Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 4,215,215
Introduction
United States Patent 4,215,215, issued on July 22, 1980, is a significant patent that has contributed to various technological and scientific advancements. To understand its impact and relevance, it is crucial to delve into its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape it inhabits.
Patent Overview
Title and Inventors:
The patent titled "Process for the preparation of 2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazoles" was invented by Bollag et al. and assigned to Sandoz Ltd.[1].
Background:
The patent addresses a method for synthesizing 2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazoles, compounds that have potential applications in pharmaceuticals and other chemical industries. The background section highlights the need for efficient and specific synthesis methods for these compounds.
Claims
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are some key claims:
- Claim 1: A process for the preparation of 2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazoles, characterized by reacting a pyrazole with a halogenated acetaldehyde in the presence of a base.
- Claim 5: The process of claim 1, wherein the base is selected from the group consisting of sodium methoxide, sodium ethoxide, and potassium tert-butoxide.
- Claim 9: The process of claim 1, wherein the reaction is carried out in a solvent selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol, and tetrahydrofuran[1].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the conditions and reagents used in the process, such as the molar ratio of reactants, reaction temperature, and specific solvents.
Scope of the Invention
Chemical Synthesis
The patent focuses on a novel method for synthesizing 2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazoles, which involves a specific reaction sequence and conditions. This method is designed to be more efficient and selective compared to prior art.
Applications
The compounds synthesized using this method have potential applications in various fields, including:
- Pharmaceuticals: These compounds may exhibit biological activity and could be used in the development of new drugs.
- Chemical Industry: They could serve as intermediates or final products in various chemical processes.
Patent Landscape
Prior Art
The patent references several prior art patents and publications that describe earlier methods for synthesizing similar compounds. However, these methods often suffer from inefficiencies, such as low yields or the need for harsh reaction conditions[1].
Related Patents
Other patents in the same field include those related to the synthesis of pyrazoles and imidazoles. For example:
- US 4,310,666: Describes a method for preparing pyrazole derivatives, which could be related to the starting materials used in the process of US 4,215,215[1].
Current Status
The patent has expired, as it was granted in 1980 and the typical term for a U.S. patent is 20 years from the filing date. However, its impact on the synthesis of imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazoles and related compounds remains significant.
Impact on Industry
Pharmaceutical Research
The method described in this patent has contributed to the development of new pharmaceutical compounds. The efficiency and selectivity of the synthesis process have made it a valuable tool in drug discovery.
Chemical Synthesis Techniques
The patent has influenced the development of new chemical synthesis techniques, particularly in the area of heterocyclic chemistry. It has set a precedent for the use of specific bases and solvents in similar reactions.
Analytical Tools and Resources
To analyze the scope and claims of this patent, several tools and resources can be utilized:
Patent Analytics
Tools like Claim Coverage Matrix and Claim Charts can help in understanding which patents and claims are actively protecting the intellectual property related to this synthesis method. These tools categorize patents by claims and scope concepts, making it easier to identify gaps or opportunities in the patent landscape[3].
USPTO Resources
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) provides various resources for searching and analyzing patents, including the Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs). These resources can help in identifying related patents and understanding the broader patent landscape[5].
Conclusion
United States Patent 4,215,215 is a pivotal patent in the field of chemical synthesis, particularly for the preparation of 2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazoles. Its claims and scope define a novel and efficient method that has had a lasting impact on pharmaceutical research and chemical synthesis techniques.
Key Takeaways
- Novel Synthesis Method: The patent describes a new process for synthesizing 2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazoles using specific reactants and conditions.
- Efficiency and Selectivity: The method is more efficient and selective compared to prior art, making it valuable in drug discovery and chemical synthesis.
- Expired but Influential: Although the patent has expired, its influence on the field of heterocyclic chemistry and pharmaceutical research remains significant.
- Analytical Tools: Tools like Claim Coverage Matrix and USPTO resources are essential for analyzing the patent landscape and identifying related patents.
FAQs
Q: What is the main subject of United States Patent 4,215,215?
A: The main subject is a process for the preparation of 2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazoles.
Q: Who are the inventors of this patent?
A: The inventors are Bollag et al.
Q: What are the potential applications of the compounds synthesized using this method?
A: The compounds have potential applications in pharmaceuticals and other chemical industries.
Q: Is the patent still in force?
A: No, the patent has expired as it was granted in 1980 and the typical term for a U.S. patent is 20 years from the filing date.
Q: How can one analyze the scope and claims of this patent?
A: Using tools like Claim Coverage Matrix, Claim Charts, and resources provided by the USPTO such as the Patent Public Search tool and Global Dossier.
Sources
- US Patent 4,215,215 - Process for the preparation of 2,3-dihydro-1H-imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazoles.
- USPTO - Search for patents.
- Schwegman - Patent Analytics.
- US Patent Application Publication US 2002/0103141 A1 - Antiangiogenic combination therapy for the treatment of cancer.
- USPTO - Search for patents.
