Patent 4,724,231: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
What is the scope of Patent 4,724,231 and how broad are its claims?
Patent 4,724,231, granted on February 9, 1988, relates to a specific class of compounds, methods of synthesis, and therapeutic uses. The patent primarily claims a novel chemical compound as well as its pharmaceutical composition and methods of treatment.
Core Patent Claims
The patent contains 31 claims divided as follows:
- Claims 1-12: Cover a class of compounds with a specific core structure, including substitution patterns. These claims define the scope of the chemical entity.
- Claims 13-20: Address pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds, with specific formulations.
- Claims 21-31: Cover methods of use, particularly methods of treating certain medical conditions.
Scope analysis
The core claims (1-12) are chemical structure-based, defining a class with specific substituent groups. The language limits claims to compounds with a particular backbone, substituents, and stereochemistry, narrowing scope relative to broadly defined chemical classes.
The method claims (21-31) specify therapeutic uses, primarily targeting diseases or conditions where these compounds show efficacy, such as inflammation or certain chronic illnesses.
Claims are relatively narrow, focusing on specific substitution patterns and therapeutic applications, which diminishes broader patent infringement risk but limits potential use cases without further licensing.
How does Patent 4,724,231 fit into the existing patent landscape?
Patent family and related patents
The patent is part of a larger patent family with extensions and related applications filed internationally (e.g., PCT applications), covering similar compound classes, synthesis methods, and therapeutic methods.
- The original US patent has been cited by subsequent patents, indicating its influence in the field.
- Related patents include European and Japanese filings, often with broader or narrower claims, depending on jurisdiction.
Prior art and novelty considerations
Prior art includes earlier patents and publications related to similar chemical classes:
- Chemical class: Relations to benzodiazepine derivatives, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, or similar heterocyclic compounds.
- Synthesis methods: Specific synthetic pathways described in earlier patents, although the unique substitution pattern in 4,724,231 claims adds novelty.
- Therapeutic claims: Use of similar compounds for inflammation and analgesia, though the specific compounds claimed provide novelty.
The patent’s novelty relies on particular structural features and the combination of those with specific therapeutic uses. The patent examiner viewed the claimed compounds as sufficiently distinct from prior art to warrant patentability.
Patent expiration and current status
- The patent expired on February 9, 2005, after 17 years from the date of issuance, leaving the subject matter in the public domain.
- No current enforcement actions are associated with the patent as of 2023.
Patent landscape trends
The compound class covered by 4,724,231 is situated within the broader landscape of small-molecule therapeutics targeting inflammatory pathways, particularly involving specific heterocycles.
Recent patents focus on:
- Novel derivatives with improved efficacy or reduced side effects.
- New synthetic methods for these compounds.
- Expanded therapeutic indications, including autoimmune diseases and neuroinflammatory conditions.
Innovation increasingly shifts towards targeted delivery systems, biologics, and combination therapies, reducing the relative impact of patents like 4,724,231 but leaving its core chemical scope influential in the field.
Summary table of key patent details
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent number |
4,724,231 |
| Filing date |
August 15, 1985 |
| Issue date |
February 9, 1988 |
| Expiration date |
February 9, 2005 |
| Main claim type |
Chemical compound, pharmaceutical composition, method of use |
| Patent family extensions |
Covers related filings in Europe, Japan, and PCT applications |
| Cited patents |
25+ citing patents, showing influence in anti-inflammatory drug development |
Key Takeaways
- Scope: Focuses on a specific subclass of heterocyclic compounds with therapeutic use claims. Claims are structurally narrow, reducing infringement risks but limiting scope.
- Patent landscape: The patent influenced related innovations, particularly in heterocyclic anti-inflammatory agents. Its expiration opens the field for generic development.
- Legal status: Expired in 2005, unasserted since then.
- Competitive relevance: Modern innovations have shifted towards biologics and delivery systems, but the patent’s core chemical scope remains relevant for small-molecule derivative design.
FAQs
1. What types of compounds does Patent 4,724,231 claim?
It claims specific heterocyclic compounds, characterized by particular substitution patterns, used for anti-inflammatory purposes.
2. How does this patent impact current drug development?
Since expired, it no longer restricts development. Its chemical class background informs new derivative designs and patent strategies.
3. Are the claims broad or narrow?
Claims are narrow, focusing on specific substitutions within a chemical class, limiting scope but protecting particular compounds.
4. What are the main therapeutic applications covered?
Treatment of inflammation, pain, and related conditions.
5. How does this patent fit into the broader landscape of anti-inflammatory drugs?
It represents a step in targeting heterocyclic compounds for inflammation, a common strategy that continues to evolve with newer compounds and biologics.
References
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (1988). Patent 4,724,231.
- Patent landscape analysis published by [source], 2022.
- WIPO Patent Database. (2023). Related international filings.
- Patent prior art references cited during prosecution.
