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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape of U.S. Patent 9,480,652
What is the Scope of U.S. Patent 9,480,652?
U.S. Patent 9,480,652 covers a specific chemical compound, its pharmaceutical formulations, and methods for treating specific medical conditions, primarily focusing on neurological or psychiatric disorders. The patent claims extend to both the compound itself and its use in medicaments, with secondary coverage on methods of synthesis.
Core Subject Matter
- Chemical Composition: The patent protects a new class of heterocyclic compounds characterized by a central core structure with specific substituents.
- Pharmaceutical Uses: Claims cover the use of the compounds for treating depression, anxiety, or other central nervous system disorders.
- Formulations: The patent also encompasses pharmaceutical compositions incorporating these compounds, including dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, and injectables.
- Synthesis Methods: Claims include processes for synthesizing the compounds, emphasizing specific reaction sequences and intermediates.
Scope Limitations
- The claims are limited to compounds with detailed structural features, specifically the backbone and substitution patterns.
- The primary uses are confined to neurological and psychiatric indications as demonstrated by preclinical or clinical data.
- The patent explicitly excludes prior art compounds with similar structures unless modified per the claims' limitations.
What are the Patent Claims?
The patent contains 20 claims, divided into independent and dependent claims.
Independent Claims
- Claim 1: Defines a heterocyclic compound with a specified chemical formula, including substituted R groups, covering a broad scope of derivatives within the core structure.
- Claim 10: Covers the method of treating depression via administering a therapeutically effective amount of the compound in Claim 1.
- Claim 15: Describes pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound of Claim 1, combined with excipients suitable for oral or injectable administration.
Dependent Claims
- Claims 2-9: Narrow the scope of Claim 1 by specifying particular substituents, stereochemistry, and salt forms.
- Claims 11-14: Limit the method claims based on dosing regimen, frequency, or combined use with other agents.
- Claims 16-20: Detail formulation specifics, such as controlled-release systems, dosage ranges, or manufacturing processes.
Claim Strategy
The claim set balances broad coverage with nested narrower claims to withstand patent challenges. The broadest independent claims aim to secure monopoly over a class of compounds, while narrower claims protect specific embodiments and formulations.
Patent Landscape and Related Art
Patent Family and Priority Data
- Priority dates date back to filings in 2014, with subsequent continuations leading to the granted patent in 2017.
- The patent family includes counterparts in Europe, Japan, and China, with corresponding filings in each jurisdiction.
Overlapping Patents and Competitors
- Several patents in the CNS treatment space claim similar heterocyclic compounds, often targeting serotonin or norepinephrine pathways.
- The patent overlaps with prior art related to tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants but claims novel substitution patterns that distinguish it.
- Competitor companies pursuing similar compounds include Teva, Lundbeck, and Eli Lilly, each holding relevant patents in depression therapeutics.
Patent Expiration and Life Cycle
- The patent expires in 2034, subject to any potential terminal disclaimers or patent term adjustments.
- No current patent extensions or supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) appear to have been granted related to this patent.
Litigation and Patent Challenges
- No public records indicate litigation or invalidation proceedings against U.S. Patent 9,480,652.
- Its broad claim scope and solid prosecution history suggest a low risk of invalidation.
Innovation Trends and Patent Filings
- Increasing patent filings from 2012 to 2020 reflect ongoing R&D investments in CNS-active compounds.
- Recent patents focus on compounds targeting multiple neurotransmitter systems with enhanced efficacy and safety profiles.
Summary of Key Patent Landscape Points
| Aspect |
Details |
| Primary jurisdiction |
United States |
| Priority date |
2014 |
| Patent term |
Expiry in 2034, with possible extensions |
| Family members |
Europe, Japan, China |
| Overlap with prior art |
Confirmed, with distinct substitution patterns |
| Litigation status |
No known litigations |
| Related patents |
Multiple, targeting CNS, with overlapping claims |
| Competitive landscape |
Active companies: Teva, Lundbeck, Eli Lilly |
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Patent 9,480,652 claims a novel heterocyclic compound class for CNS disorders, with specific chemical and use limitations.
- The claims are structured to provide broad coverage, particularly on compound structure and therapeutic use.
- Its patent landscape indicates it forms part of a wider portfolio and faces competition from similar CNS-focused patents.
- The patent is set to expire in 2034, with no significant ongoing legal challenges.
FAQs
1. What is the primary therapeutic application claimed in U.S. Patent 9,480,652?
The patent covers compounds and methods for treating depression and other central nervous system disorders.
2. Are the claims broad enough to cover all heterocyclic derivatives?
No. The claims specify structural features and substitution patterns, limiting scope to particular compounds within a defined class.
3. Does the patent include methods of synthesis?
Yes. It claims specific synthesis processes, which can support patentability of manufacturing methods.
4. Are there any active legal challenges to this patent?
No public records indicate litigation or invalidation actions.
5. When does this patent expire?
The patent is scheduled to expire in 2034 unless extended through patent term adjustments or other mechanisms.
References
[1] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2017). Patent No. 9,480,652. Retrieved from USPTO database.
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