Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 8,173,663
Introduction
United States Patent 8,173,663, titled "Dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors," is a patent that has significant implications in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the development of treatments for diabetes and other metabolic disorders. This analysis will delve into the scope and claims of this patent, as well as the broader patent landscape surrounding dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP) inhibitors.
Patent Overview
Publication Details
- Patent Number: US8173663B2
- Publication Date: February 8, 2011
- Assignee: Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited
- Inventors: Various inventors associated with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited[4].
Scope and Claims
Claim Structure
The patent includes a series of claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims are categorized into independent and dependent claims.
- Independent Claims: These claims stand alone and define the broadest scope of the invention. For example, Claim 1 describes a compound of a specific chemical structure, which is a dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitor[4].
- Dependent Claims: These claims are narrower and depend on the independent claims. They provide additional details or specific embodiments of the invention.
Claim Metrics
Research has shown that the length and count of independent claims can be indicative of the patent's scope. A study suggests that narrower claims at publication are associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process[3].
Claim Language
The claims in US8173663B2 are detailed and specific, outlining the chemical structures and properties of the dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors. For instance, the claims describe compounds with particular phenyl, alkyl, and amino group configurations[4].
Patent Landscape Analysis
Technological Domain
Patent landscape analysis is crucial for understanding the technological domain of DPP inhibitors. This analysis involves mapping patents to identify key players, trends, and potential risks.
- Competitors: Companies like Merck, Novartis, and Eli Lilly are also active in the DPP inhibitor space, with their own patents and developments[5].
- Market Developments: The landscape includes information on mergers and acquisitions, licensing agreements, and litigation activities. For example, Takeda's strategic partnerships and licensing agreements can be identified through patent landscape reports[5].
Legal Status and Expiry Dates
Understanding the legal status and expected expiry dates of patents is vital for strategic planning.
- Legal Status: The patent US8173663B2 is currently active but will expire based on its legal status and term extension, if any[4].
- Expected Expiry Dates: Knowing the expiry dates helps in planning for generic competition or potential licensing opportunities[5].
Global Patent Family
The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO allows users to view the patent family for a specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This can help in understanding the global reach and protection of the invention[1].
International Patent Search
To ensure the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention, it is essential to conduct an international patent search.
- European Patent Office (EPO): Using databases like esp@cenet, one can search for similar patents in Europe[1].
- Japan Patent Office (JPO): Machine translations of Japanese patents can be accessed to identify any prior art in Japan[1].
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO): The PATENTSCOPE® Search Service provides a full-text search of published international patent applications, which can be useful for global patent searches[1].
Search Tools and Resources
Several tools and resources are available for conducting a comprehensive patent search:
- Patent Public Search: This tool provides enhanced access to prior art and is a powerful resource for searching U.S. patents[1].
- Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs): These centers offer local search resources and training in patent search techniques[1].
- Common Citation Document (CCD): This application consolidates citation data from participating IP Offices, helping to visualize search results on a single page[1].
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The scope of US8173663B2 is defined by its claims, which are specific and detailed, indicating a focused invention.
- Patent Landscape: The landscape analysis reveals a competitive technological domain with multiple players, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and continuous monitoring.
- Global Protection: Understanding the global patent family and legal status is crucial for managing intellectual property rights.
- Search Tools: Utilizing advanced search tools and resources is essential for conducting thorough patent searches.
FAQs
What is the main subject of United States Patent 8,173,663?
The main subject of US8173663B2 is dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors, which are compounds used in the treatment of diabetes and other metabolic disorders.
How can I determine the scope of a patent?
The scope of a patent is determined by its claims, which can be analyzed using metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count.
What is patent landscape analysis, and why is it important?
Patent landscape analysis is a process that uses computer tools and human intelligence to analyze and organize patent data. It is important for understanding the technological domain, identifying competitors, and making strategic business decisions.
Where can I find information on the global patent family of a specific patent?
The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO allows users to view the patent family for a specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices.
What tools are available for conducting a comprehensive patent search?
Tools such as Patent Public Search, Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs), and the Common Citation Document (CCD) application are available for conducting comprehensive patent searches.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Regulations.gov - Patent Term Extension Application for NESINA®: https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FDA-2014-E-0154
- SSRN - Patent Claims and Patent Scope: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2844964
- Google Patents - US8173663B2 - Dipeptidyl peptidase inhibitors: https://patents.google.com/patent/US8173663B2/en
- Sagacious Research - Navigating Technological Domains with Patent Landscape Analysis: https://sagaciousresearch.com/blog/navigating-technological-domains-with-patent-landscape-analysis/
