United States Patent 7,169,928: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 7,169,928, titled "Non-imidazole alkylamines as histamine H3-receptor ligands and their therapeutic applications," is a patent that delves into the development and use of non-imidazole alkylamines as ligands for the histamine H3 receptor. This analysis will explore the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Context
The histamine H3 receptor is a significant target for therapeutic interventions, particularly in the areas of neurological and psychiatric disorders. Traditional ligands for this receptor often contain imidazole moieties, but the patent in question focuses on non-imidazole alkylamines, offering a novel approach to receptor modulation[1].
Scope of the Patent
The patent covers the synthesis, characterization, and therapeutic applications of non-imidazole alkylamines as histamine H3-receptor ligands. Here are the key aspects of the patent's scope:
Chemical Compounds
The patent describes a series of non-imidazole alkylamines and their derivatives, detailing their chemical structures and synthesis methods. These compounds are designed to interact with the histamine H3 receptor, potentially offering therapeutic benefits without the limitations associated with imidazole-containing compounds[1].
Therapeutic Applications
The therapeutic applications of these compounds are a crucial part of the patent's scope. They are proposed for the treatment of various conditions, including neurological disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Alzheimer's disease, and sleep disorders. The patent also suggests potential uses in psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and depression[1].
Claims of the Patent
The claims section of the patent is critical as it defines the legal boundaries of the invention. Here are the key claims:
Independent Claims
- The patent includes independent claims that describe the non-imidazole alkylamine compounds, their synthesis, and their use as histamine H3-receptor ligands.
- These claims specify the chemical structures and functional groups that are essential for the compounds' activity[1].
Dependent Claims
- Dependent claims further detail specific aspects of the independent claims, such as particular substituents, dosages, and methods of administration.
- These claims help to narrow down the scope and provide additional protection for specific embodiments of the invention[1].
Patent Landscape
Understanding the patent landscape is essential for assessing the novelty, non-obviousness, and potential impact of the invention.
Prior Art
The patent landscape includes prior art related to histamine H3-receptor ligands, particularly those containing imidazole moieties. The non-imidazole approach presented in this patent distinguishes it from existing technologies[1].
Related Patents
Other patents in the field may cover similar therapeutic applications or chemical compounds. For instance, patents related to histamine receptor modulation or neurological disorder treatments could be relevant. Analyzing these related patents helps in identifying gaps and opportunities in the intellectual property landscape[3].
Global Patent System
The global patent system, including databases like those provided by the USPTO, EPO, JPO, and WIPO, offers tools to search and analyze patent families and prior art. This is crucial for determining the international scope and potential conflicts or opportunities[4].
Patent Analytics and Claim Coverage
To fully understand the protection and value of the patent, patent analytics tools are invaluable.
Claim Coverage Matrix
A Claim Coverage Matrix can help identify which patents and claims are actively protecting the intellectual property related to non-imidazole alkylamines. This matrix can highlight gaps or opportunities in the claim coverage, ensuring that the technology is adequately protected[3].
Scope Concepts
Categorizing patents by scope concepts, as described in patent analytics services, can provide a powerful tool for filtering and analyzing large numbers of patent claims. This helps in determining the value of the patent claims to the company, whether they are high, medium, or low value[3].
Challenges and Opportunities
The patent landscape also reveals potential challenges and opportunities.
Terminal Disclaimers
The use of terminal disclaimers, as discussed in the context of patent thickets, can be a strategy to overcome nonstatutory double patenting rejections. However, this practice can also lead to patent thickets that hinder competition. The FTC has been working to address such abuses to promote innovation and competition[5].
Competition and Innovation
The patent's therapeutic applications in neurological and psychiatric disorders present significant market opportunities. However, the landscape is competitive, with other companies and research institutions actively developing similar technologies. Navigating this landscape requires careful management of intellectual property and strategic planning to maintain a competitive edge[5].
Key Takeaways
- Novel Compounds: The patent introduces non-imidazole alkylamines as histamine H3-receptor ligands, offering a new approach to receptor modulation.
- Therapeutic Applications: The compounds have potential therapeutic uses in neurological and psychiatric disorders.
- Patent Claims: The patent includes detailed claims that define the chemical structures and therapeutic uses of the compounds.
- Patent Landscape: Understanding the global patent landscape and related patents is crucial for assessing the invention's novelty and impact.
- Patent Analytics: Tools like Claim Coverage Matrix and scope concepts help in analyzing and valuing the patent claims.
FAQs
What are the main therapeutic applications of the non-imidazole alkylamines described in US Patent 7,169,928?
The main therapeutic applications include treatments for neurological disorders such as ADHD, Alzheimer's disease, and sleep disorders, as well as psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and depression.
How do non-imidazole alkylamines differ from traditional histamine H3-receptor ligands?
Non-imidazole alkylamines differ from traditional ligands by not containing imidazole moieties, potentially offering different pharmacological profiles and therapeutic benefits.
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 patent analytics services like Claim Coverage Matrix and scope concepts can be used to analyze the patent landscape.
Why is understanding the global patent system important for this patent?
Understanding the global patent system helps in identifying prior art, related patents, and potential conflicts or opportunities, ensuring that the invention is adequately protected internationally.
How can terminal disclaimers impact the patent landscape for this invention?
Terminal disclaimers can help overcome nonstatutory double patenting rejections but can also contribute to patent thickets that hinder competition, highlighting the need for careful management of intellectual property.
Sources
- US7169928B2 - Non-imidazole alkylamines as histamine H3-receptor ligands and their therapeutic applications - Google Patents
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO
- Patent Analytics - Intellectual Property Law
- Search for patents - USPTO
- FTC Comment to the USPTO on Terminal Disclaimer Practice - FTC