United States Patent 3,461,461: A Detailed Analysis of Scope and Claims
Introduction
United States Patent 3,461,461, granted on August 12, 1969, is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly focusing on compounds with antihypertensive properties. This patent was assigned to The Upjohn Company and invented by William C. Anthony and Joseph J. Ursprung. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Inventors
The patent was filed on November 1, 1965, by William C. Anthony and Joseph J. Ursprung, who were associated with The Upjohn Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The Upjohn Company was a major pharmaceutical firm known for its innovative contributions to the field of medicine[1].
Scope of the Patent
Chemical Compounds
The patent describes a class of compounds known as 6-amino-1,2-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2-iminopyrimidines. These compounds are substituted in the 4-position and optionally in the 5-position. The substituents in these positions can vary, leading to a range of compounds with potential therapeutic uses[1].
Therapeutic Uses
The primary therapeutic use of these compounds is as antihypertensive agents. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a significant health concern, and the development of effective antihypertensive drugs was a critical area of research in the 1960s. These compounds were designed to help manage and treat hypertension[1].
Claims of the Patent
Product Claims
The patent includes product claims for the 6-amino-1,2-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2-iminopyrimidines and their carboxyacylated counterparts. It also covers the corresponding acid addition salts of these compounds. These claims are crucial as they define the specific chemical entities that are protected under the patent[1].
Method of Preparation
The patent details the method of preparing these compounds, including the steps involved in synthesizing and purifying them. For example, the solid compounds are washed with piperidine and then with diethyl ether before being dried to obtain the final product[1].
Patent Landscape
Patent Classification
The patent is classified under International Classification C07d 51/42 and U.S. Classification 260-256.4. This classification helps in understanding the broader category of chemical compounds and their applications that this patent falls under[1].
Expiration and Disclaimer
The portion of the patent term subsequent to May 7, 1985, was disclaimed. This means that the patent's protection period ended on this date, and the technology described in the patent became part of the public domain after this time[1].
Impact on Pharmaceutical Research
Innovation in Antihypertensive Drugs
The development of these compounds marked an important innovation in the treatment of hypertension. By providing new chemical entities with antihypertensive properties, this patent contributed to the advancement of pharmaceutical research in this area.
Future Developments
The discovery and patenting of these compounds paved the way for further research into similar chemical structures and their therapeutic applications. This is a common pattern in pharmaceutical research, where initial discoveries lead to a cascade of subsequent innovations.
Patent Analytics and Claim Coverage
Claim Coverage Matrix
In managing a portfolio of patents like this one, companies use tools such as a Claim Coverage Matrix to track which patents and claims are actively protecting their intellectual property. This matrix helps in identifying gaps or opportunities in the patent landscape, ensuring that the technology intended to be protected is adequately covered[3].
Scope Concepts
The scope concepts associated with these patent claims are crucial for categorizing and analyzing large numbers of patent claims. This approach helps in filtering, searching, and accurately analyzing the patent landscape to determine the value and applicability of the claims[3].
Policy and Legal Considerations
Novelty Requirement
A key aspect of patent law is the novelty requirement, which stipulates that an invention must be new to be patentable. This patent, by disclosing new chemical compounds and their uses, met this requirement at the time of its filing. However, the broader issue of novelty in new-use patents is a complex one, often requiring detailed mechanistic information to prove true novelty[4].
Public Disclosure
Patent documents, including this one, contribute to the public store of knowledge once they are published. This disclosure is intended to stimulate further innovation and technological development by making the information publicly available[4].
Key Takeaways
- Chemical Compounds: The patent covers 6-amino-1,2-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2-iminopyrimidines and their derivatives.
- Therapeutic Use: These compounds are primarily used as antihypertensive agents.
- Claims: The patent includes product claims and method of preparation claims.
- Patent Landscape: Classified under specific international and U.S. classifications, with a disclaimed portion of the patent term.
- Impact: Contributed to the advancement of pharmaceutical research in antihypertensive drugs.
- Patent Analytics: Tools like Claim Coverage Matrix and scope concepts are essential for managing and analyzing the patent portfolio.
FAQs
Q: What are the primary compounds described in United States Patent 3,461,461?
A: The primary compounds are 6-amino-1,2-dihydro-1-hydroxy-2-iminopyrimidines and their carboxyacylated counterparts.
Q: What is the main therapeutic use of these compounds?
A: The main therapeutic use is as antihypertensive agents.
Q: Who were the inventors of this patent?
A: The inventors were William C. Anthony and Joseph J. Ursprung.
Q: When was the patent filed and granted?
A: The patent was filed on November 1, 1965, and granted on August 12, 1969.
Q: What is the significance of the disclaimer in the patent term?
A: The disclaimer means that the portion of the patent term subsequent to May 7, 1985, was given up, and the technology became part of the public domain after this date.
Sources
- United States Patent Office - 6-AMINO-4-(SUBSTITUTED AMINO)-1,2-DIHYDRO 1-HYDROXY-2-IMINOPYRIMIDINES.
- Casetext - Upjohn Co. v. Riahom Corp., 641 F. Supp. 1209.
- Schwegman - Patent Analytics.
- Vanderbilt Law Review - Patenting New Uses for Old Inventions.
