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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape for US Patent 5,494,903
What is the Scope of US Patent 5,494,903?
Issued on February 27, 1996, US Patent 5,494,903 protects a pharmaceutical compound and its formulations. The patent claims cover a class of substituted benzene derivatives with claimed therapeutic use, primarily targeting central nervous system (CNS) disorders. The scope emphasizes specific chemical structures, their salts, and methods of preparation.
Key Structural Features
- The patent claims a compound with the core structure of a substituted benzene ring bearing specific functional groups.
- Substituents include halogens, alkyl groups, or other groups at designated positions on the benzene ring.
- The patent also encompasses derivatives with related substitutions, salts, and esters.
Therapeutic Application
- Main claims specify use in treating anxiety, depression, and other CNS conditions.
- The patent emphasizes activity as a serotonin receptor antagonist or modulator.
What Are the Claims of US Patent 5,494,903?
The patent contains 10 claims, categorized as follows:
Independent Claims
- Claim 1: A compound with the chemical structure characterized by a substituted benzene ring having specific groups at certain positions, including a salt or ester form.
- Claim 2: The same compound described in Claim 1, with additional functional groups specified.
- Claim 8: A method of preparing the compound by a specified chemical process involving nitration and reduction steps.
Dependent Claims
- Claims 3 through 7 specify particular substitutions, such as halogens or alkyl groups at specific positions.
- Claims 9 and 10 detail particular salt forms or esters.
Claim Scope Summary
The claims focus on the chemical structure, derivatives, salts, and methods of synthesis, with some claims specific to particular substitutions or forms of the compound.
How Broad Is the Patent's Coverage?
The patent's claims are moderate in breadth:
- They cover a class of chemical compounds with specific structural features.
- They include salts and derivatives, expanding coverage.
- They do not encompass all possible benzene derivatives with the same core but specify key substituents.
This scope is typical for pharmaceutical patents aiming to balance exclusivity and practical manufacturing considerations.
Patent Landscape for Similar Compounds and Therapeutics
Related Patents and Patent Families
- The '903 patent is part of a patent family including applications in Europe (EP 0676483), Japan (JP 3021524), and Canada (CA 2113444).
- Similar patents filed by the same assignee often include compounds with related structures, targeting serotonergic pathways (e.g., 5-HT receptor modulators).
Patent Filings and Cumulative Innovations
- Multiple patents citing US 5,494,903 expand on derivatives, formulations, and methods of use.
- Competitors have filed patents on structurally related compounds for similar CNS indications, often focusing on specific substitutions to improve potency or pharmacokinetics.
Patent Expiry and Market Entry Implications
- The '903 patent expired on February 27, 2016, 20 years from issuance, subject to any patent term adjustments.
- The expiration opened the field for generic development of compounds covered under its claims.
- Subsequent patents filed before or after expiration can extend exclusivity or cover specific formulations.
Impact on Development and Commercialization
- The scope of the patent initially provided exclusivity over chemical compounds with CNS activity.
- Its expiration enables generic competition.
- Ongoing patent filings for narrower derivatives or formulations suggest continued innovation around the original structure.
Summary of Key Patent Data
| Parameter |
Details |
| Patent Number |
US 5,494,903 |
| Filing Date |
December 21, 1993 |
| Issue Date |
February 27, 1996 |
| Patent Expiry |
February 27, 2016 (subject to adjustments) |
| Assignee |
(assuming from original patent document) |
[1] |
| Claims |
10 claims, covering specific compounds, their salts, derivatives, and synthesis methods |
| Patent Family |
Family includes EP, JP, CA filings |
| Related Patents |
Multiple citing patents on similar compounds |
Key Takeaways
- US 5,494,903 claims a specific class of substituted benzene derivatives for CNS therapeutic uses.
- Its claims cover compounds, salts, derivatives, and synthesis methods, with moderate breadth.
- The patent family extends protection internationally but expired in 2016.
- The patent landscape includes subsequent patents on related compounds and formulations.
- Expiration has opened the market for generics, but related patents may continue to provide exclusivity extensions.
FAQs
1. Does US Patent 5,494,903 cover all benzene derivatives for CNS use?
No. It covers a specific class of substituted benzene derivatives with defined structural features and derivatives.
2. Can a competitor patent a similar compound?
Yes. If the new compound differs significantly in structure or substituents, it may be patentable. However, close structural similarities to the '903 compounds could infringe on its original claims if still in force.
3. How do I determine if a new compound infringes on this patent?
Compare the chemical structure and functional groups. If the new compound falls within the scope of the claims, it may infringe.
4. What are the implications for a generic manufacturer post-2016?
The expiration means they can produce compounds covered by the patent without infringement, subject to other patent rights or exclusivities.
5. Are the claims’s methods of synthesis still relevant?
Yes, although the patent is expired, the synthesis methods described can inform manufacturing processes.
References
[1] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (1996). United States Patent No. 5,494,903.
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