United States Patent 6,110,940: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 6,110,940, titled "Process for the Preparation of Eletriptan," is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in the area of migraine treatment. This patent, assigned to Pfizer, Inc., describes a method for preparing eletriptan, a drug used to treat migraine headaches. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Inventors and Assignees
The patent was invented by Ronald James Ogilvie and assigned to Pfizer, Inc.[2].
Filing and Grant Dates
The patent application was filed on October 26, 2004, and the patent was granted on October 30, 2007[2].
Classification
The patent is classified under International Classification C07D 209/04 and U.S. Classification 548/465[2].
Scope of the Patent
Description of the Invention
The patent describes a process for preparing eletriptan, a 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist used in the treatment of migraines. The process involves several steps, including the synthesis of key intermediates and the final purification of eletriptan. This method is designed to improve the efficiency and yield of eletriptan production[2].
Claims
The patent includes multiple claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims cover the specific steps involved in the synthesis process, the intermediates used, and the final product. For example, Claim 1 might describe the overall process, while subsequent claims detail specific reactions, reagents, and conditions[2].
Patent Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
Independent claims are those that stand alone and do not depend on other claims. These claims typically define the broadest scope of the invention. In the case of Patent 6,110,940, the independent claims would cover the general process for preparing eletriptan, including key steps and intermediates[2].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims build upon the independent claims and provide additional details or limitations. These claims might specify particular conditions, reagents, or purification methods that are part of the overall process. For instance, a dependent claim might describe a specific solvent or temperature range used in one of the synthesis steps[2].
Patent Landscape Analysis
Patent Saturation
To understand the patent landscape surrounding Patent 6,110,940, it is crucial to assess the saturation level of the technology area. This involves looking at the number of existing and pending patents related to eletriptan and similar migraine treatments. A highly saturated area may indicate that it is challenging to secure new patents with broad claims, suggesting the need for more innovative or niche approaches[3].
Competitor Analysis
Analyzing the patent portfolios of competitors in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly those focused on migraine treatments, can provide valuable insights. Companies like Pfizer, Merck, and GlaxoSmithKline may have extensive patent portfolios in this area. Identifying gaps or areas of focus within these portfolios can help in strategizing future research and development[3].
Global Patent Family
The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO allows users to see the patent family for a specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This can help in understanding the global reach and protection of the patent, as well as potential challenges or opportunities in different jurisdictions[1].
Prior Art and Citations
References Cited
The patent cites several prior art documents, including U.S. patents and foreign patent documents. For example, U.S. Patents 5,545,644 and 5,607,951 are cited, along with European Patent EP 0 592 438 B1. These citations indicate the existing knowledge in the field and help define the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention[2].
Common Citation Document (CCD)
The Common Citation Document (CCD) consolidates prior art cited by multiple patent offices for the same invention. This tool can help in understanding how different offices have evaluated the prior art related to eletriptan, providing a more comprehensive view of the patent landscape[1].
Strategic Insights
Market Positioning
A patent landscape analysis can help companies like Pfizer understand their market positioning and the competitive landscape. By identifying areas of high patent saturation and gaps in the market, companies can make informed decisions about where to focus their research and development efforts[3].
Long-Term Decisions
A comprehensive patent landscape analysis allows business and R&D management to make long-term decisions. For instance, if a technology area is highly saturated, it may be wise to pivot to newer, less crowded inventive spaces. This approach can help companies stay ahead in the competitive pharmaceutical market[3].
Tools and Resources
USPTO Search Tools
The USPTO provides several tools for conducting patent searches, including the Patent Public Search tool, which replaced legacy tools like PubEast and PubWest. This tool offers enhanced access to prior art and can be used to search for patents related to eletriptan and similar treatments[1].
International Databases
Searching international patent databases, such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), is crucial for understanding the global patent landscape. These databases offer access to machine translations of patents in various languages, facilitating a more comprehensive search[1].
Conclusion
Understanding the scope, claims, and patent landscape of United States Patent 6,110,940 is essential for any company or researcher involved in the development of migraine treatments. By analyzing the patent claims, assessing the patent saturation, and using tools like the Global Dossier and Common Citation Document, one can gain strategic insights that inform long-term decisions in research and development.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The patent covers a specific process for preparing eletriptan, a drug used to treat migraines.
- Claims Analysis: Independent and dependent claims define the invention's scope, including specific steps and conditions.
- Patent Landscape: Assessing patent saturation and competitor portfolios helps in strategizing future research.
- Global Protection: Using tools like Global Dossier and CCD provides insights into the global patent family and prior art.
- Strategic Insights: Comprehensive analysis aids in market positioning and long-term R&D decisions.
FAQs
What is the main subject of United States Patent 6,110,940?
The main subject of United States Patent 6,110,940 is the process for preparing eletriptan, a 5-HT1B/1D receptor agonist used in the treatment of migraines.
Who is the assignee of this patent?
The assignee of this patent is Pfizer, Inc.
What tools can be used to analyze the patent landscape for this invention?
Tools such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and Common Citation Document (CCD) can be used to analyze the patent landscape.
Why is it important to assess patent saturation in the technology area?
Assessing patent saturation helps in understanding the competitiveness of the technology area and informs decisions about where to focus research and development efforts.
How can international patent databases aid in patent landscape analysis?
International patent databases, such as those provided by the EPO, JPO, and WIPO, offer access to global patent information, including machine translations, which can help in identifying prior art and understanding the global patent landscape.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- United States Patent - Ogilvie. Retrieved from https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/ed/ea/81/2cbf7597d52869/US7288662B2.pdf
- Patent Landscape Analysis - Uncovering Strategic Insights. Retrieved from https://www.acclaimip.com/patent-landscaping/patent-landscape-analysis-uncovering-strategic-insights/
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office | U.S. Department of Commerce. Retrieved from https://www.commerce.gov/bureaus-and-offices/uspto
- US20080287519A1 - Amorphous eletriptan hydrobromide. Retrieved from https://patents.google.com/patent/US20080287519A1/en
