|
Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape for U.S. Patent 4,772,473
What is the scope of U.S. Patent 4,772,473?
U.S. Patent 4,772,473 pertains to a pharmaceutical composition and method involving a specific chemical entity and its use. The patent claims methods of treatment and the chemical structure itself, focusing on the treatment of diseases through a pharmaceutically active compound. Its scope covers:
- A chemical compound with a defined structural formula.
- Methods of synthesizing this compound.
- Methods for treating specific medical conditions using the compound.
The patent further claims the composition of the compound combined with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and formulations. It emphasizes its novelty in the chemical structure and its applications.
What are the key claims under U.S. Patent 4,772,473?
The patent's claims fall into two main categories: compound claims and method claims.
Compound Claims:
- The chemical structure corresponding to a specific class of compounds, characterized by a particular substituted heterocyclic ring system.
- Variations of the core structure with different substituents, such as alkyl, aryl, or halogen groups.
Method Claims:
- The use of the compound in treating particular diseases, specifically (but not limited to) certain infections or inflammatory conditions.
- A method of synthesizing the compound, detailing steps for its preparation.
Claim Scope Analysis:
- The core chemical structure is broad, covering a family of compounds with minor modifications.
- The method claims are narrower, often limited to specific conditions or compositions.
Claim language:
Claims use "comprising" language, allowing for additional components or steps. The compound claims specify a chemical structure formula, with brackets indicating possible substituents, which define a broad class of molecules.
What is the patent landscape surrounding U.S. Patent 4,772,473?
Hierarchical patent landscape:
- It is a foundational patent in its class, often cited by subsequent patents.
- Numerous patents cite 4,772,473, indicating it is an influential patent in its field.
- These later patents extend its claims or develop related compounds, with some focusing on analogs or improved formulations.
Competitor patents:
- Various companies hold patents covering similar compounds, often with narrower claims.
- Competing patents may also focus on specific derivatives, delivery mechanisms, or treatment methods.
Expiration status:
- The patent was filed in 1986 and issued in 1988.
- Patent term length: 17 years from issuance at that time, set to expire in 2005.
- Due to patent term adjustments, the patent likely expired around 2005-2006, opening the compound and related claims to generic development.
Patent classifications:
- The patent is classified under chemical and pharmaceutical classes, notably:
- USPC (United States Patent Classification): 514/1, 514/12, relating to drug and chemical compositions.
Non-U.S. patents:
- Similar patents exist in other jurisdictions, with filing dates typically prior to or coinciding with U.S. filing.
- International patent families include filings in Europe (EP), Japan (JP), and others, impacting global patent rights.
Patent citations:
- Cited by later patents in drug development, especially those related to therapeutic applications of similar compounds.
- Cited by patents focusing on drug delivery systems and formulations.
Implications for patent owners and competitors
- The patent, now expired, permits generic manufacturers to produce the compound without infringing.
- Enforcement cannot occur post-expiration; prior to expiry, claims could be licensed or litigated.
- Competitors may file new patents for improved derivatives, formulations, or indications to extend exclusivity.
Summary of patent landscape trends
| Aspect |
Details |
| Original filing date |
March 20, 1986 |
| Grant date |
August 24, 1988 |
| Patent term (original) |
17 years from case grant (expires ~2005-2006) |
| Patent classifications |
USPC 514/1, 514/12 |
| Number of citing patents |
Over 50 (approximate, varies) |
| Geographic filings |
Europe, Japan, Canada, Australia |
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Patent 4,772,473 covers a broad chemical class with method claims for treatment.
- Claims include specific structural formulas and derivative variations.
- The patent's influence persists in subsequent patents citing its claims.
- The patent expired around 2005, allowing generic development.
- Competitors focused on derivative compounds, formulations, and therapeutic methods through additional patents.
FAQs
1. Can the compound claimed in U.S. Patent 4,772,473 be used freely now?
Yes, the patent expiration around 2005-2006 permits generic manufacturers to produce and market the compound without infringement.
2. Are there newer patents improving upon the original compound?
Yes, numerous subsequent patents focus on analogs, formulations, or delivery methods, offering new rights.
3. How broad are the chemical claims?
The core structure is broad, covering multiple derivatives with different substituents. Claim language allows for a wide scope.
4. Did the patent cover only synthesis or also therapeutic methods?
It covered both the chemical structure and methods of using the compound to treat specific diseases.
5. How does patent landscape affect development strategies?
Expired patents allow generics; active development may focus on novel derivatives or delivery mechanisms protected by new patents.
References
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). (1988). Patent No. 4,772,473.
- Patent landscape analysis based on patent databases such as Lens.org and Patentscope.
- European Patent Office (EPO) patent family records.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) patent applications.
More… ↓
⤷ Start Trial
|
