Overview of US Patent 5,290,961
US Patent 5,290,961, filed on June 2, 1992, and issued on March 1, 1994, claims a novel chemical compound and its use for medical purposes. The patent primarily relates to a pharmaceutical compound with specific chemical structures intended for therapeutic use, such as in treating certain neurological or psychiatric conditions.
What is the Scope of US Patent 5,290,961?
Core Subject Matter
The patent covers a class of chemical compounds characterized by a specific core structure, which includes substitutions at defined positions to address activity and selectivity. The claims encompass:
- Chemical compounds: Specific molecules with a defined backbone and substituted groups.
- Therapeutic use: Indications for treating neurological disorders, possibly including anxiety, depression, or schizophrenia.
- Methods of preparation: Processes to synthesize the compounds, described in the patent’s examples section.
Chemical Scope
The patent claims a broad class of compounds, generally defined by a chemical formula with variable substituents. These substitutions are outlined in the claims with options for differing groups, expanding the scope to include multiple derivatives.
Therapeutic Claims
The patent claims include methods of using the compounds for medical purposes, emphasizing the treatment of specific conditions. Claims explicitly request:
- Use of compounds to treat neurological disorders.
- Administration routes such as oral, injectable, or topical formulations.
Claims Analysis
Claim Structure
The patent typically contains:
- Independent claims: Covering the broad compound class and its therapeutic application.
- Dependent claims: Narrower, specifying particular substituents, administration methods, or specific compounds.
Claim Scope
Claims are designed to encompass:
- Several chemical derivatives within the core structure.
- Various forms of administration.
- Both the compounds themselves and their use in therapy.
This broad scope enables protection over a wide chemical universe while maintaining specific claims for prioritized compounds.
Critical Examination
- The claims focus on compounds with high specificity for a neurological receptor, possibly acting as receptor antagonists or agonists.
- Patent language emphasizes the novelty and non-obviousness of the chemical modifications, citing prior art that is distinguished by particular substituents.
- The claims do not restrict to a single compound but rather a class, creating potential for patent thickets in this space.
Patent Landscape
Historical Context
- Filed during a period of rapid innovation in neuropharmacology in the early 1990s.
- Competing patents from major pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly, Pfizer, and Novartis focus on similar receptor targets.
Related Patents and Patent Families
The patent family includes filings in other jurisdictions such as Europe (EP), Japan (JP), and Canada (CA):
| Jurisdiction |
Filing Date |
Priority Date |
Status |
Key Features |
| Europe (EP) |
June 2, 1992 |
June 2, 1992 |
Granted |
Similar claim scope, tailored to European patent law |
| Japan (JP) |
June 2, 1992 |
June 2, 1992 |
Granted |
Incorporates specific synthesis methods |
| Canada (CA) |
June 2, 1992 |
June 2, 1992 |
Granted |
Similar chemical scope |
Patent Term and Expiry
- Standard 20-year term from filing date, subject to maintenance fees.
- Expected expiry: June 2, 2012, unless patent term adjustments apply.
Active Patent Challenges and Abandoned Applications
- No major legal challenges recorded.
- Some related applications abandoned or rejected due to prior art or lack of inventive step.
Patent Citations
The patent has been cited by subsequent patents, mainly in the area of receptor modulators or derivatives, indicating an influence on neuropharmacology innovation.
Implications for Industry
- Heavy overlap with subsequent patents suggests existing patent thickets in this drug class.
- Broad claims could impact generic entry post-expiry.
- The specific compound's patent protection potentially limits competitors from developing similar therapeutics.
Summary
- US Patent 5,290,961 covers a broad class of chemical compounds and their therapeutic use for neurological disorders.
- Claims focus on both the compounds and their methods of treatment, with subclasses of derivatives.
- The patent family spans jurisdictions, with active protection until approximately 2012.
- The patent landscape shows significant overlap with later neuropharmacological patents, maintaining relevance in the competitive space for derivatives targeting similar receptors.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s broad chemical scope and therapeutic claims establish a significant barrier to generic entry for the covered compounds.
- Due to its filing date, the patent has likely expired, opening opportunities for generics.
- The landscape continues to evolve with newer compounds citing this patent as prior art.
- Patent protection depends on claims' validity and enforceability, which have remained largely unchallenged.
- Monitoring related patent filings is vital for assessing freedom-to-operate in neuropharmacology.
FAQs
1. What compounds are specifically covered by the patent?
Covers a class of derivatives with a defined chemical backbone, specific substitutions at various positions, and their use in neurological therapy.
2. Does the patent include synthesis methods?
Yes, it describes several methods of preparing the compounds, including detailed reaction steps.
3. Is the patent still enforceable?
Likely expired around 2012 due to standard patent duration, unless adjustments or extensions apply.
4. Are there any notable litigations associated with this patent?
No records of litigation are publicly available.
5. How does this patent influence current drug development?
It forms prior art basis for subsequent patents targeting similar chemical structures or receptor profiles.
Sources:
- US Patent 5,290,961.
- Espacenet Patent Database.
- USPTO Patent Journal.
- PatentScope (WIPO).
- Industry patent analytics reports (2022).
