Patent: 10,745,469

Summary for Patent: 10,745,469

Title:	Humanized tau antibodies in alzheimer's disease
Abstract:	The present invention is in the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, and Alzheimer's disease diagnosis, prevention, and treatment. Provided herein are humanized antibodies against human tau that are capable of discriminating between normal (healthy) and pathological (disease-associated) tau.
Inventor(s):	Novak Michal, Kontsekova Eva, Kovacech Branislav, Skrabana Rostislav
Assignee:	Axon Neuroscience SE
Application Number:	US16181088
Patent Claims:	see list of patent claims

Comprehensive Analysis of United States Patent 10,745,469

Introduction

Understanding the intricacies of a patent, particularly one like United States Patent 10,745,469, involves a multifaceted analysis that includes the patent's claims, the broader patent landscape, and the legal and technical contexts in which it operates. This article will delve into these aspects to provide a comprehensive and critical analysis.

Patent Overview

Patent Details

United States Patent 10,745,469, hereafter referred to as the '469 patent, is a utility patent granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). To begin, it is essential to identify the key elements of the patent, including the title, abstract, inventors, assignees, publication date, and claims.

Claims Analysis

The claims of a patent are its most critical component, as they define the scope of the invention and what is legally protected. The '469 patent's claims should be scrutinized to understand what specific aspects of the invention are patented. This involves examining the independent and dependent claims to determine the novelty, non-obviousness, and usefulness of the invention[3].

Prior Art and Patentability

Prior Art Search

A thorough prior art search is crucial to assess the novelty and non-obviousness of the '469 patent. This involves identifying existing technologies or innovations that may affect the patentability of the invention. The USPTO's examination process, as outlined in the patent's file wrapper, provides insights into the arguments made between the applicant and the examiner regarding prior art[3].

Patentability Determination

The patentability of the '469 patent hinges on whether its claims overcome the technical features disclosed in prior art. The examiner's review of prior art and the applicant's responses to any rejections are documented in the file wrapper, offering valuable context on how the patent was deemed novel, non-obvious, and useful[3].

Patent Landscape Analysis

Technology Classification

The '469 patent should be categorized within a specific technology field to understand its place within the broader patent landscape. Using classification schemes like the National Bureau of Economics Research (NBER) classification can help aggregate patents into broad technology fields, such as Chemical, Drugs and Medical, Electrical and Electronics, etc.[1].

Competitive Landscape

Analyzing the patent portfolios of competitors and key players in the same technology field is essential. This involves identifying the strengths and weaknesses of these portfolios and understanding how the '469 patent fits into this competitive landscape. Tools like patent databases and file wrappers can provide the necessary insights[2][3].

File Wrapper Analysis

Prosecution History

The file wrapper, or prosecution history, of the '469 patent contains detailed discussions between the patent applicant and the patent office examiner. This includes arguments made regarding patentability, prior art citations, and any amendments to the claims. Analyzing this information provides a comprehensive understanding of the patent's legal status and the challenges it overcame during the examination process[3].

Administrative Details

The file wrapper also includes administrative details such as inventor declarations, examiner search strategies, and prior art references. These documents are crucial for understanding the legal context and the specific arguments that led to the patent's issuance[3].

Valuation and Strategic Insights

Patent Valuation

The '469 patent, like any other patent, represents a significant asset for its assignee. Effective patent analysis helps in determining the value of this patent, considering factors such as market size, potential licensing opportunities, and litigation risks. This valuation is essential for licensing, mergers and acquisitions, and negotiations with potential investors or partners[2].

Strategic Decision-Making

Patent analysis aids in strategic decision-making by identifying areas where the assignee should invest in new technologies, form partnerships, or license existing patents. The '469 patent's analysis can help in refining R&D strategies, identifying white spaces for innovation, and assessing the competitive landscape[2].

Risk Mitigation

Potential Risks

Conducting a thorough patent analysis helps in identifying potential risks associated with the '469 patent. This includes assessing the validity and enforceability of the patent, identifying patents that may be vulnerable to challenges, and understanding the legal and regulatory compliance requirements[2].

Litigation Risks

The '469 patent's history and the broader patent landscape can indicate potential litigation risks. Analyzing similar patents and their litigation histories can provide insights into how the '469 patent might be challenged or defended in court[4].

Market Assessment

Market Dynamics

Patent analysis provides insights into the size and dynamics of the market related to the '469 patent. This helps businesses understand the competitive landscape, barriers to entry, and market trends, enabling informed decisions about entering new markets or expanding existing ones[2].

Technology Trends

Analyzing patent filing trends over time can reveal the evolution of technology in the field. Identifying peaks and valleys in innovation activity helps in understanding the current state and future directions of the technology[2].

Citation Analysis and Patent Family

Citation Analysis

Examining patent citations can help gauge the importance of the '469 patent within its technological field. This analysis can reveal how the patent relates to prior and subsequent innovations, providing a deeper understanding of its impact and significance[2].

Patent Family Analysis

Analyzing the patent family of the '469 patent determines its geographical coverage and whether it has been filed in multiple countries. This is crucial for understanding the global reach and protection of the invention[2].

Visualizations and Reporting

Visual Presentations

Creating visualizations such as heat maps, network graphs, and trend charts can present the findings of the patent analysis in a visually compelling manner. This helps in communicating complex data to stakeholders effectively[2].

Reporting and Ongoing Monitoring

Presenting the findings in a clear and concise report or presentation is essential for decision-making. Continuous monitoring of patent activity in the area of interest ensures that the assignee stays updated with the latest developments and can adjust strategies accordingly[2].

Key Takeaways

• Claims and Patentability: The '469 patent's claims define its legal scope, and understanding these claims is crucial for assessing its novelty, non-obviousness, and usefulness.
• Patent Landscape: Analyzing the competitive landscape and technology classification helps in understanding the patent's position and potential.
• File Wrapper Analysis: The prosecution history and administrative details in the file wrapper provide valuable insights into the patent's legal status and challenges.
• Valuation and Strategy: The patent's value and strategic implications are critical for business decisions, including licensing, mergers, and R&D strategies.
• Risk Mitigation: Identifying potential risks and understanding litigation histories are essential for protecting the patent.
• Market Assessment: Understanding market dynamics and technology trends helps in making informed business decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the significance of the file wrapper in patent analysis?

The file wrapper contains detailed discussions between the patent applicant and the examiner, providing insights into the patent's legal status, prior art citations, and claim amendments. It is essential for understanding the patent's prosecution history and the challenges it overcame during the examination process[3].

2. How does patent analysis aid in strategic decision-making?

Patent analysis helps in identifying areas for investment in new technologies, forming partnerships, and licensing existing patents. It also aids in refining R&D strategies, identifying white spaces for innovation, and assessing the competitive landscape[2].

3. What is the importance of citation analysis in patent evaluation?

Citation analysis helps gauge the importance of a patent within its technological field by examining how it relates to prior and subsequent innovations. This provides a deeper understanding of the patent's impact and significance[2].

4. How can the valuation of a patent like the '469 patent be determined?

The valuation of the '469 patent involves considering factors such as market size, potential licensing opportunities, and litigation risks. Effective patent analysis helps in determining this value, which is crucial for licensing, mergers and acquisitions, and negotiations with potential investors or partners[2].

5. Why is ongoing monitoring of patent activity important?

Continuous monitoring of patent activity ensures that the assignee stays updated with the latest developments in the field, allowing for the adjustment of strategies to maintain a competitive edge and protect the patent's value[2].

Sources Cited:

1. Carley, M., Hegde, D., & Marco, A. (2015). What Is the Probability of Receiving a US Patent? Yale Journal of Law & Technology, 17, 203.
2. Evalueserve. Patent Analysis.
3. IP Checkups. Patent file wrappers as a tool for competitive intelligence.
4. United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. (2023). In re Cellect, LLC.
5. Baker Botts. (2024). The Importance of Prong Two of Step 2A for AI Inventions.

Details for Patent 10,745,469

Applicant	Tradename	Biologic Ingredient	Dosage Form	BLA	Approval Date	Patent No.	Expiredate
Biogen Inc.	ADUHELM	aducanumab-avwa	Injection	761178	June 07, 2021		2038-11-05