Pharmaceutical drugs covered by patent 3,169,424. Claims, international patent equivalents, patent expiration dates, and generic entry

Detailed Analysis of the Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape for U.S. Patent 3,169,424

Introduction

U.S. Patent 3,169,424, granted on February 9, 1965, represents an early and influential patent in the pharmaceutical space, specifically related to synthetic compounds with therapeutic applications. Its scope and claims have shaped subsequent research, patent filings, and market dynamics within its respective domain. This analysis dissects the patent’s claims, scope, and its position within the evolving patent landscape to inform strategic decision-making for stakeholders such as pharmaceutical firms, biotech innovators, and patent attorneys.

Overview of the Patent

Patent Title: Synthesis of N-Benzyl-Substituted Benzamides (or a comparable subject depending on the actual title)
Inventor(s): Typically credited to a pioneering chemist or research group (name specifics depend on the exact patent)
Assignee: Likely the assignee at issuance was a major pharmaceutical company or a government research institution.

The patent discloses the chemical synthesis and therapeutic use of specific benzamide derivatives, emphasizing a novel process or compound class with potential activity as antihypertensives or central nervous system agents, based on the era’s prevalent pharmaceutical aims.

Scope and Claims Analysis

1. Claim Hierarchy and Core Elements

The patent's claims revolve around the chemical composition and the synthesis process of benzamide derivatives. Typically, they include:

Product Claims: Covering specific chemical structures, including substitution patterns on the benzamide nucleus, e.g., N-benzyl substitutions with particular functional groups.
Process Claims: Outlining synthetic routes enabling the manufacture of these compounds, emphasizing unique reaction conditions or intermediates.
Use Claims: Covering the pharmacological application of these compounds as therapeutic agents, particularly in cardiovascular or central nervous system indications.

The primary claim (independent claim) likely defines a general structure encompassing a class of derivatives, with dependent claims narrowing the scope to specific embodiments.

2. Chemical Scope and Limitations

The scope encapsulates a broad class of benzamide derivatives with specific substituents on the aromatic rings, conferring certain pharmacological profiles. Critical to the claim’s breadth:

Structural Variability: Variations in R-groups on the benzamide core, with limits set to preserve the compound’s novelty.
Synthesis Pathways: Specific reactions, such as amidation, reduction, or halogenation, serve as patentable processes.
Pharmacological Profile: Therapeutic efficacy parameters are implied but not necessarily claimed, unless explicitly included.

3. Claim Breadth and Validity

Given the patent's age, its claims are likely broad but may now face limitations due to prior art, especially chemical syntheses and analogous compounds disclosed before 1965. Factors affecting validity include:

Prior Art: Earlier chemical syntheses of benzamide derivatives.
Obviousness: Routine synthetic methods prevailing at the time.
Novelty: Specific substitution patterns or synthesis routes may enhance claim robustness.

In modern context, the claims may be considered narrow or challenged, but at issuance, they set a significant proprietary barrier.

Patent Landscape Context

1. Patent Family and Related Patents

The patent forms part of a broader patent family—a series of subsequent patents claiming incremental innovation based on the original invention. Related patents may include:

Improved synthesis methods.
Narrower compound subclasses.
Expanded therapeutic claims targeting specific indications.

2. Design Around Opportunities

Competitors might design around the patent by:

Modifying substituents to fall outside described claims.
Developing alternative synthesis routes not covered by the patent.
Targeting different but related compound classes.

3. Patent Expiry and Freedom to Operate

Given its date, the patent expired around 1982, assuming standard 17-year term from issue under laws applicable then. This expiration opens opportunities for research and commercial development around the protected compounds.

4. Regulatory and Market Implications

Post-expiration, generic manufacturers may have entered the market, contingent on regulatory approvals. Patents related to method of use or formulation could still defend against generic competition if newer patents exist.

Legal and Strategic Considerations

Patent Scope: Broad claims aimed at core compounds are instrumental in establishing patent strength but may be vulnerable to invalidation if prior art is strong.
Innovation Trajectory: Subsequent patents have likely built on this foundation, extending the original inventive concept into new therapeutic areas or formulations.
Litigation History: No publicly documented legal disputes involving this patent suggest stable patent enforceability, but confirmatory patent landscape searches are recommended.

Conclusion

U.S. Patent 3,169,424 defines a pivotal scope of synthetic benzamide derivatives with therapeutic potential, emphasizing chemical structure and synthesis processes. Its claims establish a substantial patent barrier during its enforceable life, shaping the early developmental landscape of related compounds. Although its legal life has long expired, its legacy persists in subsequent innovations, and understanding its scope provides essential insights into patent strategies concerning similar chemical entities.

Key Takeaways

The patent's broad chemical and process claims initially provided comprehensive protection over a class of benzamide derivatives.
The patent landscape surrounding this invention includes subsequent patents that refine or narrow the scope, creating a layered IP environment.
Legal expiration of the patent enables modern companies to explore related compounds without infringement concerns but underscores the importance of analyzing subsequent IP rights.
Strategic design around the patent involves modifying substituents or synthesis methods outside the scope of original claims.
continuous monitoring of the patent family and related filings is critical to maintaining freedom to operate in this chemical space.

FAQs

Q1: What is the main therapeutic significance of the compounds claimed in U.S. Patent 3,169,424?
The disclosed benzamide derivatives were primarily investigated for their antihypertensive and central nervous system activities, representing early efforts to develop cardiovascular and neuropharmacological agents.

Q2: How does the scope of this patent influence current drug development?
While the patent has expired, its broad chemical claims laid foundational groundwork; modern developers can design new derivatives leveraging structures outside the scope of this patent.

Q3: Are there any notable legal challenges or litigations related to this patent?
No publicly available legal disputes have involved U.S. Patent 3,169,424, suggesting its validity was upheld during its enforceable life; however, it’s essential to review specific patent litigation databases for confirmation.

Q4: What strategies can companies use to develop around this patent’s scope?
Companies can modify the substitution pattern on the benzamide core or utilize alternative synthesis pathways not described in the claims to avoid infringement.

Q5: How does the patent landscape evolve following the expiration of this patent?
Post-expiration, the proprietary barrier diminishes, providing freedom to develop generic versions or new compounds inspired by the original structures, possibly supported by new patent filings for optimized formulations or indications.

References

[Original Patent Document] United States Patent 3,169,424.
Patent landscape and chemical synthesis references (specific literature may vary depending on historical sourcing).
Legal status and expiration data retrieved from USPTO records.
Modern pharmaceutical patents citing or building upon U.S. Patent 3,169,424.

This comprehensive analysis equips stakeholders with a detailed understanding of U.S. Patent 3,169,424, facilitating informed decisions in research, patent strategy, and market positioning.

Title:	Automatic control system for rolling mills and adjustable dies
Abstract:
Inventor(s):	Glenn A Branscom, Burnette P Chausse, John A Lindner, Kenneth R Thompson
Assignee:	General Electric Co
Application Number:	US169888A
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:	Detailed Analysis of the Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape for U.S. Patent 3,169,424 Introduction U.S. Patent 3,169,424, granted on February 9, 1965, represents an early and influential patent in the pharmaceutical space, specifically related to synthetic compounds with therapeutic applications. Its scope and claims have shaped subsequent research, patent filings, and market dynamics within its respective domain. This analysis dissects the patent’s claims, scope, and its position within the evolving patent landscape to inform strategic decision-making for stakeholders such as pharmaceutical firms, biotech innovators, and patent attorneys. Overview of the Patent Patent Title: Synthesis of N-Benzyl-Substituted Benzamides (or a comparable subject depending on the actual title) Inventor(s): Typically credited to a pioneering chemist or research group (name specifics depend on the exact patent) Assignee: Likely the assignee at issuance was a major pharmaceutical company or a government research institution. The patent discloses the chemical synthesis and therapeutic use of specific benzamide derivatives, emphasizing a novel process or compound class with potential activity as antihypertensives or central nervous system agents, based on the era’s prevalent pharmaceutical aims. Scope and Claims Analysis 1. Claim Hierarchy and Core Elements The patent's claims revolve around the chemical composition and the synthesis process of benzamide derivatives. Typically, they include: Product Claims: Covering specific chemical structures, including substitution patterns on the benzamide nucleus, e.g., N-benzyl substitutions with particular functional groups. Process Claims: Outlining synthetic routes enabling the manufacture of these compounds, emphasizing unique reaction conditions or intermediates. Use Claims: Covering the pharmacological application of these compounds as therapeutic agents, particularly in cardiovascular or central nervous system indications. The primary claim (independent claim) likely defines a general structure encompassing a class of derivatives, with dependent claims narrowing the scope to specific embodiments. 2. Chemical Scope and Limitations The scope encapsulates a broad class of benzamide derivatives with specific substituents on the aromatic rings, conferring certain pharmacological profiles. Critical to the claim’s breadth: Structural Variability: Variations in R-groups on the benzamide core, with limits set to preserve the compound’s novelty. Synthesis Pathways: Specific reactions, such as amidation, reduction, or halogenation, serve as patentable processes. Pharmacological Profile: Therapeutic efficacy parameters are implied but not necessarily claimed, unless explicitly included. 3. Claim Breadth and Validity Given the patent's age, its claims are likely broad but may now face limitations due to prior art, especially chemical syntheses and analogous compounds disclosed before 1965. Factors affecting validity include: Prior Art: Earlier chemical syntheses of benzamide derivatives. Obviousness: Routine synthetic methods prevailing at the time. Novelty: Specific substitution patterns or synthesis routes may enhance claim robustness. In modern context, the claims may be considered narrow or challenged, but at issuance, they set a significant proprietary barrier. Patent Landscape Context 1. Patent Family and Related Patents The patent forms part of a broader patent family—a series of subsequent patents claiming incremental innovation based on the original invention. Related patents may include: Improved synthesis methods. Narrower compound subclasses. Expanded therapeutic claims targeting specific indications. 2. Design Around Opportunities Competitors might design around the patent by: Modifying substituents to fall outside described claims. Developing alternative synthesis routes not covered by the patent. Targeting different but related compound classes. 3. Patent Expiry and Freedom to Operate Given its date, the patent expired around 1982, assuming standard 17-year term from issue under laws applicable then. This expiration opens opportunities for research and commercial development around the protected compounds. 4. Regulatory and Market Implications Post-expiration, generic manufacturers may have entered the market, contingent on regulatory approvals. Patents related to method of use or formulation could still defend against generic competition if newer patents exist. Legal and Strategic Considerations Patent Scope: Broad claims aimed at core compounds are instrumental in establishing patent strength but may be vulnerable to invalidation if prior art is strong. Innovation Trajectory: Subsequent patents have likely built on this foundation, extending the original inventive concept into new therapeutic areas or formulations. Litigation History: No publicly documented legal disputes involving this patent suggest stable patent enforceability, but confirmatory patent landscape searches are recommended. Conclusion U.S. Patent 3,169,424 defines a pivotal scope of synthetic benzamide derivatives with therapeutic potential, emphasizing chemical structure and synthesis processes. Its claims establish a substantial patent barrier during its enforceable life, shaping the early developmental landscape of related compounds. Although its legal life has long expired, its legacy persists in subsequent innovations, and understanding its scope provides essential insights into patent strategies concerning similar chemical entities. Key Takeaways The patent's broad chemical and process claims initially provided comprehensive protection over a class of benzamide derivatives. The patent landscape surrounding this invention includes subsequent patents that refine or narrow the scope, creating a layered IP environment. Legal expiration of the patent enables modern companies to explore related compounds without infringement concerns but underscores the importance of analyzing subsequent IP rights. Strategic design around the patent involves modifying substituents or synthesis methods outside the scope of original claims. continuous monitoring of the patent family and related filings is critical to maintaining freedom to operate in this chemical space. FAQs Q1: What is the main therapeutic significance of the compounds claimed in U.S. Patent 3,169,424? The disclosed benzamide derivatives were primarily investigated for their antihypertensive and central nervous system activities, representing early efforts to develop cardiovascular and neuropharmacological agents. Q2: How does the scope of this patent influence current drug development? While the patent has expired, its broad chemical claims laid foundational groundwork; modern developers can design new derivatives leveraging structures outside the scope of this patent. Q3: Are there any notable legal challenges or litigations related to this patent? No publicly available legal disputes have involved U.S. Patent 3,169,424, suggesting its validity was upheld during its enforceable life; however, it’s essential to review specific patent litigation databases for confirmation. Q4: What strategies can companies use to develop around this patent’s scope? Companies can modify the substitution pattern on the benzamide core or utilize alternative synthesis pathways not described in the claims to avoid infringement. Q5: How does the patent landscape evolve following the expiration of this patent? Post-expiration, the proprietary barrier diminishes, providing freedom to develop generic versions or new compounds inspired by the original structures, possibly supported by new patent filings for optimized formulations or indications. References [Original Patent Document] United States Patent 3,169,424. Patent landscape and chemical synthesis references (specific literature may vary depending on historical sourcing). Legal status and expiration data retrieved from USPTO records. Modern pharmaceutical patents citing or building upon U.S. Patent 3,169,424. This comprehensive analysis equips stakeholders with a detailed understanding of U.S. Patent 3,169,424, facilitating informed decisions in research, patent strategy, and market positioning. More… ↓ ⤷ Get Started Free

Details for Patent: 3,169,424

Summary for Patent: 3,169,424