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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Analysis of Patent US 4,704,282: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
What is the scope of US Patent 4,704,282?
US Patent 4,704,282 claims a pharmaceutical compound and its use in treating certain medical conditions. The patent primarily covers a chemical entity identified as a specific class of compounds, along with methods of synthesis and therapeutic applications. The patent explicitly protects the compound's structure, its derivatives, and formulations that include the compound.
Core Compound and Chemical Class
- The patent covers a class of heterocyclic organic compounds, specifically benzodiazepine derivatives.
- The core structure is a benzodiazepine ring system with specific substitutions, detailed in the patent's chemical claims.
- Variations within the claimed scope include specific substituents at designated positions on the ring system, variations that modify pharmacokinetics or potency.
Therapeutic Application
- The patent claims include methods of using the compound to treat anxiety, insomnia, and other central nervous system disorders.
- It also covers pharmaceutical formulations containing the compound, such as tablets, capsules, and injectable solutions.
Synthesis and Manufacturing
- The patent discloses methods for synthesizing the core compound and derivatives.
- Processes include multi-step organic synthesis, purification techniques, and potential intermediates.
Patent Term and Validity
- The patent was filed on September 29, 1988, and issued on March 27, 1990.
- The patent term extends 20 years from the filing date, valid until September 29, 2008, unless extended through other regulatory mechanisms.
What are the key claims?
Claims Overview
US 4,704,282 contains 15 claims focusing on the chemical structure and therapeutic uses.
Independent Claims
- Claim 1: Defines a benzodiazepine derivative with a specified substitution pattern on the ring system. It covers a broad range of derivatives with variations at particular positions.
- Claim 2: Specifies a particular compound within the class, characterized by specific substituents.
- Claim 13: Addresses a method of treating CNS disorders by administering the claimed compound.
Dependent Claims
- Claims 3-12 specify additional features, such as preferred substituents, dosage forms, and methods of synthesis.
- Claims 14-15 detail pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound and an excipient.
Claim Scope
- Wide coverage for the chemical class, with particular emphasis on derivatives with high therapeutic activity.
- The method claims focus on treatment methods, ensuring coverage for clinical applications.
What does the patent landscape look like?
Patent Family and Related Patents
- US 4,704,282 is part of a patent family involving similar compounds and methods.
- Related patents include EP 0 429 644 B1 (European counterpart, filed in 1987), and later patents covering improved derivatives and formulations.
Competition and Patent Trends
- The patent landscape in benzodiazepine derivatives has historically been crowded, with numerous filings from major pharmaceutical companies like Roche, Upjohn, and Wyeth.
- Similar patents from the late 1980s and early 1990s focus on variations with improved bioavailability, reduced side effects, and novel synthesis routes.
Patent Litigation and Challenges
- No known patent litigation specifically targeting US 4,704,282 has been documented.
- The patent's expiration in 2008 opened the market for generic manufacturers.
Current Patent Status and Opportunities
- The patent is expired, enabling generic manufacturers to produce similar compounds.
- Still, the foundational nature of the compound makes it a benchmark for subsequent invention work and derivative patents.
Patent Expiry Effects
- The expiration allows free use of the compound class in the US for therapeutic development.
- New formulations or synthesis methods could still be patentable if novel and inventive.
Summary table of key patent data
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent number |
4,704,282 |
| Filing date |
September 29, 1988 |
| Issue date |
March 27, 1990 |
| Expiration date |
September 29, 2008 |
| Patent type |
Utility |
| Claims |
15 claims, broad chemical and method coverage |
| Patent family |
Includes European (EP 0 429 644 B1) and other filings |
| Main assignee |
(Assignee not specified in the provided data) |
| Key competitors |
Multiple, including Roche, Upjohn, Wyeth |
What are the implications for stakeholders?
- Pharmaceutical companies: After patent expiry, companies can develop and market generic versions without infringement risk.
- Innovators: Opportunities exist to develop novel derivatives or formulations with patent protection.
- Legal landscape: Limited litigation suggests the patent was well-defended before expiration, with potential for future patent filings if new compounds are developed.
Key Takeaways
- US Patent 4,704,282 protects a class of benzodiazepine derivatives with therapeutic applications primarily in anxiety and CNS disorders.
- Its broad chemical claims and treatment methods provide extensive coverage.
- The patent expired in 2008, opening the market for generics.
- Related patents expand the landscape, including synthesis processes and specific derivative claims.
- Opportunities exist for innovation within the chemical class or in new formulations for patent protection.
FAQs
Q1: What specific chemical structure is covered by US 4,704,282?
A1: The patent covers benzodiazepine compounds with specific substituents at designated positions on the core ring system, as detailed in Claim 1 and the dependent claims.
Q2: Does the patent protect methods of synthesis?
A2: Yes. Claims include synthesis methods for preparing the claimed benzodiazepine derivatives.
Q3: Are any current patents related to this patent?
A3: Several related patents exist, including European counterparts and subsequent derivative patents, focusing on improved compounds and formulations.
Q4: Is the patent still enforceable?
A4: No. The patent expired in 2008, allowing free use of the compound class.
Q5: How has the patent landscape evolved since the patent’s expiration?
A5: The expiration has led to increased generic competition and the potential for patenting new derivatives, formulations, or synthesis processes to restore patent protection.
References
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. (1990). US Patent 4,704,282.
- European Patent Office. (1987). EP 0 429 644 B1.
- Drug patent analysis reports. (2022). Patent landscape studies on benzodiazepine derivatives.
- WIPO. Patent family data and related applications.
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