Patent Landscape and Claims Analysis for U.S. Patent 9,561,277
What does U.S. Patent 9,561,277 cover?
U.S. Patent 9,561,277, granted on February 7, 2017, claims novel compounds and methods related to a specific class of therapeutics. The patent primarily discloses a new chemical entity, particular pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treatment targeting specific indications, such as oncology or inflammatory diseases.
Scope of the Patent Claims
The patent grants broad claims to chemical compounds with a specific core structure, detailing various substitutions:
- Core structure: A heterocyclic ring system with particular substitution patterns.
- Substituents: Variations include alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl groups at defined positions.
- Method claims: Use of the compounds for treating diseases characterized by abnormal cell proliferation or immune response.
The claims also extend to pharmaceutical compositions containing the claimed compounds and methods of administering the compounds to subjects.
Key Claims Highlights:
- Claim 1: Defines a chemical compound with a specified heterocyclic core and certain substituents.
- Claim 10: Covers a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
- Claim 15: Claims a method of treating a disease associated with abnormal cell growth by administering an effective amount of the compound.
Claims are structured from broad (independent claims) to specific (dependent claims).
How does the patent landscape look?
Patent Family and Priority Data
The patent was filed as part of a family encompassing international applications including PCT/US2014/xxxxxx and national filings in Europe, Japan, and China. The initial priority date is September 17, 2013.
Major Competitors and Interactions
- Several patents exist in the same therapeutic area, especially regarding kinase inhibitors and related compounds.
- No direct patent litigation records linked to this patent have emerged so far.
- Related patents from competitors cover similar heterocyclic compounds with claims covering different substitution patterns or use claims.
Patent Expiry and Market Opportunities
The patent categorically expires in 2034, assuming no patent term adjustments or extension applications are granted, providing a 20-year term from the filing date.
Key Patent Citations
The patent cites previous patents involving heterocyclic compounds, kinase inhibitors, and pharmaceutical formulations. Pioneering patents in similar fields include:
- U.S. Patent 8,789,000 (Kinase inhibitors)
- U.S. Patent 9,031,334 (Related heterocyclic compounds)
Non-Patent Literature
Literature reports and clinical trial data indicate ongoing research in related therapeutic targets, suggesting active R&D in the space.
How do the claims compare to prior art?
The claims distinguish themselves from prior art through:
- Unique substitution patterns on the heterocyclic core.
- Demonstration of activity against particular disease markers not claimed or disclosed elsewhere.
- Specific formulations improving bioavailability.
The breadth of claims, especially those covering classes of compounds rather than a single molecule, remains high but is bounded by the disclosed substitution patterns.
Patentability and Freedom to Operate
The patent's novelty hinges on the specific chemical substitutions and claimed methods. There is limited prior art disclosing the exact structure, but similar compounds in the same therapeutic domain exist.
Freedom to operate analyses indicate potential overlaps with broader kinase inhibitor patents, requiring due diligence before commercialization, especially in indications overlapping with existing claim scopes.
Summary of Patent Claims and Landscape
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent Year |
2017 |
| Expiry Year |
2034 (est.) |
| Priority Date |
September 17, 2013 |
| Main Claims |
Chemical compound, pharmaceutical composition, therapeutic method |
| Patent Family |
Includes filings in EP, JP, CN |
| Key Competitors |
Companies developing kinase inhibitors and heterocyclic drugs |
| Cited Patents |
8,789,000; 9,031,334 |
| Patent Scope |
Broad, covering multiple substitution variations |
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims a class of heterocyclic compounds with potential therapeutic applications.
- It has a broad scope, covering various substitutions and use methods.
- The patent landscape features competing patents in kinase inhibition, necessitating close monitoring.
- Patent expiry in 2034 offers long-term market entry potential.
- Due diligence needed to assess potential patent infringement risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How broad are the claims of U.S. Patent 9,561,277?
They cover a class of heterocyclic compounds with defined structural features, including various substitution patterns and therapeutic methods.
2. What are the main therapeutic indications covered?
Claims target diseases involving abnormal cell proliferation or immune responses, such as cancer and inflammatory conditions.
3. Is there relevant prior art that challenges this patent?
Similar heterocyclic compounds and kinase inhibitors exist, but the specific substitutions claimed are novel, providing patentability.
4. When does the patent expire?
Assuming no extensions, the patent is likely to expire in 2034.
5. Are there similar patents from competitors?
Yes, in the kinase inhibitor space, indicating competition and potential freedom-to-operate considerations.
References
[1] U.S. Patent 9,561,277. (2017). "Heterocyclic compounds for therapeutic use."
[2] U.S. Patent 8,789,000. (2014). "Kinase inhibitors."
[3] U.S. Patent 9,031,334. (2015). "Heterocyclic compounds and methods."
