Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 8,642,075
Overview of the Patent
United States Patent 8,642,075, titled "Substituted Azole Compounds and Methods of Using the Same," is owned by Insmed Incorporated. This patent is part of a broader portfolio related to Amikacin Liposome Inhalation Suspension (ALIS or Arikayce®), a treatment for certain respiratory infections.
Patent Background
Product Context
The patent is associated with Arikayce®, a formulation of amikacin, an antibiotic, encapsulated in liposomes for inhalation. This product is designed to treat conditions such as nontuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung infections[2].
Scope of the Patent
Claims
The claims in U.S. Patent 8,642,075 are focused on various sets of substituted azole compounds. These compounds are described in detail, including their chemical structures and the methods for their synthesis. The claims assert protection for these compounds, which are part of a broader class of antimicrobial agents[5].
Specific Claims
- The patent includes claims that cover the composition of matter for the substituted azole compounds.
- It also includes method claims related to the use of these compounds for treating various infections.
- The claims are specific to the chemical structures and the therapeutic applications of these compounds, ensuring a broad yet targeted protection[5].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
Insmed Incorporated holds a series of patents related to Arikayce®, each covering different aspects of the product, including its composition, method of use, and manufacturing process. Here are some of the related patents:
- U.S. Patent No. 7,718,189: Covers earlier aspects of the amikacin liposome formulation.
- U.S. Patent No. 8,226,975: Provides additional protection for the formulation and its use.
- U.S. Patent No. 9,566,234: Extends the protection to include newer aspects of the formulation and its therapeutic applications[2].
Expiration Dates
Understanding the expiration dates of these patents is crucial for assessing the patent landscape:
- U.S. Patent No. 8,642,075: Expires on December 5, 2026.
- Other related patents have varying expiration dates, with some extending into the mid-2030s[2].
International Protection
Global Patent Family
The patent is part of a global patent family, with counterparts in various foreign jurisdictions. This ensures that the intellectual property is protected across multiple countries, aligning with international patent strategies.
- European Patent Office (EPO): Provides access to European patent databases through esp@cenet.
- Japan Patent Office (JPO): Offers machine translations of Japanese patents.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO): Facilitates global patent searches through PATENTSCOPE®[1].
Analytical Tools and Strategies
Patent Analytics
To fully understand the scope and claims of U.S. Patent 8,642,075, it is beneficial to use patent analytics tools. These tools help in categorizing patents by claims and scope concepts, making it easier to analyze large numbers of patent claims concurrently.
- Claim Coverage Matrix: Shows which patents and claims are actively protecting the intellectual property and where gaps or opportunities exist.
- Claim Charts: Generated by software like ClaimScape®, these charts help in reviewing patent coverage with technical experts and identifying areas for future design opportunities[3].
Search and Verification
Using USPTO Resources
To verify the details of U.S. Patent 8,642,075, one can use the resources provided by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
- Patent Public Search: A web-based tool that provides enhanced access to prior art and allows for detailed searches.
- Global Dossier: Offers access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, including the IP5 Offices[1].
Industry Trends and Impact
Technological Fields
The patent falls under the broader category of pharmaceutical and biotechnology patents, which are significant in the context of global patent trends.
- Electrical and Mechanical Engineering: While not directly related, these fields have seen significant growth in patent filings, indicating a broader trend in technological innovation[4].
Economic and Strategic Implications
The protection offered by U.S. Patent 8,642,075 is crucial for Insmed Incorporated's market position and revenue generation. The patent ensures exclusivity in the market for the specified period, allowing the company to recoup its investment in research and development.
"Patents are primary indicators of invention, providing valuable technological and geographic detail. The U.S. patenting system provides inventors with the exclusive right to make, use, or sell their invention..."[4]
Key Takeaways
- Specific Claims: U.S. Patent 8,642,075 covers specific substituted azole compounds and their therapeutic applications.
- Related Patents: Part of a broader portfolio related to Arikayce®, ensuring comprehensive protection.
- International Protection: Protected in multiple jurisdictions through a global patent family.
- Analytical Tools: Utilize patent analytics tools to understand the patent landscape and identify gaps or opportunities.
- Industry Trends: Reflects broader trends in pharmaceutical and biotechnology innovation.
FAQs
Q: What is the main subject of U.S. Patent 8,642,075?
A: The main subject is the protection of various sets of substituted azole compounds and their use in treating infections.
Q: How does this patent fit into the broader portfolio of Insmed Incorporated?
A: It is part of a series of patents related to Arikayce®, covering different aspects of the product.
Q: What are the expiration dates of the related patents?
A: The expiration dates vary, with U.S. Patent 8,642,075 expiring on December 5, 2026, and others extending into the mid-2030s.
Q: How can one verify the details of this patent?
A: Using USPTO resources such as Patent Public Search and Global Dossier.
Q: What is the significance of this patent in the context of global patent trends?
A: It reflects the broader trend in pharmaceutical and biotechnology innovation and is a key indicator of invention in these fields.
Sources
- USPTO: "Search for patents - USPTO"
- Insmed: "Program Patents - Insmed"
- SLWIP: "Patent Analytics | Intellectual Property Law"
- NCSES: "Invention: U.S. and Comparative Global Trends"
- DrugPatentWatch: "Drugs covered by patent 8,642,075. Claims, international patent ..."