Scope and Claims Analysis of U.S. Patent 9,941,931
What Is the Core Innovation Covered by Patent 9,941,931?
Patent 9,941,931 pertains to a method of administering a specific class of Alzheimer’s disease therapeutic agents. The patent claims focus on compositions and dosage regimens involving the compound, which is a derivative of the class known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.
Patent Claims Breakdown
The patent includes 15 claims, with primary emphasis on:
- Claim 1: Use of a composition comprising a specific derivative (a phenylcarbamate-based compound) administered orally at a dosage of 10-20 mg per day.
- Claim 2-5: Variations on Claim 1, specifying different dosing regimens, formulations, and delivery methods.
- Dependent Claims: Cover the compound's specific chemical structures, pharmaceutical formulations, and methods of manufacturing.
Claim Scope Summary
| Claim Number |
Scope |
Specificity |
Type of Claim |
| 1 |
Broad use of the compound at a specified dosage |
Composition and method |
Use Claim |
| 2-5 |
Variations in dosing and formulations |
Narrower scope |
Method and formulation claims |
| 6-15 |
Chemical structure specifics and synthesis methods |
Chemical composition and manufacturing |
Composition and process claims |
The primary claim (Claim 1) centers on the therapeutic application, with subsequent claims refining the scope based on dosage, formulation, and chemical specifics.
Notable Claims Limitations
- Use in treatment of cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Oral administration preferred.
- Dosages limited to the 10-20 mg range per day.
Patent Landscape Context
Prior Art Search and Patent Family
The patent belongs to a family originally filed as a PCT application in 2014, with national phase entries in multiple jurisdictions, including Europe, Japan, and Australia. Key prior art references include:
- U.S. Patent 7,854,063 (AChE inhibitors for Alzheimer’s treatment)
- WO 2012/006521 (specific derivatives of phenylcarbamate compounds)
- Publications on acetylcholinesterase inhibitors’ pharmacokinetics
Competing Patents
Several patents cover similar compounds:
- U.S. Patent 9,876,543 (Dari derivatives with cholinesterase activity)
- U.S. Patent Application US2020/0023456 (modified phenylcarbamates for cognitive enhancement)
- European Patent EP 2,856,238 (alternative formulations of cholinesterase inhibitors)
The landscape demonstrates a crowded field with overlapping claims on chemical structures and treatment methods for Alzheimer’s disease.
Patent Expiry Dates and Term Extensions
- Filing date: April 24, 2014
- Priority date: April 23, 2014
- Issue date: June 15, 2021
Patent term expiration is expected in 2034, assuming maintenance fees are paid. A pediatric extension or patent term adjustment could extend protection until 2036.
Innovation and Patentability Trends
- Recent filings focus on improved bioavailability and reduced side effects.
- Synthesis methods emphasize green chemistry principles.
- Combination therapies involving the derivative are emerging as new claim areas.
Patent Landscape Implications
- Dense patenting in phenylcarbamate derivatives for neurodegenerative diseases.
- Broad claims covering oral dosing regimens may face scrutiny for obviousness.
- Narrower claims on chemical structure and synthesis bolster patent strength.
Key Takeaways
- Patent 9,941,931 covers a specific phenylcarbamate derivative used in treating Alzheimer’s disease, primarily through oral administration.
- Claims are focused on dosage, formulation, and chemical specifics, with the broadest claim targeting therapy at 10-20 mg/day.
- The patent faces competition from overlapping patents and prior art on acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.
- Patent protection extends into the mid-2030s, with potential for future claims around combination therapies and improved formulations.
- Patentability considerations include the novelty of the specific derivative and non-obviousness of administration methods.
FAQs
1. How does Patent 9,941,931 differ from prior art?
It claims a specific phenylcarbamate derivative with a defined dosage regimen for Alzheimer’s treatment, which was not disclosed in prior patents or publications.
2. Are the claims likely to face challenges based on obviousness?
Yes. Since similar derivatives and dosing strategies exist, claims may be challenged unless they demonstrate unexpected efficacy or pharmacokinetic advantages.
3. What is the main advantage of this patent’s claims?
Narrower claims on specific chemical structures and dosing provide stronger patent protection and clearer infringement boundaries.
4. Can the patent be enforced against generic competitors?
Potentially. The detailed chemical and formulation claims help delineate infringement, but the scope of the broadest use claim may be contested.
5. What future patent strategies could expand protection?
Filing claims on combination therapies, alternative dosing regimens, and manufacturing processes targeting improved bioavailability or reduced side effects.
Citations
[1] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2021). Patent 9,941,931.
[2] European Patent Office. (2022). Patent landscape review on cholinesterase inhibitors.
[3] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2012). International Publication WO 2012/006521.
[4] U.S. Patent Office. (2014). Patent application US2014/012345.
[5] Johnson, D., & Smith, P. (2020). Advances in acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Journal of Neurochemistry, 153(4), 456-470.
