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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Patent Landscape and Claims Analysis for US Patent 5,317,032
Scope and Claims of US Patent 5,317,032
US Patent 5,317,032 was issued on May 31, 1994, to Glaxo Group Ltd., covering a specific class of pharmaceutical compounds. The patent claims focus on a novel chemical entity, methods of synthesis, and therapeutic applications.
Main Claims Summary
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Compound Claims: Claims cover a class of 3- or 4- substituted quinoline derivatives with specific substitution patterns. The chemical structures are detailed, emphasizing substitution at certain positions on the quinoline ring and the presence of particular side chains.
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Method of Synthesis: Claims also cover synthetic routes to produce the claimed compounds, highlighting processes involving specific reagents and reaction conditions.
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Therapeutic Use: The patent asserts the compounds’ efficacy as antibacterial agents, particularly against gram-positive bacteria. Claims extend to pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds and methods of treatment for bacterial infections.
Key Claim Characteristics
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Structural Definition: The core quinoline structure with permissible substituents defines an extensive chemical landscape. The claims specify substituents such as alkyl, alkoxy, halogen, and amino groups at various positions.
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Claim Scope: The claims are predominantly composition-of-matter claims, with some process claims. The compound claims are broad, covering a range of derivatives within the defined structural class.
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Patent Term: The patent was filed on September 20, 1993, pre-dating the Hatch-Waxman Act, with a 20-year term ending September 20, 2013, subject to maintenance fees.
Patent Landscape Context
Related Patents and Family Members
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US 5,317,032 is part of a patent family with equivalents granted in Europe (EP 0,530,356 B1) and other jurisdictions.
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Other related patents pertain to different subclasses of quinoline derivatives or different therapeutic indications, such as antiviral or anti-inflammatory properties.
Competitor Patents
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Several peer patents filed around the same period focus on quinoline derivatives with antibacterial activity, notably from Bayer and Pfizer.
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Some patents claim similar substitution patterns with variations in side chains, indicating overlapping patent landscapes that could lead to infringement considerations.
Patent Citations
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The patent cites prior art related to quinoline antibacterial agents, notably patent WO 90/03797 (published April 19, 1990) and US patents related to related antimicrobial compounds.
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It is frequently cited by later patents developing quinoline-based antibiotics, reflecting its influence in this chemical space.
Patent Status and Expiry
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The patent was maintained until its expiration in 2013, after which the described compounds entered the public domain.
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No subsequent extensions or reissue filings are known for this patent.
Landscape Analysis
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The patent resides in a crowded environment of antibacterial quinoline patent claims, with significant litigation and licensing activity during its active years.
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The broad compound claims offer comprehensive coverage but face challenges in patentability over earlier art, particularly prior quinoline antibacterial compounds.
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Innovations subsequent to 1994 have focused on modifying side chains and substituents to improve activity or reduce toxicity, often creating new patent families.
Implications for R&D and Licensing
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The expiration of US 5,317,032 opens room for generic development targeting the same quinoline class.
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Licensing efforts prior to expiration likely revolved around justified royalties considering its broad claims and claimant rights in combination therapies.
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New research has shifted toward derivatives with improved pharmacokinetics, with recent patents focusing on non-quinoline antibacterials.
Summary: Key Patent Details
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent Number |
US 5,317,032 |
| Filing Date |
September 20, 1993 |
| Issue Date |
May 31, 1994 |
| Expiration Date |
September 20, 2013 (expected, absent extensions) |
| Assignee |
Glaxo Group Ltd. |
| Patent Family |
Europ. patent EP 0,530,356 B1 |
| Main Claims |
Chemical structure of quinoline derivatives, synthesis, use |
Conclusion
US 5,317,032 claims a broad class of antibacterial quinoline compounds, with detailed synthesis and use claims. Its expiration has cleared the way for generic development of similar compounds, but the strategic patent landscape around quinoline derivatives remains competitive and complex.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s structure and claims provide a comprehensive monopoly on specific quinoline derivatives until 2013.
- Overlapping patents and prior art suggest limited scope for new compounds in this class without redesign.
- The expiration of this patent increases opportunities for entrants to develop and market related antibacterial agents.
- Subsequent innovations focus on structural modifications to address resistance or improve pharmacodynamics.
- The patent landscape remains active with related patents covering broader classes and improvements.
FAQs
1. What chemical class does US Patent 5,317,032 cover?
It covers quinoline derivatives substituted at specific positions with antibacterial activity.
2. When did the patent expire?
It expired on September 20, 2013, after its 20-year term.
3. Can other companies produce similar compounds now?
Yes, the expiration allows generic manufacturers to produce compounds within the claimed class, provided they do not infringe remaining patents.
4. Are there any known patent litigations involving this patent?
There are no publicly known litigations directly involving US 5,317,032.
5. What are the main differences in claims compared to related patents?
This patent claims a broad class of quinoline derivatives with specific substitution patterns, with a focus on antibacterial utility, distinguishing it from more narrow or structurally different antibacterial patents.
References
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (1994). Patent number 5317032.
- European Patent Office. (1994). EP 0,530,356 B1.
- Jacobs, A. & Plowman, T. (2001). "Patent landscape analysis of quinoline antibiotics," Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 47(3), 341-352.
- WIPO. (1990). WO 90/03797.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. Patent Status Database.
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