United States Patent 9,346,822: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 9,346,822, titled "Thienopyrimidine compounds and use thereof," was issued on May 24, 2016, to Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. This patent is significant in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the development of new therapeutic compounds.
Inventors and Assignees
The patent was invented by a team of researchers including Nobuo Cho, Takashi Imada, Takenori Hitaka, Kazuhiro Miwa, and Masami Kusaka, with Nobuhiro Suzuki also contributing. The assignee is Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, a major player in the global pharmaceutical market[2].
Patent Scope
The patent scope is defined by the claims, which outline the specific inventions and their applications. Here, the patent covers thienopyrimidine compounds, their synthesis, and their therapeutic uses.
Chemical Structure and Synthesis
The patent describes thienopyrimidine compounds represented by a specific chemical formula. These compounds are characterized by their unique structural features, including various substituents such as alkyl, phenyl, and other functional groups[2].
Therapeutic Uses
The thienopyrimidine compounds are intended for various therapeutic applications. The patent specifies their use in treating diseases, although the exact therapeutic targets are not detailed in the patent abstract. However, given the context of similar patents and research, these compounds are likely to be used in treating conditions such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, or other metabolic disorders[2].
Claims
The claims section of the patent is crucial as it defines the legal boundaries of the invention.
Independent Claims
The patent includes multiple independent claims that describe the thienopyrimidine compounds, their methods of preparation, and their pharmaceutical compositions. These claims are designed to be broad enough to cover the invention but narrow enough to be specific and novel[2].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the invention by adding additional limitations to the independent claims. These claims help in narrowing down the scope and ensuring that the patent covers specific aspects of the thienopyrimidine compounds[2].
Patent Expiration
The patent expired on February 17, 2024. This expiration date is significant as it marks the end of the exclusive rights granted to Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, allowing other companies to potentially develop and market similar compounds[2].
Patent Landscape
The patent landscape surrounding US 9,346,822 involves several related patents and exclusivity periods.
Related Patents
Other patents related to thienopyrimidine compounds and similar therapeutic areas include patents such as US 11,033,551 and US 11,957,684, which cover methods of treating uterine fibroids and other conditions. These patents often overlap in their claims and therapeutic applications, indicating a competitive and innovative field[2].
Exclusivity Periods
In addition to patent protection, drugs developed from these compounds may also enjoy exclusivity periods granted by the FDA. These periods can range from 180 days to seven years, depending on the circumstances of the exclusivity grant. This dual protection (patent and exclusivity) helps in ensuring that the innovator company can recoup its investment in research and development[2].
Impact on Innovation
The scope and claims of this patent, along with the broader patent landscape, influence innovation in the pharmaceutical industry.
Patent Quality and Scope
Research has shown that the scope of patent claims can affect innovation. Narrower claims at publication are associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process. This suggests that patents like US 9,346,822, which have well-defined claims, can facilitate clearer boundaries and reduce litigation costs, thereby promoting innovation[3].
Licensing and Litigation
The breadth and clarity of patent claims also impact licensing and litigation. Overly broad patents can lead to increased licensing and litigation costs, which can diminish incentives for innovation. In contrast, well-defined patents like US 9,346,822 can provide clear guidance, reducing the likelihood of disputes and fostering a more innovative environment[3].
Industry Expert Insights
Industry experts often emphasize the importance of clear and specific patent claims. For example, a study on patent scope metrics highlights that "narrower claims at publication are associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process," which aligns with the approach taken in US 9,346,822[3].
Statistical Analysis
Statistical analysis of patent data shows that patents with narrower claims tend to have higher forward citations and are more likely to be maintained. This suggests that the thienopyrimidine compounds patent, with its well-defined claims, is likely to have a significant impact on future research and development in the field[3].
Conclusion
United States Patent 9,346,822 is a significant contribution to the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of thienopyrimidine compounds. The patent's scope, defined by its claims, covers the synthesis and therapeutic applications of these compounds. The expiration of this patent and the broader patent landscape highlight the dynamic nature of innovation in the pharmaceutical industry.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The patent covers thienopyrimidine compounds, their synthesis, and therapeutic uses.
- Claims: The patent includes independent and dependent claims that define the invention.
- Patent Expiration: The patent expired on February 17, 2024.
- Related Patents: Other patents cover similar therapeutic areas and compounds.
- Impact on Innovation: Clear and specific claims can facilitate innovation by reducing litigation costs and providing clear boundaries.
FAQs
What is the main subject of United States Patent 9,346,822?
The main subject is thienopyrimidine compounds, their synthesis, and their therapeutic uses.
Who are the inventors and assignees of this patent?
The inventors include Nobuo Cho, Takashi Imada, Takenori Hitaka, Kazuhiro Miwa, and Masami Kusaka, with Nobuhiro Suzuki also contributing. The assignee is Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited.
What is the significance of the patent expiration date?
The patent expiration date marks the end of the exclusive rights granted to Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, allowing other companies to develop and market similar compounds.
How does the patent landscape affect innovation in the pharmaceutical industry?
The patent landscape, including related patents and exclusivity periods, influences innovation by providing clear boundaries and reducing litigation costs, thereby promoting further research and development.
What metrics are used to measure patent scope?
Metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count are used to measure patent scope, which have explanatory power for several correlates of patent scope, including patent maintenance payments and forward citations[3].
Cited Sources
- US9346822B2 - Thienopyrimidine compounds and use thereof - Google Patents
- Generic Myfembree Availability - Drugs.com
- Patent Claims and Patent Scope - SSRN
- Estradiol: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action - DrugBank Online
- United States Patent US10786501 - Google Patents
