Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 7,635,704
Introduction
United States Patent 7,635,704, titled "Stable crystal of 4-oxoquinoline compound," is a patent that delves into the development and characteristics of a specific crystal form of a 4-oxoquinoline compound. This analysis will explore the patent's scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
The patent, assigned to a specific applicant, focuses on a stable crystal form of a 4-oxoquinoline compound, particularly useful in pharmaceutical applications. Here is a brief overview of the patent:
Invention Description
The patent describes a stable crystal of 6-(3-chloro-2-fluorobenzyl)-1-[(S)-1-hydroxymethyl-2-methylpropyl]-7-methoxy-4-oxo-1,4-dihydroquinoline-3-carboxylic acid. This compound is noted for its inhibitory action on integrase, an essential enzyme for the growth of HIV, and thus shows anti-HIV effects[4].
Crystal Forms
The inventors identified that the compound exhibits crystal polymorphism and have isolated specific crystal forms, notably crystal form II and crystal form III, which are superior in physical and chemical stability. These forms are crucial for maintaining the quality of the compound over long periods and facilitating its use in pharmaceutical compositions[4].
Patent Claims
The claims of a patent define the scope of the invention and what is protected by the patent.
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that outline the specific aspects of the invention:
- Claim 1: This claim describes the stable crystal of the 4-oxoquinoline compound, specifying its particular crystal form and its physical and chemical stability.
- Claim 2: This claim covers the pharmaceutical composition comprising the stable crystal or mixed crystal of the compound.
- Claim 3: This claim details the method of producing the stable crystal, including the conditions and processes involved[4].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify and narrow down the scope of the independent claims. For example, they might detail specific properties of the crystal forms, such as their melting points or the methods of administration in pharmaceutical compositions.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is defined by its claims and the description provided in the specification.
Physical and Chemical Stability
The patent emphasizes the physical and chemical stability of the crystal forms, which is crucial for long-term preservation and handling during the production of pharmaceutical compositions. This stability is a key aspect of the invention, making it superior to other forms of the compound[4].
Pharmaceutical Applications
The patent highlights the compound's anti-HIV effects and its potential use in treating HIV and AIDS. The stable crystal forms are particularly beneficial for maintaining the quality of the compound in pharmaceutical preparations[4].
Patent Landscape
Understanding the broader patent landscape is essential for assessing the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention.
Prior Art
The patent landscape includes prior art related to 4-oxoquinoline compounds and their use in pharmaceuticals. The inventors have identified that their specific crystal forms are novel and provide advantages over previously known forms of the compound[4].
International Patent Databases
To ensure the novelty of the invention, one would need to 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].
Classification
The patent is classified under various categories, including A61K31/00 for medicinal preparations containing organic active ingredients and C07D215/48 for carbon atoms having three bonds to hetero atoms. These classifications help in identifying similar patents and prior art[4].
Search and Analysis Tools
Several tools and resources are available for conducting a thorough search and analysis of patents.
USPTO Resources
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) provides various resources such as the Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and the Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) to facilitate patent searches. These tools can help in identifying related patents and understanding the patent family of the invention[1].
Common Citation Document (CCD)
The Common Citation Document (CCD) application consolidates prior art cited by multiple patent offices, enabling a comprehensive view of the prior art landscape for the invention[1].
Legal and Policy Considerations
The legal and policy environment surrounding patents is crucial for understanding the implications of the patent.
Patent Quality and Scope
Debates over patent quality and scope, such as those discussed in the context of patent claims and their breadth, are relevant. Metrics like independent claim length and count can be used to measure patent scope and its impact on innovation and litigation costs[3].
Small Claims Patent Court
Proposals for a small claims patent court, as studied by the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS), could impact how patent disputes related to this invention are handled. Such a court could provide a more streamlined and cost-effective way to resolve patent disputes[5].
Key Takeaways
- Stable Crystal Forms: The patent focuses on stable crystal forms of a 4-oxoquinoline compound, which are crucial for pharmaceutical applications.
- Physical and Chemical Stability: The stability of these crystal forms is a key aspect of the invention.
- Pharmaceutical Applications: The compound has anti-HIV effects and is useful in treating HIV and AIDS.
- Patent Landscape: Understanding the broader patent landscape involves searching international databases and analyzing prior art.
- Legal and Policy Considerations: The patent's scope and quality are influenced by legal and policy debates, including potential reforms like a small claims patent court.
FAQs
Q1: What is the main focus of United States Patent 7,635,704?
The main focus is on the development and characteristics of stable crystal forms of a 4-oxoquinoline compound.
Q2: What are the benefits of the stable crystal forms described in the patent?
The stable crystal forms are superior in physical and chemical stability, facilitating long-term preservation and easy handling during the production of pharmaceutical compositions.
Q3: How does the patent contribute to pharmaceutical applications?
The patent contributes by providing a compound with anti-HIV effects, useful in treating HIV and AIDS.
Q4: What tools can be used to conduct a thorough search and analysis of patents related to this invention?
Tools such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and the Common Citation Document (CCD) application can be used.
Q5: How might legal and policy changes, such as a small claims patent court, impact this patent?
A small claims patent court could provide a more streamlined and cost-effective way to resolve patent disputes related to this invention.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- USA.gov - U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO): https://www.usa.gov/agencies/u-s-patent-and-trademark-office
- SSRN - Patent Claims and Patent Scope: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2844964
- Google Patents - US7635704B2: https://patents.google.com/patent/US7635704B2/en
- ACUS - U.S. Patent Small Claims Court: https://www.acus.gov/research-projects/us-patent-small-claims-court
