Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 4,572,912: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
United States Patent 4,572,912, titled "Thiazolidine derivatives, their preparation and compositions containing them," is a significant patent that has contributed to the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the area of lipid regulation. This article will delve into the details of the patent's scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape it inhabits.
Patent Overview
Publication and Status
The patent, US4572912A, was published on January 6, 1986, and has since expired. The legal status indicates that the patent is no longer in force, meaning the protected inventions are now in the public domain[4].
Inventors and Assignees
While the specific inventors and assignees are not detailed here, it is crucial to identify them for a complete understanding of the patent's history and ownership.
Prior Art and Background
The patent builds upon prior art related to thiazolidine derivatives, which are compounds known for their therapeutic properties. The background section of the patent highlights the existing knowledge and the need for new compounds with improved efficacy and safety profiles[4].
Claims Analysis
Independent and Dependent Claims
The patent includes a series of independent and dependent claims that define the scope of the invention. Independent claims typically outline the broadest aspects of the invention, while dependent claims narrow down the scope by adding additional limitations.
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Independent Claims: These claims define the thiazolidine derivatives, their preparation methods, and the compositions containing these derivatives. For example, Claim 1 might describe the general structure of the thiazolidine compounds, while Claim 2 could detail the process for synthesizing these compounds[4].
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Dependent Claims: These claims further specify the invention by adding additional features or limitations. For instance, a dependent claim might specify particular substituents or functional groups that enhance the therapeutic efficacy of the thiazolidine derivatives.
Claim Scope and Coverage
The claims in US4572912A cover a range of thiazolidine derivatives with specific structural features. These compounds are designed to decrease blood lipid peroxides, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels. The scope of the claims includes:
- Structural Variants: The patent describes various substituents and functional groups that can be attached to the thiazolidine ring, such as benzyl, hydroxy, and acyl groups[4].
- Preparation Methods: The claims also cover the methods for preparing these compounds, including specific reaction conditions and reagents.
- Compositions: The patent includes claims for pharmaceutical compositions containing these thiazolidine derivatives, which can be formulated for various therapeutic applications.
Scope Concepts and Claim Charts
To better understand the patent's coverage, it is helpful to use scope concepts and claim charts, similar to those described in patent analytics practices.
- Scope Concepts: These are overarching themes that link claims on similar patents. For US4572912A, scope concepts might include the therapeutic use of thiazolidine derivatives, specific structural features, and preparation methods[3].
- Claim Charts: These visual tools help in reviewing the patent coverage by mapping the claims against the scope concepts. This can be particularly useful for identifying gaps in coverage or future design opportunities.
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Patent Families
The patent landscape for thiazolidine derivatives includes a family of related patents that cover similar compounds and applications. Using tools like the Global Dossier or the Common Citation Document (CCD), one can identify other patents within the same family and understand how they relate to US4572912A[1].
International Patent Offices
To assess the global patent landscape, it is essential to search international patent databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). These databases can reveal whether similar patents have been filed or granted in other countries[1].
Citation Data
The Common Citation Document (CCD) consolidates prior art citations from multiple patent offices, providing a single point of access to citation data. This tool can help in understanding how US4572912A has been cited by other patent applications and the relevance of its claims in the broader patent landscape[1].
Impact and Applications
Therapeutic Uses
The thiazolidine derivatives described in US4572912A have significant therapeutic potential, particularly in managing lipid-related disorders. These compounds can be used in various pharmaceutical formulations to treat conditions such as hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.
Commercial and Research Implications
Although the patent has expired, the knowledge and innovations it embodies continue to influence research and development in the pharmaceutical industry. Companies and researchers can build upon this public domain knowledge to develop new treatments or improve existing ones.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: US4572912A covers thiazolidine derivatives, their preparation methods, and pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds.
- Claims Analysis: The patent includes independent and dependent claims that define the structural features, preparation methods, and therapeutic applications of the thiazolidine derivatives.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape that includes related patents and international filings, which can be analyzed using tools like the Global Dossier and CCD.
- Impact and Applications: The thiazolidine derivatives have significant therapeutic potential, particularly in managing lipid-related disorders.
FAQs
What is the primary therapeutic use of the thiazolidine derivatives described in US4572912A?
The primary therapeutic use is to decrease blood lipid peroxides, triglycerides, and cholesterol levels, making them useful in treating conditions like hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis.
How can one analyze the scope and claims of US4572912A?
Using scope concepts and claim charts, one can map the claims against overarching themes to understand the patent's coverage and identify gaps or future design opportunities.
Is US4572912A still in force?
No, the patent has expired, meaning the protected inventions are now in the public domain.
How can you find related patents within the same family as US4572912A?
Tools like the Global Dossier and the Common Citation Document (CCD) can help identify related patents and understand their relationship to US4572912A.
What international databases can be used to search for similar patents filed in other countries?
Databases provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) can be used to search for similar patents filed internationally.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- US Courts - Report on Filing Patent/Trademark: https://www.uscourts.gov/forms-rules/forms/report-filing-patent-trademark
- SLWIP - Patent Analytics: https://www.slwip.com/services/patent-analytics/
- Google Patents - US4572912A: https://patents.google.com/patent/US4572912A/en
- USPTO - Print 4572912FOIA: https://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/foia/tac/pte/4572912.pdf
