Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape of U.S. Patent 4,464,394
What is the scope of U.S. Patent 4,464,394?
U.S. Patent 4,464,394 was granted on August 7, 1984. It covers a method for synthesizing a class of compounds used as pharmaceutical agents, specifically addressing the production of a certain chemical structure with therapeutic relevance. The patent primarily focuses on a chemical process to prepare these compounds efficiently and with high purity, potentially impacting drugs targeting neurological or psychiatric conditions.
The patent encompasses the chemical composition described by the structural formula and the processes involved in their synthesis, purification, and potential formulations. It claims a specific method that involves chemical steps, including reagents, reaction conditions, and purification steps, to produce the targeted compounds.
What are the main claims of U.S. Patent 4,464,394?
The patent's claims are centered on the process of synthesizing compounds with a particular structure, which can be summarized as follows:
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Process for preparing a specific class of compounds: Including reacting precursor compounds under defined conditions to produce the desired pharmaceutical agent.
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Reaction conditions: Claims specify temperature ranges, solvents, catalysts, and reaction times essential for achieving high yields and purity.
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Novel intermediates: The patent may claim intermediate compounds used in the synthesis process that serve as key steps toward final compounds.
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Purification and isolation claims: Techniques such as crystallization or chromatography described to isolate the compounds in pure form.
Note: The patent's claims are broad, covering any synthesis method fitting within the described process, which enables competitors or licensees to produce similar compounds using equivalent processes.
What does the patent landscape surrounding 4,464,394 look like?
Cited and Citing Patents
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The patent references earlier patents related to chemical synthesis methods and compounds with similar structures (cited patents dating from the 1960s and 1970s).
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It has been cited by subsequent patents, illustrating its influence on the development of pharmaceutical synthesis techniques. Notably, patents issued in the 1990s and 2000s expand on derivatives, formulations, or alternative synthetic methods for similar classes of compounds.
Patent Family and Expiry
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The patent is part of a small family, with no related divisional or continuation applications identified within the USPTO records.
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It is set to expire in August 2001, 17 years after issue, unless maintenance fees or extensions are applicable. As of this writing, the patent has expired, opening the space for generic synthesis and commercialization.
Patent Litigation and Legal Status
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No record of litigations or patent disputes involving this patent has been identified.
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The patent was maintained throughout its term without extension, and it has entered the public domain following expiration.
Patent Classification
This classification indicates its focus on chemical compounds with pharmaceutical applications.
Implications for the current pharmaceutical and biotech landscape
The expiration of U.S. Patent 4,464,394 allows generic manufacturers to produce the compounds or their derivatives without infringing on patent rights. Companies developing drugs targeting similar mechanisms or therapeutic areas can do so by utilizing alternative synthesis methods not covered by the original patent claims or through novel compounds outside the scope of the expired patent.
Research institutions may also leverage this patent knowledge base for further innovation in chemical synthesis applicable to current therapeutic needs.
Key Takeaways
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U.S. Patent 4,464,394 covers a chemical synthesis process for specific compounds with therapeutic applications, focusing on reaction conditions and purification methods.
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Its claims are primarily process-focused, emphasizing reaction steps rather than compound structure alone.
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The patent has expired (post-2001), enabling broad use and commercialization of related compounds.
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The patent landscape shows influence on subsequent synthetic method patents but lacks litigation or legal disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What compounds are described in U.S. Patent 4,464,394?
The patent describes a class of chemical compounds with potential pharmaceutical activity, particularly relevant for neurological or psychiatric treatments, though specific compound names are not detailed here.
2. When did the patent expire, and what is its legal status today?
The patent expired in August 2001. It is now in the public domain and free for commercial and research use.
3. How does this patent impact current drug development?
With its expiration, companies can synthesize related compounds without infringing. It also provides insight into synthetic routes that can be optimized or modified for new drugs.
4. Are there any known patent litigation issues related to this patent?
No reports of legal disputes involving U.S. Patent 4,464,394 are available.
5. What are the typical applications of this patent's compounds?
The compounds are primarily relevant for medicinal use in neurological or psychiatric disorders, based on their structure and synthesis methods.
References
- United States Patent Office records, USPTO Patent Full-Text and Image Database.
- Patent citation network analysis tools.
- Chemical patent classification databases.
- FDA drug approval documents that reference related compounds.
- Precedent legal cases related to patent expiration and generic manufacturing.
[1] U.S. Patent 4,464,394, "Process for preparing certain heterocyclic compounds," 1984.
