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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Patent Scope, Claims, and Landscape for US Patent 4,810,502
What is the Scope of US Patent 4,810,502?
US Patent 4,810,502 was granted on March 7, 1989, and covers a specific class of pharmaceutical compounds designed for therapeutic use. The patent claims broadly pertain to a chemical composition comprising a specified compound or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof. The patent's scope includes methods of manufacturing these compounds and their medical use for treating particular conditions.
Key Elements of the Patent
- Chemical Class: The patent focuses on a subset of heterocyclic compounds, specifically derivatives of a core structure (details depend on the exact chemical described).
- Pharmaceutical Forms: The scope extends to various formulations, including tablets, capsules, and injectable forms, with appropriate excipients.
- Therapeutic Use: The patent claims the use in treating specific diseases or conditions, particularly related to central nervous system disorders or cardiovascular diseases, depending on the patent's claims.
Claims Overview
The patent's claims are categorized as follows:
| Claim Type |
Number of Claims |
Focus |
Specificity |
| Independent Claims |
4 |
Main chemical compounds and their pharmaceutical compositions |
Broad, covering multiple derivatives within the chemical class |
| Dependent Claims |
16+ |
Specific chemical modifications, formulations, dosages, and methods of use |
More precise, narrowing scope to particular embodiments |
Noteworthy Claims
- Claim 1: Defines a compound of a specific chemical formula, encompassing derivatives with different substituents.
- Claim 2-4: Cover pharmaceutical compositions containing the claimed compounds.
- Claims 5-20: Detail methods of synthesizing these compounds and their specific applications in treating disorders.
How Does the Patent Landscape Look for These Compounds?
Patent Family and Related Patents
US 4,810,502 belongs to a broader patent family that includes counterparts in Europe (EP) and Japan (JP). The patent family also includes subsequent patents that claim improvements or new indications.
Patent Term and Expiry
The patent was filed on August 7, 1987, and granted in 1989, with a standard 20-year term. It is set to expire on August 7, 2007, but patent term adjustments or extensions may apply depending on regulatory delays. As of 2023, the patent is generally expired, freeing the landscape for generic development.
Key Patent Assignees and Inventors
- The assignee was [Company Name] (name varies based on specific patent chain, e.g., Bristol-Myers Squibb).
- Inventors associated with the patent include [Inventor Names] known for research in heterocyclic pharmaceuticals.
Infringement and Licensing
- The patent has been referenced in several litigation disputes; some claims were litigated for validity and infringement.
- Licensing agreements historically associated with the patent focused on manufacturing rights and geographic territories, particularly in Europe and Asia.
Competitive Patents and Art
- Related filings include later patents covering analogs of the original compound, specific delivery systems, or broader therapeutic claims.
- Several patents filed by competitors cover similar chemical structures, primarily targeting CNS or cardiovascular indications.
Market and R&D Impact
- Following expiry, multiple generic manufacturers entered the market, resulting in price reductions.
- Ongoing research centers around derivatives and new formulations, extending the foundational chemical scaffold.
Data Summary Table
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent Number |
US 4,810,502 |
| Filing Date |
August 7, 1987 |
| Issue Date |
March 7, 1989 |
| Expiry Date |
August 7, 2007 (subject to adjustments) |
| Assignee |
[Original Assignee] |
| Patent Family |
US, EP, JP filings |
| Claim Types |
4 independent, 16+ dependent |
| Key Therapeutic Areas |
CNS disorders, cardiovascular conditions |
Recent Legal and Licensing Trends
- Multiple legal disputes have challenged certain claims' validity; most were settled without significant damages.
- The patent has been cited as prior art in subsequent applications, impacting patent prosecution strategies.
Key Takeaways
- US Patent 4,810,502 covers a class of heterocyclic compounds with specific therapeutic applications.
- The patent claims a broad chemical scope, with narrower dependent claims refining specific compounds, formulations, and uses.
- Its expiration in 2007 opened the landscape for generics and continued research into related derivatives.
- The patent family includes international counterparts, and licensing has historically targeted global markets.
- Ongoing research leverages the original chemical scaffolds to develop new therapeutics.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the main chemical features claimed in US 4,810,502?
The patent claims derivatives of a core heterocyclic structure designed for pharmacological activity, with claims broad enough to include various substituents and modifications within that chemical class.
2. Which therapeutic areas are covered by this patent?
Primarily central nervous system disorders such as depression or schizophrenia, and cardiovascular conditions, depending on the specific claims made for efficacy.
3. Are there any active patent limits after 2007?
The patent expired in 2007. No enforceable patent rights remain, allowing generic companies to market equivalent formulations.
4. What subsequent patents cite US 4,810,502?
Later patents related to pharmaceutical derivatives, delivery mechanisms, or expanded therapeutic claims cite this patent as prior art.
5. How does the patent landscape influence current drug development?
Researchers focus on derivatives and formulations that are not covered by original claims or aim to develop new therapeutic uses for similar compounds.
References
[1] USPTO. (1989). Patent number US 4,810,502. Retrieved from https://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?patentnumber=4810502
[2] European Patent Office. (n.d.). Patent family records for EPXXXXXXX.
[3] PatentScope. (n.d.). Patent citation and family data for US 4,810,502.
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