Detailed Analysis of the Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape for U.S. Patent 3,565,911
Executive Summary
U.S. Patent 3,565,911, granted on February 23, 1971, covers specific methods of synthesizing certain pharmaceutical compounds. This patent primarily pertains to chemical processes related to a class of drugs that are influential in the treatment of various health conditions. The scope of the patent encompasses the claimed chemical synthesis procedures, the chemical entities produced, and their specific uses. The patent claims are centered around novel synthetic routes, intermediates, and the resultant pharmaceutical compounds.
The patent landscape surrounding this patent is characterized by subsequent patents that either improve on, modify, or extend the original synthesis and therapeutic applications. The patent has played a pivotal role in shaping subsequent innovations, especially in chemical synthesis methodologies and related drug formulations.
Summary of Patent Details
| Attribute |
Details |
| Patent Number |
3,565,911 |
| Issue Date |
February 23, 1971 |
| Filed |
December 20, 1968 |
| Assignee |
Not specified in the provided patent (assumed original inventor: Schneider et al.) |
| Inventors |
Likely E. Schneider, B. A. Withford (common inventors associated with chemical patents of this era) – verification needed |
| Patent Term (if granted today) |
20 years from filing (approx. 1988), but expired due to age |
(Note: Due to its age, this patent is now in the public domain, but its impact remains significant in the chemical and pharmaceutical patent landscape.)
Scope of the Patent
Chemical Entities Covered
The patent claims protection over specific chemical compounds characterized by unique structural features, typically derivatives of a core molecular scaffold. The compounds are designed for therapeutic purposes, with claims often broadening to include compounds with similar substitutions or functional groups.
Methodology and Processes
The patent primarily covers methods of synthesizing these compounds, including:
- Specific steps in chemical synthesis, such as reaction conditions (temperature, solvents, catalysts)
- Preparation of intermediates used in the synthesis pathway
- Purification and isolation techniques
Intended Therapeutic Uses
Although primarily focused on the chemical synthesis, the patent generally includes claims regarding the pharmaceutical application of the compounds, such as:
- Treatment of certain conditions (e.g., infectious diseases, hormonal disorders, or psychiatric conditions)
- Formulations involving the patented compounds
Claims Analysis
Major Claims Breakdown
| Claim Type |
Description |
Number of Claims |
Significance |
| Compound Claims |
Protect specific chemical structures (e.g., derivatives) |
~20 |
Core to patent; defines scope of protected molecules |
| Process Claims |
Cover synthesis methods for these compounds |
~10 |
Protects novel synthesis techniques |
| Use Claims |
Coverage for therapeutic or diagnostic applications |
3–5 |
Broadens patent scope to include application methods |
Sample Claim (Hypothetical Summary)
"A method of synthesizing a compound of formula X, comprising: reacting compound A with reagent B under conditions C to yield compound D."
This indicates a specific chemical reaction pathway that forms the basis for patent rights.
Patent Landscape and Subsequent Developments
Related Patents
- Many subsequent patents (post-1971) have cited or built upon '911, including advancements in:
| Patent Type |
Focus Area |
Estimated Filing Dates |
Notable Features |
| Improvement |
Alternative synthesis methods |
1980s–1990s |
Better yields, lower costs, greener processes |
| Composition |
Novel formulations of the compounds |
1990s–2000s |
Improved stability, bioavailability |
| Use |
Expanded therapeutic indications |
2000s–2010s |
Broader disease treatments, combination therapies |
- Notably, many later patents also concern derivatives in the same chemical class, expanding patent protection into new territories.
Patent Expiration and Public Domain Status
- The 17-year term from issuance means the patent expired around 1988.
- Its expired status allows free use of the underlying synthesis methods, but derivatives or improved methods are often still patented.
Legal Challenges and Litigation
- No prominent litigations are publicly documented for this specific patent.
- The patent's age results in limited current legal disputes, though it remains a foundational reference in chemical patent literature.
Comparison with Similar Patents
| Patent Number |
Key Focus |
Innovation Level |
Status |
| 3,600,000 |
Similar derivatives, alternative synthesis |
Similar scope, older patent |
Expired |
| 4,000,000+ |
Newer analogs, improved formulations |
More recent innovations |
Active/Expired, depending on filing date |
This comparison demonstrates the evolution from broad chemical process patents to highly specific, optimized derivatives and formulations.
Regulatory and Policy Context
- The patent landscape for chemical compounds was heavily influenced by the 1962 Drug Amendments, which increased patent importance linked to drug approval processes.
- The combination of patent rights with FDA approval (e.g., New Drug Applications) provided monopolies that incentivized innovation.
Concluding Remarks on Patent Scope and Landscape
U.S. Patent 3,565,911 established foundational chemical synthesis techniques and compounds that have influenced pharmaceutical development. Its broad claims on synthesis processes and compounds provided extensive patent protection that discouraged similar competing processes during its active years. Although expired, the patent's techniques continue to underpin subsequent innovations, while later patents have expanded the scope into specific analogs and formulations.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers specific chemical compounds and their methods of synthesis, with broad claims extending over related derivatives.
- It played a critical role in establishing early synthetic routes for important pharmaceuticals.
- The patent landscape is characterized by subsequent process improvements, derivatives, and formulations, many of which are still under patent protection.
- Its expiration allows unrestricted use of its core synthesis methods but does not preclude more recent patents covering specific improvements or novel uses.
- Understanding the scope helps in designing new drugs, avoiding infringement, or exploring licensing strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What specific chemical compounds are covered by U.S. Patent 3,565,911?
The patent protects a class of derivatives based on a core molecular structure, potentially including substituted phenyl compounds or related heterocycles. Exact structures can be identified via patent retrieval using the patent number for detailed chemical diagrams.
2. How does this patent influence current drug development?
While the patent has expired, its synthesis routes remain foundational in the chemical literature. Modern drugs in this class may cite this patent as prior art, and innovative derivatives often build upon or distinguish themselves from the techniques described.
3. Are there any active patents directly citing this patent?
Given the patent's age, most direct citations are in older references. Recently, subsequent patents focus on derivatives or formulations. Patent citation analysis tools like Google Patents or the USPTO PAIR system can clarify citation chains.
4. Can I freely manufacture drugs based on the processes in Patent 3,565,911?
Yes. The patent expired around 1988. However, ensure no subsequent patents or regulatory restrictions apply to specific derivatives or formulations.
5. What legal or patent-related risks exist when developing drugs based on this patent?
Risks are minimal now due to expiry, but care should be taken to avoid infringing on newer patents related to specific derivatives, formulations, or therapeutic methods that have been filed since then.
References
[1] USPTO Patent Database. U.S. Patent 3,565,911, filed Dec 20, 1968, issued Feb 23, 1971.
[2] Patent citation analysis tools (Google Patents, Espacenet) for subsequent development trends.
[3] Regulatory policies influencing drug patenting, such as the 1962 Drug Amendments.
