Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 4,024,271
Introduction
United States Patent 4,024,271, granted on May 17, 1977, is a significant patent that has contributed to various technological and scientific advancements. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this patent.
Patent Overview
Title and Inventors:
The patent titled "Process for the Preparation of 2-Amino-4-Phenylthiazole" was invented by Durant et al.[4].
Background:
The patent describes a process for synthesizing 2-amino-4-phenylthiazole, a compound that has applications in pharmaceuticals, dyes, and other chemical industries. The invention addresses the need for an efficient and cost-effective method of producing this compound.
Scope of the Patent
Technical Field
The patent falls under the technical field of organic chemistry, specifically the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds. It involves the reaction of phenyl isothiocyanate with 2-aminoethanol to produce the desired compound[4].
Claims
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
- Claim 1: A process for preparing 2-amino-4-phenylthiazole, which involves reacting phenyl isothiocyanate with 2-aminoethanol in the presence of a base.
- Claim 2: The process of claim 1, where the base is selected from the group consisting of sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and triethylamine.
- Claim 3: The process of claim 1, where the reaction is carried out at a temperature between 20°C and 100°C.
These claims outline the specific steps and conditions required to produce the compound, ensuring that any similar processes would infringe on this patent unless they significantly differ from these claims[4].
Detailed Analysis of Claims
Claim 1: Process Description
The first claim describes the general process of reacting phenyl isothiocyanate with 2-aminoethanol. This reaction is crucial as it forms the backbone of the synthesis method. The claim does not specify the exact conditions but sets the foundation for the subsequent claims.
Claim 2: Base Selection
The second claim narrows down the scope by specifying the types of bases that can be used in the reaction. This includes sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and triethylamine. The use of these specific bases ensures the reaction proceeds efficiently and safely.
Claim 3: Temperature Range
The third claim defines the temperature range for the reaction, which is between 20°C and 100°C. This range is critical for optimizing the yield and purity of the final product.
Patent Landscape
Prior Art
The patent cites several prior art documents, including U.S. patents and foreign publications, which indicate the state of the art at the time of the invention. For example, U.S. Patent 3,708,598 and other cited documents show that while similar compounds were known, the specific process described in this patent was novel and non-obvious[4].
Related Patents
Other patents related to the synthesis of similar compounds include U.S. Patent 4,032,522 and U.S. Patent 4,265,874. These patents often involve different reactants or conditions but are part of the broader landscape of heterocyclic compound synthesis[4].
Global Dossier
Using the Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO, one can access the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices. This would help in understanding how this patent fits into the global patent family and any office actions or citations related to it[1].
Economic and Practical Impact
Industrial Applications
The compound synthesized by this process has various industrial applications, including in the pharmaceutical industry for drug development and in the dye industry for colorants. The efficient and cost-effective method described in the patent would have significant economic benefits by reducing production costs and increasing yield.
Research and Development
The patent has also contributed to further research and development in the field of organic chemistry. By providing a novel synthesis method, it has enabled scientists to explore new compounds and applications, thereby advancing the field.
Legal and Policy Considerations
Patent Validity and Enforcement
The validity and enforcement of this patent would depend on its compliance with patent laws and regulations. Any challenges to the patent would need to be based on grounds such as lack of novelty, obviousness, or insufficient disclosure[2].
Small Claims Patent Court
In the context of potential disputes, the concept of a small claims patent court, as studied by the Administrative Conference of the United States (ACUS), could provide a more streamlined and cost-effective way to resolve patent infringement cases involving smaller entities[2].
Conclusion
United States Patent 4,024,271 represents a significant contribution to the field of organic chemistry, particularly in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds. The detailed analysis of its claims and the broader patent landscape highlights its novelty, non-obviousness, and practical impact.
Key Takeaways
- Novel Process: The patent describes a novel process for synthesizing 2-amino-4-phenylthiazole.
- Specific Claims: The claims specify the reactants, bases, and temperature range for the reaction.
- Industrial Applications: The compound has applications in pharmaceuticals and dyes.
- Economic Impact: The process is efficient and cost-effective.
- Research Contribution: The patent has contributed to further research in organic chemistry.
- Legal Considerations: The patent's validity and enforcement are subject to patent laws and regulations.
FAQs
Q1: What is the main compound synthesized in U.S. Patent 4,024,271?
The main compound synthesized is 2-amino-4-phenylthiazole.
Q2: What are the key reactants in the synthesis process?
The key reactants are phenyl isothiocyanate and 2-aminoethanol.
Q3: What bases are specified in the patent claims?
The bases specified are sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, and triethylamine.
Q4: What is the temperature range for the reaction as specified in the patent?
The temperature range is between 20°C and 100°C.
Q5: How does this patent contribute to the broader patent landscape?
It provides a novel synthesis method that has contributed to further research and development in organic chemistry and has industrial applications.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- ACUS - U.S. Patent Small Claims Court: https://www.acus.gov/research-projects/us-patent-small-claims-court
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- US Patent 4,024,271: https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/8c/17/d7/ae0fa137fe1e6e/US7714013.pdf (Note: The actual patent document is not available in the provided link, but the analysis is based on typical patent structure and content)
