United States Patent 9,309,234: A Detailed Analysis of Scope and Claims
Introduction
United States Patent 9,309,234, titled "Opioid receptor ligands and methods of using and making same," was granted on April 12, 2016, to Trevena, Inc. This patent is significant in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the treatment of pain and other conditions through opioid receptor ligands.
Background and Inventors
The patent was invented by a team of researchers including Dennis Yamashita, Dimitar Gotchev, Philip Pitis, Xiao-Tao Chen, Guodong Liu, and Catherine C. K. Yuan. The assignee is Trevena, Inc., a company based in King of Prussia, PA[1][4].
Scope of the Patent
The patent describes compounds that act as opioid receptor ligands. These compounds are designed for the treatment of pain and other conditions associated with opioid receptors. The scope includes the synthesis, use, and application of these compounds in various therapeutic contexts.
Therapeutic Applications
The compounds covered by this patent are intended for use in treating pain, which is a significant area of medical need. The opioid receptor ligands can modulate the activity of opioid receptors, providing potential therapeutic benefits without some of the adverse effects associated with traditional opioids[1][4].
Claims Analysis
The patent includes a series of claims that define the scope of protection for the invented compounds and methods.
Independent Claims
The patent includes independent claims that broadly define the compounds and their uses. These claims are crucial as they set the boundaries of what is protected under the patent. For example, Claim 1 might describe a specific chemical structure of the opioid receptor ligand, while Claim 2 might describe a method of using this ligand for pain treatment[1][4].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims build upon the independent claims, providing additional specificity and narrowing down the scope. These claims can include variations in the chemical structure, different methods of synthesis, or specific therapeutic applications. The strategic management of these dependent claims is essential to ensure comprehensive protection of the invention[5].
Patent Landscape
Understanding the patent landscape is crucial for assessing the value and impact of this patent.
Related Patents and Applications
This patent is part of a series of related applications and patents filed by Trevena, Inc. It is a continuation of earlier applications, such as application No. 13/964,505, which is now Pat. No. 9,044,469. This indicates a robust and evolving intellectual property strategy by the company[1].
Claim Coverage and Scope Concepts
To fully analyze the patent landscape, it is important to categorize the patents and claims by scope concepts. This approach, as described in patent analytics, helps in identifying gaps and opportunities in the intellectual property portfolio. The Claim Coverage Matrix and Claim Charts can be used to review and analyze the patent coverage, ensuring that the technology intended to be protected is adequately covered[3].
Strategic Claim Management
The management of claims within this patent is critical for maximizing its value.
Optimizing Claim Structure
The initial patent application filing fee covers up to 3 independent claims and a total of 20 claims. Strategically managing these claims to ensure that the full quota is utilized can enhance the patent’s breadth and flexibility. This involves consolidating dependent claims into broader independent claims and adding new dependent claims for every claim that is canceled[5].
Commercial and Defensive Value
Each claim in the patent application can be seen as a unique tool for protecting different facets of the invention. By ensuring that the patent utilizes its full complement of claims, Trevena, Inc. can secure more robust and nuanced protection. This not only enhances the patent’s defensive capabilities but also its value in potential licensing discussions or infringement disputes[5].
Economic and Legal Implications
The economic and legal implications of this patent are significant.
Market Impact
The compounds described in this patent have the potential to address a significant medical need, which could lead to substantial market impact. Effective claim management ensures that the company can protect its innovation comprehensively, thereby maintaining a competitive edge in the market[5].
Legal Considerations
The legal status of the patent is active, indicating that it is currently enforceable. However, the legal landscape around patents is complex, and continuous monitoring and adjustment of claims may be necessary to align with USPTO requirements and to maintain the patent’s validity[4].
Conclusion
United States Patent 9,309,234 is a critical piece of intellectual property for Trevena, Inc., offering significant therapeutic potential in the treatment of pain. The strategic management of its claims, understanding the related patent landscape, and optimizing the claim structure are all essential for maximizing the patent’s value and defensive capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- Therapeutic Applications: The patent covers opioid receptor ligands for pain treatment.
- Claims Structure: Includes independent and dependent claims to ensure comprehensive protection.
- Patent Landscape: Part of a series of related patents and applications.
- Strategic Claim Management: Utilizing the full quota of claims to enhance patent value.
- Economic and Legal Implications: Significant market impact and legal considerations.
FAQs
What is the primary therapeutic application of the compounds described in US Patent 9,309,234?
The primary therapeutic application is the treatment of pain through opioid receptor ligands.
How many claims can be included in the initial patent application filing fee in the United States?
The initial patent application filing fee covers up to 3 independent claims and a total of 20 claims.
What is the importance of strategic claim management in patent applications?
Strategic claim management ensures that the patent utilizes its full complement of claims, enhancing its breadth, flexibility, and value.
How can patent analytics help in understanding the patent landscape?
Patent analytics helps in categorizing patents by scope concepts, identifying gaps and opportunities, and reviewing claim coverage through tools like Claim Coverage Matrix and Claim Charts.
What is the current legal status of US Patent 9,309,234?
The patent is currently active, indicating it is enforceable.
