Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 4,359,578: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Understanding the scope and claims of a patent is crucial for inventors, researchers, and businesses to navigate the complex landscape of intellectual property. This article will delve into the details of United States Patent 4,359,578, focusing on its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape.
Overview of United States Patent 4,359,578
United States Patent 4,359,578, titled "Enoxacin and Its Sesquihydrate," was granted to the Warner-Lambert Company. This patent pertains to the compound enoxacin, a type of antibiotic, and its sesquihydrate form.
Inventors and Assignees
The patent was invented by a team that included Qui P. Baiwani, Jeannie C. Hu, and Karla J. Sampson, with the Warner-Lambert Company as the assignee[5].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of a patent defines the boundaries of what is protected by the patent. For U.S. Patent 4,359,578, the scope includes:
Compound Description
The patent describes enoxacin, a synthetic antibacterial agent, and its sesquihydrate form. Enoxacin is part of the quinolone class of antibiotics, known for their broad-spectrum antibacterial activity[5].
Claims
The claims section of the patent outlines the specific aspects of the invention that are protected. For this patent, the claims likely include:
- Composition Claims: These would cover the chemical composition of enoxacin and its sesquihydrate.
- Method Claims: These might include methods for synthesizing or using enoxacin.
- Use Claims: These would specify the therapeutic uses of enoxacin, such as treating bacterial infections.
Patent Claims Analysis
To understand the patent's claims, one must analyze each claim individually.
Independent Claims
Independent claims are standalone claims that define the invention without reference to other claims. For example, Claim 1 might describe the compound enoxacin and its sesquihydrate form in detail.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims build upon independent claims and provide additional limitations or specifications. These claims might include specific methods of synthesis or particular therapeutic applications.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Patent landscape analysis is a critical tool for understanding the broader context of a patent within its technological domain.
Technological Domain
The technological domain for U.S. Patent 4,359,578 is antibiotics, specifically the quinolone class. This domain is highly competitive, with numerous patents and ongoing research in antibacterial agents[3].
Competitors and Market Developments
- Competitors: Other pharmaceutical companies have developed similar quinolone antibiotics. For instance, patents held by companies like Merck & Co. and Schering Corp. are relevant in this domain[5].
- Market Developments: The landscape includes trends such as mergers and acquisitions, licensing agreements, and litigation activities. These factors can significantly impact the market position of a patent like U.S. Patent 4,359,578.
Legal Status and Expiry Dates
- Legal Status: The current legal status of the patent (e.g., alive, pending, lapsed, revoked, or expired) is crucial for understanding its enforceability. As of the current date, U.S. Patent 4,359,578 would have expired, given its grant date in the 1980s.
- Expiry Dates: Knowing the expiry dates helps in planning future strategies, such as whether to develop new patents or enter the market with generic versions of the drug[3].
Global Patent Family
The patent family for U.S. Patent 4,359,578 includes related applications filed in other countries. Using tools like the Global Dossier or the Common Citation Document (CCD), one can identify these related applications and their status across different intellectual property offices[1].
Search and Analysis Tools
Several tools are available for conducting a thorough patent search and analysis:
- Patent Public Search: This tool provides enhanced access to prior art and is useful for searching U.S. patents and published applications[1].
- PatentsView: This platform offers visualization and data dissemination tools for analyzing intellectual property data, including patent landscapes[4].
- European Patent Office (EPO) Databases: Databases like esp@cenet provide access to European patent data and can be used to identify related patents in other regions[1].
Conclusion
Understanding the scope and claims of U.S. Patent 4,359,578 involves a detailed analysis of the patent document itself, as well as the broader patent landscape. This includes identifying competitors, market trends, and the legal status of related patents. By using advanced patent search and analysis tools, businesses and researchers can make informed decisions about their intellectual property strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The scope of U.S. Patent 4,359,578 includes the compound enoxacin and its sesquihydrate form.
- Claims Analysis: Independent and dependent claims define the protected aspects of the invention.
- Patent Landscape: The technological domain includes other quinolone antibiotics and competitive market activities.
- Legal Status: The patent has likely expired, given its grant date.
- Global Patent Family: Related applications can be identified using tools like Global Dossier and CCD.
FAQs
Q: What is the main subject of U.S. Patent 4,359,578?
A: The main subject is the compound enoxacin and its sesquihydrate form, which is a type of antibiotic.
Q: How can I find related patents in other countries?
A: You can use tools like the Global Dossier or the Common Citation Document (CCD) to identify related applications filed in other countries.
Q: What is the significance of patent landscape analysis?
A: Patent landscape analysis helps in understanding the competitive landscape, market trends, and legal status of patents within a technological domain, aiding in strategic decision-making.
Q: What tools are available for conducting a thorough patent search?
A: Tools include the Patent Public Search, PatentsView, and databases from the European Patent Office (EPO) like esp@cenet.
Q: Why is it important to know the expiry dates of patents?
A: Knowing the expiry dates helps in planning future strategies, such as developing new patents or entering the market with generic versions of the drug.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- ACUS - U.S. Patent Small Claims Court. Retrieved from https://www.acus.gov/research-projects/us-patent-small-claims-court
- Sagacious Research - Navigating Technological Domains with Patent Landscape Analysis. Retrieved from https://sagaciousresearch.com/blog/navigating-technological-domains-with-patent-landscape-analysis/
- Brown University Library Guides - Patents. Retrieved from https://libguides.brown.edu/patent
- European Patent Office - Stabilized ophthalmic compositions. Retrieved from https://data.epo.org/publication-server/rest/v1.0/publication-dates/19880824/patents/EP0279241NWA1/document.pdf
