Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 4,871,865: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
United States Patent 4,871,865, titled "Tricyclic aromatic compounds," is a patent that has significant implications in the field of chemistry and pharmaceuticals. This patent, issued on October 3, 1989, covers a range of tricyclic aromatic compounds and their applications. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication Number and Authority
The patent number is US4871865A, and it was issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)[4].
Prior Art and Background
The patent builds upon prior art related to tricyclic aromatic compounds, particularly those with specific structural formulas and isomers. The background section of the patent highlights the need for new compounds with improved properties and applications.
Invention Description
The patent describes tricyclic aromatic compounds of a specific formula, including salts, esters, and amides thereof. These compounds are characterized by their structural elements, such as the presence of aryl groups, alkyl groups, and other functional groups[4].
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims specify the structural requirements of the compounds, including the arrangement of rings and the types of substituents allowed. For example, Claim 1 describes a compound of a specific formula where R1 can be --CH2--CH2--, --CH2--O--, or --O--CH2--[4].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further narrow down the scope by specifying additional structural features or limitations. These claims often build upon the independent claims, providing more detailed descriptions of the compounds and their variations.
Claim Scope and Breadth
The claims in this patent are designed to cover a range of compounds while ensuring that the scope is not overly broad. The specificity in the claims helps to distinguish the invention from prior art and ensures that the patent holder has a clear monopoly over the described compounds.
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
To understand the broader patent landscape, it is essential to search for related patents and applications. Tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and international patent databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) can be used to identify similar inventions and patent families[1].
International Patent Filings
The Global Dossier service allows users to view the patent family for a specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This can help in identifying whether similar compounds or inventions have been patented abroad[1].
Prior Art Cited
The patent cites several prior art references that are relevant to the field of tricyclic aromatic compounds. Analyzing these references can provide insights into the state of the art at the time of the invention and how the current patent differs from existing knowledge[4].
Search and Analysis Tools
USPTO Resources
The USPTO offers several resources for searching and analyzing patents, including the Patent Public Search tool, which replaced legacy search tools like PubEast and PubWest. This tool provides enhanced access to prior art and can be used to search for patents similar to US4871865A[1].
International Databases
Databases such as esp@cenet from the EPO and PATENTSCOPE from WIPO provide access to international patent collections. These resources are crucial for conducting a comprehensive search to ensure the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention[1].
Economic and Legal Implications
Patent Scope Measurements
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset can provide insights into the scope of patents, including measures of patent scope and claim-level statistics. This dataset can help in understanding the economic implications of the patent and how it fits into the broader patent landscape[3].
Legal Status
The legal status of the patent, as indicated by Google Patents, shows that the patent has expired. This means that the compounds and methods described in the patent are now in the public domain and can be freely used without infringing on the original patent[4].
Practical Applications
Pharmaceutical and Chemical Uses
The tricyclic aromatic compounds described in the patent have potential applications in pharmaceuticals and other chemical industries. For example, methods for topically treating allergic diseases using similar tricyclic compounds are disclosed in other patents, highlighting the practical significance of these inventions[5].
Conclusion
United States Patent 4,871,865 is a significant contribution to the field of chemistry, particularly in the area of tricyclic aromatic compounds. Understanding the scope and claims of this patent, along with the broader patent landscape, is crucial for researchers, inventors, and businesses operating in this field.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The patent covers specific tricyclic aromatic compounds with detailed structural requirements.
- Claims Analysis: Independent and dependent claims define the scope of the invention, distinguishing it from prior art.
- Patent Landscape: Tools like USPTO's Patent Public Search and international databases help in identifying related patents and applications.
- Economic Implications: The patent's scope and claims can be analyzed using datasets like the USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset.
- Legal Status: The patent has expired, making the described compounds and methods public domain.
- Practical Applications: The compounds have potential uses in pharmaceuticals and other chemical industries.
FAQs
What is the main subject of United States Patent 4,871,865?
The main subject of United States Patent 4,871,865 is tricyclic aromatic compounds, including their specific structural formulas and applications.
How can I search for related patents to US4871865A?
You can use tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and international patent databases such as esp@cenet and PATENTSCOPE to search for related patents.
What is the current legal status of US4871865A?
The patent has expired, which means the compounds and methods described are now in the public domain.
What are some potential applications of the compounds described in US4871865A?
The compounds have potential applications in pharmaceuticals, particularly in treating allergic diseases, as well as other chemical industries.
How can I analyze the scope and claims of a patent like US4871865A?
You can use resources like the USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset and conduct a thorough search using various patent databases to analyze the scope and claims of the patent.
