Details for Patent: 4,831,031

Summary for Patent: 4,831,031

Title:	Aryl piperazinyl-(C.sub.2 or C.sub.4) alkylene heterocyclic compounds having neuroleptic activity
Abstract:	Arylpiperazinyl-ethyl(or butyl)-heterocyclic compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts are neuroleptic agents. They are useful in the treatment of psychotic disorders.
Inventor(s):	Lowe, III; John A. (Stonington, CT), Nagel; Arthur A. (Gales Ferry, CT)
Assignee:	Pfizer Inc. (New York, NY)
Application Number:	07/146,886
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims	Compound; Use; Composition;

Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 4,831,031

Introduction

United States Patent 4,831,031, titled "Aryl piperazinyl-(C2 or C4) alkylene heterocyclic compounds having neuroleptic activity," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly for compounds used in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.

Patent Overview

The patent, issued to the inventors, describes a class of arylpiperazinyl-ethyl(or butyl)-heterocyclic compounds and their pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts. These compounds are designed for their neuroleptic activity, making them potential treatments for psychiatric disorders[2].

Scope of the Patent

The scope of the patent is defined by the claims, which outline the specific inventions and their variations that are protected.

Claim Structure

The patent includes multiple claims, each detailing different aspects of the invention:

• Independent Claims: These claims define the broadest scope of the invention. For example, Claim 1 might describe the general structure of the arylpiperazinyl-ethyl(or butyl)-heterocyclic compounds, while subsequent claims narrow down to specific variations or uses[2].
• Dependent Claims: These claims build upon the independent claims, adding additional limitations or specifications. For instance, a dependent claim might specify a particular aryl group or heterocyclic moiety[2].

Metrics for Measuring Scope

Research suggests that the scope of a patent can be measured using metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count. Patents with narrower claims, as measured by these metrics, tend to have a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process[3].

Claims Analysis

The claims in US Patent 4,831,031 are structured to cover a range of compounds and their uses.

Independent Claims

• The independent claims define the core structure of the arylpiperazinyl-ethyl(or butyl)-heterocyclic compounds. For example, the claims specify the aryl group (e.g., naphthyl, quinolyl, isoquinolyl) and the heterocyclic group (e.g., benzothiazolyl, benzoxazolyl)[2].

Dependent Claims

• Dependent claims further specify the substituents on the aryl and heterocyclic groups, such as fluoro, chloro, trifluoromethyl, methoxy, cyano, or nitro. These claims also cover the pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts of these compounds[2].

Patent Landscape

Prior Art

The patent references prior art, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,558,060, which discloses arylpiperazinyl-ethylheterocyclic compounds but does not include compounds with a butyl link or certain heterocyclic groups like benzoxazolones[2].

International Patent Offices

To understand the global patent landscape, it is essential to search international patent databases. Resources like the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) provide access to international patent applications and granted patents, which can help in identifying similar inventions or prior art globally[1].

Common Citation Document (CCD)

The Common Citation Document (CCD) application consolidates prior art citations from multiple IP offices, allowing for a comprehensive view of the prior art landscape for a specific patent family. This tool is particularly useful for understanding the global context of the patent[1].

Search and Examination Process

The examination process for patents, including US Patent 4,831,031, involves a thorough review of the claims and prior art.

Patent Examination Data System (PEDS)

The Patent Examination Data System (PEDS) provides insights into the examination process, including the bibliographic data of patent applications. This system can help in understanding how the scope of patent claims is narrowed during the examination process, which is a common phenomenon as observed in research[1][3].

Practical Implications

Licensing and Litigation

The scope and claims of a patent can significantly impact licensing and litigation costs. Patents with overly broad claims may face more challenges during the examination process and post-grant, potentially leading to increased costs and diminished incentives for innovation[3].

Innovation and Competition

The clarity and validity of patent claims are crucial for fostering innovation and competition. Narrower, well-defined claims can provide clearer boundaries, encouraging other innovators to work around the protected inventions without infringing on the patent[3].

Key Takeaways

• Scope and Claims: The patent's scope is defined by its claims, which specify the structure and variations of the arylpiperazinyl-ethyl(or butyl)-heterocyclic compounds.
• Metrics for Scope: Independent claim length and count can be used to measure the scope of a patent.
• Prior Art: The patent builds upon prior art but introduces new variations not previously disclosed.
• Global Landscape: International patent databases and tools like CCD are essential for understanding the global patent landscape.
• Examination Process: The examination process tends to narrow the scope of patent claims, impacting the patent's validity and enforceability.

FAQs

1. What is the main subject of US Patent 4,831,031?

   • The main subject is arylpiperazinyl-ethyl(or butyl)-heterocyclic compounds and their use in treating psychiatric disorders.

2. How can the scope of a patent be measured?

   • The scope can be measured using metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count.

3. What is the significance of the Common Citation Document (CCD)?

   • The CCD consolidates prior art citations from multiple IP offices, providing a comprehensive view of the prior art landscape for a specific patent family.

4. How does the examination process affect patent claims?

   • The examination process tends to narrow the scope of patent claims, making them more specific and potentially reducing the time to grant.

5. Why is the clarity of patent claims important?

   • Clear and valid patent claims provide boundaries that encourage innovation and competition by allowing other innovators to work around the protected inventions without infringing on the patent.

Cited Sources

1. USPTO - Search for patents

   • https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search

2. Google Patents - US4831031A

   • https://patents.google.com/patent/US4831031

3. SSRN - Patent Claims and Patent Scope

   • https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2844964

4. U.S. Department of Commerce - U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

   • https://www.commerce.gov/bureaus-and-offices/uspto

5. Google Patents - WO2005054235A1

   • https://patents.google.com/patent/WO2005054235A1/en

Drugs Protected by US Patent 4,831,031

Applicant	Tradename	Generic Name	Dosage	NDA	Approval Date	TE	Type	RLD	RS	Patent No.	Patent Expiration	Product	Substance	Delist Req.	Patented / Exclusive Use	Submissiondate