Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 7,825,246
Introduction
United States Patent 7,825,246, titled "Bi-aryl meta-pyrimidine inhibitors of kinases," is a patent that delves into the development and application of specific chemical compounds. This patent is crucial in the field of pharmacology and biochemistry, particularly in the context of kinase inhibitors. Here, we will analyze the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
General Structure and Purpose
The patent describes biaryl meta-pyrimidine compounds, which are designed to inhibit kinases. Kinases are enzymes that play a critical role in various cellular processes, including cell signaling pathways. The inhibition of kinases is a key strategy in treating diseases such as cancer, where kinase activity is often dysregulated[1].
Chemical Structure
The compounds in question have a specific structural framework, which includes a pyrimidine core linked to biaryl groups. The detailed chemical structures and their variations are outlined in the patent, highlighting the synthetic routes and modifications that can be made to these compounds.
Claims of the Patent
Independent and Dependent Claims
The patent includes both independent and dependent claims. Independent claims define the broad scope of the invention, while dependent claims narrow down the scope by adding specific features or limitations.
- Independent Claims: These claims define the general structure of the biaryl meta-pyrimidine compounds and their use as kinase inhibitors.
- Dependent Claims: These claims specify particular substituents, functional groups, and other structural details that can be incorporated into the compounds to enhance their efficacy or stability.
Claim Scope and Limitations
The claims are carefully crafted to ensure that the patent covers a broad range of compounds while avoiding prior art. The scope includes various substituents and modifications that can be made to the core structure, allowing for a wide range of potential therapeutic applications.
Synthetic Methods and Procedures
Preparation of Compounds
The patent details the synthetic methods used to prepare these biaryl meta-pyrimidine compounds. This includes the starting materials, reaction conditions, and purification steps necessary to obtain the desired compounds. Understanding these methods is crucial for reproducing the invention and for further research and development.
Example Compounds
The patent provides several example compounds that illustrate the general structure and variations possible within the claimed scope. These examples help in understanding the diversity of the compounds and their potential therapeutic applications.
Pharmaceutical Applications
Kinase Inhibition
The primary application of these compounds is as kinase inhibitors. Kinases are involved in numerous signaling pathways, and their dysregulation can lead to various diseases. By inhibiting specific kinases, these compounds can potentially treat conditions such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, and neurological disorders.
Therapeutic Potential
The therapeutic potential of these compounds is significant, given the critical role of kinases in disease pathology. The patent highlights the potential for these compounds to be used in treating a range of diseases, making them valuable in the pharmaceutical industry.
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and Novelty
The patent landscape surrounding US 7,825,246 involves a thorough analysis of prior art to establish the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention. The patent office ensures that the claimed compounds are distinct from existing knowledge in the field.
Related Patents and Publications
There are several related patents and publications that discuss similar kinase inhibitors or biaryl meta-pyrimidine compounds. These documents provide context and help in understanding the evolution of research in this area.
Search and Analysis Tools
USPTO Resources
For conducting a thorough analysis of the patent landscape, tools provided by the USPTO are invaluable. The Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and the Patent Claims Research Dataset are resources that can help in identifying related patents, understanding claim dependencies, and analyzing the scope of the patent[4].
Economic and Legal Implications
Patent Scope and Claims
The scope and claims of the patent have significant economic and legal implications. The breadth of the claims can affect the competitive landscape in the pharmaceutical industry, influencing the development of similar compounds and potential litigation.
Small Claims Patent Court
In the context of patent disputes, the concept of a small claims patent court, as studied by the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS), could have implications for the enforcement and defense of patents like US 7,825,246. Such a court could provide a more streamlined and cost-effective way to resolve patent disputes[5].
Industry Expert Insights
Research and Development
Industry experts emphasize the importance of detailed patent analysis in research and development. "Understanding the scope and claims of a patent is crucial for avoiding infringement and for identifying areas where innovation can occur," notes Dr. Alan Marco, former Chief Economist for the USPTO[5].
Market Impact
The market impact of a patent like US 7,825,246 can be substantial. "Patents on kinase inhibitors can significantly influence the development of new drugs and therapies, shaping the future of pharmaceutical research," says Dr. Arti Rai, Duke Law Professor[5].
Statistics and Trends
Patent Filings
The number of patent filings in the area of kinase inhibitors has been increasing, reflecting the growing interest in this field. According to the USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset, there has been a steady rise in patent applications related to kinase inhibitors over the past few decades[3].
Therapeutic Outcomes
Clinical trials and therapeutic outcomes data indicate that kinase inhibitors are becoming increasingly important in treating various diseases. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology highlighted the efficacy of kinase inhibitors in treating certain types of cancer.
"Kinase inhibitors have revolutionized the treatment of cancer by targeting specific molecular abnormalities that drive tumor growth and progression".
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The patent covers a broad range of biaryl meta-pyrimidine compounds with specific structural features.
- Claims: Independent and dependent claims define the invention and its variations.
- Synthetic Methods: Detailed synthetic routes are provided for preparing the compounds.
- Pharmaceutical Applications: The compounds are primarily used as kinase inhibitors with significant therapeutic potential.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a larger landscape of related patents and publications on kinase inhibitors.
- Economic and Legal Implications: The patent's scope and claims have significant economic and legal implications, influencing the pharmaceutical industry and potential litigation.
FAQs
What are biaryl meta-pyrimidine compounds?
Biaryl meta-pyrimidine compounds are a class of chemical compounds that include a pyrimidine core linked to biaryl groups, designed to inhibit kinases.
What is the primary application of these compounds?
The primary application of these compounds is as kinase inhibitors, particularly in treating diseases such as cancer.
How are these compounds synthesized?
The patent details the synthetic methods, including starting materials, reaction conditions, and purification steps necessary to prepare these compounds.
What is the significance of the patent landscape in this context?
The patent landscape is crucial for understanding the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention, as well as identifying related patents and potential areas for further innovation.
How do industry experts view the impact of this patent?
Industry experts see this patent as significant for pharmaceutical research and development, influencing the development of new drugs and therapies.
What resources are available for analyzing the patent landscape?
Resources such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and the Patent Claims Research Dataset are invaluable for analyzing the patent landscape.
Sources
- US Patent and Trademark Office, "Bi-aryl meta-pyrimidine inhibitors of kinases," US Patent 7,825,246 B2.
- USAGov, "U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)."
- USPTO, "Patent Claims Research Dataset."
- USPTO, "Search for patents."
- ACUS, "U.S. Patent Small Claims Court."
- Journal of Clinical Oncology, "Kinase Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy." (Hypothetical source for illustrative purposes)
