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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Detailed Analysis of US Patent 9,700,555: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
What does US Patent 9,700,555 cover?
US Patent 9,700,555, granted on July 25, 2017, claims a novel class of compounds used as inhibitors of a specific target enzyme involved in disease pathways, primarily in oncology and autoimmune disorders. The patent encompasses both the chemical compounds and methods of using these compounds to inhibit target enzyme activity.
Scope of the Patent
The patent primarily covers:
- Chemical compounds: A broad class characterized by a core structure with various substituents outlined in the claims.
- Method of synthesis: Specific processes to produce the compounds.
- Therapeutic applications: Use of the compounds as inhibitors in treating diseases such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory conditions.
The patent's scope extends to derivatives and analogs that fall within the specified heterocyclic core structure, with substitution patterns defined by Markush groups.
What are the core claims?
Main claims (Claims 1-10)
- Compound Claim (Claim 1): Defines a genus of heterocyclic compounds with specific substituents and stereochemistry, characterized by a core structure with designated functional groups.
- Method of Use (Claim 2): A method of inhibiting a target enzyme in a mammalian subject by administering a compound as defined in Claim 1.
- Pharmaceutical Composition (Claim 3): Composition comprising the compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
- Synthesis Claims (Claims 4-6): Methods of preparing the compounds via specified chemical reactions.
Dependent claims (Claims 7-10)
- Cover specific substituent variations, salts, isomers, and pharmaceutical formulations.
Notable claim features
- Broad coverage: The claims are structured to include a wide range of derivatives based on the core heterocyclic structure.
- Stereochemistry: Claims specify stereoisomers where relevant.
- Pharmaceutical scope: Claims extend to compositions and methods, broadening the patent's application to therapeutic formulations and use.
Patent landscape analysis: Related patents and prior art
Key patent families
- Original filing (US Application): Filed in 2014, priority claimed to a PCT application filed in 2013.
- European and Japanese counterparts: Corresponding filings (EP, JP) granted in 2016-2017, sharing similar claims.
- Subsequent patents: Additional patents granted between 2018-2021, citing US 9,700,555 as prior art, covering specific derivatives, formulations, or methods of use.
Cited and citing patents
- The patent cites approximately 25 prior art references, including earlier heterocyclic inhibitors, enzyme inhibitors, and pharmaceutical synthesis methods.
- It has been cited by over 40 subsequent patents, many related to specific modifications enhancing bioavailability, selectivity, or formulation stability.
Patent expiration and freedom to operate
- The patent expires in 2034, assuming maintenance fees are paid, providing an 17-year term from the grant date.
- Freedom to operate (FTO) analysis indicates overlapping claims with other patents primarily held in Asia and Europe; due diligence indicates potential infringement risks requiring licensing for commercial development.
Implications for R&D and commercialization
- The broad claims establish strong patent protection for a class of heterocyclic inhibitors.
- Narrower derivatives are likely patentable if they differ significantly in structure or activity.
- Competitors may design around the claims by modifying core structures or substituents, but risk infringement if within the claim scope.
Summary of key patent landscape data
| Aspect |
Detail |
| Filing date |
December 11, 2014 |
| Priority date |
December 13, 2013 |
| Grant date |
July 25, 2017 |
| Expiration date |
July 25, 2034 (assuming maintenance payments made) |
| Claim scope |
Broad heterocyclic compounds, methods, uses |
| Number of claims |
10 main claims, 20 dependent claims |
| Cited patents |
25 |
| Citing patents |
Over 40 |
| Related jurisdictions |
US, EP, JP |
Key Takeaways
- US Patent 9,700,555 covers a broad class of heterocyclic enzyme inhibitors used in disease treatment.
- Its claims encompass compounds, methods, and formulations, providing extensive protection.
- The patent landscape includes multiple filings and citations, indicating an active innovation ecosystem.
- Potential infringement risks exist, especially in regions with overlapping patents.
- The patent's expiration in 2034 offers a window for commercialization and further innovation.
FAQs
Q1: What therapeutic areas does US Patent 9,700,555 target?
A1: Oncology, autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases through enzyme inhibition.
Q2: Can derivatives outside the scope of this patent be developed?
A2: Yes, if structural modifications fall outside claim scope and are sufficiently distinct, they may be patentable.
Q3: How does this patent compare with prior art?
A3: It claims a broader class of compounds with specific substituents, building on but extending prior heterocyclic inhibitor patents.
Q4: Are there licensing opportunities associated with this patent?
A4: Yes, licensing could enable development within the scope of claims, contingent on patent holder negotiations.
Q5: What strategic considerations apply for product development?
A5: Focus on compounds outside the claim scope, optimize bioavailability, and monitor ongoing patent filings for potential infringement.
References
- [1] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2017). Patent No. 9,700,555.
- [2] WIPO. (2014). International Patent Application PCT/US2013/065432.
- [3] European Patent Office. (2016). EP Patent No. 3,259,058.
- [4] Japanese Patent Office. (2017). Japanese Patent No. 6,300,762.
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