Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 7,790,704: Thrombopoietin Mimetics
Introduction
United States Patent 7,790,704, titled "Thrombopoietin mimetics," is a patent that covers non-peptide thrombopoietin (TPO) mimetics, along with novel processes and intermediates used in their preparation. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background of Thrombopoietin Mimetics
Thrombopoietin (TPO) is a hormone that stimulates the production of platelets in the blood. TPO mimetics are compounds designed to mimic the biological activity of TPO, which is crucial for treating conditions associated with low platelet counts, such as thrombocytopenia.
Patent Overview
Publication Number and Authority
The patent in question is US7790704B2, issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)[4].
Prior Art and Legal Status
The patent lists several prior art keywords, including "oxo," "hydrazino," "ylidene," "dihydropyrazol," and "carboxylic acid." The legal status of the patent is listed as "Expired - Fee Related," indicating that the patent has expired due to non-payment of maintenance fees[4].
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims typically describe the composition of the TPO mimetics, their structural features, and the processes for their preparation.
- Claim 1: This claim typically defines the broadest scope of the invention, often describing the general structure of the non-peptide TPO mimetics.
- Claim 2-5: These claims may narrow down the scope by specifying particular structural elements or functional groups within the mimetics.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims build upon the independent claims, providing additional details or limitations. For example:
- Claim 6: This might specify a particular process step or intermediate used in the preparation of the TPO mimetics.
Scope of the Invention
The scope of the invention is defined by the claims and includes:
- Non-peptide TPO mimetics: These are compounds that mimic the biological activity of TPO but are not peptides.
- Novel processes: The patent covers new methods for preparing these mimetics, including specific intermediates and reaction steps.
- Intermediates: The invention also includes novel intermediates used in the synthesis of the TPO mimetics[4][5].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
The patent landscape for TPO mimetics includes other patents and applications that cover similar or related inventions. For instance, patent application US-20090176746-A1 also describes non-peptide TPO mimetics and their preparation processes[5].
Global Dossier and Patent Family
Using the Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO, one can identify the patent family for US7790704B2, which includes related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This helps in understanding the global reach and related filings of this patent[1].
Citation Data
The Common Citation Document (CCD) application can be used to consolidate prior art citations from multiple IP offices, providing a comprehensive view of the prior art landscape relevant to this patent[1].
Economic and Research Implications
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset can provide insights into the scope and claims of patents like US7790704B2. This dataset includes detailed information on claims from US patents and applications, which can be used to analyze trends and measurements of patent scope[3].
Economic Impact
The expiration of US7790704B2 due to non-payment of maintenance fees could have economic implications, such as opening up the market for generic or similar products. This can be analyzed using economic research datasets and studies conducted by the USPTO's Office of the Chief Economist[3].
Practical Considerations
Searching and Analyzing Patents
To conduct a thorough analysis of a patent like US7790704B2, one can use the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, which provides enhanced access to prior art and related patent documentation. Additionally, resources like the Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) and the USPTO Public Search Facility can be invaluable[1].
Legal and Policy Considerations
The study on a potential small claims patent court by the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS) highlights the complexities and considerations involved in patent litigation. This is particularly relevant for understanding the legal landscape and potential disputes related to patents like US7790704B2[2].
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The patent covers non-peptide TPO mimetics, novel processes, and intermediates.
- Claims Analysis: Independent and dependent claims define the scope and specific details of the invention.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape that includes related patents and applications.
- Economic Implications: The expiration of the patent can have significant economic impacts.
- Practical Considerations: Utilizing USPTO resources and understanding legal and policy considerations are crucial for thorough analysis.
FAQs
What is the main subject of United States Patent 7,790,704?
The main subject of US7790704B2 is non-peptide thrombopoietin (TPO) mimetics, along with novel processes and intermediates for their preparation.
Why is the legal status of US7790704B2 listed as "Expired - Fee Related"?
The patent has expired due to the non-payment of maintenance fees.
How can one identify related patents and applications for US7790704B2?
Using the Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO, one can identify the patent family and related applications filed at participating IP Offices.
What resources can be used to analyze the scope and claims of US7790704B2?
The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, Patent Claims Research Dataset, and resources like PTRCs and the USPTO Public Search Facility can be used.
What are the economic implications of the expiration of US7790704B2?
The expiration could open up the market for generic or similar products, potentially affecting the economic landscape related to TPO mimetics.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- ACUS - U.S. Patent Small Claims Court: https://www.acus.gov/research-projects/us-patent-small-claims-court
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - US7790704B2: https://patents.google.com/patent/US7790704B2/en
- Unified Patents - US-20090176746-A1: https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/US-20090176746-A1
