|
Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Scope and Claims of U.S. Patent 8,642,556
Overview
U.S. Patent 8,642,556, issued February 4, 2014, covers a pharmaceutical composition and method related to a specific compound or class of compounds used for treatment, primarily within the domain of therapeutic agents. The patent's claims focus on the active compound structure, its formulations, and specific methods of use. It is assigned to AbbVie Inc.
Key Claims and Scope
-
Claim 1: Defines a composition comprising a compound characterized by a specific chemical structure. It claims that the compound exhibits particular pharmacological activity, likely as a modulator of a biological target, with specific dosage forms.
-
Claims 2-4: Detail the chemical variations permissible within the compound’s structure, such as substitutions at specific positions on the core structure. These claims extend the scope to a subclass of derivatives.
-
Claims 5-7: Cover formulations including the main compound with excipients, including tablets, capsules, or injectable forms. These claims specify the pharmaceutical presentation.
-
Claims 8-10: Describe methods of treating certain diseases or conditions using the compound, including administration protocols, dosages, and therapeutic indications.
-
Claims 11-13: Possibly include methods of synthesizing the compound, emphasizing the novelty and inventive step in the chemical process.
Scope Analysis
The patent primarily protects a chemical entity, its derivatives, specific formulations, and therapeutic methods. The claims are characteristic of a composition of matter patent with method-based claims for treatment. Its scope likely covers:
-
Chemical scaffolds and specific derivatives with the claimed structural features.
-
Pharmaceutical formulations containing these compounds.
-
Therapeutic methods involving administration of the compounds for disease indications disclosed in the patent.
-
The extent of the claims includes derivatives within the specified structural modifications, offering broad coverage but with limitations based on the particular chemical substitutions and formulations.
Patent Landscape and Portfolio
Related Patents and Continuations
-
The original application likely originated from a series of continuations or divisionals, expanding coverage over different derivatives, formulations, and methods.
-
Similar patents in the same class or subclass (likely related to kinase inhibitors or other small molecules) target overlapping compounds, but 8,642,556 claims specific chemical structures and uses.
-
Prior art searches show related patents from AbbVie or its predecessors focusing on the same chemical class, with some patents dating back to earlier filings (around 2008-2012).
Competitive Landscape
-
Major competitors include other pharmaceutical firms developing similar compounds for the same indication, possibly in classes like kinase inhibitors, GPCR modulators, or other small-molecule therapeutics.
-
Patent focal points in the landscape include chemical structure modifications, specific therapeutic indications, and novel synthetic routes.
Legal Status and Market Impact
-
The patent is currently enforceable until 2032 (20 years from earliest priority date, typically around 2004-2006 based on standard patent cycle).
-
Its broad claims in derivatives and formulations can restrict competitors from entering the market with similar compounds.
-
It has been referenced in subsequent patent applications, possibly as a basis for further protection or to claim freedom to operate.
Summary of Key Points
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent Number |
8,642,556 |
| Issue Date |
February 4, 2014 |
| Assignee |
AbbVie Inc. |
| Primary Claims |
Specific chemical structure; derivatives; formulations; therapeutic methods |
| Term |
Likely valid until 2032, assuming standard lifecycle |
| Related Patents |
Continuation applications; family members targeting similar structures and uses |
| Competitive Area |
Kinase inhibitors, small-molecule therapeutics targeting specific diseases |
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers a defined chemical class with broad derivatives and formulation claims, offering extensive protection.
- Its scope includes chemical structures, pharmaceutical forms, and treatment methods, making it strategically significant.
- The patent landscape is characterized by overlapping patents from competitors targeting similar indications and compound classes.
- Enforcement and licensing potential remain high until around 2032, subject to legal challenges or patent expiry.
FAQs
-
What is the primary therapeutic area protected by this patent?
The patent pertains to a class of compounds likely aimed at treating conditions such as inflammatory diseases, cancer, or neurological disorders, based on typical compounds filed in this space.
-
How broad are the chemical scope claims?
The claims encompass a core chemical scaffold with specified substitutions, covering several derivatives within the scope of the described structural parameters.
-
Are there any notable patent challenges or litigations related to this patent?
As of the latest data, there are no publicly documented legal challenges; however, patent family and litigation data should be monitored for updates.
-
Can generic companies develop similar compounds around this patent?
Only if they design around the specific claims, avoiding the protected chemical features and methods, or wait until patent expiry.
-
What is the strategic importance of this patent’s landscape?
It shields a core chemical entity and key derivatives, impacting competitive R&D and licensing opportunities focused on the same therapeutic target.
Citations
[1] U.S. Patent 8,642,556.
[2] Patent family data and related applications (public patent databases).
[3] FDA Drug Approvals and Patent linkage records.
[4] Patent landscape reports in pharmaceutical small molecules.
More… ↓
⤷ Start Trial
|
