United States Patent 9,439,902: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 9,439,902, titled "Dioxa-bicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2,3,4-triol derivatives," is a patent that describes a class of compounds and their uses, particularly in the treatment of various diseases and conditions. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this patent.
Patent Overview
Publication and Issue Dates
The patent was published on September 13, 2016, with the application number 14/535,613 filed on November 7, 2014[4][5].
Inventors and Assignees
While the specific inventors and assignees are not detailed here, it is crucial to identify them through the patent document or the USPTO database to understand the ownership and potential licensing arrangements.
Classification
The patent falls under various classifications, including chemical and pharmaceutical categories, which are essential for searching and analyzing related patents.
Scope of the Patent
Compounds Described
The patent describes dioxa-bicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2,3,4-triol derivatives, which are compounds with specific structural formulas (A and B). These compounds are detailed in the patent's abstract and claims sections[4].
Uses of the Compounds
The compounds are intended for the treatment of diseases, conditions, and disorders, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, among others. The patent outlines the pharmaceutical compositions and excipients used in these treatments[4].
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 additional limitations.
- Independent Claims: These claims define the core invention, such as the specific structural formulas of the dioxa-bicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2,3,4-triol derivatives and their uses.
- Dependent Claims: These claims build upon the independent claims by adding specific details, such as the presence of certain pharmaceutical excipients or the method of administration[4].
Claim Scope and Limitations
The claims are carefully crafted to ensure the patentee's exclusive rights while avoiding prior art. The scope of the claims is critical in determining the patent's enforceability and the potential for infringement.
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and Cited References
The patent cites various prior art references, including other patents and scientific literature, which were considered during the examination process. Understanding these references helps in assessing the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention[4].
Related Patents and Applications
To understand the broader patent landscape, it is essential to search for related patents and applications using tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and international patent databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)[1].
Competitor Analysis
Analyzing patents held by competitors in the same field can provide insights into the competitive landscape and potential areas for innovation. This involves searching for patents by other companies or inventors working on similar compounds or treatments.
International Patent Protection
Global Patent Family
Using the Global Dossier service, one can identify the patent family for this specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This helps in understanding the global protection strategy for the invention[1].
International Search and Examination
The Common Citation Document (CCD) application consolidates prior art cited by all participating offices for the family members of a patent application, facilitating a more comprehensive understanding of the international patent landscape[1].
Maintenance and Fees
Maintenance Fees
To keep the patent in force, the patentee must pay maintenance fees at specified intervals. The details of these fees can be found on the USPTO Fee Processing website[5].
Legal Status
Current Status
The legal status of the patent, such as whether it is active or has lapsed, can be checked through the USPTO database. This information is crucial for determining the current enforceability of the patent[4].
Key Takeaways
- Compounds and Uses: The patent describes specific dioxa-bicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2,3,4-triol derivatives and their pharmaceutical applications.
- Claims Analysis: Understanding the independent and dependent claims is vital for assessing the patent's scope and limitations.
- Patent Landscape: Analyzing prior art, related patents, and international protection strategies provides a comprehensive view of the invention's place in the market.
- Maintenance and Fees: Regular payment of maintenance fees is necessary to keep the patent in force.
FAQs
What is the main subject of United States Patent 9,439,902?
The main subject of United States Patent 9,439,902 is the description and use of dioxa-bicyclo[3.2.1]octane-2,3,4-triol derivatives, particularly in the treatment of various diseases and conditions.
How can I find related patents and applications?
You can find related patents and applications using the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and international patent databases such as those provided by the EPO, JPO, and WIPO.
What is the significance of the Global Dossier service?
The Global Dossier service allows users to access the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, providing a comprehensive view of the global patent family for a specific application.
Why are maintenance fees important for a patent?
Maintenance fees are crucial to keep the patent in force. Failure to pay these fees can result in the patent lapsing, which would end the patentee's exclusive rights.
How can I determine the current legal status of a patent?
The current legal status of a patent can be checked through the USPTO database or by using tools like the Electronic Official Gazette.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Regulations.gov - Untitled: https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2019-E-1150-0004/attachment_1.pdf
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - US9439902B2: https://patents.google.com/patent/US9439902B2/en
- USPTO Fee Processing - Maintenance Fee Details: https://fees.uspto.gov/MaintenanceFees/fees/details?patentNumber=9439902&applicationNumber=14535613
