Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent RE46417E1
Introduction
The United States Patent RE46417E1, titled "Quinuclidine derivatives and their use as muscarinic M3 receptor ligands," is a reissue patent that covers a range of therapeutically useful compounds and their applications. Here, we will delve into the details of the patent's scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape in which it resides.
Patent Overview
This patent pertains to new quinuclidine derivatives, their preparation processes, and pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds. The quinuclidine derivatives are identified as potent and long-lasting antimuscarinic agents, specifically targeting muscarinic M3 receptors[2].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is defined by its claims, which outline the specific inventions and their applications.
Therapeutic Uses
The quinuclidine derivatives are designed to treat various diseases, including:
- Respiratory disorders such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, bronchial hyperreactivity, asthma, and rhinitis.
- Urological disorders such as urinary incontinence, pollakinuria, neurogenic or unstable bladder, cystospasm, and chronic cystitis.
- Gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, spastic colitis, diverticulitis, and peptic ulceration[2].
Chemical Structure
The patent describes the chemical structure of these derivatives in detail, including the possible variations and isomers. For example, the formula (I) describes the general structure of these compounds, with specific groups such as R, R1, and R2, and the anion X⁇ associated with the positive charge of the N atom[2].
Claims of the Patent
The claims are the heart of any patent, defining what is protected by the patent.
Independent Claims
The independent claims in this patent focus on the novel quinuclidine derivatives, their preparation methods, and the pharmaceutical compositions that include these compounds. For instance, Claim 1 might describe the general structure of the quinuclidine derivatives, while subsequent claims might detail specific variations or applications of these compounds[2].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further narrow down the scope by specifying particular aspects of the invention, such as specific substituents, methods of preparation, or therapeutic uses. These claims build upon the independent claims to provide a more detailed description of the protected invention[2].
Patent Landscape
Technology Area
The patent falls under the broader category of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, specifically within the realm of muscarinic receptor ligands. This area is highly active, with numerous patents and ongoing research focused on developing new therapeutic agents targeting muscarinic receptors.
Global Trends
In the context of global patent trends, pharmaceutical patents, including those related to muscarinic receptor ligands, are a significant segment. The USPTO data indicates that patents in the life sciences and biotechnology fields are among the most active areas, with a high volume of applications and grants[1].
Industry Impact
Patents like RE46417E1 are crucial for pharmaceutical companies as they provide exclusive rights to develop and market new therapeutic agents. This exclusivity can drive innovation by allowing companies to recoup their significant R&D investments. However, the patent landscape is also marked by intense competition and litigation, as seen in cases where patents are challenged for validity or infringement[5].
Metrics for Patent Scope
The scope of a patent can be measured using various metrics, such as independent claim length and independent claim count. Research has shown that narrower claims at publication are associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process. This suggests that the claims in RE46417E1, if well-defined and narrow, would have a stronger likelihood of being upheld during the examination process[3].
Examination and Validation
The examination process for patents tends to narrow the scope of claims, ensuring that the protected invention is clearly defined and novel. For RE46417E1, the reissue process would have involved a thorough review to ensure that the claims are valid and not overly broad. This process helps in maintaining the quality of patents and preventing overly broad claims that could stifle innovation[3].
Conclusion
The United States Patent RE46417E1 is a detailed and specific patent that covers novel quinuclidine derivatives and their therapeutic applications. Understanding its scope and claims is essential for navigating the complex landscape of pharmaceutical patents. The patent's validity and the ongoing trends in patent law and technology areas highlight the importance of precise claim drafting and the role of patents in driving innovation.
Key Takeaways
- Therapeutic Applications: The patent covers a range of therapeutic uses, including respiratory, urological, and gastrointestinal disorders.
- Chemical Structure: The quinuclidine derivatives are defined by a specific chemical structure with various substituents and isomers.
- Claims: The patent includes independent and dependent claims that define the protected invention.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a highly active area in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.
- Metrics for Scope: Narrower claims are associated with a higher probability of grant and shorter examination process.
FAQs
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What are the primary therapeutic uses of the quinuclidine derivatives covered by RE46417E1?
- The primary therapeutic uses include treating respiratory disorders like COPD and asthma, urological disorders like urinary incontinence, and gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome[2].
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How are the chemical structures of the quinuclidine derivatives defined in the patent?
- The chemical structures are defined by a general formula (I) with specific groups such as R, R1, and R2, and the anion X⁇ associated with the positive charge of the N atom[2].
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What is the significance of independent and dependent claims in the patent?
- Independent claims define the broad scope of the invention, while dependent claims narrow down the scope by specifying particular aspects of the invention[2].
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How does the patent fit into the broader patent landscape?
- The patent is part of the highly active area of pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, specifically targeting muscarinic receptor ligands[1].
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What metrics can be used to measure the scope of a patent like RE46417E1?
- Metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count can be used to measure the scope of a patent, with narrower claims generally associated with a higher probability of grant[3].
Sources
- National Science Foundation. Invention: U.S. and Comparative Global Trends. January 15, 2020.
- Google Patents. USRE46417E1 - Quinuclidine derivatives and their use as muscarinic M3 receptor ligands.
- SSRN. Patent Claims and Patent Scope. September 29, 2016.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. Search for patents.
- Jones Day. Speech Recognition Patent Invalidated. October 24, 2019.
