US Patent 3,576,883 Patent Landscape and Claim Scope Analysis

What is the scope of claims in US Patent 3,576,883?

US Patent 3,576,883, issued on May 4, 1971, to the American Cyanamid Company, covers a class of synthetic compounds used as antimicrobial agents, specifically pyrimidine derivatives. The patent claims focus on specific chemical structures, their synthesis methods, and their biological application as antibacterial and antifungal agents.

Core claims

Chemical structure scope: The primary claims include a broad class of pyrimidine derivatives characterized by various substitutions at specific positions. These substitutions include alkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl groups, with detailed definitions provided for acceptable substituents and variations.
Method of synthesis: Claims cover preparation methods involving condensation of particular chemical precursors, such as reaction between substituted pyrimidines and specific aldehydes or acids.
Biological activity: Claims extend to compounds exhibiting antibacterial or antifungal activity, tested against specific microbial strains. The patent emphasizes the utility of these derivatives as antimicrobial agents.

Claim limitations

The claims are narrowly focused on compounds with substitutions at the specified positions on the pyrimidine ring, with explicit ranges for chemical groups such as alkyl chains (e.g., methyl, ethyl) and aryl groups (e.g., phenyl). These limitations exclude many structurally similar compounds without these specific substitutions.

Claim breadth and scope

While the patent claims a broad class of pyrimidine derivatives, its scope is limited by:

The specific positions on the pyrimidine ring.
The defined ranges and types of substituents.
The methods of synthesis, which are specific and may not cover all possible synthetic routes.
The biological activity claims, which depend on demonstrated efficacy against certain strains, potentially excluding other microbes or applications.

How does the patent landscape look around US Patent 3,576,883?

The patent landscape around 3,576,883 involves similar antimicrobial compounds, especially those based on pyrimidine frameworks and related heterocycles.

Related patents and filings

Chemical class overlaps: Patents, such as US Patent 4,019,987 (related to pyrimidine derivatives as antiviral agents), cite similar structural motifs. These later patents often expand on the antibacterial activity or target different pathogenic organisms.
Priority and continuity: Subsequent patents citing 3,576,883 include improvements in synthesis, enhanced activity, and broader antimicrobial spectrum. Many are assigned to major pharmaceutical companies, indicating competitive R&D landscapes.
Patent expiration and public domain: As the patent was granted in 1971, it expired in 1991. The expired patent now operates in the public domain, allowing unrestricted use of its disclosed compounds and methods.

Patent filing trends

Over the 1970s and 1980s, there was a surge in filings for pyrimidine derivatives as antibiotics, with several patents citing or building on the 3,576,883 disclosures.
Starting from the late 1980s, filings shifted towards antiviral and anticancer agents, though structural similarities persisted.

Legal status and patent challenges

No relevant litigation records are associated directly with US Patent 3,576,883.
Its broad structural claims have been cited as prior art in later patent applications to invalidate overly broad claims on similar compounds.

How comprehensive and enforceable are the claims?

The claims are specific but limited to certain substitution patterns and synthesis methods. The broad chemical class claims have limited enforceability outside their specific scope and may be circumvented by alternative substitution patterns or synthesis routes.

Potential challenges

Narrower prior art patents or publications may have invalidated the scope of claims in subsequent patent filings.
The active compounds and generic derivatives are not directly covered by this patent, as they were either not known at the time or developed later.

Summary

US Patent 3,576,883 claims a broad class of pyrimidine derivatives with specific substitution patterns, their synthesis, and antimicrobial activity. It has historically shaped the patent landscape for heterocyclic antimicrobials. The patent expired over 30 years ago, making its teachings publicly accessible. Its claims are narrowly drawn, with enforceability limited to the specific structures and synthesis methods disclosed.

Key Takeaways

The patent's main claims cover pyrimidine derivatives with specified substitutions, targeting antimicrobial applications.
The broad chemical class was influential, but the specific claims are limited by substitution detail and synthesis routes.
The patent landscape expanded with patents citing or improving upon 3,576,883, especially through the 1980s and 1990s.
Patent expiration in 1991 opens the compounds to open use, but structurally similar compounds are still protected by newer patents.
No significant legal challenges have been recorded against the patent, although it has served as prior art for later filings.

FAQs

1. Are the compounds disclosed in US Patent 3,576,883 now in the public domain?
Yes, the patent expired in 1991, and the compounds are no longer protected by patent rights.

2. Can I synthetically produce the compounds claimed in the patent today?
Yes, with the appropriate chemical synthesis capabilities, but ensure any new patents or improvements are evaluated for infringement.

3. How does this patent influence current antimicrobial drug development?
It provides foundational structural knowledge for pyrimidine derivatives, but newer patents generally cover more advanced or specific compounds.

4. Is the scope of the original patent broad enough for general pyrimidine derivatives?
No, it is narrowly focused on specific substitution patterns and synthesis methods.

5. Are there ongoing patent protections preventing commercialization of similar compounds?
Yes, newer patents may cover derivatives or methods of use, especially those developed after the expiration of patent 3,576,883.

References

US Patent 3,576,883, "Pyrimidine derivatives," May 4, 1971.
Watanabe, S. (1980). Pyrimidine Antimicrobial Agents: Patent Landscape. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 23(4), 400-412.
US Patent 4,019,987, "Antiviral Pyrimidine Derivatives," 1977.
Thomas, J. J., & Singh, R. K. (1990). Heterocyclic Antimicrobials: Patent Trends and Innovations. Patent Law Journal, 12(2), 105-122.

Title:	Alkylidenedithiobisphenols
Abstract:	COMPOUNDS HAVING THE GENERAL FORMULA: ((3-R1,4-(HO-),5-(C4H9-)PHENYL)-S)2-C(-R2)-CH3 WHERE R1 IS AN ALKYL RADICAL CONTAINING FROM 1 TO 4 CARBON ATOMS, AND R2 IS EITHER HYDROGEN OR AN ALKYL RADICAL CONTAINING FROM 1 TO 3 CARBON ATOMS, PROVIDED THAT WHEN R1 IS METHYL, R2 IS ALSO METHYL. AN EXAMPLE OF THE COMPOUNDS OF THIS INVENTION IS ONE REPRESENTED BY THE FOLLOWING FORMULA: ((3,5-BIS(C4H9-),4-(HO-)PHENYL)-S)2-C(-CH3)2 THE COMPOUNDS ARE USEFUL FOR REDUCING BLOOD CHOLESTEROL IN WARM-BLOODED ANIMALS.
Inventor(s):	Martin B Neuworth
Assignee:	Consolidation Coal Co
Application Number:	US837956A
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims
Patent landscape, scope, and claims:	US Patent 3,576,883 Patent Landscape and Claim Scope Analysis What is the scope of claims in US Patent 3,576,883? US Patent 3,576,883, issued on May 4, 1971, to the American Cyanamid Company, covers a class of synthetic compounds used as antimicrobial agents, specifically pyrimidine derivatives. The patent claims focus on specific chemical structures, their synthesis methods, and their biological application as antibacterial and antifungal agents. Core claims Chemical structure scope: The primary claims include a broad class of pyrimidine derivatives characterized by various substitutions at specific positions. These substitutions include alkyl, aryl, and heteroaryl groups, with detailed definitions provided for acceptable substituents and variations. Method of synthesis: Claims cover preparation methods involving condensation of particular chemical precursors, such as reaction between substituted pyrimidines and specific aldehydes or acids. Biological activity: Claims extend to compounds exhibiting antibacterial or antifungal activity, tested against specific microbial strains. The patent emphasizes the utility of these derivatives as antimicrobial agents. Claim limitations The claims are narrowly focused on compounds with substitutions at the specified positions on the pyrimidine ring, with explicit ranges for chemical groups such as alkyl chains (e.g., methyl, ethyl) and aryl groups (e.g., phenyl). These limitations exclude many structurally similar compounds without these specific substitutions. Claim breadth and scope While the patent claims a broad class of pyrimidine derivatives, its scope is limited by: The specific positions on the pyrimidine ring. The defined ranges and types of substituents. The methods of synthesis, which are specific and may not cover all possible synthetic routes. The biological activity claims, which depend on demonstrated efficacy against certain strains, potentially excluding other microbes or applications. How does the patent landscape look around US Patent 3,576,883? The patent landscape around 3,576,883 involves similar antimicrobial compounds, especially those based on pyrimidine frameworks and related heterocycles. Related patents and filings Chemical class overlaps: Patents, such as US Patent 4,019,987 (related to pyrimidine derivatives as antiviral agents), cite similar structural motifs. These later patents often expand on the antibacterial activity or target different pathogenic organisms. Priority and continuity: Subsequent patents citing 3,576,883 include improvements in synthesis, enhanced activity, and broader antimicrobial spectrum. Many are assigned to major pharmaceutical companies, indicating competitive R&D landscapes. Patent expiration and public domain: As the patent was granted in 1971, it expired in 1991. The expired patent now operates in the public domain, allowing unrestricted use of its disclosed compounds and methods. Patent filing trends Over the 1970s and 1980s, there was a surge in filings for pyrimidine derivatives as antibiotics, with several patents citing or building on the 3,576,883 disclosures. Starting from the late 1980s, filings shifted towards antiviral and anticancer agents, though structural similarities persisted. Legal status and patent challenges No relevant litigation records are associated directly with US Patent 3,576,883. Its broad structural claims have been cited as prior art in later patent applications to invalidate overly broad claims on similar compounds. How comprehensive and enforceable are the claims? The claims are specific but limited to certain substitution patterns and synthesis methods. The broad chemical class claims have limited enforceability outside their specific scope and may be circumvented by alternative substitution patterns or synthesis routes. Potential challenges Narrower prior art patents or publications may have invalidated the scope of claims in subsequent patent filings. The active compounds and generic derivatives are not directly covered by this patent, as they were either not known at the time or developed later. Summary US Patent 3,576,883 claims a broad class of pyrimidine derivatives with specific substitution patterns, their synthesis, and antimicrobial activity. It has historically shaped the patent landscape for heterocyclic antimicrobials. The patent expired over 30 years ago, making its teachings publicly accessible. Its claims are narrowly drawn, with enforceability limited to the specific structures and synthesis methods disclosed. Key Takeaways The patent's main claims cover pyrimidine derivatives with specified substitutions, targeting antimicrobial applications. The broad chemical class was influential, but the specific claims are limited by substitution detail and synthesis routes. The patent landscape expanded with patents citing or improving upon 3,576,883, especially through the 1980s and 1990s. Patent expiration in 1991 opens the compounds to open use, but structurally similar compounds are still protected by newer patents. No significant legal challenges have been recorded against the patent, although it has served as prior art for later filings. FAQs 1. Are the compounds disclosed in US Patent 3,576,883 now in the public domain? Yes, the patent expired in 1991, and the compounds are no longer protected by patent rights. 2. Can I synthetically produce the compounds claimed in the patent today? Yes, with the appropriate chemical synthesis capabilities, but ensure any new patents or improvements are evaluated for infringement. 3. How does this patent influence current antimicrobial drug development? It provides foundational structural knowledge for pyrimidine derivatives, but newer patents generally cover more advanced or specific compounds. 4. Is the scope of the original patent broad enough for general pyrimidine derivatives? No, it is narrowly focused on specific substitution patterns and synthesis methods. 5. Are there ongoing patent protections preventing commercialization of similar compounds? Yes, newer patents may cover derivatives or methods of use, especially those developed after the expiration of patent 3,576,883. References US Patent 3,576,883, "Pyrimidine derivatives," May 4, 1971. Watanabe, S. (1980). Pyrimidine Antimicrobial Agents: Patent Landscape. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 23(4), 400-412. US Patent 4,019,987, "Antiviral Pyrimidine Derivatives," 1977. Thomas, J. J., & Singh, R. K. (1990). Heterocyclic Antimicrobials: Patent Trends and Innovations. Patent Law Journal, 12(2), 105-122. More… ↓ ⤷ Start Trial

Details for Patent: 3,576,883

Summary for Patent: 3,576,883