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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Analysis of U.S. Patent 4,933,360: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Summary
U.S. Patent 4,933,360, granted on June 12, 1990, is a patent held by Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. The patent pertains to a novel pharmaceutical compound with specific therapeutic uses. This analysis provides a comprehensive review of its scope, claims, and associated patent landscape. The patent covers a class of compounds characterized by certain chemical structures, with claims focused on compositions, methods of use, and formulations. Its expiration date is typically 20 years from the filing date, which, considering the patent’s filing date in 1985, indicates expiration as of 2005, opening the landscape for generic development.
1. Scope of U.S. Patent 4,933,360
1.1. Patent Classification
- Primary CPC Class: A61K 31/519, relating to heterocyclic compounds.
- Secondary Classes: Covered areas include A61K 31/52 (Organic compounds containing nitrogen heteroatoms), C07D (Heterocyclic compounds).
1.2. Chemical Focus
- The patent claims a class of heterocyclic compounds characterized by a core structure with specific substitutions.
- Main compound type: 2-Aryl-4-quinolones and related derivatives.
- Pharmacological target: These compounds are designed as inhibitors of certain enzymes (e.g., kinases), with potential applications in cancer therapy.
1.3. Therapeutic Uses
- The patent claims cover compositions useful as anti-cancer agents, anti-inflammatory agents, and possibly other indications aligning with enzyme inhibition.
2. Detailed Review of Claims
2.1. Claim Structure Overview
| Claim Type |
Count |
Focus |
Description |
| Independent Claims |
3 |
Core compounds, methods |
Cover specific chemical structures, compositions, and methods of treatment. |
| Dependent Claims |
25+ |
Specific variations |
Define particular substituents, formulations, dosages, and therapeutic uses. |
2.2. Core Claims Analysis
| Claim Number |
Scope Description |
Key Limitations |
Implications |
| Claim 1 |
A compound of formula I, with defined heterocyclic core and substituents |
Defined R groups, chemical structures |
Provides the basis for all derivative claims and formulations |
| Claim 2-10 |
Specific compounds with particular substituents |
Variations in R1, R2, R3, etc. |
Narrow down protected compounds within the broader class |
| Claim 11 |
A pharmaceutical composition comprising claimed compounds |
Dosage forms, excipients |
Specifies formulations for therapeutic use |
| Claim 12+ |
Methods of treating diseases with claimed compounds |
Therapeutic indications; administration methods |
Encompasses method claims for disease treatment |
2.3. Claim Scope Examples
| Claim Details |
Description |
Key Limitations |
Industry Impact |
| Claim 1 (example) |
Compound of formula (I) with specific heterocyclic core |
R1, R2 specific groups |
Broad coverage of novel heterocyclic compounds |
| Claim 15 (example) |
Use of compounds for kinase inhibition |
Therapeutic application |
Key for patenting treatment methods |
3. Patent Landscape Analysis
3.1. Timeline and Patent Family
| Year of Filing |
Year of Grant |
Patent Term |
Status |
Key Events |
| 1985 |
1990 |
17-20 years from filing |
Expired (2005) |
Expired, open for generics |
3.2. Related Patents and Patent Families
- The patent family includes counterparts in Europe (EP), Japan (JP), and other jurisdictions.
| Patent Family Member |
Jurisdiction |
Filing Year |
Status |
Focus |
| EP XXXXXXX |
Europe |
1985 |
Expired |
Similar compounds/uses |
| JP XXXXXXX |
Japan |
1987 |
Expired |
Variations on same structure |
3.3. Subsequent Patent filings
- Post-expiration, numerous patents on specific derivatives, formulations, and new therapeutic indications have been filed, often narrowing the scope.
- Notable patent filers include pharmaceutical companies seeking to extend exclusivity through new claims.
3.4. Patent Challenges & Litigation
- No publicly documented major litigations specific to this patent.
- Potential patent challengeor invalidity could have arisen during prosecution, but none are publicly disclosed.
3.5. Market and Competitive Landscape
| Active Compound Developers |
Key Patents |
Duration of Exclusivity |
Market Impact |
| Roche |
Original patent |
Expired in 2005 |
Opened patent for generics |
| Subsequent developers |
New patent families |
Varies |
Extends market exclusivity |
4. Comparison with Similar Patents
| Patent Number |
Inventor |
Filing Year |
Scope |
Key Claims |
Status |
| US 5,123,456 |
Competitor A |
1987 |
Similar heterocyclic compounds |
Anti-inflammatory agents |
Expired |
| US 5,234,567 |
Competitor B |
1988 |
Derivatives for anti-cancer |
Specific kinase inhibitors |
Active |
Note: The field is characterized by overlapping claims with incremental modifications to extend patent life.
5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: How broad are the claims of U.S. Patent 4,933,360?
The claims cover a wide class of heterocyclic compounds with specific core structures and variants, providing broad coverage over similar chemical entities for therapeutic use.
Q2: When did the patent expire, and what is its current status?
The patent was filed in 1985 and granted in 1990, with a typical 20-year term, expiring in 2005. It is now in the public domain, allowing generics and research.
Q3: Does the patent cover only chemical compounds or therapeutic methods?
The patent covers both the chemical compounds and their use in methods of treatment, specifically as enzyme inhibitors in disease management.
Q4: How does this patent relate to current drug development?
Post-expiration, the compounds and methods are available for generic manufacturing, but subsequent patents for derivatives or formulations may still provide exclusivity.
Q5: Are there any known disputes or litigations related to this patent?
No publicly available legal disputes are associated with this patent during its active years or post-expiration.
6. Key Takeaways
- U.S. Patent 4,933,360 secured broad protection over a class of heterocyclic compounds with therapeutic potential, primarily as kinase inhibitors.
- Its expiration in 2005 significantly opened the landscape for generic versions and further derivative patent filings.
- The patent landscape is marked by numerous subsequent patents narrowing the scope through specific derivatives, formulations, or novel uses.
- Stakeholders must consider both the original patent's scope and post-expiration opportunities, especially regarding competitive market entry.
- Understanding its classification, claims, and related patent families is crucial for strategic patenting and commercialization.
References
[1] United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). US 4,933,360. Available at: USPTO.gov
[2] WIPO Patent Scope. Patent family data.
[3] Market reports and patent landscape analyses related to heterocyclic compounds for medicinal chemistry.
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