United States Patent 11,382,926: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 11,382,926, titled "Methods for treating Arenaviridae and Coronaviridae virus infections," is a significant patent that addresses the treatment of specific viral infections. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication Number and Authority
The patent, numbered US11,382,926B2, was granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)[2].
Prior Art and Legal Status
The patent is active, indicating that it is currently in force. However, the legal status is subject to change and should be verified through official channels. The prior art keywords include compounds, alkyl groups, and specific chemical structures like isobutyl and n-propyl groups[2].
Scope of the Invention
Methods for Treating Viral Infections
The patent describes methods for treating infections caused by Arenaviridae and Coronaviridae viruses. These methods involve administering nucleosides and prodrugs thereof, which are designed to target and inhibit the replication of these viruses. The invention is crucial in the field of virology, particularly in the context of emerging and re-emerging viral diseases[2].
Claims
Detailed Claims Analysis
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are some key aspects:
- Claim 1: This claim typically defines the broadest scope of the invention, often describing the general method of treating viral infections using the specified nucleosides and prodrugs.
- Dependent Claims: Subsequent claims usually narrow down the scope by specifying particular compounds, dosages, administration methods, and patient populations. For example, claims might detail specific alkyl groups or the structure of the nucleosides[2].
Chemical Structures and Compounds
The patent includes detailed descriptions of chemical structures, such as isobutyl, n-propyl, and isopentyl groups. These structures are critical in defining the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention[2].
Patent Landscape
Global Patent System
The patent is part of a broader global patent system. To understand its place, one must consider international patent databases and the harmonization efforts among intellectual property offices. Tools like the Global Dossier and Common Citation Document (CCD) facilitate the search and analysis of related patents across different jurisdictions[1].
Related Patents and Applications
Searching databases such as the European Patent Office's esp@cenet, the Japan Patent Office, and the World Intellectual Property Organization's PATENTSCOPE can reveal related patents and applications. This helps in understanding the competitive landscape and potential overlaps or conflicts[1].
Technological Trends
The USPTO classifies patents into various technological fields. Patents related to medical treatments, particularly those involving nucleosides and antiviral therapies, fall under categories such as chemistry and pharmaceuticals. The trend in these fields shows an increasing focus on biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovations, reflecting the growing importance of these areas in addressing global health challenges[4].
Economic and Innovation Impact
Patent Activity and Trends
The USPTO awarded 309,000 utility patents in 2018, with a significant portion in the fields of electrical engineering and biotechnology. This indicates a strong innovation ecosystem, where patents like US11,382,926 contribute to the advancement of medical treatments and public health[4].
Intellectual Property Protection
Patents like US11,382,926 provide inventors with exclusive rights to their inventions, encouraging further research and development. This protection is crucial for the commercialization of new treatments and the investment in R&D by pharmaceutical companies[4].
Search and Analysis Tools
USPTO Resources
The USPTO offers several tools for searching and analyzing patents, including the Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and the Patent Examination Data System (PEDS). These resources are essential for conducting thorough searches and understanding the prior art and patent family related to US11,382,926[1].
International Databases
Access to international patent databases, such as those provided by the European Patent Office, Japan Patent Office, and World Intellectual Property Organization, is vital for a comprehensive analysis. These databases offer machine translations and full-text searches, facilitating global patent research[1].
Conclusion
United States Patent 11,382,926 represents a significant advancement in the treatment of viral infections caused by Arenaviridae and Coronaviridae. The detailed analysis of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape highlights its importance in the field of virology and pharmaceutical innovation.
Key Takeaways
- Invention Scope: The patent covers methods for treating viral infections using specific nucleosides and prodrugs.
- Claims Analysis: The claims define the invention's scope, including chemical structures and administration methods.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a global system, with related patents and applications searchable through various international databases.
- Economic Impact: The patent contributes to the innovation ecosystem, particularly in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
- Search Tools: Utilizing USPTO and international databases is crucial for thorough patent research.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of United States Patent 11,382,926?
A: The main focus is on methods for treating infections caused by Arenaviridae and Coronaviridae viruses using nucleosides and prodrugs.
Q: How can one search for related patents globally?
A: One can use tools like the Global Dossier, Common Citation Document (CCD), and international patent databases such as esp@cenet and PATENTSCOPE.
Q: What is the significance of chemical structures in this patent?
A: The chemical structures, such as isobutyl and n-propyl groups, are critical in defining the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention.
Q: How does this patent fit into the broader technological trends?
A: It fits into the growing trend of biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovations, particularly in addressing global health challenges.
Q: What resources are available for searching and analyzing patents like US11,382,926?
A: Resources include the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, PEDS, and international patent databases.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Google Patents - US11382926B2: https://patents.google.com/patent/US11382926B2/en
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- NSF - Invention: U.S. and Comparative Global Trends: https://ncses.nsf.gov/pubs/nsb20204/invention-u-s-and-comparative-global-trends
