Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 5,466,861: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
United States Patent 5,466,861, titled "Bridged Bicyclic Aromatic Compounds and Their Use in Modulating Gene Expression of Retinoid Receptors," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. This patent, issued to researchers involved in the development of novel compounds, provides a detailed insight into the invention, its claims, and the broader patent landscape.
Patent Overview
Publication Details
- Publication Number: US5466861A
- Authority: United States
- Prior Art Date: The patent was granted based on prior art dating back to the early 1990s[4].
Invention Description
The patent describes novel bridged bicyclic aromatic compounds and their use in modulating gene expression, particularly in the context of retinoid receptors. These compounds are designed to regulate cellular processes influenced by thyroid hormone, vitamin D, and retinoids such as 9-cis-retinoic acid. The invention includes pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and methods for their use in treating various conditions, including bone calcification and energy regulation[4].
Claim Scope
Importance of Claim Scope
The claim scope in a patent application is crucial for defining the boundaries of the invention and ensuring the patent's validity. A common misconception is that broader claims are always better, but this can lead to difficulties in getting the patent granted and increased risk of invalidation[3].
Specific Claims in US5466861A
The claims in this patent are detailed and specific, focusing on the structural formulas of the bridged bicyclic aromatic compounds. For example:
- The compounds have a specific structural formula (I) with defined groups such as R1, R2, and R3.
- R1 can be selected from lower alkyl or adamantyl groups.
- R2 can be --O--R13 or --S--R13 where R13 is lower alkyl.
- The compounds can form 5- or 6-membered cycloalkylene rings with specific substitutions[4].
Balancing Claim Scope
The claims must be balanced to ensure they are not overly broad, which could lead to invalidation due to abstract idea exceptions or failure to meet the written description requirement. The patent drafters have carefully defined the claims to be anchored to the embodiments disclosed in the specification, avoiding the pitfalls of overly broad claims[3].
Patent Landscape Analysis
Defining Scope and Keywords
To analyze the patent landscape around US5466861A, one must define the scope of the analysis and identify relevant keywords. This includes terms related to bridged bicyclic aromatic compounds, retinoid receptors, and gene expression modulation[5].
Searching and Organizing Patents
Using databases such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Google Patents, or international databases like the European Patent Office's esp@cenet, one can search for patents related to the identified keywords. Organizing these patents by factors like filing date, assignee, and technology subcategories helps in visualizing the landscape[1][5].
Identifying Trends and Key Players
Analyzing the patent filings reveals trends in the development of similar compounds and identifies key players in the field. For instance, the patent landscape might show a concentration of patents from pharmaceutical companies and research institutions focused on retinoid receptor modulation[5].
Analyzing Citations and Evolution
Studying how patents reference each other provides insights into their impact and development. The Common Citation Document (CCD) application can be useful here, as it consolidates prior art cited by multiple offices for the same patent family[1].
Generating Insights for Decisions
The analysis translates into practical guidance for strategic decisions. It helps in evaluating the competitive landscape, identifying potential legal vulnerabilities, and understanding the strength of the patent portfolio. This information is crucial for inventors and companies looking to innovate within this technological domain[5].
Key Insights from Patent Landscape Analysis
Technological Trends
The analysis reveals ongoing innovations in the field of retinoid receptor modulation, highlighting new and exciting developments. It shows how impactful certain patent filings are and how the patent portfolio of key players is evolving[5].
Competitive Landscape
Understanding the competitive landscape helps in identifying potential competitors and collaborators. It also provides insights into the market positioning of various companies and research institutions in this field[5].
Legal Vulnerabilities
The analysis identifies potential legal vulnerabilities by examining the citation patterns and the strength of the claims in existing patents. This helps in avoiding potential infringement issues and in strategizing for future patent applications[5].
Practical Applications and Implications
Pharmaceutical Development
The compounds described in US5466861A have significant implications for pharmaceutical development, particularly in treating conditions regulated by retinoid receptors. The patent provides a foundation for further research and development in this area[4].
Regulatory Compliance
Ensuring that the claims are well-defined and compliant with regulatory requirements is crucial. This involves careful analysis of prior art and adherence to the written description requirement to avoid invalidation risks[3].
Conclusion
United States Patent 5,466,861 is a critical patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the modulation of gene expression by retinoid receptors. Understanding the scope and claims of this patent, along with a comprehensive patent landscape analysis, provides valuable insights for inventors, researchers, and companies operating in this domain.
Key Takeaways
- Claim Scope: The claims must be balanced to avoid being overly broad and to ensure validity.
- Patent Landscape: Analyzing the patent landscape helps in understanding technological trends, identifying key players, and evaluating competitive and legal vulnerabilities.
- Practical Applications: The patent has significant implications for pharmaceutical development and regulatory compliance.
- Technological Insights: The analysis provides actionable insights into ongoing innovations and future trends in retinoid receptor modulation.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of United States Patent 5,466,861?
A: The main focus is on novel bridged bicyclic aromatic compounds and their use in modulating gene expression of retinoid receptors.
Q: Why is the claim scope important in a patent application?
A: The claim scope defines the boundaries of the invention and ensures the patent's validity. Overly broad claims can lead to invalidation risks.
Q: How can a patent landscape analysis be conducted for this patent?
A: By defining the scope and keywords, searching and organizing patents, identifying trends and key players, analyzing citations and evolution, and generating insights for strategic decisions.
Q: What are the practical applications of this patent?
A: The patent has significant implications for pharmaceutical development, particularly in treating conditions regulated by retinoid receptors.
Q: What databases can be used for conducting a patent landscape analysis?
A: Databases such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Google Patents, and international databases like the European Patent Office's esp@cenet can be used.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Rimon Law - The Importance of Getting the Claim Scope Right in a US Patent Application: https://www.rimonlaw.com/the-importance-of-getting-the-claim-scope-right-in-a-us-patent-application-i/
- Goldstein Patent Law - How to Do Patent Landscape Analysis: https://www.goldsteinpatentlaw.com/how-to-patent-landscape-analysis/
- Google Patents - US5466861A: https://patents.google.com/patent/US5466861A/en
