Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 9,216,174
Introduction
United States Patent 9,216,174, titled "Modulators of cellular adhesion," is a patent that deals with compounds and methods for modulating cellular adhesion. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication Details
- Publication Number: US9216174B2
- Publication Date: This patent was published on December 15, 2015, although the application was filed on September 1, 2011, as a continuation of earlier applications[5].
Inventors and Assignees
The patent lists the inventors and the assignees, which are crucial for understanding the ownership and the potential for licensing or litigation.
Claims Analysis
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 limitations.
- Independent Claims: These claims outline the core invention, such as the compounds, their structures, and their use in modulating cellular adhesion.
- Dependent Claims: These claims build upon the independent claims by specifying particular aspects, such as specific chemical moieties, dosages, or methods of administration.
Claim Scope
The claims in this patent are detailed and specific, covering various aspects of the modulators of cellular adhesion:
- Chemical Compounds: The patent claims specific chemical compounds and their derivatives that act as modulators of cellular adhesion.
- Methods of Use: Claims include methods for using these compounds in therapeutic applications, such as treating diseases related to cellular adhesion.
- Pharmaceutical Compositions: The patent also claims pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds and their use in various formulations[5].
Prior Art and Citation Analysis
Prior Art Keywords
The prior art keywords listed in the patent provide insight into the existing knowledge in the field at the time of the application. These include terms like "compound," "mmol," "aryl," "heteroaryl," and "moiety," indicating the chemical nature of the invention[5].
Citation Data
Using tools like the Common Citation Document (CCD) provided by the USPTO, one can consolidate the prior art cited by all participating offices for the family members of this patent application. This helps in understanding the global patent landscape and how this invention fits into it[1].
Patent Landscape
Global Patent Family
The patent is part of a global patent family, with applications filed in multiple jurisdictions. Tools like the Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO allow users to see the patent family for a specific application, including all related applications filed at participating IP Offices[1].
Competitor Analysis
Analyzing the patent landscape involves identifying competitors who may be working on similar inventions. This can be done by searching international patent offices such as the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)[1].
Legal Status and Litigation
Current Status
The legal status of the patent indicates whether it is active, expired, or under litigation. As of the current date, the status would need to be verified through official sources like the USPTO or Google Patents, which may indicate if the patent has expired or is still in force[5].
Litigation History
Checking for any litigation history involving this patent can provide insights into its validity and enforceability. For example, if the patent has been involved in infringement cases, this could impact its current status and future applications[2].
Economic and Market Impact
Market Relevance
The economic impact of this patent can be significant if the compounds and methods described are commercially viable and address a substantial market need. The therapeutic applications of modulators of cellular adhesion could be in high demand, especially in fields like oncology or immunology.
Licensing and Collaboration
The patent's value can also be leveraged through licensing agreements or collaborations with other companies. This can expand the reach of the invention and generate revenue for the patent holders.
Research and Development
Data and Statistics
Using datasets like the Patent Claims Research Dataset provided by the USPTO, researchers can analyze trends in patent claims and scope. This can help in understanding the broader research landscape and how this patent fits into it[3].
Future Directions
The research and development in the field of cellular adhesion modulators is ongoing. Analyzing this patent in the context of current research can help identify future directions and potential areas for innovation.
Conclusion
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The patent covers specific chemical compounds and methods for modulating cellular adhesion.
- Claims Analysis: Independent and dependent claims define the invention's scope, including chemical structures and therapeutic applications.
- Prior Art: The patent's prior art keywords and citation data provide context within the existing knowledge in the field.
- Global Patent Family: The patent is part of a global family with applications in multiple jurisdictions.
- Legal Status: The current legal status and any litigation history are crucial for understanding the patent's enforceability.
- Market Impact: The patent's economic impact depends on its commercial viability and market demand.
FAQs
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What is the main subject of United States Patent 9,216,174?
- The main subject is modulators of cellular adhesion, specifically chemical compounds and methods for their use.
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How can I search for similar patents globally?
- You can use tools like the Global Dossier service and searchable databases from international intellectual property offices such as the EPO, JPO, and WIPO[1].
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What is the significance of prior art in patent analysis?
- Prior art helps in understanding the existing knowledge in the field at the time of the patent application and how the invention differs from or builds upon this knowledge.
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How can I determine the current legal status of a patent?
- You can check the legal status through official sources like the USPTO or Google Patents, which provide up-to-date information on patent status[5].
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What are the potential economic impacts of this patent?
- The patent could have significant economic impacts if the described compounds and methods are commercially viable and address substantial market needs, particularly in therapeutic applications.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents
- US District Court Document - Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation vs. Sun Pharmaceuticals Industries Ltd.
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset
- U.S. Department of Commerce - U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
- Google Patents - US9216174B2 - Modulators of cellular adhesion
