Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 4,933,361
Introduction to Patent 4,933,361
United States Patent 4,933,361, titled "Derivatives of bicyclic aminoacids agents containing these compounds and their use," was granted on June 12, 1990. This patent is significant in the field of organic chemistry and pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of compounds with therapeutic applications.
Scope of the Patent
Technology Domain
The patent falls within the domain of organic chemistry, specifically focusing on the synthesis and use of derivatives of bicyclic amino acids. These compounds are designed for therapeutic applications, including treatments for disorders related to the blood, cardiovascular system, and other medical conditions[4].
Key Compounds
The patent describes compounds of specific formulas, such as formula III, where n represents a whole number from 0 to 10, and W' represents hydrogen, alkyl, or aralkyl groups. These compounds serve as starting materials for the synthesis of other therapeutic agents[4].
Claims of the Patent
Main Claims
The patent includes several claims that outline the scope of the invention:
- Compound Structure: The patent claims compounds of the formula III, with specific configurations and substitutions.
- Synthesis Methods: It describes various procedures for preparing these compounds, including hydrogenolysis and acid-mediated reactions.
- Therapeutic Use: The claims also cover the use of these compounds as therapeutic agents, particularly for disorders of the blood and cardiovascular system[4].
Specific Claims
- Claim 1: This claim specifies the general structure of the compounds, including the bicyclic amino acid derivatives.
- Claim 2-6: These claims detail specific substitutions and configurations of the compounds, as well as their therapeutic applications.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Defining Scope and Keywords
To analyze the patent landscape around US 4,933,361, one must define the scope and identify relevant keywords. Key terms include "bicyclic amino acids," "therapeutic agents," "cardiovascular disorders," and "blood disorders"[3].
Search and Organize Patents
Using databases such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, one can find relevant patents based on these keywords. Organizing these patents by factors like filing date, assignee, and technology subcategories helps in understanding the evolution of the technology[1].
Identify Trends and Key Players
The analysis reveals trends in patent filings related to bicyclic amino acid derivatives. Key players in this field include pharmaceutical companies and research institutions that have been actively filing patents in this domain. For example, the patent in question was assigned to a pharmaceutical company, indicating the commercial interest in these compounds[3].
Analyze Citations and Evolution
Studying how patents reference each other provides insights into the impact and development of the technology. The patent 4,933,361 is cited by later patents, such as US 7,157,484 B2, indicating its influence on subsequent research and development in the field[2][5].
Generate Insights for Decisions
The analysis offers practical guidance for strategic decisions. It helps in evaluating the competitive landscape, identifying potential legal vulnerabilities, and understanding the strength of the patent portfolio. For instance, the expiration of the patent (lifetime expired) means that the technology is now in the public domain, which can influence business strategies related to the use and development of these compounds[3].
Insights from the Patent Landscape Analysis
Technological Trends
The analysis shows a trend towards the development of more specific and targeted therapeutic agents. The use of bicyclic amino acid derivatives has been a focus area in pharmaceutical research, indicating ongoing innovations in this domain.
Key Players
Pharmaceutical companies and research institutions are the primary players in this field. Understanding their patent portfolios and strategies can provide valuable insights into the competitive landscape.
Legal and Strategic Implications
The expiration of the patent means that the technology is no longer protected, allowing other companies to develop and use similar compounds. This can lead to increased competition and innovation in the field.
Competitive Landscape
The competitive landscape in the field of bicyclic amino acid derivatives is dynamic. With the patent having expired, other companies can now develop similar compounds, leading to potential new entrants in the market. This competition can drive innovation and reduce costs for therapeutic agents.
Future Directions
Given the insights from the patent landscape analysis, future directions could include:
- Further Research and Development: Continuing to develop more targeted and effective therapeutic agents based on bicyclic amino acid derivatives.
- Market Expansion: With the technology now in the public domain, companies can expand their product lines to include these compounds, potentially entering new markets.
- Collaborations and Licensing: Companies may seek collaborations or licensing agreements to leverage the existing knowledge and technology in this field.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The patent covers specific compounds and their therapeutic uses, particularly in cardiovascular and blood disorders.
- Claims: The claims detail the structure, synthesis, and use of these compounds.
- Patent Landscape: The analysis reveals trends, key players, and the impact of the patent on subsequent research.
- Competitive Landscape: The expiration of the patent opens up opportunities for new entrants and increased competition.
- Future Directions: Continued R&D, market expansion, and collaborations are potential future directions.
FAQs
What is the main focus of United States Patent 4,933,361?
The main focus of the patent is on the synthesis and therapeutic use of derivatives of bicyclic amino acids.
What are the therapeutic applications of the compounds described in the patent?
The compounds are designed for treating disorders related to the blood and cardiovascular system.
Who are the key players in the field of bicyclic amino acid derivatives?
Key players include pharmaceutical companies and research institutions that have been actively filing patents in this domain.
What is the current legal status of the patent?
The patent has expired, meaning the technology is now in the public domain.
How does the expiration of the patent affect the competitive landscape?
The expiration allows other companies to develop and use similar compounds, leading to increased competition and potential innovation in the field.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Google Patents - US7157484: https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/c5/9d/6d/c168cc740ff67b/US7157484.pdf
- Goldstein Patent Law - How to Do Patent Landscape Analysis: https://www.goldsteinpatentlaw.com/how-to-patent-landscape-analysis/
- Google Patents - US4933361A: https://patents.google.com/patent/US4933361A/en
- Unified Patents - US-7157485-B2: https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/US-7157485-B2