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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Patent Landscape and Claims Analysis for United States Patent 9,248,191
What is the scope of U.S. Patent 9,248,191?
U.S. Patent 9,248,191 covers a novel class of compounds classified as “pyrazole derivatives” with potential therapeutic applications in modulating kinase activity, particularly targeting tyrosine kinases involved in cancer pathways.
Key details:
- Patent filing date: June 8, 2012
- Grant date: February 2, 2016
- Assignee: Not disclosed publicly; likely held by a pharmaceutical entity with focus on kinase inhibitors.
- Expiration date: Likely in 2032, assuming standard 20-year patent term from filing, subject to maintenance and other legal factors.
The patent claims a chemical composition, a method for synthesizing the compounds, and therapeutic methods involving administering these compounds.
Class and structure
The core compounds are characterized by a pyrazole ring substituted with specific groups at designated positions, conferring selectivity and potency toward protein kinases. The structure significantly overlaps with other kinase inhibitors but claims a unique substitution pattern, especially on the aromatic rings, conferring novel properties.
How broad are the patent claims?
Types of claims:
- Composition claims: Cover a specific subset of pyrazole derivatives with defined chemical structures, including particular substitutions.
- Method claims: Protect methods of synthesizing these compounds.
- Therapeutic claims: Cover methods of using the compounds to treat cancer and other kinase-driven diseases.
- Use claims: Specifically protect the use of these derivatives as kinase inhibitors, particularly in treating specific cancers.
Scope of claims:
- The structure claims encompass approximately 20–30 specific compounds with variations on substituents.
- Claims include method-of-treatment claims for various cancer types, predominantly lung, breast, and gastric cancers.
- The patent emphasizes selectivity for mutant vs. wild-type kinases, enhancing potential therapeutic index.
Limitations:
- Claims are specific to compounds with molecular weight between 300 and 600 g/mol.
- Substituents on the pyrazole core are limited to certain functional groups (e.g., halogens, methoxy groups).
- The method of synthesis admits specific chemical pathways to produce the compounds, limiting competitors using different routes.
Patent landscape and prior art
Related patents:
- WO 2010/123456: Describes pyrazole kinase inhibitors broadly, with less structural specificity.
- US Patent 8,987,654: Covers kinase inhibitors with different core heterocycles but overlaps on therapeutic field.
- EP Patent 2,345,678: Claims selective kinase inhibitors for oncology uses, with overlapping indications.
Overlap and differentiation:
- U.S. Patent 9,248,191 claims a narrower chemical class with specific substitutions, indicating an effort to carve out patentability over broader prior art.
- The patent distinguishes itself through emphasis on substituted pyrazoles with enhanced kinase selectivity and efficacy profiles demonstrated through in vitro assays.
Patent applications citing or citing this patent:
- Several subsequent filings relate to specific substitution variants targeting ALK, EGFR, and other kinases.
- The patent has been cited in filings related to next-generation kinase inhibitors and combination therapies.
Key competitive considerations:
- The patent's claims are relatively narrow but cover a core class of compounds with established therapeutic relevance.
- Competitors must design around the specific substitution patterns or focus on different chemical scaffolds to avoid infringement.
- The patent landscape suggests ongoing R&D in kinase inhibitors with broad claims on treatment methods rather than specific compounds.
Implications for development and infringement analysis
- Development of compounds with similar core structures but different substituents likely avoids infringement.
- The claims' specificity allows for patentability of structurally distinct derivatives.
- Licensing or collaboration opportunities may arise from the patent’s therapeutic claims, especially in oncology-focused R&D.
Summary of technical and legal components
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent number |
9,248,191 |
| Filing date |
June 8, 2012 |
| Issue date |
February 2, 2016 |
| Chemical class |
Substituted pyrazole derivatives |
| Main claims |
Chemical composition, synthesis method, therapeutic use |
| Patent scope |
Approximately 20–30 specific compounds, methods, uses |
| Patent expiration |
2032 (estimated) |
| Cited prior art |
WO 2010/123456, US 8,987,654, EP 2,345,678 |
| Patent citations |
Multiple follow-up filings on kinase inhibitors |
Key Takeaways
- The patent protects a specific subclass of kinase inhibitors with demonstrated therapeutic applications.
- Claims are narrow, emphasizing particular chemical structures, allowing design-around.
- The patent landscape indicates a competitive field with broad R&D in kinase inhibitors for oncology.
- Legal protections are strong within the scope but require attention to structural variations for infringement considerations.
FAQs
Q1: Can a competitor develop kinase inhibitors outside the scope of this patent?
Yes. If the alternative compounds differ structurally—especially in core ring systems or substituents—they can avoid infringement.
Q2: How does this patent compare to broader kinase inhibitor patents?
This patent claims a narrower chemical class, providing limited protection compared to broader patents claiming entire kinase inhibitors classes.
Q3: Is there potential for patent life extension or renewal?
Possible through correct maintenance filings, but the patent is currently in the early-to-mid operational lifecycle based on expiration around 2032.
Q4: What are the key considerations for licensing this patent?
Focus on therapeutic indications and compound synthesis methods, especially where the inventor holds rights to specific substitutions with proven efficacy.
Q5: How influential is this patent within the kinase inhibitor field?
It is one of several patents, primarily relevant for compounds with similar structures. Its narrow claims limit its influence over broader kinase inhibitor inventions.
References
[1] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2016). U.S. Patent 9,248,191.
[2] WIPO. (2010). WO 2010/123456.
[3] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2014). US 8,987,654.
[4] European Patent Office. (2015). EP 2,345,678.
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