Patent Landscape and Claims Analysis for United States Patent 7,629,335
What Is the Scope of Patent 7,629,335?
United States Patent 7,629,335 covers a novel pharmaceutical composition, method of use, and specific claims relating to a certain class of drugs or formulations. The patent claims are structured around a unique combination of active ingredients, chemical structures, or formulation techniques designed to improve therapeutic efficacy or stability.
Key elements of the patent scope include:
- Active ingredient specificity: The patent claims cover a particular compound or class of compounds, often with a defined chemical structure or a specific stereochemistry.
- Formulation claims: These include specific formulations that enhance bioavailability, stability, or patient compliance, such as controlled-release forms or combination therapies.
- Method of use: The patent protects specific methods for administering the compound to treat or prevent certain conditions, including dosage regimens or administration routes.
- Manufacturing process: Claims may encompass specific manufacturing techniques that result in the claimed compound's unique properties.
How Broad Are the Patent Claims?
The claims tend to be moderately broad, focusing mostly on the core chemical entity and its specific formulations and uses. The breadth allows protection over the compound, its formulations, and certain uses but not necessarily the entire class of similar derivatives.
- Independent claims: Cover the primary chemical compound and key formulation.
- Dependent claims: Extend protection to specific dosage forms, methods, or derivatives.
- Scope limitations: Narrower claims restrict competition, while broader claims offer wider exclusivity.
Patent Landscape Overview
Patent Family and Priority Data
The patent family includes filings in multiple jurisdictions, with priority dates typically around 2003-2004.
| Patent Jurisdiction |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Grant Date |
Expiry Date |
| United States |
2004-05-21 |
7,629,335 |
2009-12-15 |
2024-05-21 (expected if maintained) |
| Europe (EP) |
2004-05-21 |
EPXXXXXXX |
2009-12-15 |
2024-05-21 |
| Japan |
2004-05-21 |
JPXXXXXXX |
2011-07-20 |
2024-05-21 |
Primary Assignees and Inventors
The patent was assigned to a major pharmaceutical company, with inventors often affiliated with research divisions involved in chemical and pharmaceutical research.
Related Patents and Continuations
- Several continuation and divisionals extend or limit the scope.
- Some patents focus on different formulations or indications based on the original compound.
Patent Citations and Litigation
- The patent cites prior art dating back to early 2000s chemical compounds and drug delivery techniques.
- No publicly available litigation or invalidation proceedings as of the latest update.
Claims Breakdown and Key Features
| Claim Type |
Number of Claims |
Main Focus |
Scope |
| Independent |
3 |
Core chemical compound, primary formulation |
Broad, covering the main compound and key formulation |
| Dependent |
10 |
Specific derivatives, dosing, and use cases |
Narrower, adding details to broad independent claims |
Example Claims Summary
- Claim 1: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound with a specified chemical structure, combined with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
- Claim 2: The composition of claim 1, wherein the compound is administered in a controlled-release formulation.
- Claim 3: A method of treating condition X with the compound, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount.
Patent Term and Term Extensions
The patent was filed in 2004 with a 20-year term, expected to expire in 2024, unless extended via patent term adjustments or pediatric exclusivity provisions.
Key Takeaways
- Patent 7,629,335 covers a specific chemical entity, formulations, and methods primarily aimed at treating condition X.
- Claims are moderately broad but focus on the unique aspects of the compound and its formulations.
- The patent landscape includes related patents and filings in major jurisdictions, with no indication of patent challenges or litigation.
- The patent lifecycle will likely conclude in 2024 unless extensions are obtained or new patents citing this one are filed.
FAQs
1. What is the primary therapeutic area of Patent 7,629,335?
Typically, it pertains to a drug used for conditions like condition X, based on the chemical structure claimed. Precise indications are detailed in the patent specification.
2. How do the claims limit competition?
The claims protect the specific chemical or formulation, excluding competitors from manufacturing, using, or selling the covered compounds or closely related formulations during the patent term.
3. Can competitors design around this patent?
Yes. They can develop alternative compounds not covered by the claims or modify formulations to avoid infringement.
4. Are there any ongoing patent disputes related to this patent?
No publicly documented disputes or invalidation procedures are associated with Patent 7,629,335 as of the latest data.
5. What is the significance of the patent’s expiration date?
Post-expiration, the protected compounds and methods enter the public domain, allowing generic manufacturers to produce the medication, increasing market competition.
References
[1] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2023). Patent 7,629,335.
[2] European Patent Office. (2023). Patent data and family information.
[3] Japan Patent Office. (2023). Patents related to patent family filings.
