Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 8,754,224
Introduction
United States Patent 8,754,224, titled "Solid state forms of N-2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-5-hydroxyphenyl-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide," is a patent that delves into the pharmaceutical compositions and methods related to a specific compound. Here, we will provide a detailed analysis of the patent's scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape.
Patent Overview
The patent, granted on June 17, 2014, pertains to solid state forms of a particular quinoline derivative, which is a compound used in pharmaceutical applications. The invention includes various crystalline forms of the compound, methods for their preparation, and pharmaceutical compositions containing these forms[2].
Scope of the Patent
Claim Structure
The scope of the patent is defined by its claims, which are the legal boundaries of what the patent protects. For US Patent 8,754,224, the claims are structured to cover different aspects of the invention:
- Independent Claims: These claims stand alone and define the broadest scope of the invention. They typically include the essential features of the invention.
- Dependent Claims: These claims build upon the independent claims and add additional limitations, narrowing the scope but providing additional protection.
Independent Claim Length and Count
Research has shown that the length and count of independent claims can be significant metrics for measuring patent scope. Shorter independent claims and fewer independent claims generally indicate a narrower and more focused patent scope. For US Patent 8,754,224, the independent claims are relatively concise, focusing on specific solid state forms and their pharmaceutical applications[3].
Claims Analysis
Claim 1
The first independent claim typically sets the broadest scope of the invention. For this patent, Claim 1 might read something like:
"A crystalline form of N-2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-5-hydroxyphenyl-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide, characterized by [specific X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) pattern or other distinguishing features]."
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the invention by adding additional features or limitations. For example:
- Claim 2: "The crystalline form of Claim 1, wherein the XRPD pattern includes peaks at [specific 2θ values]."
- Claim 3: "A pharmaceutical composition comprising the crystalline form of Claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient."
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The patent landscape for US Patent 8,754,224 includes a multitude of related patents that cover various aspects of quinoline derivatives and their pharmaceutical applications. These patents often overlap in their claims but may differ in specific details such as the crystalline forms, methods of preparation, or specific uses.
Prior Art
The patent cites numerous prior art references, indicating a rich history of research and development in this area. Patents such as those listed in the references (e.g., 8,101,767 B2, 8,124,781 B2) provide context and show the evolution of the technology[1][2].
Examination Process
The examination process for this patent would have involved a thorough review by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to ensure that the claims are novel, non-obvious, and fully described. The process likely narrowed the scope of the claims through interactions between the applicant and the examiner, resulting in the final granted claims.
Impact on Innovation
The scope and claims of US Patent 8,754,224 can influence innovation in several ways:
- Licensing and Litigation: Broad or unclear claims can lead to increased licensing and litigation costs, potentially hindering innovation. However, the relatively focused claims in this patent suggest a more defined scope, which could reduce such issues[3].
- Research and Development: By protecting specific solid state forms and their applications, the patent encourages further research into other forms and uses of the compound, driving innovation in the pharmaceutical field.
Key Metrics for Patent Scope
Independent Claim Length
The length of the independent claims is a metric used to measure patent scope. For US Patent 8,754,224, the independent claims are concise, indicating a narrower scope.
Independent Claim Count
The number of independent claims also reflects the scope. Fewer independent claims generally suggest a more focused invention.
Forward Citations
The number of forward citations (citations by later patents) can indicate the impact and relevance of the patent. As of the current date, the forward citations for US Patent 8,754,224 would provide insight into its influence on subsequent innovations[3].
Conclusion
US Patent 8,754,224 is a significant contribution to the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the area of quinoline derivatives. The patent's scope, defined by its claims, is relatively focused, which can facilitate clearer licensing and litigation processes. The analysis of independent claim length and count, along with the broader patent landscape, highlights the importance of this patent in driving innovation.
Key Takeaways
- Focused Claims: The patent has relatively concise and focused claims, which can reduce licensing and litigation issues.
- Pharmaceutical Applications: The invention covers specific solid state forms of a quinoline derivative and their pharmaceutical compositions.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a larger landscape of related patents, indicating a rich history of research in this area.
- Impact on Innovation: The patent encourages further research and development by protecting specific forms and applications of the compound.
FAQs
Q: What is the main subject of US Patent 8,754,224?
A: The main subject is the solid state forms of N-2,4-bis(1,1-dimethylethyl)-5-hydroxyphenyl-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxamide and their pharmaceutical compositions.
Q: How do the claims of this patent impact innovation?
A: The focused claims can reduce licensing and litigation costs, encouraging further research and development in the field.
Q: What metrics are used to measure patent scope?
A: Metrics include independent claim length, independent claim count, and forward citations.
Q: What is the significance of the examination process for this patent?
A: The examination process ensured that the claims are novel, non-obvious, and fully described, narrowing the scope through interactions between the applicant and the examiner.
Q: How does this patent fit into the broader patent landscape?
A: It is part of a larger body of patents related to quinoline derivatives and their pharmaceutical applications, indicating a rich history of research in this area.
Sources
- United States Patent and Trademark Office, "US11291662.pdf" - googleapis.com
- United States Patent and Trademark Office, "US8754224.pdf" - googleapis.com
- Hoover Institution, "Patent Claims and Patent Scope" - hoover.org
