Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 9,802,932: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
United States Patent 9,802,932, titled "Solid forms of a compound modulating kinases," is a significant patent that deals with the solid forms of compounds that inhibit specific protein kinases. This article will delve into the details of the patent, including its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape it operates within.
Background on Kinase Inhibitors
Kinase inhibitors are a class of drugs that block certain enzymes (kinases) involved in the signaling pathways that control cell growth and division. These inhibitors are crucial in treating various diseases, particularly cancers, by targeting specific kinases such as Fms, Kit, and Flt3[1].
Patent Overview
Publication Details
- Publication Number: US9802932B2
- Authority: United States
- Prior Art Date: This patent builds on earlier research and developments in the field of kinase inhibitors.
Compound Description
The patent focuses on two compounds, referred to as Compound I and Compound II, which are inhibitors of Fms, Kit, and Flt3 protein kinases. These compounds are described in detail, including their chemical structures and properties.
Scope of the Patent
Solid Forms of the Compounds
The patent covers various solid forms of Compound I and Compound II, including crystalline forms. These solid forms are important for the stability, efficacy, and manufacturability of the compounds as pharmaceuticals. The patent describes methods for preparing these solid forms and their characteristics[1].
Therapeutic Applications
The compounds are intended for therapeutic use, particularly in treating diseases associated with the activity of Fms, Kit, and Flt3 kinases. This includes various types of cancer and other proliferative disorders.
Claims of the Patent
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims typically cover the specific compounds, their solid forms, and methods for their preparation and use.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the independent claims, often detailing particular aspects such as the crystalline structure, purity, or specific therapeutic applications.
Kinase Assays and IC50 Values
The patent mentions kinase assays that measure the IC50 values for these compounds against their target kinases. IC50 values indicate the concentration of the compound required to inhibit 50% of the kinase activity, which is a critical metric for evaluating the efficacy of kinase inhibitors[1].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents
The patent landscape for kinase inhibitors is extensive and includes numerous patents covering different compounds, their solid forms, and therapeutic applications. For example, patents like US5457105A and US5770599A cover quinazoline derivatives used as anticancer agents, which are also kinase inhibitors[4].
Patent Analytics and Claim Coverage
To navigate this complex landscape, companies often use patent analytics tools to track patents by claims and scope concepts. This helps in identifying gaps or opportunities in their intellectual property protection and ensures that their patents cover the intended technology effectively[3].
Economic and Strategic Implications
Patent Scope and Value
The scope of a patent, including the claims and their coverage, directly relates to the value of the patent to the company. High-value claims are those that protect critical aspects of the company's products or technology, while low-value claims may not be worth maintaining[3].
Competitive Advantage
Holding a strong patent like US9802932B2 can provide a significant competitive advantage by preventing others from making, using, or selling the claimed subject matter without permission. This is particularly important in the pharmaceutical industry, where intellectual property protection is crucial for innovation and profitability[5].
Technical and Legal Considerations
Written Description and Enablement
The patent must comply with the written description and enablement requirements set by the USPTO. This means that the patent application must thoroughly describe the invention and provide enough information for a person skilled in the art to replicate it[5].
Nonprovisional Applications
The claims in this patent were granted through a nonprovisional application, which was examined by patent examiners for utility, novelty, nonobviousness, and compliance with other legal requirements[5].
Future Directions and Opportunities
Continuous Innovation
The field of kinase inhibitors is continuously evolving, with new compounds and solid forms being developed. Companies must stay updated with the latest research and developments to maintain their competitive edge.
Claim Charts and Patent Landscaping
Using tools like Claim Charts and patent landscaping software can help companies to quickly review patent coverage, identify gaps, and explore future design opportunities. This is essential for strategic planning and ensuring that their intellectual property portfolio remains robust[3].
Key Takeaways
- Compound Description: The patent covers solid forms of Compound I and Compound II, inhibitors of Fms, Kit, and Flt3 kinases.
- Therapeutic Applications: These compounds are intended for treating diseases associated with the activity of these kinases.
- Claims: The patent includes independent and dependent claims defining the scope of the invention.
- Patent Landscape: The landscape for kinase inhibitors is complex, requiring thorough patent analytics to manage.
- Economic and Strategic Implications: Strong patents provide a competitive advantage and protect critical intellectual property.
FAQs
What are the main compounds covered by US9802932B2?
The main compounds covered are Compound I and Compound II, which are inhibitors of Fms, Kit, and Flt3 protein kinases.
What is the significance of solid forms in this patent?
The solid forms, including crystalline forms, are crucial for the stability, efficacy, and manufacturability of the compounds as pharmaceuticals.
How do kinase assays relate to this patent?
Kinase assays measure the IC50 values for these compounds against their target kinases, indicating their efficacy as inhibitors.
What tools can companies use to manage their patent landscape?
Companies can use patent analytics tools, such as Claim Charts and scope concepts, to track patents and identify gaps or opportunities in their intellectual property protection.
Why is it important to comply with written description and enablement requirements?
Compliance ensures that the patent thoroughly describes the invention and provides enough information for a person skilled in the art to replicate it, which is a legal requirement for patent validity.
Sources
- US9802932B2 - Solid forms of a compound modulating kinases - Google Patents
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO
- Patent Analytics - Intellectual Property Law
- Innovations and Patent Trends in the Development - ProQuest
- Provisional Patent Applications: FAQ - Cooley GO
