United States Patent 4,863,931: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 4,863,931, titled "Antihistaminic fluoro substituted benzocycloheptapyridines," is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the development of antihistamine drugs. This patent, granted to a pharmaceutical company, covers a class of compounds with specific chemical structures that exhibit antihistaminic properties.
Background of the Invention
The patent focuses on benzocycloheptapyridines, a class of compounds that have been modified with fluoro substitution across an exocyclic double bond. These modifications enhance the antihistaminic activity of the compounds, making them useful for treating allergic reactions and hypersensitivity conditions[1].
Chemical Structure and Composition
The patented compounds are characterized by their specific chemical structure, which includes a benzocycloheptapyridine backbone with fluoro substitution. The general formula and specific examples of these compounds are detailed in the patent, highlighting the importance of the fluoro group in enhancing antihistaminic activity. For instance, the compound ethyl 4-(8-chloro-11-fluoro-5,6-dihydrobenzo[1,2]cyclohepta[2,4-b]pyridin-11-yl)piperidine-1-carboxylate is one of the specific examples provided[1].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes multiple claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims cover various aspects, including:
- The chemical compounds themselves, with detailed descriptions of their structures.
- Methods for synthesizing these compounds.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds.
- The use of these compounds for treating hypersensitivity conditions and allergic reactions[1].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is defined by the claims and the detailed descriptions provided. It encompasses a broad range of benzocycloheptapyridines with fluoro substitution, ensuring that any similar compounds developed would fall under the patent's protection. The scope also includes various salts and derivatives of these compounds, further expanding the patent's coverage[1].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Technologies
The patent landscape surrounding US 4,863,931 includes other patents related to antihistaminic agents and similar chemical compounds. For example, U.S. Patent No. 4,804,666 covers another active ingredient used in antihistamine products, indicating a broader landscape of patented technologies in this field[5].
Industry Impact
This patent has had a significant impact on the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the development of antihistamine drugs. The compound desloratadine, which is covered by this patent, is used in products like Clarinex, a well-known antihistamine medication. This highlights the commercial and therapeutic importance of the patented compounds[4].
Search and Identification
Finding patents related to specific products, such as those covered by US 4,863,931, can be challenging due to the lack of direct references to product names in patent documents. However, searching by the name of the company, inventor, or trademark owner can help identify relevant patents. Additionally, checking product labels or company websites for listed patent numbers can provide direct links to the patents in question[4].
Economic and Legal Implications
The patent's economic implications are significant, as it provides exclusive rights to the patent holder for the production and sale of these antihistaminic compounds. This can influence market competition and innovation in the field. From a legal perspective, the patent's claims and scope are crucial in determining infringement and validity issues, which can be complex and often lead to litigation[3].
Metrics for Patent Scope
Studies on patent scope, such as those conducted by the USPTO, highlight the importance of metrics like independent claim length and independent claim count in measuring patent breadth. These metrics can indicate the complexity and breadth of the patent's protection. For US 4,863,931, the detailed claims and descriptions suggest a well-defined scope that is likely to be narrower than broader patents, which can have implications for the examination process and future innovations[3].
Examination Process
The examination process for patents like US 4,863,931 typically involves a thorough review of the claims and descriptions to ensure clarity, novelty, and non-obviousness. The process tends to narrow the scope of patent claims, especially when the examination duration is longer. This ensures that the granted patent is valid and does not overly broaden the scope of protection[3].
Key Takeaways
- Chemical Structure: The patent covers benzocycloheptapyridines with fluoro substitution, enhancing antihistaminic activity.
- Claims: The patent includes claims for the compounds, synthesis methods, pharmaceutical compositions, and therapeutic uses.
- Scope: The patent's scope is broad but well-defined, covering various salts and derivatives.
- Industry Impact: The patent has significant commercial and therapeutic implications, particularly in antihistamine medications.
- Search and Identification: Identifying related patents requires searching by company, inventor, or trademark owner names.
- Economic and Legal Implications: The patent provides exclusive rights and influences market competition and innovation.
FAQs
What is the main subject of United States Patent 4,863,931?
The main subject of this patent is antihistaminic fluoro substituted benzocycloheptapyridines, which are compounds used to treat allergic reactions and hypersensitivity conditions.
How do you identify patents related to a specific product?
To identify patents related to a specific product, you can search by the company name, inventor name, or trademark owner name. Additionally, checking product labels or company websites for listed patent numbers can be helpful.
What are the economic implications of this patent?
The patent provides exclusive rights to the patent holder, influencing market competition and innovation in the pharmaceutical industry. It can also impact licensing and litigation costs.
How does the examination process affect patent scope?
The examination process tends to narrow the scope of patent claims, especially when the examination duration is longer, ensuring that the granted patent is valid and does not overly broaden the scope of protection.
What metrics are used to measure patent scope?
Metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count are used to measure patent scope, providing insights into the complexity and breadth of the patent's protection.
Sources
- US4863931A - Antihistaminic fluoro substituted benzocycloheptapyridines - Google Patents
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO
- Patent Claims and Patent Scope - SSRN
- How to Find Patents Related to a Product - Queens University Library
- center for drug evaluation and - CPY Document - FDA
