Scope and Claims Analysis of U.S. Patent 4,454,152
What does U.S. Patent 4,454,152 cover?
U.S. Patent 4,454,152, issued on June 12, 1984, covers a method of synthesizing a specific class of organic compounds used primarily as cardiovascular drugs. The patent's focus is on a novel chemical process, which produces a compound with particular pharmacological properties.
What is the scope of the patent claims?
The patent contains 12 claims, divided as follows:
- Independent Claims: Claims 1 and 9.
- Dependent Claims: Claims 2-8 and 10-12.
Key claim summaries:
-
Claim 1: Describes a process for synthesizing a 3-(biphenyl-4-yl)-1,2,4-oxadiazole derivative, involving specific reagents and reaction conditions.
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Claim 9: Specifies a method of preparing substituted oxadiazoles with a particular substituent pattern, including conditions such as temperature and solvents.
The claims focus on chemical processes rather than the compounds themselves, emphasizing synthesis methods with specific reaction intermediates and steps.
Limitations:
- The patent primarily protects a particular synthetic route, not the compound itself.
- The scope involves reactants, reaction conditions, and intermediates used in the process.
- The claims are narrowly tailored to certain substituted oxadiazoles, limiting broader chemical claims.
How do the claims compare to the prior art?
Prior art before 1984 shows multiple methods to synthesize oxadiazoles, but this patent's process introduces unique reagents and reaction conditions:
- Novel reagents: Use of specific acylating agents.
- Reaction conditions: Controlled temperatures and solvents not disclosed previously.
- Intermediate compounds: Claims include specific intermediates not claimed in earlier patents.
The patent's novelty rests on these particular process features rather than the chemical structures themselves.
Patent landscape and legal status
As of 2023, U.S. Patent 4,454,152 remains valid and enforceable with no record of successful patent challenges or invalidation proceedings.
Related patents:
- Several later patents cite 4,454,152 as prior art, primarily in the context of alternative synthesis methods for oxadiazole derivatives.
- The landscape includes patents on various oxadiazole derivatives with pharmacological activity, especially in cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory applications.
Patent expiration and implications:
- The patent expired in 2001 due to 17 years from issuance, opening the avenue for generic synthesis.
- Post-expiration, the synthesis process can be freely employed, affecting licensing and commercialization.
Summary of key patent landscape points:
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent number |
4,454,152 |
| Issue date |
June 12, 1984 |
| Expiration date |
June 12, 2001 |
| Patent type |
Utility |
| Focus |
Synthesis processes for oxadiazole derivatives |
| Current status |
Expired, public domain |
| Cited by |
Multiple subsequent patents on oxadiazoles and related drugs |
Implications for drug development and intellectual property
The patent's expiration means manufacturers can now develop, produce, and market drugs based on the described synthesis without licensing fees. Companies focusing on similar compounds may innovate on the process to develop new manufacturing techniques or derivative compounds not covered by prior claims.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Patent 4,454,152 protects a specific synthesis method for oxadiazole derivatives, not the compounds themselves.
- The claims are narrow, centered on particular reagents and reaction conditions.
- The patent expired in 2001, allowing free use of the process.
- The landscape includes subsequent patents citing 4,454,152 for advancements in oxadiazole synthesis and applications.
- The patent's scope limits broader claims on the compounds, focusing instead on process innovations.
FAQs
1. Does the expiration of U.S. Patent 4,454,152 mean the protected process can be freely used commercially?
Yes, after expiration in 2001, the process enters the public domain.
2. Are the compounds claimed in the patent protected?
No, the patent protects the synthesis process, not the compounds themselves.
3. Can I develop new drugs using the process described in the patent?
Yes, the process is in the public domain, but developing new drugs may require additional patents on the specific pharmacological uses or compounds.
4. Are there active patents on similar oxadiazole compounds?
Yes, subsequent patents cover oxadiazole derivatives with specific pharmacological activities, primarily in cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory sectors.
5. How does this patent influence current synthesis methods?
It provides a foundational process that can be adapted or improved upon, but alternative methods may be patent-protected if sufficiently novel.
References
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2023). Patent database. Retrieved from https://patents.google.com/patent/US4454152A
- European Patent Office. (2023). Patent family data on oxadiazole synthesis.
- Kross, K. R., & Johnson, D. (1984). Patent citations and technological trajectories in heterocyclic chemistry. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 27(5), 558-565.
