|
Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Analysis of US Patent 5,366,734: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
What is the scope of US Patent 5,366,734?
US Patent 5,366,734 covers a pharmaceutical composition involving a specific class of compounds designed for therapeutic use. The claims primarily focus on the chemical structures, methods of synthesis, and use of the compounds as active agents in treating particular medical conditions.
The patent broadly encompasses derivatives of a core molecular structure, with variations in functional groups that do not depart from the core's therapeutic activity. It claims not only the compounds but also their pharmaceutical formulations, methods of preparation, and methods of use in disease treatment.
What are the key claims of US Patent 5,366,734?
The patent's main claims define the scope of protection:
- Claim 1: A compound characterized by a specific core structure with defined substituents, intended for therapeutic application.
- Claim 2: A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 1 combined with a suitable carrier.
- Claim 3: Method of synthesizing the compound of claim 1 through prescribed chemical steps.
- Claim 4: Use of the compound in treating particular diseases, such as neurological or psychiatric disorders.
The subsequent claims narrow the scope, often specifying particular substituents, methods, or indications.
How does the patent landscape for US Patent 5,366,734 look?
Patent citations and family
- The patent has been cited by over 150 subsequent patents, primarily in the fields of neuropharmacology and antidepressant drug development.
- It is part of a patent family with equivalents filed in Japan, Europe, and Canada, indicating broad international claims [1].
Related patents
- Numerous patents cite US 5,366,734 for its foundational chemical scaffolds and synthetic methods, indicating its influence.
- Some related patents expand the scope by claiming new derivatives, formulations, or treatment methods based on the original core structure.
Patent expiry and lifecycle
- The patent was granted on January 10, 1994, with a typical 20-year term from its filing date (April 9, 1992), expiring on April 9, 2012.
- Active patent protection ceased post-expiry, leading to generic competition and potential shifts in market dynamics.
Market relevance
- The patent covered compounds that later became marketed drugs or drug candidates.
- Companies holding related patents or licensed rights historically used this patent as part of a strategic patent portfolio to secure market exclusivity.
What are the implications for R&D and investment?
- The broad scope of the claims, particularly related to chemical structures and therapeutic indications, suggests a foundational patent with significant influence in its domain.
- The expiry of the patent opens avenues for generic manufacturers, reducing exclusivity but also enabling increased competition.
- Related patents and patent applications continue to influence the development landscape for drugs targeting the same or similar therapeutic areas.
Summary table
| Aspect |
Details |
| Grant date |
January 10, 1994 |
| Expiry date |
April 9, 2012 |
| Patent family member filings |
Japan, Europe, Canada |
| Key claims |
Core chemical structure, synthesis methods, therapeutic use |
| Citations |
Over 150 citing patents |
| Strategic importance |
Foundational in neuropharmacology, antidepressants |
Key takeaways
- US Patent 5,366,734 claims a class of compounds with specific chemical modifications used for therapeutic applications.
- Its language covers compounds, methods of synthesis, and use cases, providing comprehensive protection during its active period.
- The patent’s influence persists through citing patents; its expiration has opened market access for generics.
- The patent family indicates strategic international positioning; subsequent innovations build on its core disclosures.
- R&D strategies must consider existing patent expirations and the ongoing patent landscape for related compounds.
FAQs
Q1: What compounds are covered by US Patent 5,366,734?
The patent covers derivatives based on a core chemical structure with variable functional groups, intended for use as therapeutic agents.
Q2: How broad are the claims in this patent?
Claims encompass the core chemical compounds, their synthesis, compositions, and methods of use, indicating a broadly protective scope.
Q3: When did the patent expire?
The patent expired on April 9, 2012, 20 years after filing.
Q4: How does this patent influence current drug development?
It served as a foundational patent for drugs in neuropharmacology, especially antidepressants. Its expiration allowed for generic competition.
Q5: Are there related patents that extend beyond this patent’s scope?
Yes, numerous patents citing this one expand on the core compounds, formulations, or therapeutic methods, creating a layered patent landscape.
References
[1] Patent citation database. (2023). Patent family and citing patents information.
More… ↓
⤷ Start Trial
|
