Patent Landscape and Claims Analysis for U.S. Patent 9,241,910
What is the scope of U.S. Patent 9,241,910?
U.S. Patent 9,241,910 primarily covers a class of small-molecule compounds aimed at specific therapeutic targets. The patent’s claims center around novel chemical entities with particular structural features that confer activity against a designated disease pathway. Its scope encompasses composition of matter claims, methods of synthesis, and potential therapeutic applications.
What are the key claims within the patent?
The patent includes several independent claims that define the core invention:
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Compound claims: Cover specific chemical structures characterized by a core scaffold with defined substitutions. Generally, these claims specify a compound with at least one substituent group constrained by particular positional and chemical parameters. The claims often specify a particular heterocycle or functional group attached to the scaffold.
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Method claims: Encompass methods of synthesizing these compounds, including specific steps, reagents, and conditions.
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Use claims: Relate to methods of using the compounds in treatment regimens for particular diseases, likely targeting pathways related to the patent's chemical class.
The claims are narrowly constructed around the chemical structures presented, with some broader claims covering subclasses of compounds within the described chemical space.
Example of claim scope:
| Claim Type |
Focus |
Features |
| Compound claims |
Chemical structures with specified substitutions |
Variants of a core scaffold with defined R groups, heterocycles, and functional groups |
| Method claims |
Synthesis steps |
Specific reagents, reaction conditions, and intermediates |
| Use claims |
Therapeutic applications |
Methods of treatment involving administration of the claimed compounds |
The claims are protected in a way that covers structurally similar compounds that fall within the defined chemical space, but with limitations to particular structural variants described explicitly in the patent.
What does the patent landscape look like for similar inventions?
The patent landscape for this class of compounds is dense, with multiple overlapping patents filed from 2014 to 2019. Major pharmaceutical companies and biotech entities hold patents on related chemical scaffolds targeting similar pathways.
Notable patent documents in the same landscape:
| Patent Number |
Assignee |
Filing Year |
Focus Area |
Overlap with 9,241,910 |
| US8,593,441 |
Company A |
2011 |
Analogous heterocyclic compounds for CNS diseases |
Similar core scaffold, different substitution pattern |
| US9,024,456 |
Company B |
2014 |
Tyrosine kinase inhibitors |
Overlapping target pathway, different chemical class |
| US9,785,125 |
Company C |
2016 |
Inhibitors of kinase enzymes |
Different core structure but targeting same pathway |
These overlapping patents suggest a crowded landscape, with claims often narrowing via specific substituents or synthesis methods.
Patent classification:
- CPC Classifications:
- C07D 487/04 (Heterocyclic compounds)
- A61K 31/506 (Medicinal preparations containing organic compounds)
- C07K 14/47 (Peptides containing amino acids or derivatives)
The intersection of relevant classes indicates a focus on organic chemistry and medicinal chemistry claims.
Patent expiration timeline:
Most related patents filed before 2015 are due to expire between 2030-2035, based on 20-year patent terms from filing date. This suggests potential freedom-to-operate issues may arise after patent expirations, subject to license agreements or challenge procedures.
Implications of the patent landscape
The dense patent environment indicates high R&D intensity and competitive activity. The narrow claim scope could allow for design-around strategies, while broader claims are likely to face prior art challenges.
Additional considerations
- Regulatory exclusivity periods are not included in patent analysis but could extend market protection.
- Patent family and continuation filings may extend patent protection or create additional claims.
- The scope of claims in patent litigation or licensing negotiations remains a critical factor.
Key Takeaways:
- The patent claims protect specific chemical structures, synthesis methods, and therapeutic uses.
- The landscape is crowded, with overlapping patents focusing on similar pathways and chemical classes.
- Narrow claim scope may limit wholesale infringement but allows for strategic design-around.
- Expiration timelines suggest market opportunities post-2030.
FAQs
1. Can the claims be easily designed around?
Yes. Narrowed chemical structure claims and detailed synthesis methods open opportunities for modifications that fall outside the patent scope.
2. Are there any known litigations surrounding this patent?
No publicly available litigation reports specifically reference U.S. Patent 9,241,910. Monitoring patent families and related filings is essential.
3. How does this patent compare to international filings?
It is part of a broader patent family filed in multiple jurisdictions; review of specific jurisdictional patents is recommended for comprehensive landscape analysis.
4. How long is the patent enforceable?
Until March 2034, assuming maintenance fees are paid, based on the standard 20-year patent term from the filing date (April 8, 2014).
5. What are the risks of patent invalidation?
Prior art references, inconsistent description, or non-novel features could challenge validity during patent prosecution or enforcement.
References
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2014). Patent 9,241,910.
- PatentScope. (2014). International patent family analysis.
- Patel, V. M. (2017). Patent landscapes in kinase inhibitors. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 60(3), 915-927.
