United States Patent 9,216,179: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 9,216,179, titled "Treatment of gout and hyperuricemia," is a significant patent in the medical field, particularly in the treatment of gout, a common form of inflammatory arthritis. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background of Gout and Hyperuricemia
Gout is a chronic condition characterized by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, leading to painful joint inflammation. It is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis in men over the age of 40 and represents a significant unmet medical need with limited treatment options[4].
Patent Overview
Publication Number and Authority
The patent, US9216179B2, was granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and is currently active, although it is set to expire based on its filing and grant dates[4].
Prior Art and Related Patents
The patent builds on prior art related to gout treatment, including compounds and methods that have been previously explored. The prior art keywords listed include terms like "gout," "ylthio," "triazol," and "bromo," indicating the chemical nature of the invention[4].
Scope of the Invention
Claims
The patent includes multiple claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims typically describe the specific compounds, methods of treatment, and dosages involved in treating gout and hyperuricemia. Here are some key aspects:
- Compounds: The patent describes specific chemical compounds designed to reduce uric acid levels in the body, thereby alleviating gout symptoms.
- Methods of Treatment: The claims outline the methods of administering these compounds, including dosage regimens and treatment protocols.
- Therapeutic Uses: The invention is specifically aimed at treating gout and hyperuricemia, with potential applications in other related conditions[4].
Patent Claims Analysis
Claim Structure
Patent claims are crucial as they define the legal boundaries of the invention. For US9216179B2, the claims are structured to cover both the compounds themselves and the methods of using them. Here’s a breakdown:
- Independent Claims: These claims stand alone and define the broadest scope of the invention. They typically describe the core compounds and methods.
- Dependent Claims: These claims build upon the independent claims, adding additional limitations or specifics that narrow the scope but provide further protection[4].
Claim Clarity and Quality
The clarity and quality of patent claims are essential for ensuring that the patent is enforceable and that it meets statutory requirements. The USPTO has emphasized the importance of clear and concise claims, as broadly worded claims can complicate the examination process and lead to patents that do not meet statutory requirements[1].
Patent Landscape and Eligibility
Patent-Eligible Subject Matter
The patentability of medical treatments, including those for gout, is governed by Section 101 of the Patent Act. This section defines patent-eligible subject matter as "any new and useful process, machine, manufacture, or composition of matter"[5].
- Judicial Developments: Recent judicial decisions, such as those in the Alice/Mayo framework, have narrowed the scope of patent-eligible subject matter, particularly for methods and processes. However, medical treatments involving specific compounds and methods generally fall within the eligible categories[5].
Impact of Alice/Mayo Framework
The Alice/Mayo framework has had significant implications for patent eligibility, especially in fields like AI and biotechnology. However, for medical treatments like those described in US9216179B2, the framework is less likely to pose a barrier to patentability since these inventions typically involve tangible compounds and specific methods of treatment[5].
Economic and Innovation Impact
Market Need and Unmet Medical Needs
Gout and hyperuricemia represent significant unmet medical needs, and innovative treatments can have a substantial impact on patient care and market demand. Patents like US9216179B2 incentivize innovation by providing exclusive rights to the inventors, allowing them to recoup their investment in research and development[4].
Stakeholder Views
Stakeholders, including legal associations, industry organizations, and patient advocacy groups, have varying views on patent policy. While some argue that current patent eligibility standards help innovation, others express concerns about the impact on emerging technologies and medical treatments. The USPTO's 2019 Guidance aimed to clarify these standards, particularly for AI and computer-related inventions, but its impact on medical patents is more nuanced[5].
Conclusion
The United States Patent 9,216,179 is a critical invention in the treatment of gout and hyperuricemia, offering new compounds and methods that address a significant medical need. The patent's scope and claims are carefully defined to ensure clarity and enforceability, aligning with USPTO guidelines and judicial standards.
Key Takeaways
- Specific Compounds and Methods: The patent describes specific chemical compounds and treatment protocols for gout and hyperuricemia.
- Patent Eligibility: The invention falls within the categories of patent-eligible subject matter under Section 101 of the Patent Act.
- Impact of Judicial Decisions: The Alice/Mayo framework has less direct impact on medical treatment patents compared to other fields.
- Market and Innovation: The patent addresses an unmet medical need and incentivizes further innovation in the field.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of the United States Patent 9,216,179?
A: The main focus is on the treatment of gout and hyperuricemia using specific chemical compounds and methods.
Q: How does the patent align with Section 101 of the Patent Act?
A: The patent involves new and useful compositions of matter and methods, which are within the categories of patent-eligible subject matter under Section 101.
Q: What is the impact of the Alice/Mayo framework on this patent?
A: The Alice/Mayo framework has less direct impact on this medical treatment patent since it involves tangible compounds and specific methods of treatment.
Q: Why is patent clarity important for US9216179B2?
A: Clear and concise claims are essential for ensuring the patent is enforceable and meets statutory requirements, avoiding issues during the examination process.
Q: How does this patent contribute to innovation in medical treatments?
A: By providing exclusive rights to the inventors, the patent incentivizes further research and development in treating gout and hyperuricemia, addressing an unmet medical need.
Sources
- GAO Report: Intellectual Property: Patent Office Should Define Quality, Reassess Incentives, and Improve Clarity. GAO-16-490, June 30, 2016.
- USAGov: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
- USPTO Dataset: Patent Claims Research Dataset.
- Google Patents: US9216179B2 - Treatment of gout and hyperuricemia.
- CRS Report: Patent-Eligible Subject Matter Reform: An Overview. January 3, 2024.
