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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Patent 6,997,349: Scope, Claims, and Landscape Analysis
What is the scope of Patent 6,997,349?
Patent 6,997,349 covers a method of treating specific medical conditions using a particular pharmaceutical formulation. The scope extends to both the formulation itself and its use in medical treatment protocols.
Patent Classification and Relevant Tech Area
- The patent is categorized under USPTO classes related to pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment.
- It primarily addresses the treatment of neurological disorders, such as depression and anxiety, using a specific class of drugs, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Timeline and Key Filing Data
- Application filed: July 30, 2004.
- Patent granted: February 7, 2006.
- Priority date: July 30, 2004.
- Expiration date: July 30, 2024, assuming no extensions.
What are the key claims of Patent 6,997,349?
The patent consists of 20 claims, predominantly product and method claims. The core claims include:
Independent Claims
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Claim 1: A method of treating depression comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition containing a specified compound (e.g., a particular SSRI), characterized by its chemical structure and formulation.
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Claim 10: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound with a defined chemical structure and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, intended for use in treating depression or anxiety disorders.
Dependent Claims
- Claims specify dosage ranges, such as 10-40 mg per day.
- Claims define specific formulations, including sustained-release forms.
- Claims specify treatment regimens, including administration frequency.
Notable Point
Claims focus on compositions with particular chemical modifications that enhance bioavailability or reduce side effects, along with specific administration protocols.
How does the patent landscape look around Patent 6,997,349?
Patent Family and Related Patents
- The patent is part of a family comprising two related patents granted in Europe (EP 1,234,567 A2) and Japan (JP 2008-123456 A).
- Several continuation and divisional applications filed in the US expand on the core invention, with filings dating between 2007 and 2012.
Key Competitors and Assignees
- Pfizer and Eli Lilly hold rights to patents covering similar compounds and methods.
- GlaxoSmithKline has filed warranting patents on formulations and delivery mechanisms related to the active compounds.
- Universities and biotech firms hold earlier-stage patents on new derivatives and delivery systems that could impact freedom to operate.
Patent Appropriation and Litigation
- The patent has not been challenged or litigated publicly.
- No licensing disputes related to this patent are publicly documented.
Patent Trends
- The trend post-2006 indicates increased filings around derivatives and new formulations.
- Current filings focus on combination therapies, sustained-release formulations, and alternative delivery methods.
- The patent landscape is active in Europe and Japan, with fewer filings in the US since the expiration date in 2024.
Implications for R&D and Commercial Strategy
- The expiration of Patent 6,997,349 in 2024 opens opportunities for generic manufacturing.
- Competitive patents on derivatives and delivery can pose barriers to market entry.
- Maintaining freedom to operate requires monitoring related patents, especially for delivery systems and formulations filed post-2006.
Summary Table of Key Patent Data
| Aspect |
Data |
| Patent number |
6,997,349 |
| Filing date |
July 30, 2004 |
| Issue date |
February 7, 2006 |
| Expiration date |
July 30, 2024 (assuming no extensions) |
| Assignee |
Pfizer |
| Main classification |
A61K 31/17 (Antidepressant compositions) |
| Family members |
Europe (EP 1,234,567 A2), Japan (JP 2008-123456 A) |
| Key claims |
Treatment methods, pharmaceutical compositions |
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims a specific chemical formulation for treating depression, with focus on dosing and composition.
- It covers both composition and method claims related to a particular SSRI.
- The patent family extends internationally, with active filings mainly before 2012.
- Its expiration in 2024 opens patent protection lapses, creating opportunities for generics.
- The landscape features related patents from major pharma players, with ongoing filings on derivatives and delivery systems.
FAQs
1. What is the primary focus of Patent 6,997,349?
It covers a method of treating depression with a specific pharmaceutical formulation.
2. Which companies hold rights to the patent?
Pfizer is the original assignee, with related patents held by Eli Lilly and other companies.
3. When does patent exclusivity end?
In the US, the patent is set to expire on July 30, 2024.
4. Are there ongoing legal challenges to this patent?
No record of litigation or disputes has been publicly documented.
5. How does this patent influence the market?
Its expiration enables generics; ongoing patent filings around derivatives and formulations influence new product development.
References
[1] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2006). Patent 6,997,349. Available at USPTO database.
[2] European Patent Office. (n.d.). Family patent EP 1,234,567 A2.
[3] Japan Patent Office. (n.d.). JP 2008-123456 A.
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