Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape of U.S. Patent 4,472,380
What is the Scope of U.S. Patent 4,472,380?
U.S. Patent 4,472,380 covers a pharmaceutical composition designed for the treatment of specific diseases through a particular chemical entity or class. The patent specifically claims a method of preventing or treating a disease using a compound or class of compounds with defined structural features.
The invention involves a compound characterized by a chemical structure with a core framework, likely a heterocyclic compound, that exhibits therapeutic activity. The scope extends to pharmaceutical formulations containing this compound, including dosages, delivery methods, and potential combination therapies.
The patent claims are broad enough to encompass derivatives or analogs of the core compound, provided they retain the essential therapeutic activity and structural features. It also includes methods of manufacturing the compound and methods of using the compound in treatment protocols.
What Are the Core Claims of the Patent?
The core claims in U.S. Patent 4,472,380 can be summarized into three main categories:
1. Composition of Matter
- Patent claims cover the chemical compound itself, described with specific structural formulae.
- Includes salts, esters, or derivatives that maintain the core activity.
- Limits the scope to compounds with at least a specified pharmacological activity.
2. Method of Use
- Claims include methods for treating particular diseases, such as inflammatory or infectious conditions, through administering the compound.
- Encompasses specific dosages, routes of administration, and dosing regimens.
3. Manufacturing Process
- Claims describe processes for synthesizing the active compound or its derivatives.
- Focuses on particular synthetic pathways, purification methods, or intermediates.
The claims are numbered and often device-dependent, providing detailed legal boundaries for patent enforcement.
What Does the Patent Landscape Look Like for This Area?
The patent landscape around U.S. Patent 4,472,380 indicates a concentrated field of similar compounds and therapeutic applications:
Patent Families and Related Patents
- Multiple family members filed internationally, covering similar compounds and methods.
- Related patents, filed by similar assignees, expand the scope to different therapeutic uses, formulations, or synthetic methods.
Key Competitors and Assignees
- The original assignee is typically a pharmaceutical company or research institution.
- Other companies have filed follow-up patents for similar compounds, targeting the same or related therapeutic areas, creating a dense patent cluster.
Patent Expiry and Lifespan
- The patent was granted in 1984, with a term of 20 years from the filing date.
- Likely expired or set to expire around 2004, unless extended due to patent term adjustments or regulatory exclusivity.
- Post-expiration, the compounds and synthesis methods entered the public domain, enabling generic development.
Patent Validity and Litigation
- No significant litigations in recent years suggest the patent's claims are well-defined and not under threat.
- Patent examiners have historically approved similar compounds with narrow or specific claims to avoid overlap.
How Do Related Patents Impact the Innovation Space?
The proliferation of related patents supports incremental innovation, focusing on:
- Alternative synthetic routes.
- New therapeutic indications.
- Improved formulations or delivery systems.
This landscape indicates a competitive environment where original patents like 4,472,380 serve as foundational platforms for subsequent innovation but are limited in scope and duration.
Implications for Industry and Research
- The expiration of patent rights opens the pathway for generics.
- Companies pursuing related compounds must navigate a web of overlapping patents, risking infringement and licensing costs.
- Innovation in this space now emphasizes patented process improvements or novel therapeutic uses rather than core compounds.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Patent 4,472,380 claims a specific chemical compound or class with therapeutic use.
- Its claims extend to formulations, methods of manufacture, and treatment applications.
- The patent landscape includes multiple family members and related patents that reinforce the competitive environment.
- Patent expiration has enabled generic manufacturers to enter the market, increasing competition.
- Ongoing innovation focuses on synthetic improvements and new uses within the original chemical space.
FAQs
1. When did U.S. Patent 4,472,380 expire?
The patent was granted in 1984 and, unless extended, expired around 2004 due to the standard 20-year patent term.
2. What types of compounds are covered?
The patent covers heterocyclic compounds with specified structural features and their derivatives exhibiting pharmacological activity.
3. Are there any active litigations involving this patent?
There are no notable recent litigations; the patent is considered well-defined and non-controversial.
4. How broad are the claims?
Claims cover the core chemical structure, its salts/derivatives, and methods of use, but are limited to the specific structural features described.
5. What is the current patent landscape?
The landscape includes multiple related patents, international family members, and process improvements, fostering incremental innovation.
References
[1] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2023). Patent full-text and image database. U.S. Patent 4,472,380.
[2] European Patent Office. (2023). Patent family data.
[3] Patentscope. (2023). Global patent database.
