United States Patent 4,282,251: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 4,282,251, titled "Trans-n-cinnamyl-n-methyl-(1-naphthylmethyl)amine," is a patent that describes compounds and processes useful as antimycotic agents. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication and Legal Status
The patent was published on August 4, 1981, and has since expired. The legal status indicates that the patent is no longer in force, meaning the protected period has ended, and the invention is now in the public domain[4].
Inventors and Assignees
While the specific inventors and assignees are not detailed in the provided sources, it is common for such patents to be assigned to pharmaceutical or chemical companies involved in the development of antimycotic agents.
Scope of the Invention
Compounds Described
The patent describes a class of compounds known as cinnamylalkyl-1-naphthylmethylamines. These compounds are characterized by their chemical structure, which includes various substituents such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, and cycloalkylalkyl groups. The general formula for these compounds is provided, with specific definitions for each substituent (R1 to R7)[4].
Processes for Production
The patent also details processes for the production of these compounds. These processes involve reacting specific precursor compounds to yield the desired cinnamylalkyl-1-naphthylmethylamines, with different reaction conditions leading to either cis or trans isomeric forms of the compounds[4].
Claims of the Patent
Claim Structure
The claims of the patent are crucial as they define the scope of protection granted to the inventor. For US Patent 4,282,251, the claims would typically include:
- Independent Claims: These would describe the broadest scope of the invention, such as the general formula of the compounds and the processes for their production.
- Dependent Claims: These would narrow down the scope by specifying particular substituents, reaction conditions, or other details that are part of the broader independent claims.
Claim Examples
While the exact claims are not provided in the sources, an example of a claim might be:
- "A compound of formula I, wherein R1 is hydrogen or alkyl, R2 is alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkylalkyl, and R3 to R7 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halogen, trifluoromethyl, hydroxy, nitro, lower alkyl, or lower alkoxy."
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
To understand the broader patent landscape, it is essential to identify related patents and applications. This can be done using tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search or international databases such as the European Patent Office's esp@cenet or the World Intellectual Property Organization's PATENTSCOPE[1].
Competitors and Similar Inventions
The patent landscape analysis would also involve identifying competitors who may have filed similar patents or applications. For example, other pharmaceutical companies might have developed similar antimycotic agents, and their patents would be part of this landscape.
Global Dossier and International Filings
Using the Global Dossier service, one can access the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, which helps in understanding the global patent family and any office actions related to these applications[1].
Analytical Tools and Techniques
Patent Analytics
Tools like Claim Coverage Matrix and Claim Charts can be used to analyze the scope and claims of the patent. These tools help in categorizing patents by claims and scope concepts, making it easier to identify gaps or opportunities in the patent coverage[3].
Search and Filtering
Advanced search capabilities, such as those provided by the USPTO's Patent Public Search or other international databases, allow for filtering and searching large numbers of patent claims concurrently. This helps in identifying relevant prior art and understanding the competitive landscape.
Practical Applications and Impact
Antimycotic Agents
The compounds described in the patent are useful as antimycotic agents, which are crucial in treating fungal infections. The practical application of these compounds would be in pharmaceutical formulations designed to combat such infections.
Research and Development
The processes and compounds described in the patent can serve as a foundation for further research and development in the field of antimycotics. Researchers can build upon this work to develop new and more effective treatments.
Key Takeaways
- Expired Patent: US Patent 4,282,251 is no longer in force, making the invention public domain.
- Compounds and Processes: The patent describes specific cinnamylalkyl-1-naphthylmethylamines and their production processes.
- Claims Structure: The claims define the scope of protection, including independent and dependent claims.
- Patent Landscape: Understanding related patents, competitors, and global filings is crucial for a comprehensive analysis.
- Analytical Tools: Tools like Claim Coverage Matrix and Claim Charts are essential for analyzing patent scope and claims.
FAQs
What is the main subject of US Patent 4,282,251?
The main subject of US Patent 4,282,251 is the description of compounds known as cinnamylalkyl-1-naphthylmethylamines and the processes for their production as antimycotic agents.
Why is it important to analyze the claims of a patent?
Analyzing the claims of a patent is crucial because the claims define the scope of protection granted to the inventor. This helps in understanding what is protected and what is not.
How can one search for related patents and applications?
One can search for related patents and applications using tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, the European Patent Office's esp@cenet, or the World Intellectual Property Organization's PATENTSCOPE.
What is the significance of the Global Dossier service?
The Global Dossier service provides access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, helping users understand the global patent family and any office actions related to these applications.
How can patent analytics tools help in managing a patent portfolio?
Patent analytics tools, such as Claim Coverage Matrix and Claim Charts, help in categorizing patents by claims and scope concepts, making it easier to identify gaps or opportunities in the patent coverage and manage the patent portfolio effectively.
Sources
- USPTO: Search for patents - USPTO
- CAFC: Steven E. Berkheimer V. HP Inc., FKA Hewlett-Packard Company
- SLWIP: Patent Analytics | Intellectual Property Law
- Google Patents: US4282251A - Trans-n-cinnamyl-n-methyl-(1-naphthylmethyl)amine
- Google Patents: US4282251A - Trans-n-cinnamyl-n-methyl-(1-naphthylmethyl)amine (GUID)