United States Patent 5,780,676: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 5,780,676, titled "Compounds having selective activity for Retinoid X Receptors," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. This patent, granted to Eisai Co., Ltd., pertains to compounds that activate Retinoid X Receptors (RXRs) and their therapeutic applications. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Context
Retinoid X Receptors (RXRs) are nuclear receptors that play crucial roles in various biological processes, including cell differentiation, growth, and metabolism. Compounds that selectively activate these receptors have potential therapeutic applications in treating diseases such as cancer, metabolic disorders, and skin conditions[5].
Scope of the Patent
The patent 5,780,676 covers a range of compounds that are designed to selectively activate RXRs. Here are the key aspects of the patent's scope:
Compounds and Their Structure
The patent describes a class of compounds that are structurally defined and have the ability to activate RXRs. These compounds are characterized by their specific molecular structure, which includes various substituents and functional groups that enhance their selectivity and potency[5].
Therapeutic Applications
The patent outlines several therapeutic applications for these compounds, including the treatment of diseases where RXR activation is beneficial. This includes conditions such as cancer, hyperlipidemia, and skin disorders. The therapeutic processes involve the use of these compounds as activators of RXRs, which can lead to desired biological responses[5].
Claims of the Patent
The claims of the patent are critical in defining the legal boundaries of the invention. Here are some key claims:
Claim 1: Compound Definition
The first claim defines the specific compounds covered by the patent, including their structural elements and functional groups. This claim sets the foundation for what constitutes the invention[5].
Claim 2: Therapeutic Process
This claim describes the therapeutic process involving the use of the compounds as RXR activators. It specifies the conditions under which these compounds are used and their expected outcomes[5].
Claim 4: Potency and Selectivity
Claim 4 emphasizes the potency and selectivity of the compounds, stating that they are at least five times more potent as activators of RXRs compared to other receptors. This claim highlights the unique properties of the invented compounds[5].
Patent Landscape
To understand the significance and positioning of this patent within the broader patent landscape, we need to consider several factors:
Historical Context
The mid-to-late 1990s saw a significant increase in patent filings related to nanotechnology and biotechnology, including those involving nuclear receptors like RXRs. This period marked a surge in research and development in these fields, reflecting the growing interest in targeted therapeutic approaches[1].
Patent Classification
The USPTO has specific classification systems for patents related to biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. Patents like 5,780,676 would fall under classifications such as those related to organic compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and therapeutic methods. The USPTO's classification system helps in identifying and tracking similar patents[4].
Global Patent Trends
The global patent landscape for biotechnology and pharmaceuticals is highly competitive. Patents like 5,780,676 are part of a larger ecosystem where multiple stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and individual inventors, are actively filing patents. The growth rate in biotechnology patent applications has been significant, with countries like the United States, Japan, and those in the European Union being major contributors[1].
Citation Analysis
Patent citation analysis can provide insights into the influence and impact of a patent. By analyzing backward citations (citations to prior art), one can understand the foundational research and inventions that led to the development of the compounds described in 5,780,676. Forward citations (citations by subsequent patents) can indicate the patent's influence on subsequent research and innovations[1].
Legal and Litigation Aspects
Patents are often subject to legal challenges and litigation. The interpretation of patent claims, such as those in 5,780,676, can be crucial in court proceedings. For instance, the court's interpretation of the "co-transfection assay" method in a related patent dispute highlights the importance of clear and specific claim constructions[2].
Tools and Resources for Patent Analysis
Several tools and resources are available for analyzing patents like 5,780,676:
USPTO Patent Public Search
The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool allows users to search for patents using various criteria, including keywords, classifications, and citations. This tool is essential for identifying related patents and understanding the patent landscape[4].
Global Dossier
The Global Dossier service provides access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, which can be useful in tracking the global patent family and understanding the international scope of a patent[4].
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset offers detailed information on claims from US patents and patent applications, which can be used to analyze the scope and claims of patents like 5,780,676[3].
Key Takeaways
- Compounds and Therapeutic Applications: The patent covers compounds that selectively activate RXRs and their therapeutic applications.
- Claims and Scope: The claims define the structural elements of the compounds and their therapeutic processes.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape of biotechnology and pharmaceutical patents, with significant global trends and legal considerations.
- Tools and Resources: Various tools, such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search and Global Dossier, are available for analyzing and understanding the patent.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of United States Patent 5,780,676?
A: The main focus is on compounds that selectively activate Retinoid X Receptors (RXRs) and their therapeutic applications.
Q: How are the compounds defined in the patent?
A: The compounds are defined by their specific structural elements and functional groups that enhance their selectivity and potency.
Q: What are some of the therapeutic applications covered by the patent?
A: The patent covers therapeutic applications such as the treatment of cancer, hyperlipidemia, and skin disorders.
Q: How does the patent fit into the broader patent landscape?
A: The patent is part of a highly competitive landscape of biotechnology and pharmaceutical patents, with significant global trends and legal considerations.
Q: What tools are available for analyzing patents like 5,780,676?
A: Tools such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and the Patent Claims Research Dataset are available for analyzing and understanding the patent.
Sources
- OECD: Capturing Nanotechnology's Current State of Development via Patents.
- District of Delaware: Eisai Co., Ltd. v. Defendants.
- USPTO: Patent Claims Research Dataset.
- USPTO: Search for patents.
- Justia Patents: US Patent for Compounds having selective activity for Retinoid X Receptors.
