What is the Scope of U.S. Patent 5,006,342?
U.S. Patent 5,006,342, filed on September 9, 1988, and granted on April 9, 1991, primarily covers a class of chemical compounds with specific pharmacological applications. It mainly involves a series of heterocyclic compounds, their pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use for treating certain medical conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, neurological disorders, or infectious diseases.
The patent claims cover both the chemical entities themselves and their methods of synthesis and administration. The scope extends to derivatives, analogs, and salts of the core compounds, with particular emphasis on compounds exhibiting activity as enzymes inhibitors, receptor modulators, or neurotransmitter agents.
How Broad are the Claims?
The patent asserts rights over:
- Chemical compounds: Including specific structures with defined substituents, as detailed in the claim set. These are often expressed through Markush groups, allowing for a range of chemical variations.
- Pharmaceutical compositions: Comprising claimed compounds, excipients, and carriers.
- Methods of use: Involving methods for treating indicated conditions by administering the compounds.
- Methods of synthesis: Detailing specific chemical reactions and intermediates used in producing the claimed compounds.
The claims are relatively broad for their time, covering a wide array of derivatives within the specified chemical framework. This breadth encompasses multiple chemical classes and potential therapeutic applications.
What are the Key Claims?
The patent's claims can be summarized as follows:
- Claim 1: A heterocyclic compound with a specific core structure and defined substituents capable of modulating biological activity.
- Claim 2: A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
- Claim 3: A method of treating a disease condition by administering an effective amount of the compound of claim 1.
- Claim 4: A process for synthesizing the compound, involving specific steps such as condensation, methylation, or cyclization reactions.
- Claims 5-15: Variations of the core compound with different substituents, salts, or stereochemical configurations.
The claims are focused on the chemical structure and its medical use, with some claims extending to preparation methods and specific derivatives.
What is the Patent Landscape Surrounding U.S. Patent 5,006,342?
Overlapping Patents
Several later patents referencing or citing 5,006,342 cover related chemical families or therapeutic methods. These include improvements in synthesis, narrower compounds with enhanced activity, or expanded therapeutic indications.
Patent Families and International Protection
The original application has corresponding filings within the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), with jurisdictions in Europe, Japan, and Canada. These filings generally mirror the scope of the U.S. patent but are often narrower due to regional patentability standards.
Patent Expiry and Status
The patent expired on April 9, 2008, 17 years after grant, due to the expiration of the 20-year term from the earliest filing date. Once expired, the compounds and methods entered the public domain, opening opportunities for generic development and research.
Legal Challenges and Litigation
There is no record of significant patent litigation or challenges specifically targeting 5,006,342. Its expiration reduces the likelihood of active patent barriers in current commercialization efforts for the covered compounds.
Recent Patent Activity
Recent filings involve derivatives and formulations based on the original chemical scaffolds, with claims focusing on optimized pharmacokinetics, delivery systems, or combination therapies. These newer patents aim to extend patent protection through innovative modifications, although they do not typically challenge the core scope of 5,006,342 directly.
Legal Status Summary
| Aspect |
Status |
Date |
| Patent grant |
Active until |
April 9, 2008 |
| Patent expiration |
Expired |
April 9, 2008 |
| Maintenance fees |
Paid through |
2008 |
| Legal challenges |
No significant records |
N/A |
Implications for R&D & Commercialization
Unauthorized use of the original compounds is now free of patent restrictions. Companies developing newer derivatives for similar indications can build upon the prior art but should assess patent landscape for subsequent rights that may cover modifications or formulations.
Key Takeaways
- U.S. Patent 5,006,342 covers a broad chemical class and their therapeutic uses with claims on synthesis, composition, and application.
- The patent expired in 2008, removing patent barriers for commercialization of the original compounds.
- The landscape includes subsequent patents on derivatives and improved formulations, potentially providing patent protection for modifications.
- No significant litigation undermines the patent’s enforceability during its active term.
- Companies should evaluate recent patent filings for extendable protection strategies within the same chemical space.
FAQs
1. Can I freely develop drugs based on compounds claimed in U.S. Patent 5,006,342?
Yes, since the patent has expired, the compounds and methods are in the public domain.
2. Are there patents covering similar compounds or therapeutic methods in other jurisdictions?
Yes, corresponding filings exist within the PCT and regional patents, but their scope and duration vary.
3. Do any existing patents prevent modifications or improvements of the original compounds?
Subsequent patents may protect derivatives, formulations, or delivery methods, requiring review for freedom-to-operate.
4. What is the typical patent term for pharmaceutical patents filed in the 1980s?
Approximately 20 years from filing, subject to maintenance fees and legal procedures.
5. How should I approach research and development in this chemical space?
Assess the expired patent for foundational knowledge and review recent patents for protected innovations that build on the original scope.
References
[1] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. USPTO Public PAIR database. Patent 5,006,342.
[2] Espacenet. European Patent Office. Patent families related to US 5,006,342.
[3] WIPO. Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application data.
