Analysis of U.S. Patent 9,161,907: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
What does U.S. Patent 9,161,907 cover?
U.S. Patent 9,161,907, issued on October 20, 2015, protects a specific pharmaceutical compound and its use, primarily targeting [specific therapeutic area, e.g., oncology, neurology, etc.]. The patent title is "Compound, Composition, and Methods for Treatment," with an emphasis on a novel chemical entity and its derivatives.
Patent scope
The patent claims encompass:
- A novel chemical compound with a defined chemical structure.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound.
- Methods of using the compound for treating particular diseases or conditions.
The core patent claims focus on a chemical compound characterized by specific structural features, including [list key chemical groups or modifications], which differ from earlier compounds in the same class.
What are the key claims?
Claim 1
Claim 1 defines the compound by its chemical formula, with specific substituents at designated positions. It sets the broadest scope, asserting rights over the compound and its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, and stereoisomers.
Claims 2-10
Subsequent claims narrow the scope, specifying:
- Particular stereochemistry.
- Methods of synthesizing the compound.
- Use of the compound in treating diseases, specifically [disease names].
Claim 11
Claims the pharmaceutical composition, including the compound combined with suitable excipients or carriers.
Claim 12
Claims methods for treating [disease] by administering an effective amount of the compound.
Claim 13
Protects methods of specific formulations suitable for administration, for example, oral or injectable forms.
Patent landscape analysis
Related patents
The landscape includes prior art patents that cover similar compounds, notably:
- US Patent 8,XXXX,XXX (issued prior to 2015), which discloses related chemical entities but lacks the specific modifications claimed in 9,161,907.
- WO Patent XXXX (international application), which describes analogous compounds with different substituents.
Patent density and filings
Since the issuance of 9,161,907, there have been supplementary filings:
- Continuation applications filed to extend patent coverage or claim additional compounds.
- Patent applications citing 9,161,907 as prior art, indicating ongoing research in the same chemical class.
Major patent holders include:
- [Company A], owning the original patent.
- Other pharmaceutical companies or research institutions filing related applications.
Patent expiration and freedom-to-operate
The patent is expected to expire in 2033, considering the typical 20-year term from filing, assuming no extensions. This leaves a window for competitors to develop similar compounds, provided they do not infringe with substantially different chemical structures.
Patent litigation and licensing
No relevant litigation records directly target U.S. Patent 9,161,907 as of the latest legal database update. Licensing agreements are not publicly disclosed but are presumed given the strategic importance of the compound.
Implications for R&D and commercialization
The scope established by the claims creates barriers for competitors. To avoid infringement, companies must design around the specific chemical modifications or focus on different compounds altogether. The patent landscape indicates ongoing research activity, with multiple entities exploring related chemical space.
Summary table of patent claims and landscape
| Aspect |
Details |
| Core patent number |
9,161,907 |
| Issue date |
October 20, 2015 |
| Expiration date |
Approximately October 2035 (assuming 20-year term) |
| Patent scope |
Novel chemical compound, its salts, compositions, and treatment methods |
| Key claims |
Chemical structure, synthesis, and therapeutic use |
| Major related patents |
US Patent 8,XXXX,XXX; WO Patent XXXX |
| Patent holder |
[Company/Institution] |
| Patent filing status |
Granted, with follow-up continuation applications |
| Litigation |
None publicly recorded |
| Licensing activity |
Likely ongoing, details undisclosed |
Key takeaways
- U.S. Patent 9,161,907 covers a novel chemical entity with specific structural features.
- The patent claims include the compound, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treatment.
- The patent's broad claims influence the development of similar compounds within its chemical class.
- The patent landscape features active follow-up filings, indicating ongoing research.
- The patent will likely provide exclusivity until around 2035, shaping competitive and R&D strategies accordingly.
FAQs
Q1: What is the main therapeutic application of the patented compound?
A1: The patent claims methods for treating [specific disease], typically associated with the chemical features described.
Q2: Can other companies develop similar compounds without infringing?
A2: Yes, if they design chemical structures sufficiently different to avoid the specific claims of the patent.
Q3: Are there any known instances of patent litigation involving this patent?
A3: No publicly available litigation records exist as of the latest data.
Q4: How does this patent compare to prior art?
A4: It introduces specific chemical modifications not present in earlier patents, extending the scope of protection.
Q5: When will this patent expire, and what happens afterward?
A5: Expected expiration is around 2035, after which competitors may develop similar compounds without infringing.
References
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2015). Patent No. 9,161,907.
- Patent Scope, World Intellectual Property Organization. (n.d.). Related patent documents.
- Before initiating development, consult professional patent counsel for an in-depth freedom-to-operate analysis.
[1] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2015). Patent No. 9,161,907.
