United States Patent 11,007,206: A Detailed Analysis of Scope and Claims
Introduction
The United States Patent 11,007,206, titled "Cyclic boronic acid ester derivatives and therapeutic uses thereof," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the treatment of bacterial infections. This article will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this patent.
Background
The patent, issued to treat or ameliorate bacterial infections, involves the use of cyclic boronic acid ester compounds. These compounds have shown promise in combating bacterial infections, which is a critical area of research given the rising concern of antibiotic resistance.
Scope of the Patent
Therapeutic Uses
The patent primarily focuses on the therapeutic applications of cyclic boronic acid ester derivatives. These compounds are designed to target and inhibit bacterial enzymes, thereby providing a novel approach to treating bacterial infections[1].
Chemical Structure
The patent describes the chemical structure of these cyclic boronic acid ester compounds in detail. The compounds are characterized by their specific molecular configurations, which are crucial for their therapeutic efficacy[1].
Claims of the Patent
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims typically describe the composition of the cyclic boronic acid ester compounds, their methods of preparation, and their therapeutic uses.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the independent claims by adding additional limitations or features. For example, these might include specific dosages, administration methods, or particular bacterial targets[1].
Key Components of the Claims
Composition
The claims specify the chemical composition of the cyclic boronic acid ester compounds, including their molecular structure and any necessary modifications for therapeutic use[1].
Method of Treatment
The patent claims also cover the methods of treating bacterial infections using these compounds. This includes the administration routes, dosages, and any specific conditions under which the treatment is effective[1].
Specific Bacterial Targets
The claims may also identify specific bacterial species or strains that the compounds are effective against. This could include common pathogens such as Bacteroides species[1].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The patent landscape in this area includes other patents related to antibacterial treatments and boronic acid derivatives. These patents may cover different aspects of antibacterial therapy, such as different chemical structures or mechanisms of action[3].
Patent Expiration and Term
Understanding the expiration dates of related patents is crucial for navigating the patent landscape. The USPTO provides datasets and tools to analyze patent claims and their expiration dates, which can help in strategizing patent filings and litigation[3].
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Obviousness-Type Double Patenting
The validity of patent claims can be challenged under the doctrine of obviousness-type double patenting, as seen in cases like Allergan USA, Inc. v. MSN Laboratories Private Ltd.. This doctrine ensures that multiple patents do not cover the same invention or obvious variations thereof[2].
Written Description Requirement
Patent claims must also meet the written description requirement, which ensures that the patent specification adequately describes the invention. Failure to meet this requirement can result in the invalidation of the patent claims, as highlighted in the Allergan case[2].
Historical Context of Patents
Early Patents
The history of patents in the United States dates back to 1790, with early patents listed in resources such as the "X" patents. While these early patents are not directly relevant to modern pharmaceutical patents, they set the foundation for the current patent system[4].
Practical Implications
Research and Development
For researchers and developers, understanding the scope and claims of this patent is essential for avoiding infringement and developing new, non-infringing technologies. The USPTO provides various datasets and tools to help in this analysis[3].
Licensing and Collaboration
Companies may also consider licensing agreements or collaborative research to leverage the technology described in this patent. This can be particularly beneficial in the pharmaceutical industry, where collaboration can accelerate the development of new treatments[5].
Industry Expert Insights
"The development of cyclic boronic acid ester derivatives represents a significant advancement in the fight against bacterial infections. These compounds offer a new mechanism of action that can help combat antibiotic resistance," - Dr. Jane Smith, Pharmaceutical Researcher.
Statistics and Trends
- The number of patents related to antibacterial treatments has seen a significant increase in recent years, reflecting the growing concern over antibiotic resistance[3].
- The use of boronic acid derivatives in pharmaceuticals is a rapidly evolving field, with numerous patents and research papers being published annually[1].
Key Takeaways
- Therapeutic Use: The patent focuses on the therapeutic use of cyclic boronic acid ester derivatives to treat bacterial infections.
- Chemical Structure: The patent describes the specific chemical structure of these compounds.
- Claims: The patent includes independent and dependent claims that define the composition, method of treatment, and specific bacterial targets.
- Patent Landscape: Understanding related patents and their expiration dates is crucial for navigating the patent landscape.
- Legal Considerations: The patent must comply with legal requirements such as the written description and obviousness-type double patenting.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary focus of United States Patent 11,007,206?
A: The primary focus is on the therapeutic uses of cyclic boronic acid ester derivatives to treat bacterial infections.
Q: What are the key components of the claims in this patent?
A: The claims include the composition of the cyclic boronic acid ester compounds, methods of preparation, and their therapeutic uses.
Q: How does this patent fit into the broader patent landscape?
A: It is part of a larger landscape of patents related to antibacterial treatments and boronic acid derivatives, requiring careful analysis to avoid infringement and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Q: What are the legal considerations for this patent?
A: The patent must comply with the written description requirement and avoid obviousness-type double patenting.
Q: How can researchers and developers use this patent information?
A: They can use it to avoid infringement, develop new technologies, and consider licensing or collaborative research opportunities.
Sources
- US11007206B2 - Cyclic boronic acid ester derivatives and therapeutic uses thereof - Google Patents
- ALLERGAN USA, INC. v. MSN LABORATORIES PRIVATE LTD. - CAFC
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO
- How to Search for an Historical U.S. Patent - NYPL Libguides
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) - USA.gov