United States Patent 5,532,241: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 5,532,241, titled "Piperidines and piperazines," is a patent that describes novel compounds and their potential use in the preparation of drugs. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background
The patent, filed on August 12, 1994, and granted on July 2, 1996, is assigned to the inventors and their respective institutions. It falls under the category of medical or veterinary science, specifically focusing on therapeutic activities of chemical compounds or medicinal preparations[4].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is defined by its claims, which outline the specific inventions and innovations covered.
Claims Overview
The patent claims novel piperidine and piperazine derivatives, which are described by a specific chemical formula. Here are the key components of the claims:
- Chemical Structure: The compounds are characterized by an indol-3-yl radical, which can be unsubstituted or substituted with various groups such as OH, OA, CN, Hal, COR2, or CH2R2[4].
- Substituents: The R1 group can be benzofuran-5-yl, 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran-5-yl, chroman-6-yl, or other similar structures, which may also be substituted[4].
- Functional Groups: The Z group can be either N or CR3, and other substituents like A, Hal, R2, and R3 are defined with specific constraints[4].
Therapeutic Applications
The patent specifies that these compounds are capable of being used for the preparation of drugs, particularly for disorders of the nervous system. This includes hypnotics, sedatives, antidepressants, and psychostimulants[4].
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The independent claims are crucial as they define the broadest scope of the invention. For US Patent 5,532,241, the independent claims focus on the novel chemical structures and their derivatives.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further narrow down the scope by specifying additional features or limitations. These claims often provide more detailed descriptions of the compounds and their potential uses.
Patent Landscape
Classification
The patent is classified under several categories within the International Patent Classification (IPC) system:
- A61P25/00—Drugs for disorders of the nervous system
- A61P25/20—Hypnotics; Sedatives
- A61P25/24—Antidepressants
- A61P25/26—Psychostimulants[4].
Prior Art and Related Patents
The patent landscape includes prior art and related patents that deal with similar chemical compounds and therapeutic applications. For instance, other patents may cover different derivatives of piperidines and piperazines or similar therapeutic uses.
Examination Process
The examination process for this patent would have involved a thorough review of the claims to ensure they are novel, non-obvious, and useful. The patent office would have checked for prior art and ensured that the claims are clear and definite[3].
Patent Scope Metrics
To evaluate the scope of this patent, metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count can be used. These metrics can indicate the breadth and clarity of the patent claims. For example:
- Independent Claim Length: Shorter independent claims often indicate narrower and more focused inventions, which can be associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process[3].
- Independent Claim Count: A lower number of independent claims can suggest a more focused invention, which may be easier to defend and enforce[3].
Patent Quality and Litigation
The quality of the patent claims can impact their validity and enforceability. Clear and narrow claims are generally less likely to face litigation challenges compared to broad and unclear claims. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other studies have highlighted concerns about patent quality, particularly in the context of software and internet patents[3].
Expiration and Current Status
The patent has expired, as indicated by its lifetime expiration. This means that the inventions described in the patent are now in the public domain and can be freely used without infringing on the original patent rights.
Impact on Innovation
The expiration of this patent allows other researchers and companies to build upon the disclosed inventions without the need for licensing or fear of litigation. This can foster further innovation in the field of nervous system disorders and related therapeutic compounds.
Key Takeaways
- Novel Compounds: The patent introduces novel piperidine and piperazine derivatives with potential therapeutic applications.
- Therapeutic Uses: The compounds are intended for treating disorders of the nervous system, including hypnotics, sedatives, antidepressants, and psychostimulants.
- Patent Scope: The scope is defined by independent and dependent claims, with metrics like claim length and count indicating the breadth and clarity of the invention.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is classified under specific IPC categories and is part of a broader landscape of related patents and prior art.
- Expiration: The patent has expired, making the inventions public domain.
FAQs
What is the main focus of United States Patent 5,532,241?
The main focus is on novel piperidine and piperazine derivatives and their potential use in preparing drugs for nervous system disorders.
What are the key components of the chemical structure described in the patent?
The compounds are characterized by an indol-3-yl radical, with specific substituents and functional groups defined in the claims.
Under which IPC categories is the patent classified?
The patent is classified under A61P25/00, A61P25/20, A61P25/24, and A61P25/26.
Has the patent expired?
Yes, the patent has expired, and the inventions are now in the public domain.
How does the expiration of the patent impact innovation?
The expiration allows other researchers and companies to use and build upon the disclosed inventions without licensing or litigation concerns, fostering further innovation in the field.
Cited Sources
- US Patent and Trademark Office - US5532241A - Piperidines and piperazines[4].
- Hoover Institution - Patent Claims and Patent Scope[3].
- Google Patents - US5532241A - Piperidines and piperazines[4].
