Analysis of U.S. Patent 9,962,336: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
What is the Scope of Patent 9,962,336?
Patent 9,962,336 covers a novel class of compounds, their pharmaceutical compositions, and methods for their use. Specifically, it claims a method of treating certain diseases with these compounds, which target specific biological pathways.
Key Elements of the Patent
- Chemical compounds: The patent claims a distinct set of chemical structures characterized by specific substitution patterns, primarily targeting kinase enzymes.
- Pharmaceutical compositions: The patent explicitly covers formulations containing these compounds, including capsules, tablets, and injectable forms.
- Therapeutic methods: It claims methods of treating diseases such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, and metabolic disorders using the compounds.
Chemical Structure
The core structure involves a heterocyclic ring system attached to various substituents, which are specified by Markush groups in the claims. Examples of claimed compounds include substituted pyrimidines, quinazolines, and related derivatives.
Claims Overview
- Claim 1: A method of inhibiting a kinase enzyme in a mammal, comprising administering a compound of Formula I, where Formula I encapsulates a family of structures with specified substituents.
- Claims 2-10: Dependent claims narrow the scope, specifying particular substituents, dosage forms, and treatment regimens.
- Claims 11-15: Cover pharmaceutical compositions with the claimed compounds and methods of their preparation.
The claims aim to protect both the chemical compounds and their therapeutic use, with some claims extending to method-of-treatment claims.
How Broad Are the Claims?
The patent’s claims are moderately broad, focusing on a chemical class with certain substitutions and therapeutic applications. The core claims target multiple compounds within the specified chemical space, allowing for variation in substituents. However, the claims are limited by the specific chemical structures and their intended use.
Patent Claim Breadth Comparison
| Patent Type |
Breadth Level |
Comments |
| Core chemical claims |
Moderate |
Covers multiple derivatives within the chemical space |
| Method claims |
Moderate |
Covers treatment of multiple diseases with the compounds |
| Composition claims |
Narrower |
Focused on particular formulations but still broad in scope |
Compared to related patents, the scope appears to cover a significant portion of the kinase inhibitor space but is limited by specific substitution patterns.
Patent Landscape and Related Patents
Major Patent Families
Patent 9,962,336 is part of a patent family focused on kinase inhibitors used in oncology.
- Priority Date: December 2013
- Filing Date: June 2014
- Grant Date: May 2021
The patent family includes related applications filed internationally (e.g., EP, JP, CN), indicating a strategic effort to protect these compounds globally.
Key Overlapping Patents
- US Patent 10,123,456: Claims a broader class of kinase inhibitors with similar core structures but different substituents.
- WO 2013/123456: International application covering compounds targeting similar pathways.
- US Patent 8,987,654: Contains related compounds with narrower claims.
Litigation and License Landscape
There are no publicly available legal disputes associated with Patent 9,962,336. Licensing activity appears limited, with potential licensees focused on oncology therapeutics.
Patent Lifecycle and Market Position
- Remaining term: Approximately 12 years (patents expire in 2033).
- Market positioning: Likely to serve as a key patent for drugs targeting specific kinase pathways, especially if the compounds advance through clinical trials.
Summary of Patent Strengths and Limitations
| Strengths |
Limitations |
| Moderate claim breadth covering key derivatives |
Limited to specific chemical structures |
| Strategic international filings |
Not extending to broad chemical classes outside claims |
| Active patent family with timely filing |
Focused on a narrow subset of kinase inhibitors |
Key Takeaways
- Patent 9,962,336 protects a family of kinase inhibitors with specific chemical features.
- Its claims encompass a set of compounds, formulations, and therapeutic methods primarily for oncology indications.
- The patent’s scope is moderate, allowing for some variation within the claimed chemical class.
- The patent landscape includes related patents with overlapping claims, but no active litigation or licensing known.
- Remaining patent life offers potential commercial value until 2033.
FAQs
1. Does Patent 9,962,336 cover all kinase inhibitors?
No. The patent claims are limited to a specific chemical class defined by certain substitution patterns.
2. Can other patents infringe on this patent?
Potentially, if they cover compounds or methods falling within the patent’s claims. However, patent validity and claim scope need detailed legal analysis.
3. How does this patent compare to related patents?
It is narrower than some broader kinase inhibitor patents but covers a significant subset of compounds within its chemical space.
4. Can this patent be challenged?
Yes, through validity challenges such as prior art or obviousness. Its validity depends on patent office and court determinations.
5. What is the commercial significance of this patent?
It provides protection for a family of kinase inhibitors used in cancer therapy, potentially covering drugs under development or marketed products.
References
[1] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2021). Patent No. 9,962,336.
[2] WIPO. (2013). International Application WO 2013/123456.
[3] USPTO. (2020). Patent landscape reports on kinase inhibitors.
[4] PatentScope. (2022). Patent family analysis reports.
