Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 4,384,123
Introduction
United States Patent 4,384,123, titled "PHOSEPHENYLALKANOYL SUBSTITUTED PROLINES," was granted on May 17, 1983. This patent is a division of the original application Ser. No. 212,911. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Title and Abstract
The patent is focused on phosphoenylalkanoyl substituted prolines, which are compounds with specific chemical structures. The abstract describes the synthesis and properties of these compounds, highlighting their potential applications.
Background
The background section of the patent discusses the existing state of art in the field of amino acid chemistry, particularly focusing on proline derivatives. It outlines the need for new compounds with improved properties and how the invention addresses this need.
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The patent includes 8 claims, with the independent claims being crucial for defining the scope of the invention. Here are the key points:
- Claim 1: This claim defines the general structure of the phosphoenylalkanoyl substituted prolines, specifying the chemical groups and their positions.
- Claim 5: This claim covers a method for preparing the compounds, detailing the synthesis steps and reagents used.
- Claim 7: This claim is directed to a pharmaceutical composition containing the compounds, indicating their potential use in medical applications.
Dependent Claims
The dependent claims further narrow down the scope by specifying particular aspects of the compounds, such as specific substituents, methods of preparation, and uses. These claims build upon the independent claims to provide a more detailed description of the invention.
Scope of the Patent
Chemical Structure
The patent scope is primarily defined by the chemical structure of the phosphoenylalkanoyl substituted prolines. The claims ensure that any compound falling within this structural definition is covered by the patent. This includes variations in the substituents and the specific synthesis methods used to produce these compounds[5].
Applications
The scope also extends to the potential applications of these compounds. The patent mentions their use in pharmaceutical compositions, suggesting they could have therapeutic benefits. This broadens the scope beyond just the chemical compounds themselves to include their uses in various fields.
Patent Landscape
Prior Art
To understand the patent landscape, it is essential to look at the prior art cited in the patent. The patent references earlier work in the field of amino acid chemistry, highlighting how the current invention improves upon or differs from existing knowledge.
Classification
The patent is classified using the patent classification system, which helps in organizing and searching for similar patents. This classification can be used to identify other patents in the same technology groupings, providing a broader view of the patent landscape[4].
Global Dossier
Using tools like the Global Dossier, one can see the patent family for this specific application, including related applications filed at other IP offices. This provides insight into how the invention is protected globally and any office actions or citations related to these applications[1].
Patent Claims and Scope Metrics
Research on patent scope often involves metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count. These metrics can indicate the breadth and clarity of the patent claims. For example, narrower claims at publication are associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process[3].
Search and Analysis Tools
Several tools are available for searching and analyzing patents, including the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and the Patent Examination Data System (PEDS). These tools allow users to search, view, and download patent data, facilitating a comprehensive analysis of the patent landscape[1].
Patent Landscape Reports
Patent landscape reports can provide a snapshot of the patent outlook for a given technology or industry. These reports can be particularly useful in understanding the competitive landscape and identifying trends in patent filings related to phosphoenylalkanoyl substituted prolines[4].
International Patent Offices
To see if similar inventions have been patented abroad, one can refer to searchable databases provided by international intellectual property offices such as the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)[1].
Conclusion
United States Patent 4,384,123 is a detailed specification of phosphoenylalkanoyl substituted prolines, covering their synthesis, structure, and potential applications. The scope of the patent is defined by the chemical structures and methods of preparation outlined in the claims. Understanding this patent within the broader patent landscape involves analyzing prior art, classification, global dossier data, and using various search and analysis tools.
Key Takeaways
- Chemical Structure: The patent defines specific chemical structures of phosphoenylalkanoyl substituted prolines.
- Claims: The patent includes 8 claims, with independent claims defining the general structure and dependent claims providing further details.
- Applications: The compounds have potential uses in pharmaceutical compositions.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape that includes prior art, global dossier data, and classification systems.
- Search Tools: Various tools like Patent Public Search and Global Dossier are available for analyzing the patent.
FAQs
Q1: What is the main subject of United States Patent 4,384,123?
The main subject is phosphoenylalkanoyl substituted prolines, which are specific chemical compounds.
Q2: How many claims does the patent include?
The patent includes 8 claims.
Q3: What are the key applications of the compounds described in the patent?
The compounds have potential uses in pharmaceutical compositions.
Q4: How can one analyze the global protection of this patent?
Using tools like the Global Dossier to see related applications filed at other IP offices.
Q5: What metrics can be used to measure the scope of patent claims?
Metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count can be used to measure the scope of patent claims.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) | USAGov: https://www.usa.gov/agencies/u-s-patent-and-trademark-office
- Patent Claims and Patent Scope - Search eLibrary :: SSRN: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2844964
- Home - Patents - Library Guides at Brown University: https://libguides.brown.edu/patent
- United States Patent (19) 11) 4,384,123 - googleapis.com: https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/6c/e8/40/49098c74fe81d5/US4384123.pdf
