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Patent landscape, scope, and claims: |
Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 4,166,182
Introduction
United States Patent 4,166,182, titled "6-n-propyl-8-methoxymethyl or methylmercaptomethylergolines and related compounds," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of prolactin inhibitors and drugs for treating Parkinson's disease. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication Details
- Publication Number: US4166182A
- Publication Date: September 4, 1979
- Applicant: Eli Lilly and Company
- Inventors: James W. Conine, Julian L. Stowers[4].
Scope of the Patent
The patent describes a group of extremely potent prolactin inhibitors and drugs belonging to the ergoline series. These compounds are designed to treat Parkinsonism and other conditions related to prolactin regulation.
Chemical Structure
The patented compounds have the following general structure:
- Y: O, SO, SO2, or S
- R1: Ethyl, n-propyl, or allyl
- X: H, Cl, or Br
- R2, R3, and R4: Hydrogen, or when taken together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached, form a double bond[4].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
Independent Claims
- Claim 1: The compound 6-n-propyl-8-methoxymethyl or methylmercaptomethylergoline and its pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts.
- Claim 2: The process for preparing these compounds, including specific reaction steps and reagents[4].
Dependent Claims
- Claims 3-10: Various specific embodiments of the compounds, including different substituents and their combinations, as well as the pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds[4].
Prior Art and Related Patents
The patent references several prior art patents that disclose related compounds and synthesis methods:
Relevant Prior Art
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,920,664: Discloses D-2-halo-6-alkyl (methyl, ethyl, n-propyl)-8-cyanomethylergolines.
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,901,894: Discloses 6-methyl-8-methylmercaptomethylergolines optionally substituted at C-2 by chlorine or bromine.
- U.S. Pat. No. 3,959,288: Discloses the analogous 8-methoxymethyl compounds[4].
Patent Landscape
International Context
The patent landscape for ergoline derivatives is complex and global. Similar patents and applications can be found in various international patent offices:
- European Patent Office (EPO): Provides access to European patent databases through esp@cenet, which includes machine translations for some languages[1].
- Japan Patent Office (JPO): Offers machine translations of Japanese patents, which can be relevant for similar compounds[1].
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO): The PATENTSCOPE® Search Service allows full-text searches of published international patent applications, including machine translations for some documents[1].
Search Tools and Resources
To navigate the patent landscape effectively, several tools and resources are available:
- USPTO Patent Public Search: A powerful web-based patent search application that replaced legacy tools like PubEast and PubWest. It provides enhanced access to prior art and modern interfaces[1].
- Global Dossier: A service that allows users to see the patent family for a specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices, along with dossier, classification, and citation data[1].
- Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs): Local resources that maintain search materials and offer training in patent search techniques[1].
Economic and Research Implications
The Patent Claims Research Dataset by the USPTO provides insights into the scope and trends of patent claims, including those related to pharmaceuticals. This dataset can help in understanding the broader economic and research implications of patents like US4166182A:
- Patent Scope Measurements: The dataset includes measures of patent scope, which can help in analyzing the breadth and depth of protection provided by the patent[3].
Legal Status and Expiration
The legal status of US4166182A is expired, as it has surpassed its lifetime. This means that the patented compounds and processes are now in the public domain.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical Structure: The patent describes specific ergoline derivatives with defined substituents.
- Claims: The patent includes claims for the compounds, their preparation, and pharmaceutical compositions.
- Prior Art: References several prior art patents that disclose related compounds and synthesis methods.
- International Context: The patent landscape for ergoline derivatives is global, with similar patents in various international offices.
- Search Tools: Utilize tools like USPTO Patent Public Search and Global Dossier to navigate the patent landscape.
- Economic Implications: The patent's expiration means the compounds are now in the public domain.
FAQs
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What is the main subject of United States Patent 4,166,182?
- The main subject is a group of ergoline derivatives used as prolactin inhibitors and drugs for treating Parkinson's disease.
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Who are the inventors of US4166182A?
- The inventors are James W. Conine and Julian L. Stowers.
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What is the current legal status of US4166182A?
- The patent has expired and is now in the public domain.
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How can one search for similar patents internationally?
- Use databases like esp@cenet (EPO), JPO, and PATENTSCOPE® (WIPO) to search for similar patents internationally[1].
-
What tools are available for navigating the patent landscape?
- Tools include USPTO Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs)[1].
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents
- European Patent Office - Stabilized pergolide compositions
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset
- Google Patents - US4166182A
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