Details for Patent: 4,932,934

Summary for Patent: 4,932,934

Title:	Methods for treatment of tumors
Abstract:	To obtain tumor-selective, photosensitizing drugs useful in the localization of neoplastic tissue and treatment of abnormal neoplastic tissue such as tumors, one of two methods is used. In the first method, a hydrolyzed mixture of the products of reaction of hematoporphyrin with acetic acid and sulfuric acid is cycled through a microporous membrane system to exclude low molecular weight products. In the second method, drugs are synthesized or derived from other pyrrole compounds. The drugs: (1) include two covalently bound groups, each with four rings, some of which are pyrroles such as phlorins, porphyrins, chlorins, substituted pyrroles, substituted chlorins or substituted phlorins, each group being arranged in a ring structure, connected covalently to another group and have a triplet energy state above 37.5 kilocalories per mole; (2) are soluble in water, forming an aggregate of over 10,000 molecular weight in water and have an affinity for each other compared to serum protein such that 10 to 100 percent remain self aggregated in serum protein; and (3) are lipophillic and able to disaggregate and attach to cell plasma, nuclear membrane, mitochondria, lysosomes and tissue. The drug obtained by the first method has an empirical formula of approximately C.sub.68 H.sub.70 N.sub.8 O.sub.11 or C.sub.68 H.sub.66 N.sub.8 O.sub.11 Na.sub.4. Neoplastic tissue retains the drug after it has cleared normal tissues and illumination results in necrosis. Moreover, other photosensitizing materials may be combined with a carrier that enters undesirable tissues and cells of the reticular endothelial system such as macrophages. These photosensitizing materials: (1) must have a triplet energy state above 3.5 kilocalories per mole; (2) cannot be easily oxidized; and (3) not physically quench any required energy state. Preferably, this photosensitizing material should be lipophilic.
Inventor(s):	Dougherty; Thomas J. (Grand Island, NY), Potter; William R. (Grand Island, NY), Weishaupt; Kenneth R. (Sloan, NY)
Assignee:	Health Research, Inc. (Buffalo, NY)
Application Number:	07/236,603
Patent Claim Types: see list of patent claims	Process; Composition; Use;

Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 4,932,934: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction to Patent Analysis

When analyzing a patent, it is crucial to understand the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape. This article will delve into the specifics of United States Patent 4,932,934, providing a detailed analysis of its scope, claims, and the context within which it exists.

Understanding the Patent System

Before diving into the specifics of the patent, it's essential to understand the patent system. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is responsible for granting U.S. patents and registering trademarks. Patents are granted for new and useful processes, machines, manufactures, or compositions of matter, or any improvement thereof[2].

Locating the Patent

To analyze a patent, you first need to locate it. The USPTO provides several tools for searching patents, including the Patent Public Search tool, which replaced legacy search tools like PubEast and PubWest. This tool offers enhanced access to prior art and modern interfaces for a more efficient search process[1].

Patent 4,932,934 Overview

United States Patent 4,932,934 is a specific patent that requires detailed examination. Here are the key steps to analyze this patent:

Patent Title and Abstract

The title and abstract provide a brief overview of the invention. This is the first point of contact and gives a general idea of what the patent covers.

Claims

The claims section is the most critical part of a patent as it defines the scope of the invention. Claims are the legal boundaries of what is protected by the patent. There are two types of claims: independent claims and dependent claims. Independent claims stand alone, while dependent claims refer back to an independent claim[4].

Description and Drawings

The description and drawings provide a detailed explanation of the invention, including how it works and its various components. This section helps in understanding the practical application of the invention.

Analyzing the Scope of the Patent

Claim Construction

Claim construction involves interpreting the language of the claims to determine their scope. This is a critical step in understanding what is protected by the patent. The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset can provide insights into claim-level statistics and document-level statistics, which can be useful in analyzing the scope of the patent[3].

Prior Art

Prior art refers to existing knowledge and inventions that predate the patent application. Searching prior art is essential to ensure the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention. Tools like the Common Citation Document (CCD) and the Patent Public Search can help in identifying relevant prior art[1].

Patent Landscape Analysis

Global Dossier

The Global Dossier service allows users to view the patent family for a specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This helps in understanding the global reach and status of the patent[1].

International Patent Offices

To see if a similar invention has been patented abroad, one must refer to searchable databases from other international intellectual property offices. Databases like the European Patent Office's esp@cenet, the Japan Patent Office, and the World Intellectual Property Organization's PATENTSCOPE provide access to international patent applications and granted patents[1].

Competitor Analysis

Analyzing competitors' patents in the same field can provide valuable insights into the market landscape. This involves searching for patents held by competitors and understanding their claims and scope.

Tools and Resources for Patent Analysis

Patent Public Search

The Patent Public Search tool is a powerful resource for searching U.S. patents and published patent applications. It offers two modern interfaces and enhanced access to prior art[1].

Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs)

PTRCs provide local search resources and training in patent search techniques. These centers can be invaluable for those new to patent searching[1].

Electronic Official Gazette

The Electronic Official Gazette allows users to browse through issued patents for the current week, categorized by classification or type of patent[1].

Best Practices for Conducting a Preliminary Patent Search

Step-by-Step Strategy

The USPTO provides a step-by-step strategy for conducting a preliminary patent search. This includes using the Multi-Step strategy handout and the web-based tutorial available on the USPTO website[1].

Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC)

Using the CPC database can help in finding relevant classification schemes for patents. This is particularly useful for searching patents across different jurisdictions[4].

Challenges and Considerations

Complexity of Patent Language

Patent language can be complex and technical, making it challenging to interpret claims and descriptions. Seeking professional help from patent attorneys or experts can be beneficial.

Global Patent Harmonization

The global patent system is moving towards greater harmonization, as seen with the Common Citation Document (CCD) and Global Dossier services. This can simplify the process of searching and analyzing patents across different countries[1].

Key Takeaways

• Understand the Claims: The claims section is crucial for determining the scope of the patent.
• Use Advanced Search Tools: Tools like the Patent Public Search and Global Dossier can significantly enhance the search process.
• Analyze Prior Art: Ensuring the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention is vital.
• Consider Global Implications: Analyze the patent landscape globally to understand the full scope of the invention.
• Seek Professional Help: If necessary, consult with patent attorneys or experts to navigate complex patent language.

FAQs

Q: How do I locate a specific U.S. patent?

A: You can use the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool or visit the USPTO Public Search Facility to locate a specific U.S. patent.

Q: What is the importance of claims in a patent?

A: Claims define the legal boundaries of what is protected by the patent and are essential for determining the scope of the invention.

Q: How can I search for prior art related to a patent?

A: Use tools like the Common Citation Document (CCD) and the Patent Public Search to identify relevant prior art.

Q: What is the Global Dossier service?

A: The Global Dossier service provides access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, helping users see the patent family for a specific application.

Q: Where can I find training resources for patent searching?

A: The USPTO provides training materials and tutorials, and you can also visit a Patent and Trademark Resource Center (PTRC) for assistance.

Sources

1. USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
2. USA.gov - U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO): https://www.usa.gov/agencies/u-s-patent-and-trademark-office
3. USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
4. Clemson University - Advanced Patent Searching: https://clemson.libguides.com/advanced_patent_searching

Drugs Protected by US Patent 4,932,934

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

International Family Members for US Patent 4,932,934

Country	Patent Number	Estimated Expiration	Supplementary Protection Certificate	SPC Country	SPC Expiration
Austria	53204
Australia	2032283
Australia	4246185
Australia	581840