United States Patent 6,596,746: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 6,596,746, titled "Cyclic Protein Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the treatment of protein tyrosine kinase-associated disorders. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background of the Invention
The patent, granted on July 22, 2003, to inventors Jagabandhu Das, Ramesh Padmanabha, Ping Chen, Derek J. Norris, Arthur M. P. Doweyko, Joel C. Barrish, and John Wityak, relates to novel cyclic compounds and their salts, as well as methods for using these compounds in treating protein tyrosine kinase-associated disorders. These disorders include immunologic and oncologic conditions, such as Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) associated with the Philadelphia Chromosome[4].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is defined by its claims, which outline the specific inventions and their applications. The patent covers:
- Cyclic Compounds and Salts: The invention includes novel cyclic compounds and their salts, which are detailed in the patent specification.
- Pharmaceutical Compositions: The patent also covers pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds.
- Methods of Treatment: It includes methods of using these compounds in the treatment of protein tyrosine kinase-associated disorders[4].
Claims Analysis
The patent contains multiple claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are some key aspects:
Independent Claims
Independent claims are crucial as they stand alone and define the invention without reference to other claims. For example, Claim 1 of the patent describes a specific cyclic compound and its salts, detailing the chemical structure and its application in treating protein tyrosine kinase-associated disorders[4].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims build upon the independent claims and provide additional limitations or specifications. These claims help in narrowing down the scope and ensuring that the invention is clearly defined.
Markush Groups
The patent employs Markush groups, a form of alternative expression that lists specific compounds or their salts. This is seen in claims that use phrases like "selected from the group consisting of," which limits the claimed compounds to those specifically named[1].
Claim Construction and Interpretation
The interpretation of patent claims is critical for determining the scope of the invention. In the context of this patent, the claim construction involves understanding the plain meaning of terms as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. For instance, the term "salt" is defined within the patent specification, and the Markush group is interpreted to limit the claimed compounds to those explicitly listed[1].
Patent Landscape
The patent landscape surrounding US 6,596,746 is complex and involves several related patents and applications.
Related Patents and Applications
The patent is part of a larger family of patents related to protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Other patents, such as those cited in the background section of the patent, cover similar compounds and methods, indicating a robust and competitive field in pharmaceutical research[4].
Global Dossier and International Patent Offices
The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO allows users to view the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices. This service is useful for understanding the global patent landscape and how this patent fits into it[2].
Prior Art and Citations
The patent cites several prior art references, including international patent applications and granted patents. This indicates that the inventors built upon existing knowledge in the field while contributing novel aspects to the treatment of protein tyrosine kinase-associated disorders[4].
Impact on Innovation and Litigation
The scope and claims of this patent can have significant implications for innovation and litigation in the pharmaceutical industry.
Patent Scope and Quality
Research suggests that the scope of patent claims, measured by metrics such as independent claim length and count, can influence the quality and validity of patents. Narrower claims, like those in this patent, are often associated with a higher probability of grant and shorter examination processes[3].
Licensing and Litigation Costs
The clarity and specificity of the claims in this patent can affect licensing and litigation costs. Clear and well-defined claims reduce ambiguity, which can lower the costs associated with licensing and potential litigation[3].
Search and Analysis Tools
For professionals and researchers, several tools are available to search and analyze patents like US 6,596,746.
Patent Public Search
The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool provides enhanced access to prior art and allows for comprehensive searches of patent databases[2].
Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs)
Local PTRCs offer training in patent search techniques and maintain local search resources, which can be invaluable for detailed analyses of patents[2].
Key Takeaways
- Scope and Claims: The patent covers novel cyclic compounds, their salts, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods for treating protein tyrosine kinase-associated disorders.
- Claim Construction: The interpretation of claims involves understanding the plain meaning of terms and the use of Markush groups.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a larger family of related patents and applications, with global implications through the Global Dossier service.
- Impact on Innovation: The patent's scope and claims can influence innovation, licensing, and litigation costs in the pharmaceutical industry.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main subject of United States Patent 6,596,746?
The main subject of this patent is novel cyclic compounds and their salts, along with methods for using these compounds in treating protein tyrosine kinase-associated disorders.
How are the claims in this patent constructed?
The claims are constructed using plain meaning as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, with the use of Markush groups to specify the claimed compounds.
What is the significance of Markush groups in this patent?
Markush groups limit the claimed compounds to those specifically named, ensuring clarity and specificity in the patent claims.
How does this patent fit into the broader patent landscape?
This patent is part of a larger family of patents related to protein tyrosine kinase inhibitors, with global implications visible through the Global Dossier service.
What tools are available for searching and analyzing this patent?
Tools such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and local Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) are available for searching and analyzing this patent.
Cited Sources
- Case 3:10-cv-05810-MLC-LHG Document 142 Filed 03/28/13 - GovInfo
- USPTO - Search for patents - USPTO
- Patent Claims and Patent Scope - SSRN
- United States Patent 6,596,746 B1 - Google Patents
- UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE - USPTO - USPTO
