Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 8,658,643
Introduction
United States Patent 8,658,643, titled "Pyrimidinyl pyridazinone derivatives," is a patent that protects a specific class of chemical compounds. To delve into the details of this patent, it is crucial to analyze its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape in which it resides.
Patent Overview
The patent in question, US8658643B2, was granted to protect compounds of a particular formula that inhibit, regulate, and/or modulate signal transduction by Met kinase. Here is a brief overview of the patent:
Publication Details
- Publication Number: US8658643B2
- Filing Date: The application was filed on July 5, 2012, as indicated by the application number US13/565,914[4].
Technical Background
The patent pertains to pyrimidinyl pyridazinone derivatives, which are compounds used in the field of pharmaceuticals, specifically in the context of cancer treatment and other diseases related to Met kinase activity.
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims are critical as they delineate what is protected under the patent.
- Claim 1: Typically, the first independent claim is the broadest and sets the foundation for the invention. For US8658643B2, Claim 1 would describe the general structure of the pyrimidinyl pyridazinone derivatives, including the essential chemical groups and their arrangements[4].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow down the scope of the invention by adding additional features or limitations to the independent claims.
- Claim 2-10: These claims would specify various subsets of the compounds, such as specific substituents, functional groups, or pharmacological properties. Each dependent claim builds upon the preceding claim, providing a more detailed description of the protected compounds[4].
Scope of the Invention
The scope of the patent is defined by the claims and the detailed description provided in the specification.
Chemical Structure
The patent protects compounds of a specific chemical structure, which includes a pyrimidinyl ring linked to a pyridazinone ring. The claims specify the allowable variations in the chemical structure, such as different substituents and functional groups[4].
Pharmaceutical Use
The compounds are intended for use in pharmaceutical applications, particularly in treating diseases associated with Met kinase activity. This includes various types of cancer and other metabolic disorders.
Patent Landscape
To understand the position of US8658643B2 within the broader patent landscape, it is essential to consider several factors:
Technology Field
The patent falls under the "Drugs and Medical Instruments" field, one of the most competitive and rapidly evolving areas in patent law. This field has seen a significant decrease in patent allowance rates over the years, particularly due to the stringent examination processes and the high volume of applications[1].
Continuation Procedures
In the context of patent prosecution, continuation procedures are often used to extend the life of a patent application or to pursue additional claims. For patents in the "Drugs and Medical Instruments" field, continuation procedures are common, with about 31% of progenitor applications utilizing at least one continuation procedure[1].
Data Sources
For researchers and analysts, databases like PatentsView and the USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provide valuable insights into patent trends and statistics. These datasets include detailed information on claims, claim-level statistics, and document-level statistics, which can be used to analyze the scope and impact of patents like US8658643B2[2][3].
Economic and Legal Implications
The granting of a patent like US8658643B2 has significant economic and legal implications:
Market Exclusivity
The patent grants the holder exclusive rights to manufacture, use, and sell the protected compounds for a specified period, typically 20 years from the filing date. This exclusivity can provide a competitive advantage in the market.
Licensing and Collaboration
Patent holders often license their inventions to other companies or collaborate in research and development. This can lead to further innovation and the development of new treatments.
Litigation
Patents in the pharmaceutical sector are frequently involved in litigation, particularly regarding infringement and validity. The scope and claims of the patent are crucial in such legal disputes.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: US8658643B2 protects specific pyrimidinyl pyridazinone derivatives with defined chemical structures and pharmaceutical uses.
- Claims Analysis: The patent includes independent and dependent claims that delineate the protected compounds and their variations.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of the highly competitive "Drugs and Medical Instruments" field, with stringent examination processes and frequent use of continuation procedures.
- Economic and Legal Implications: The patent grants market exclusivity, influences licensing and collaboration, and can be involved in litigation.
FAQs
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What is the primary use of the compounds protected by US8658643B2?
- The compounds are primarily used in pharmaceutical applications, particularly in treating diseases associated with Met kinase activity.
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How long does a patent like US8658643B2 typically remain in force?
- A patent typically remains in force for 20 years from the filing date of the application.
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What databases can be used to analyze the scope and impact of US8658643B2?
- Databases such as PatentsView and the USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset can be used to analyze the scope and impact of the patent.
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Why is the "Drugs and Medical Instruments" field considered competitive in patent law?
- This field is highly competitive due to the stringent examination processes and the high volume of patent applications, leading to a lower allowance rate over time.
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What are continuation procedures in patent prosecution, and how common are they in the "Drugs and Medical Instruments" field?
- Continuation procedures are used to extend the life of a patent application or to pursue additional claims. About 31% of progenitor applications in the "Drugs and Medical Instruments" field utilize at least one continuation procedure.
Sources
- Carley, M., Hegde, D., & Marco, A. (2015). What Is the Probability of Receiving a US Patent? Yale Journal of Law & Technology, 17, 203.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2024). Claims Downloads. PatentsView.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2017). Patent Claims Research Dataset. USPTO Economic Research.
- US8658643B2 - Pyrimidinyl pyridazinone derivatives. (n.d.). Google Patents.