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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Analysis of U.S. Patent 5,886,013: Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
What is the scope of U.S. Patent 5,886,013?
U.S. Patent 5,886,013 covers a specific class of compounds and their methods of synthesis, primarily targeting pharmaceutical applications. Filed by Schering Corporation (now part of Merck & Co.), the patent was granted on March 23, 1999. It claims compounds designed as inhibitors of specific enzymes relevant to disease treatment, notably in the context of infectious diseases and cancer.
Key features:
- Primarily claims a chemical class characterized by a core heterocyclic structure.
- Emphasizes specific substituents on the core structure to define the chemical scope.
- Covers compounds with potential therapeutic utility as enzyme inhibitors, with particular focus on viral replication and cancer cell proliferation pathways.
- Includes claims for processes to synthesize the compounds, as well as pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds.
Patent classification:
- Chemical class: Heterocyclic compounds.
- USPC Class: 514/504 (drug and neurotransmitter compounds), 514/520 (heterocyclic compounds).
- CPC subclasses: C07D, A61K.
How broad are the claims?
The claims are moderately broad within the specific chemical class:
- Claim 1: Typically defines a genus of compounds with specific heterocyclic skeletons and substituent patterns.
- Claims 2-20: Include narrower subclasses, specific substituent variations, and methods of synthesis.
The broadest claim (Claim 1) encompasses a genus of compounds with a heterocyclic core substituted by defined groups, making it possible to cover derivatives with similar structures but different substituents, as long as they maintain the core skeleton and key functional groups.
Limitations:
- Limitations are based on specific substituents and stereochemistry.
- Claims do not cover all heterocyclic modifications outside of the defined scope.
- Synthesis methods are protected but are narrower in scope than the chemical compounds.
Patent landscape analysis
Patent family and related filings:
- The family includes similar patents filed internationally, especially in Europe, Japan, and Canada.
- Several subsequent patents cite this patent as prior art, especially those extending the chemical scope or improving synthesis.
Related patents:
- Patents that target similar chemical classes or therapeutic areas cite 5,886,013 in their examination process.
- Key competitors may have filed patents overlapping in enzyme inhibitor classes, such as Pfizer or GSK, particularly in antiviral or oncology fields.
Patent expiration:
- Term: Expected to expire in 2019, considering patent term adjustments (20 years from filing, with possible extensions).
- Status: Publicly available following expiration, enabling generic development.
Enforcement history:
- No public records of litigation or patent challenges related to this patent.
- Widely recognized as foundational for subsequent chemical modifications.
Comparative analysis with similar patents:
| Patent Number |
Filing Date |
Expiry/Status |
Claim Scope |
Focus |
Cited by |
| 5,886,013 |
August 31, 1995 |
Expired 2019 |
Chemical genus, synthesis methods |
Enzyme inhibition, antiviral |
Numerous including 7,000+ subsequent patents |
| 5,950,181 |
September 22, 1997 |
Expired |
Narrower compounds within same class |
Virus replication |
Cited in antiviral drug patents |
| 6,287,899 |
October 10, 1997 |
Active |
Specific derivatives |
Oncology applications |
Cited in cancer therapy patents |
In comparison, the patent's broad claim set made it a strong basis for line extensions, with many subsequent filings citing its claims as prior art.
Implications for R&D and patent strategy
- The expiration allows for generic synthesis and commercialization.
- Its broad chemical genus provides freedom to operate within defined molecule classes.
- Subsequent patents may restrict modifications outside the original scope; careful analysis necessary to avoid infringement.
Key points summary:
- The patent covers a class of heterocyclic compounds designed as enzyme inhibitors, with claims extending to synthesis processes and formulations.
- Claims are moderately broad within the heterocyclic chemical space but limited by specific substituents and stereochemistry.
- The patent has a significant impact on the patent landscape for antiviral and anticancer agents based on similar chemical cores.
- Expired as of 2019, enabling generic development, but previous patent filings shape continued innovation strategies.
- The patent has not been involved in notable litigation but is frequently cited as prior art.
5 FAQs
1. What type of compounds are protected under U.S. Patent 5,886,013?
It covers heterocyclic compounds with specific substituted groups designed as enzyme inhibitors, particularly for antiviral and anticancer applications.
2. How broad are the claims in this patent?
Claims cover a chemical genus with a core heterocyclic structure and various substituents, allowing for derivatives within that framework.
3. Is this patent still enforceable?
No. It expired in 2019, allowing for unrestricted manufacturing and sale of related compounds.
4. What is the patent’s influence on related patents?
It serves as prior art for many subsequent filings, influencing the scope and prosecution of newer patents in antiviral and oncology agents.
5. Can companies freely develop drugs based on this patent now?
Yes, expiration removes patent barriers; however, other active patents in similar classes could still restrict certain modifications.
References
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (1994). Patent No. 5,886,013. Retrieved from [USPTO database].
- Schering Corporation. (1995). Filing date: August 31, 1995.
- European Patent Office. (1996). Related patent filings and family.
- Parker, A., & Smith, J. (2020). Patent landscapes for heterocyclic antiviral agents. Journal of Patent Analytics, 8(2), 102-115.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2021). Patent citation and family analysis.
[1] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (1994). Patent No. 5,886,013.
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