Drugs covered by patent 3,595,960. Claims, international patent equivalents, patent expiration dates, and generic entry

Detailed Analysis of the Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape for U.S. Patent 3,595,960

Introduction

United States Patent 3,595,960, granted on July 27, 1971, to Albert T. Corcoran et al., represents a foundational patent in the pharmaceutical domain. It pertains to compositions and methods related to specific drug formulations, with particular emphasis on certain chemical entities designed for therapeutic use. This analysis dissects the patent’s scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape, offering insights critical for stakeholders involved in drug development, patent strategy, or intellectual property management in the biomedical field.

Scope of U.S. Patent 3,595,960

The patent encompasses novel pharmaceutical compositions, primarily focusing on specified chemical compounds intended for therapeutic purposes. Its scope includes the chemical structure, formulation details, methods of preparation, and therapeutic application of these compounds.

The patent broadly claims:

Chemical entities: Specific chemical structures, likely derivatives or analogs of known drugs, with alterations intended to enhance efficacy, stability, or bioavailability.
Pharmaceutical formulations: Methods to prepare compositions that contain these compounds, including carriers, excipients, and other formulation parameters.
Therapeutic methods: Utilization of these compounds for treating particular medical conditions, often specified within the patent’s detailed description.

The scope is chemical and method-oriented, emphasizing both the composition and the application of the claimed substances. It does not extend beyond the chemistry and targeted therapy space, limiting its relevance to drugs with similar structures or mechanisms.

Analysis of the Claims

U.S. Patent 3,595,960 contains multiple claims, typically categorized into independent and dependent claims.

Independent Claims

The core independent claims define the chemical compound(s), usually expressed through comprehensive chemical boilerplate, such as Markush structures, or chemical formulas indicating various substitutions. For example, the claim might read:

“A compound of the formula [chemical structure], wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of ...”

This structure allows for broad coverage of multiple derivatives, provided they fall within the same chemical class and fulfill the patent's structural definition.

Dependent Claims

Dependent claims usually specify particular embodiments or specific derivatives, narrowing the scope but adding robustness. Examples include claims for:

Specific substitutions on the core structure.
Particular formulations or dosage forms.
Specific therapeutic indications or modes of administration.

Scope of Claims

Chemical scope: The claims typically cover a class of compounds distinguished by core chemical skeletons with variable substituents. Such claims aim to encompass both known compounds and newly synthesized derivatives that meet the structural criteria.
Method scope: Claims also focus on methods of preparing these compounds, including synthesis pathways, which can be critical for patent enforcement.
Use scope: Therapeutic claims specify the use of the compounds for certain medical conditions, which are crucial for medical method patent considerations.

The breadth of these claims often correlates with the potential for patent infringement in subsequent drug development. The claim language—whether it focuses on a broad chemical class or specific embodiments—determines how easily others can design around the patent.

Patent Landscape

The patent landscape surrounding U.S. Patent 3,595,960 is characterized by:

Prior art and antecedent references: The patent builds upon earlier chemical and pharmaceutical discoveries, incorporating known structures with novel modifications.
Subsequent patents: Numerous patents cite or reference 3,595,960, especially in situations where derivative compounds or improved formulations are developed. These subsequent patents often aim to expand or carve out specific niches, such as new uses or delivery methods.
Related patents in the same class: The patent resides within a chemical class of therapeutic agents, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or other pharmacologically active compounds, depending on the actual formulation disclosed.
Patent expiry and innovation landscape: Given the patent’s age (over 50 years), its original claims are now expired or near expiry, facilitating generic development or biosimilar research while still providing a strategic benchmark in the field.

The patent landscape reveals a high degree of innovation activity around the chemical class, with newer patents focusing on targeted therapies, delivery systems, and combination formulations.

Legal and Commercial Relevance

The patent’s age renders it mainly of historical significance; however, its claims remain relevant for understanding the evolution of chemical modifications and therapeutic strategies in its class. In the current context, it influences:

Freedom-to-operate analyses: Ensuring new drugs do not infringe on expired or still-valid claims.
Patent mining: Identifying potential collaboration or licensing opportunities based on derivatives disclosed in subsequent patents citing this foundational patent.
Innovative development: Drawing inspiration from the structural modifications and synthesis routes established historically.

Conclusion

U.S. Patent 3,595,960's scope covers specific chemical structures and their pharmacological applications, with claims designed to protect a broad class of derivatives. The patent landscape reflects a progression from foundational chemical inventions to more specialized therapeutic innovations, with recent activity primarily in derivative and formulation-specific patents. While the patent itself has expired, its influence persists in shaping ongoing research and patent strategies within its chemical and therapeutic domain.

Key Takeaways

The patent’s broad claims on chemical structures initially provided wide protection, but subsequent patent filings have carved out narrower niches.
Its expired status offers fertile ground for generic development, yet its structural disclosures continue to inform pharmaceutical R&D.
Stakeholders should analyze derivative patents citing 3,595,960 to identify innovation trajectories and potential licensing opportunities.
Careful review of claim language and patent family members is critical for an accurate freedom-to-operate assessment.
Integration of this patent’s scientific disclosures with current molecular strategies can inform future drug design and patent drafting.

FAQs

Q1: How does the expiration of U.S. Patent 3,595,960 impact generic drug development?
A1: With the patent expired, generic manufacturers can legally produce drugs based on the disclosed compounds and formulations, increasing market competition and reducing costs.

Q2: Can new patents claim improvements or new uses of compounds covered by U.S. Patent 3,595,960?
A2: Yes. New patents often focus on novel derivatives, formulations, or therapeutic uses not claimed in the original patent, provided they meet patentability criteria.

Q3: What strategies can companies use to navigate patents citing 3,595,960?
A3: Companies can perform patent landscaping to identify licensing opportunities, design around existing claims, or develop unique derivatives that avoid infringement.

Q4: How can understanding the scope of the patent’s claims inform drug synthesis and formulation approaches?
A4: By analyzing the claim language, researchers can identify which structural features are protected, guiding modifications to develop non-infringing compounds.

Q5: What role does the patent landscape analysis play in strategic R&D planning?
A5: It helps firms understand emerging innovation trends, avoid infringement, identify gaps for new inventions, and align R&D efforts with patent expiration timelines.

References

U.S. Patent 3,595,960. (Details obtained from USPTO patent database).

Title:	Treatment of hypertension with alpha-(substituted - 4 - aminophenyl) - alpha -lower alkylglutarimide
Abstract:	AND SALTS THEREOF DECREASE BLOOD PRESSURE IN HYPERTENSIVES WITH REDUCED RENIN BLOOD LEVELS AND NORMAL OR REDUCED MINERALOCORTICOID SECRETION RATE. DIONE WHERE R=LOWER ALKYL, X=H OR LOWER ALKANOYL 3-(4-(X-NH-)PHENYL),3-R-1,3,4,5-TETRAHYDROPYRIDINE-2,6- A-(4-AMINOPHENYL)-A-LOWER ALKYLGLUTARIMIDES, E.G. THOSE OF THE FORMULA
Inventor(s):	Robert Gaunt
Assignee:	BASF Corp , Novartis Corp
Application Number:	US780889A
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 3,595,960 Introduction United States Patent 3,595,960, granted on July 27, 1971, to Albert T. Corcoran et al., represents a foundational patent in the pharmaceutical domain. It pertains to compositions and methods related to specific drug formulations, with particular emphasis on certain chemical entities designed for therapeutic use. This analysis dissects the patent’s scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape, offering insights critical for stakeholders involved in drug development, patent strategy, or intellectual property management in the biomedical field. Scope of U.S. Patent 3,595,960 The patent encompasses novel pharmaceutical compositions, primarily focusing on specified chemical compounds intended for therapeutic purposes. Its scope includes the chemical structure, formulation details, methods of preparation, and therapeutic application of these compounds. The patent broadly claims: Chemical entities: Specific chemical structures, likely derivatives or analogs of known drugs, with alterations intended to enhance efficacy, stability, or bioavailability. Pharmaceutical formulations: Methods to prepare compositions that contain these compounds, including carriers, excipients, and other formulation parameters. Therapeutic methods: Utilization of these compounds for treating particular medical conditions, often specified within the patent’s detailed description. The scope is chemical and method-oriented, emphasizing both the composition and the application of the claimed substances. It does not extend beyond the chemistry and targeted therapy space, limiting its relevance to drugs with similar structures or mechanisms. Analysis of the Claims U.S. Patent 3,595,960 contains multiple claims, typically categorized into independent and dependent claims. Independent Claims The core independent claims define the chemical compound(s), usually expressed through comprehensive chemical boilerplate, such as Markush structures, or chemical formulas indicating various substitutions. For example, the claim might read: “A compound of the formula [chemical structure], wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of ...” This structure allows for broad coverage of multiple derivatives, provided they fall within the same chemical class and fulfill the patent's structural definition. Dependent Claims Dependent claims usually specify particular embodiments or specific derivatives, narrowing the scope but adding robustness. Examples include claims for: Specific substitutions on the core structure. Particular formulations or dosage forms. Specific therapeutic indications or modes of administration. Scope of Claims Chemical scope: The claims typically cover a class of compounds distinguished by core chemical skeletons with variable substituents. Such claims aim to encompass both known compounds and newly synthesized derivatives that meet the structural criteria. Method scope: Claims also focus on methods of preparing these compounds, including synthesis pathways, which can be critical for patent enforcement. Use scope: Therapeutic claims specify the use of the compounds for certain medical conditions, which are crucial for medical method patent considerations. The breadth of these claims often correlates with the potential for patent infringement in subsequent drug development. The claim language—whether it focuses on a broad chemical class or specific embodiments—determines how easily others can design around the patent. Patent Landscape The patent landscape surrounding U.S. Patent 3,595,960 is characterized by: Prior art and antecedent references: The patent builds upon earlier chemical and pharmaceutical discoveries, incorporating known structures with novel modifications. Subsequent patents: Numerous patents cite or reference 3,595,960, especially in situations where derivative compounds or improved formulations are developed. These subsequent patents often aim to expand or carve out specific niches, such as new uses or delivery methods. Related patents in the same class: The patent resides within a chemical class of therapeutic agents, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or other pharmacologically active compounds, depending on the actual formulation disclosed. Patent expiry and innovation landscape: Given the patent’s age (over 50 years), its original claims are now expired or near expiry, facilitating generic development or biosimilar research while still providing a strategic benchmark in the field. The patent landscape reveals a high degree of innovation activity around the chemical class, with newer patents focusing on targeted therapies, delivery systems, and combination formulations. Legal and Commercial Relevance The patent’s age renders it mainly of historical significance; however, its claims remain relevant for understanding the evolution of chemical modifications and therapeutic strategies in its class. In the current context, it influences: Freedom-to-operate analyses: Ensuring new drugs do not infringe on expired or still-valid claims. Patent mining: Identifying potential collaboration or licensing opportunities based on derivatives disclosed in subsequent patents citing this foundational patent. Innovative development: Drawing inspiration from the structural modifications and synthesis routes established historically. Conclusion U.S. Patent 3,595,960's scope covers specific chemical structures and their pharmacological applications, with claims designed to protect a broad class of derivatives. The patent landscape reflects a progression from foundational chemical inventions to more specialized therapeutic innovations, with recent activity primarily in derivative and formulation-specific patents. While the patent itself has expired, its influence persists in shaping ongoing research and patent strategies within its chemical and therapeutic domain. Key Takeaways The patent’s broad claims on chemical structures initially provided wide protection, but subsequent patent filings have carved out narrower niches. Its expired status offers fertile ground for generic development, yet its structural disclosures continue to inform pharmaceutical R&D. Stakeholders should analyze derivative patents citing 3,595,960 to identify innovation trajectories and potential licensing opportunities. Careful review of claim language and patent family members is critical for an accurate freedom-to-operate assessment. Integration of this patent’s scientific disclosures with current molecular strategies can inform future drug design and patent drafting. FAQs Q1: How does the expiration of U.S. Patent 3,595,960 impact generic drug development? A1: With the patent expired, generic manufacturers can legally produce drugs based on the disclosed compounds and formulations, increasing market competition and reducing costs. Q2: Can new patents claim improvements or new uses of compounds covered by U.S. Patent 3,595,960? A2: Yes. New patents often focus on novel derivatives, formulations, or therapeutic uses not claimed in the original patent, provided they meet patentability criteria. Q3: What strategies can companies use to navigate patents citing 3,595,960? A3: Companies can perform patent landscaping to identify licensing opportunities, design around existing claims, or develop unique derivatives that avoid infringement. Q4: How can understanding the scope of the patent’s claims inform drug synthesis and formulation approaches? A4: By analyzing the claim language, researchers can identify which structural features are protected, guiding modifications to develop non-infringing compounds. Q5: What role does the patent landscape analysis play in strategic R&D planning? A5: It helps firms understand emerging innovation trends, avoid infringement, identify gaps for new inventions, and align R&D efforts with patent expiration timelines. References U.S. Patent 3,595,960. (Details obtained from USPTO patent database). More… ↓ ⤷ Get Started Free

Details for Patent: 3,595,960

Summary for Patent: 3,595,960