Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 4,885,363
Introduction
United States Patent 4,885,363, titled "1-substituted-1,4,7-triscarboxymethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane and analogs," is a patent that describes a class of metal-chelating ligands. These ligands are particularly useful in diagnostic medicine as contrast agents for various imaging techniques. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Scope of the Patent
The patent focuses on a specific class of compounds known as 1-substituted-1,4,7-triscarboxymethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecanes and their analogs. These compounds are designed to chelate metal ions, which is crucial for their application in medical imaging.
Medical Imaging Applications
The compounds described in the patent are used as contrast agents in various medical imaging techniques, including:
- X-ray imaging: Enhancing the visibility of internal structures.
- Radionuclide imaging: Utilizing radioactive isotopes to create images.
- Ultrasound imaging: Improving the contrast in ultrasound images.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Enhancing the contrast in MRI scans by chelating paramagnetic ions like gadolinium[4][5].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
Independent Claims
- Claim 1 describes the general structure of the 1-substituted-1,4,7-triscarboxymethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane compounds.
- Claim 2 specifies the preparation method of these compounds.
- Claim 3 outlines the use of these compounds as contrast agents in medical imaging[4][5].
Dependent Claims
- These claims further detail specific aspects of the compounds, such as the types of metal ions they can chelate (e.g., gadolinium, yttrium) and the chemical groups present (e.g., carboxy, hydroxy, aryl groups)[4][5].
Patent Landscape Analysis
Technological Domain
The patent falls within the technological domain of medical imaging and diagnostic agents. This domain is highly competitive and continuously evolving with advancements in imaging technologies and the development of new contrast agents.
Competitors and Market Trends
- Market Developments: The market for medical imaging contrast agents is driven by the need for safer and more effective agents. Companies like GE Healthcare, Bayer, and Bracco Imaging are key players in this market.
- Patent Trends: There is a significant number of patents related to contrast agents, indicating a high level of innovation in this field. Patent landscape analysis reveals trends such as the development of new chelating agents, improvements in existing agents, and the exploration of new imaging modalities[3].
Legal Status and Expiry Dates
- The patent US 4,885,363 has expired, which means that the inventions described are now in the public domain. This status is crucial for companies looking to develop similar or improved contrast agents without infringing on existing patents[4][5].
Global Patent Family
To understand the full scope of protection, it is essential to look at the global patent family for this invention. Using tools like the Global Dossier provided by the USPTO, one can see related applications filed at participating IP Offices, including the IP5 Offices (USPTO, EPO, JPO, KIPO, and CNIPA)[1].
Citation Data and Prior Art
The Common Citation Document (CCD) application can be used to consolidate prior art citations from multiple offices, providing a comprehensive view of the prior art landscape for this invention. This helps in understanding how this patent fits into the broader context of existing technology[1].
Impact on Business and Market
Business Risks and Opportunities
- Risk Mitigation: Understanding the patent landscape helps companies avoid potential infringement risks and identify areas where they can innovate without encroaching on existing patents.
- Market Opportunities: The insights from patent landscape analysis can guide business strategies, such as identifying potential partners for licensing or collaboration, and spotting emerging trends in the market[3].
Conclusion
United States Patent 4,885,363 is a significant contribution to the field of medical imaging contrast agents. The detailed analysis of its scope and claims, along with the broader patent landscape, provides valuable insights for companies and researchers in this domain.
Key Takeaways
- Scope and Claims: The patent describes specific metal-chelating ligands used as contrast agents in medical imaging.
- Patent Landscape: The technological domain is highly competitive, with ongoing innovation in contrast agents and imaging technologies.
- Legal Status: The patent has expired, making the inventions public domain.
- Global Patent Family: Understanding related applications in other jurisdictions is crucial for comprehensive analysis.
- Business Impact: Patent landscape analysis helps in risk mitigation and identifying market opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the primary use of the compounds described in US Patent 4,885,363?
A1: The primary use is as contrast agents in medical imaging techniques such as X-ray, radionuclide, ultrasound, and MRI.
Q2: What is the current legal status of US Patent 4,885,363?
A2: The patent has expired, placing the inventions in the public domain.
Q3: How can companies benefit from patent landscape analysis in this domain?
A3: Companies can avoid infringement risks, identify innovation areas, and spot market trends and opportunities.
Q4: What tools can be used to analyze the global patent family for this invention?
A4: Tools like the Global Dossier and Common Citation Document (CCD) provided by the USPTO can be used.
Q5: Why is it important to understand the prior art citations for this patent?
A5: Understanding prior art citations helps in comprehensively assessing the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention and its place within the broader technological landscape.
Cited Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents.
- ACUS - U.S. Patent Small Claims Court.
- Sagacious Research - Navigating Technological Domains with Patent Landscape Analysis.
- Google Patents - US4885363A.
- Unified Patents - US-4885363-A.
