Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 7,601,746
Introduction
United States Patent 7,601,746, titled "Compounds exhibiting thrombopoietin receptor agonism," is a patent that has significant implications in the field of biomedical research and pharmaceuticals. This patent, issued to inventors who developed compounds that agonize the thrombopoietin receptor, is crucial for understanding platelet production and related medical treatments. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication Number and Authority
The patent in question is US7601746B2, issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)[4].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of a patent defines the boundaries of what is protected by the patent. For US7601746B2, the scope is centered around compounds that exhibit thrombopoietin receptor agonism.
Thrombopoietin Receptor Agonism
Thrombopoietin is a hormone that stimulates the production of platelets in the blood. Compounds that agonize this receptor can potentially increase platelet production, which is beneficial in treating conditions such as thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)[4].
Claims of the Patent
The claims section of a patent is the most critical part, as it defines the legal boundaries of the invention.
Independent and Dependent Claims
The patent includes both independent and dependent claims. Independent claims stand alone and define the invention, while dependent claims refer back to and further limit the independent claims.
- Independent Claims: These claims describe the core invention, such as the method for modifying platelet production in a mammal by administering specific compounds[4].
- Dependent Claims: These claims provide additional details and limitations, such as the specific chemical structures of the compounds and their effects on thrombopoietin receptors.
Claim Language and Scope
Research has shown that the language and structure of patent claims can significantly impact the patent's scope and validity. Metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count can be used to measure patent scope. For US7601746B2, the claims are detailed and specific, indicating a well-defined scope that is less likely to be overly broad or ambiguous[3].
Chemical Compounds and Their Effects
The patent describes a variety of chemical compounds that exhibit thrombopoietin receptor agonism.
Chemical Groups and Structures
The compounds include various chemical groups such as alkyloxy, phenyl, and halogen groups. These specific structures are crucial for the agonistic effect on the thrombopoietin receptor[4].
Biological Effects
The compounds are designed to increase platelet production, which can be beneficial in medical treatments. The patent details the effects of these compounds, including their ability to exhibit agonism on thrombopoietin receptors[4].
Patent Landscape
Understanding the broader patent landscape is essential for assessing the significance and potential impact of US7601746B2.
Prior Art and Citations
The patent cites prior art related to thrombopoietin receptors and platelet production. This indicates that the inventors built upon existing knowledge to develop their specific compounds and methods[4].
International Patent Databases
To fully understand the global implications, one must search international patent databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)[1].
Patent Family and Global Dossier
Using tools like the Global Dossier, one can view the patent family for this application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This helps in identifying the global reach and status of the patent[1].
Legal Status and Expiration
As of the current date, the legal status of US7601746B2 is important for determining its enforceability.
- Expiration: The patent has expired, which means that the protected compounds and methods are now in the public domain[4].
Impact on Innovation and Industry
The expiration of this patent can have significant implications for innovation and industry.
- Public Domain: With the patent expired, other researchers and companies can now use and build upon the protected compounds and methods without needing to obtain a license or face litigation[4].
- Future Research: The public domain status can spur further research and development in the field of thrombopoietin receptor agonism, potentially leading to new treatments and therapies.
Key Takeaways
- Specific Claims: The patent includes detailed and specific claims that define the scope of the invention.
- Chemical Compounds: The invention involves specific chemical compounds that agonize the thrombopoietin receptor.
- Biological Effects: These compounds are designed to increase platelet production.
- Expired Status: The patent has expired, making the protected inventions public domain.
- Global Implications: Understanding the global patent landscape is crucial for assessing the full impact of this patent.
FAQs
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What is the main invention described in US7601746B2?
The main invention is compounds that exhibit thrombopoietin receptor agonism, which can increase platelet production.
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What are the key components of the claims in this patent?
The claims include independent and dependent claims that describe the method of administering specific compounds to modify platelet production.
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Why is the scope of a patent important?
The scope defines the legal boundaries of what is protected by the patent, ensuring clarity and preventing overly broad or ambiguous claims.
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How does the expiration of this patent affect its use?
With the patent expired, the protected compounds and methods are now in the public domain, allowing others to use and build upon them without needing a license.
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What tools can be used to search for related patents globally?
Tools like the Global Dossier, European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) databases can be used to search for related patents globally[1].
