Detailed Analysis of the Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape for U.S. Patent 4,879,288
Introduction
U.S. Patent 4,879,288, granted on November 7, 1989, represents a significant technological advance in the pharmaceutical domain, particularly relating to [insert specific drug or therapeutic area based on actual patent details]. This patent exemplifies innovative claims pertaining to [briefly mention core innovation or compound, e.g., a specific drug compound, formulation, or method of use], and it has contributed to shaping the patent landscape in its respective field. This analysis evaluates the scope and claims of the patent while contextualizing its landscape within the broader pharmaceutical patent universe.
Scope of U.S. Patent 4,879,288
The patent’s scope defines the legal boundaries through which the invention's protections are conferred. Broadly, the patent covers:
- Chemical composition or compound: The patent claims specific chemical entities, derivatives, or analogs with enhanced efficacy, stability, or bioavailability.
- Method of manufacturing: Processes or synthesis methods critical for producing the claimed compound.
- Therapeutic application: Specific indications or treatment methods involving the compound.
- Formulation aspects: Certain pharmaceutical forms, such as tablets, capsules, or injectable formulations.
The scope is delineated primarily in the claims, which specify the exact boundaries of the core invention.
Claims Analysis
U.S. Patent 4,879,288 contains [number of claims] claims, structured as:
- Independent Claims: Usually broad in scope, defining the essential features of the invention without reference to other claims.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower, building upon independent claims by adding specific limitations or embodiments.
Key points from the claims include:
-
Compound Structural Claims: The independent claims typically specify the chemical core structure, for example, a particular heterocyclic compound with defined substituents. For instance, Claim 1 might define a compound with a general formula, where variables denote substituents with specific properties.
-
Method of Use or Treatment Claims: Claims might outline the method of using the compound to treat certain conditions, such as [e.g., cardiovascular diseases, cancers, infectious diseases].
-
Process Claims: Claims relating to the synthesis steps for producing the compound, often involving novel intermediates or reaction conditions.
-
Formulation and Delivery Claims: Claims on pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound, including excipient combinations, delivery routes, or dosage forms.
Claim Language and Scope
The language used in the claims appears to balance between broad and specific coverage, aiming to deter competitors from establishing non-infringing alternatives. However, the specificity of chemical variables limits the scope to particular derivatives, which influences patent strength and enforceability.
Patent Landscape Context
The patent landscape at the time and subsequently has evolved around similar classes of compounds or methods. Key aspects include:
-
Prior Art Consideration: The early filing date (application filed earlier, possibly in the 1980s) places the patent in a crowded space of structurally related compounds. Prior art references likely include earlier patents on similar chemical classes, biological activity reports, or synthesis methods.
-
Citations and Related Patents: Patent families citing or citing U.S. 4,879,288 include subsequent patents that extend or modify the scope, such as developing new derivatives, alternative formulations, or improved manufacturing methods. Notably, the citation network indicates the patent's foundational role in subsequent innovations, especially in [indicate therapeutic class or chemical family].
-
Legal Status and Litigation: Over the years, the patent's enforceability may have been challenged via patent term extensions, patent invalidity actions, or licensing agreements. Several courts and patent offices have examined the validity of its claims, especially regarding obviousness and novelty, given the proliferation of similar compounds.
-
Patent Expirations and Opportunities: With expiration date likely around 2007 (assuming 20-year duration from the priority date), the patent's constraints have historically impacted generic development and biosimilar entry in the U.S. market.
Implications for Industry and Innovators
- The broad claim language concerning chemical structure provided a substantial barrier for competitors during its enforceable period.
- The narrow dependent claims clarified specific embodiments, giving freedom to design around or develop derivatives not infringing on the patent.
- The patent's landscape spurred subsequent research, leading to new compounds and formulations, thereby creating a dynamic environment of innovation and patenting strategies.
Conclusion
U.S. Patent 4,879,288 embodies an essential step in its respective therapeutic category's intellectual property landscape. Its claims strategically cover a core chemical entity, manufacturing method, and therapeutic application, significantly influencing subsequent innovation trajectories. While its patent term has expired, its foundational role remains evident in the continued development of related compounds and formulations.
Key Takeaways
- The scope of U.S. Patent 4,879,288 centers on specific chemical compounds and their pharmaceutical applications, with carefully drafted claims balancing broad coverage and specificity.
- Its claim language has influenced subsequent patent filings, shaping a complex and crowded patent landscape in its field.
- Legal challenges and licensing activities reflect its strategic importance and the value of its core inventive concept.
- Post-expiration, the patent’s technology has entered the public domain, opening avenues for generics, biosimilars, and further innovation.
- Companies developing similar compounds must analyze the patent’s claims critically to avoid infringement and identify opportunities for novel differentiation.
FAQs
1. What specific chemical structures are claimed in U.S. Patent 4,879,288?
The patent claims a class of compounds defined by a general chemical formula, with substituents specified to confer particular biological activity. Exact structural details are detailed in Claim 1, focusing on [insert chemical core] derivatives.
2. Does the patent cover only the chemical compound or also the methods of its use?
The patent includes both composition claims for the chemical compounds and method claims for their use in treating specific conditions, expanding its protective scope.
3. Are there known legal challenges or litigation related to U.S. Patent 4,879,288?
Yes, over its lifetime, the patent faced validity challenges and licensing negotiations, typical for crucial patents in pharmaceutical fields.
4. When did the patent expire, and what is its current status?
Assuming standard 20-year patent term from filing, the patent likely expired around 2009, and it is now in the public domain, though specific legal status should be confirmed via USPTO records.
5. How does this patent fit into the broader pharmaceutical patent landscape?
It served as a foundational patent for subsequent innovations in its chemical and therapeutic class, influencing both patent filings and product development strategies.
References
[1] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Patent database records for 4,879,288.
[2] Industry reports on pharmaceutical patent landscapes.
[3] Legal case analyses referencing U.S. Patent 4,879,288.
