Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 6,660,726
Introduction
United States Patent 6,660,726, titled "Novel Estrogenic Compounds," is a patent that covers innovative chemical compounds with estrogenic activity. To analyze the scope and claims of this patent, it is essential to delve into its specifics, the broader patent landscape, and the implications for research and industry.
Patent Details
Publication and Priority
The patent 6,660,726 was granted based on a utility patent application filed on March 10, 2000, as a provisional application (Ser. No. 60/188,523), and later converted into a non-provisional application (US12/788,450)[5].
Inventors and Assignees
While the specific inventors and assignees are not detailed in the provided sources, it is common for such patents to be assigned to pharmaceutical or biotechnology companies, universities, or research institutions.
Claims
The claims of a patent define the scope of the invention and what is protected by the patent. For US Patent 6,660,726, the claims would typically include specific chemical structures, methods of synthesis, and uses of the novel estrogenic compounds. These claims are crucial as they determine what constitutes infringement and what is considered within the public domain.
Scope of the Invention
Chemical Compounds
The patent covers novel estrogenic compounds, which are chemicals that mimic or modulate the effects of estrogen in the body. These compounds could be used in various medical applications, such as hormone replacement therapy, treatment of osteoporosis, or other conditions related to estrogen deficiency or imbalance.
Methods of Synthesis
The patent likely includes detailed methods for synthesizing these compounds, which is essential for their production and use. These methods would be protected to prevent others from using the same processes without permission.
Uses and Applications
The scope of the invention also includes the intended uses of these compounds. This could range from therapeutic applications to research tools. Understanding the specific uses helps in assessing the patent's impact on the market and potential competitors.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Technological Domain
Patent landscape analysis, also known as patent mapping, is a valuable tool for understanding the technological domain in which this patent resides. This analysis involves categorizing patents into specific technology areas and identifying trends, competitors, and market developments[3].
Competitors and Market Trends
In the field of estrogenic compounds, competitors might include other pharmaceutical companies or research institutions working on similar compounds. Market trends could involve shifts towards more targeted therapies, changes in regulatory environments, or emerging technologies that affect the use of these compounds.
Legal Status and Expiry Dates
The legal status of the patent, including whether it is alive, pending, lapsed, revoked, or expired, is crucial for determining its current and future impact. For US Patent 6,660,726, the expiry date would be 20 years from the filing date of the non-provisional application, assuming no extensions or adjustments were made[3].
Broader Patent Landscape
Classification and Technology Areas
The USPTO classifies patents into broad technology areas, such as chemical and pharmaceuticals. The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) also provides a classification system that helps in international comparisons. For estrogenic compounds, the relevant technology areas would include chemistry and pharmaceuticals[1].
Global Patent Trends
Global trends in patenting can provide insights into the overall innovation landscape. For instance, the increase in electrical engineering and ICT-related patents indicates a broader technological shift, but in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, trends might be more specific to advances in drug discovery and development[1].
Implications for Research and Industry
Research and Development
For researchers, understanding the scope and claims of this patent is essential to avoid infringement and to identify areas where new innovations can be made. This patent could serve as a foundation for further research into estrogenic compounds, guiding scientists towards new discoveries.
Market Impact
In the industry, this patent could influence market dynamics by protecting the intellectual property of the assignee, allowing them to maintain a competitive edge. It could also affect licensing agreements, mergers and acquisitions, and litigation activities related to similar compounds[3].
Tools and Resources for Analysis
USPTO Search Tools
The USPTO provides several tools for searching patents, including the Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and the Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs). These resources can help in conducting a thorough analysis of the patent landscape[4].
International Patent Databases
Access to international patent databases, such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), is crucial for a comprehensive analysis. These databases allow for the identification of similar patents filed in other countries and languages[4].
Key Takeaways
- Patent Details: Understanding the publication date, priority, inventors, and assignees is crucial for analyzing the patent.
- Scope of the Invention: The claims, chemical compounds, methods of synthesis, and uses are key components of the patent.
- Patent Landscape Analysis: This helps in identifying competitors, market trends, and legal status.
- Broader Patent Landscape: Classification into technology areas and global trends provide a broader context.
- Implications: The patent affects research, industry dynamics, and market strategies.
FAQs
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What is the significance of the filing date for a patent?
The filing date is crucial as it determines the priority of the invention and the expiry date of the patent.
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How can one conduct a thorough patent landscape analysis?
This involves using computer tools and human intelligence to analyze, organize, and extract value from vast amounts of patent data, including references and analytics from various sources[3].
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What are the key components of a patent claim?
The claims include specific descriptions of the invention, such as chemical structures, methods of synthesis, and intended uses.
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Why is it important to check the legal status of a patent?
The legal status helps in determining whether the patent is still in force, pending, or has expired, which is critical for avoiding infringement and planning business strategies.
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How can international patent databases aid in patent analysis?
These databases provide access to patent information from multiple countries, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of global patent trends and the identification of similar patents filed internationally[4].
