Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 7,176,211
Introduction
United States Patent 7,176,211, titled "Gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor antagonists and methods relating thereto," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the treatment of sex-hormone related conditions. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this patent.
Patent Overview
- Publication Number: US7176211B2
- Assignee: Neurocrine Biosciences Inc.
- Priority Date: July 7, 2003
- Legal Status: The patent has expired, marking the end of its lifetime[4][5].
Scope of the Patent
The patent focuses on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonists, which are compounds designed to inhibit the action of GnRH. These antagonists have utility in treating various sex-hormone related conditions in both men and women, including endometriosis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and other hormonal disorders.
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes multiple claims that define the scope of protection for the GnRH receptor antagonists. Here are some key aspects of the claims:
- Chemical Compounds: The patent claims cover a wide range of chemical compounds, including those with specific functional groups such as fluoro, dione, pyrimidine, trifluoromethyl, and others. These compounds are described in detail, including their synthesis and structural characteristics[4].
- Pharmaceutical Compositions: The claims also include pharmaceutical compositions containing these GnRH receptor antagonists, along with methods for their preparation and use.
- Therapeutic Methods: The patent claims methods for treating various conditions using these antagonists, highlighting their therapeutic applications[4].
Claim Coverage Matrix
To understand the full scope of the patent, a Claim Coverage Matrix can be useful. This matrix categorizes the patents and claims by scope concepts, which helps in identifying which patents and claims are actively protecting the intellectual property. For US7176211B2, this would involve categorizing the claims based on the chemical structures, therapeutic applications, and pharmaceutical compositions[3].
Scope Concepts and Claim Charts
The scope concepts related to this patent can be categorized into high, medium, and low value based on their current and potential future relevance to the company. For example:
- High Value: Claims that directly relate to the current therapeutic applications and commercially viable products.
- Medium Value: Claims that indicate potential future directions, such as new therapeutic uses or modifications to existing compounds.
- Low Value: Claims that may not be worth maintaining due to lack of current or future relevance[3].
Using Claim Charts, such as those generated by ClaimScape® software, technical experts can review the claim coverage to determine gaps in current protection and identify future design opportunities.
Patent Landscape
Understanding the broader patent landscape is crucial for navigating the intellectual property environment.
Prior Art and Citation Data
The Common Citation Document (CCD) application can provide insights into prior art cited by various patent offices for the family members of this patent. This helps in visualizing the search results for the same invention produced by several offices on a single page[1].
International Patent Offices
To ensure global protection, it is essential to search for similar patents in other countries. Databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and others can be used to see if similar ideas have been patented abroad[1].
Related Patents and Patent Families
Analyzing the patent family for US7176211B2 using tools like the Global Dossier can reveal related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This includes access to file histories, classification, and citation data, which can help in understanding the broader patent landscape[1].
Statistical and Expert Insights
- Industry Impact: Patents like US7176211B2 have significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry, as they protect innovative treatments and therapies.
- Market Value: The expiration of such patents can open up market opportunities for generic versions of the drugs, potentially altering market dynamics.
- Expert Opinion: According to industry experts, "Understanding the scope and claims of a patent is crucial for both protecting intellectual property and identifying opportunities for innovation and market expansion"[3].
Example and Case Study
For instance, Neurocrine Biosciences Inc., the assignee of US7176211B2, has developed several GnRH receptor antagonists based on this patent. These compounds have been used in clinical trials and have shown promising results in treating conditions like endometriosis and benign prostatic hyperplasia. The expiration of this patent could lead to the development of generic versions of these drugs, which could expand access to these treatments.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: US7176211B2 covers a range of GnRH receptor antagonists and their therapeutic applications.
- Claim Analysis: A detailed claim analysis using tools like Claim Coverage Matrix and Claim Charts is essential for understanding the patent's protection scope.
- Patent Landscape: The broader patent landscape includes prior art, international patent offices, and related patent families.
- Industry Impact: The patent's expiration can have significant market implications, including the potential for generic drug development.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary focus of United States Patent 7,176,211?
A: The primary focus is on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) receptor antagonists and their therapeutic applications.
Q: Who is the assignee of this patent?
A: The assignee is Neurocrine Biosciences Inc.
Q: What is the current legal status of this patent?
A: The patent has expired.
Q: How can one analyze the claims of this patent effectively?
A: Using a Claim Coverage Matrix and Claim Charts can help in categorizing and analyzing the claims effectively.
Q: What are the implications of this patent's expiration for the pharmaceutical industry?
A: The expiration could lead to the development of generic versions of the drugs, potentially altering market dynamics and expanding access to these treatments.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Pharmacompass - US Patent 7176211: https://www.pharmacompass.com/us-patent-7176211
- SLWIP - Patent Analytics: https://www.slwip.com/services/patent-analytics/
- Google Patents - US7176211B2: https://patents.google.com/patent/US7176211B2/en
- Unified Patents Portal - US-7176211-B2: https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/US-9382214-B2
