United States Patent 3,669,965: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 3,669,965, titled "1-Lower alkyl or alkenyl substituted-6,7-methylenedioxy-4(1H)-oxocinnoline-3-carboxylic acids and methods for making and using same," was granted to William A. White, an inventor affiliated with Eli Lilly and Company. This patent is significant in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly for its antimicrobial properties. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Context
The patent was filed on December 29, 1969, and granted on June 13, 1972. It is a continuation-in-part of a previous application, Ser. No. 796,546, which was filed on February 4, 1969, and later abandoned[4].
Scope of the Invention
The patent describes a class of compounds known as 1-lower alkyl or alkenyl substituted-6,7-methylenedioxy-4(1H)-oxocinnoline-3-carboxylic acids. These compounds are active against Gram-negative bacteria and Mycoplasma organisms, making them valuable in the treatment of various infections.
Chemical Structure and Synthesis
The patent details the chemical structure of these compounds and provides methods for their synthesis. The compounds are characterized by their methylenedioxy and oxocinnoline moieties, which are crucial for their antimicrobial activity[4].
Pharmacological Activity
The invention includes data from experiments demonstrating the efficacy of these compounds against specific microorganisms. For example, the patent describes tests showing the compounds' activity against Gram-negative bacteria and Mycoplasma organisms, highlighting their potential as therapeutic agents[4].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes 19 claims that define the scope of the invention.
Independent Claims
The independent claims outline the core aspects of the invention, including the chemical structure of the compounds and their use as antimicrobial agents. For instance, Claim 1 describes the general structure of the 1-lower alkyl or alkenyl substituted-6,7-methylenedioxy-4(1H)-oxocinnoline-3-carboxylic acids[4].
Dependent Claims
The dependent claims provide additional details and variations of the compounds, such as different substituents and methods of preparation. These claims help to further define the scope of the invention and protect various aspects of the compounds and their uses[4].
Patent Landscape
To understand the broader patent landscape, it is essential to consider related patents and the global intellectual property environment.
Related Patents
Other patents in the same field often involve similar chemical structures or methods of synthesis. For example, patents related to methylenedioxybenzene derivatives may share some similarities with the compounds described in US 3,669,965. These related patents can provide insights into the evolution of antimicrobial compounds and the competitive landscape in pharmaceutical research[5].
International Patent Databases
Searching international patent databases, such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), can reveal whether similar inventions have been patented abroad. This is crucial for understanding the global patent landscape and potential infringement risks[1].
Search Tools and Resources
Several tools and resources are available for conducting thorough patent searches.
USPTO Patent Public Search
The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool is a powerful resource for searching prior art, including patents and published patent applications. This tool can help identify related patents and assess the novelty of the invention described in US 3,669,965[1].
Global Dossier
The Global Dossier service provides access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, allowing users to see the patent family for a specific application and related citation data. This can be useful in understanding the international patent landscape and the status of related applications[1].
Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs)
Local PTRCs offer training in patent search techniques and maintain local search resources, which can be invaluable for conducting comprehensive patent searches[1].
Economic and Research Implications
The Patent Claims Research Dataset provided by the USPTO can offer insights into the economic and research implications of patents like US 3,669,965. This dataset includes detailed information on claims from U.S. patents and can help in analyzing the scope and impact of the patent[3].
Expiry and Legal Status
The patent has expired, as indicated by its legal status. This means that the invention is now in the public domain, and the compounds and methods described can be used without infringing on the original patent[4].
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
- Chemical Structure and Synthesis: The patent describes specific compounds with antimicrobial properties and methods for their synthesis.
- Claims: The patent includes 19 claims that define the scope of the invention, including the chemical structure and use of the compounds.
- Patent Landscape: Understanding related patents and international databases is crucial for assessing the competitive landscape.
- Search Tools: Utilizing tools like the USPTO Patent Public Search and Global Dossier can help in conducting thorough patent searches.
- Economic Implications: The Patent Claims Research Dataset can provide insights into the economic impact of such patents.
- Legal Status: The patent has expired, placing the invention in the public domain.
FAQs
Q: What is the main subject of United States Patent 3,669,965?
A: The main subject is a class of compounds known as 1-lower alkyl or alkenyl substituted-6,7-methylenedioxy-4(1H)-oxocinnoline-3-carboxylic acids, which have antimicrobial properties.
Q: Who was the inventor and assignee of this patent?
A: The inventor was William A. White, and the assignee was Eli Lilly and Company.
Q: What is the significance of the methylenedioxy and oxocinnoline moieties in the compounds?
A: These moieties are crucial for the antimicrobial activity of the compounds.
Q: How many claims are included in this patent?
A: The patent includes 19 claims.
Q: What is the current legal status of this patent?
A: The patent has expired, placing the invention in the public domain.
Cited Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- USA.gov - U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO): https://www.usa.gov/agencies/u-s-patent-and-trademark-office
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - US3669965A: https://patents.google.com/patent/US3669965A/en
- Google APIs - United States Patent (19): https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/5b/bc/a6/c9c75c1bd7fb24/US4082774.pdf
