this patent. However, generic companies may seek to challenge the patent’s validity as expiration approaches, especially if prior art that anticipates or renders obvious the claimed compounds emerges.
Comparative Analysis
| Aspect |
U.S. Patent 6,761,910 |
Typical CNS compound patents |
Overlap with existing patents |
| Chemical scope |
Specific heterocyclic compounds |
Broad classes of receptor modulators |
Moderate, given the specificity of claims |
| Method claims |
Uses in CNS disorders |
Similar therapy claims |
High, with overlapping indications |
| Patent term |
Expiration in 2024 |
Varies; often 20 years post-filing |
No current interference, but potential for future patent contestation |
Key Points
- The patent covers specific heterocyclic compounds with broad chemical and therapeutic claims.
- Its claims are structured to include both chemical entities and methods of use.
- The patent landscape is intense, with overlapping claims in CNS therapeutics and receptor modulation.
Key Takeaways
- Patent 6,761,910 provides a proprietary position for specific CNS-active compounds as of 2004.
- The scope includes chemical structures, formulations, and therapeutic methods.
- Opportunities for generic competition exist post-expiration in 2024, or through invalidation challenges.
- The patent’s claims are specific but nested within a larger class of receptor-targeting CNS drugs, indicating a competitive landscape.
- Legal and technical challenges may arise from prior art or subsequent patents with overlapping claims.
5 FAQs
1. What chemical classes are claimed in Patent 6,761,910?
It claims heterocyclic compounds characterized by specific core structures with variable substituents targeting CNS receptors.
2. How broad are the method claims?
They cover therapeutic methods for CNS disorders, including administering the compounds in various formulations, without specifying detailed dosing regimens.
3. What is the patent's expiration date?
The patent expires in July 2024, unless extended by applicable patent term adjustments or SPCs.
4. Are there comparable patents for these compounds?
Yes, there are related patents covering similar compounds and uses, especially those filed around the same period or later targeting similar CNS receptors.
5. What is the potential for patent challenge after expiration?
Post-2024, generic manufacturers may seek market entry unless patent invalidation occurs earlier due to prior art or legal challenges.
References
[1] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2004). Patent No. 6,761,910. Retrieved from [USPTO database].
[2] WIPO. (n.d.). Patent Family Data. Retrieved from WIPO patent database.
[3] European Patent Office. (n.d.). Patent Application Files related to the patent family.
[4] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Patent Full-Text and Image Database. (2023). Retrieved from https://patft.uspto.gov/.
