Targeted combination mapping
Identified and searched for specific combinations involving topiramate, sulfamate derivatives, and phenethylamine-class drugs to capture structurally and functionally relevant disclosures.
The Challenge
Assessing Patent Strength in a Complex Combination Therapy
A leading U.S. law firm representing a pharmaceutical client engaged us to evaluate the strength and defensibility of a patent involving the combination of topiramate with phentermine or related sympathomimetic compounds. Given the crowded landscape of weight-loss therapies and anticonvulsants, the key concern was whether prior art existed that could fully anticipate the claimed invention.
The challenge required a highly targeted search across legacy literature, with particular emphasis on pre-2000 disclosures and nuanced chemical and therapeutic overlaps.
The Solution
Expert-led prior art search
We designed and executed a focused prior art search strategy tailored to the chemical classes, therapeutic indications, and historical publication landscape relevant to the invention. Our approach emphasized both breadth and depth, ensuring comprehensive coverage while maintaining strict relevance criteria.
The project was led by a Ph.D.-level chemist with extensive experience in pharmaceutical patent research, including supporting patent matters at leading U.S. intellectual property law firms.
Key Steps in Our Approach:
Our Impact
Reducing Risk and Strengthening Patent Confidence
Are you confident your patent can withstand a rigorous prior art challenge?
The challenge
Assessing novelty for a pharmaceutical combination in a crowded and historically rich prior art landscape.
Why it worked
Precision search strategy
A targeted, date-sensitive approach ensured comprehensive yet highly relevant prior art coverage.
The outcome
- Extensive review revealed no fully anticipatory prior art
- Increased confidence in patent strength
- Reduced risks in further IP decisions