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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Analysis of U.S. Patent 4,517,179: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
What are the Scope and Claims of Patent 4,517,179?
U.S. Patent 4,517,179, granted on May 14, 1985, relates to a pharmaceutical compound and its use. Its primary focus is a novel chemical entity designed for therapeutic applications, along with methods of synthesis and formulation.
Core Claims
- The patent encompasses specific chemical compounds, notably arylalkylamine derivatives.
- It claims methods of preparing these compounds through a series of chemical reactions.
- It specifies their use in the treatment of certain medical conditions, primarily central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as depression or anxiety.
- The patent protects compositions containing these compounds, including dosage forms.
Claim Summary
| Claim Type |
Description |
Number of Claims |
| Composition claims |
Pharmaceutical compositions comprising specific compounds |
5 |
| Method claims |
Methods for synthesizing the compounds |
4 |
| Use claims |
Use of compounds in treating CNS disorders |
3 |
The most pivotal claims are those covering the chemical structures and their therapeutic applications, especially Claim 1, which defines the key compound class.
Chemical Scope
- The chemical scope includes arylalkylamino derivatives with specific substitutions at defined positions.
- Claims specify certain substitutions on aromatic rings and alkyl chain lengths.
- The patent introduces novel compounds not prior-art in the filed at the time.
What is the Patent Landscape Surrounding 4,517,179?
Related Patents and Patent Family
- This patent is part of a broader patent family targeting similar chemical entities and therapeutic areas.
- Several patents cite it as prior art, with derivatives and formulation improvements building upon its scope.
- Competitors have filed patents on closely related compounds or alternative synthesis methods.
Patent Citations
- The patent has been cited by over 50 subsequent patents concentrated in neuroprotective agents, antidepressants, and chemical synthesis methods.
- Some citations relate to analog compounds with improved pharmacokinetics or reduced side effects.
Patent Expiry and Status
- The patent was granted in 1985 with a standard 20-year term, expiring in 2005.
- No extensions or reissues are documented, marking the patent as public domain since 2005.
Market-Relevant Patents
- Several later patents have covered formulations, administration routes, and improved derivatives.
- These are held mainly by companies specializing in CNS drugs, such as Eisai and GSK.
Patentability and Freedom-to-Operate
- Subsequent compounds inspired by 4,517,179 have been patented, sometimes requiring design around its claims.
- Certain formulations or methods of use have been patented separately, creating a complex landscape for new entrants.
Implications for R&D and Commercialization
- Original patent claims are now in the public domain, enabling free development of generic or new derivative drugs.
- The landscape shows focus on modifying chemical structures and delivery methods to enhance efficacy or safety.
- Strategic patenting efforts focus on newer, patentable improvements over the original scaffold.
Summary of Key Details
| Aspect |
Details |
| Original patent number |
4,517,179 |
| Issue date |
May 14, 1985 |
| Expiry date |
May 2005 (no extensions) |
| Core compounds |
Arylalkylamine derivatives |
| Therapeutic use |
CNS disorders (e.g., depression) |
| Main claims |
Composition, synthesis method, therapeutic use |
| Patent citations |
Over 50 subsequent patents |
| Competitor patents |
Focus on analogs, formulations, routes of administration |
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers a class of CNS-active compounds with defined chemical structures and therapeutic applications.
- Its expiration in 2005 opened the space for generic development.
- The patent landscape includes numerous derivatives and improvements, often patented separately.
- Modern therapies may build directly upon the chemical framework established in this patent.
- Key licensing or development strategies should consider its broad chemical and use claims plus subsequent patents' scope.
FAQs
Q1: Can a company develop a drug based on the compounds claimed in 4,517,179 now that the patent has expired?
A1: Yes. Since the patent expired in 2005, the original claims are in the public domain, allowing unrestricted development of drugs based on those compounds.
Q2: Are derivatives of the compounds in 4,517,179 still patentable?
A2: Potentially. New derivatives with novel modifications, improved pharmacokinetics, or delivery methods may qualify for new patents if they meet novelty and non-obviousness criteria.
Q3: What are the key legal considerations for companies referencing 4,517,179?
A3: Companies must analyze related patents, especially those citing 4,517,179, to avoid infringement on current claims related to synthesis, formulation, or use.
Q4: How does the scope of claims influence freedom-to-operate?
A4: Broad composition and use claims can affect the ability to develop competing products without license or redesign, especially if later patents bridge or narrow the original scope.
Q5: What is the significance of subsequent citations of 4,517,179 in patent filings?
A5: It indicates ongoing innovation pathways, with new patents refining or building on its chemical or therapeutic concepts, shaping current patent strategies.
References
[1] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (1985). Patent No. 4,517,179.
[2] WIPO. (2005). Patent expiration notices.
[3] Patent landscape reports (various).
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