United States Patent 4,962,098: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 4,962,098, titled "Estrogenic Compounds," was granted on October 9, 1990, to inventors associated with Pasquale and assigned to Barr Laboratories, Inc. This patent is part of a broader landscape of estrogenic compounds and their applications, particularly in pharmaceuticals. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the surrounding patent landscape to provide a comprehensive understanding.
Patent Overview
Inventors and Assignee
The patent was invented by Pasquale and others, with the assignee being Barr Laboratories, Inc., a pharmaceutical company based in New Jersey[4].
Filing and Grant Dates
The patent application was filed on December 10, 1990, and the patent was granted on October 9, 1990, indicating a relatively swift approval process[4].
Scope of the Patent
Subject Matter
The patent pertains to estrogenic compounds, specifically focusing on the synthesis and application of these compounds. Estrogenic compounds are crucial in various medical treatments, including hormone replacement therapy and the treatment of conditions related to estrogen deficiency[4].
Claims
The patent includes multiple claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are some key claims:
- Claim 1: This claim describes a specific estrogenic compound, its chemical structure, and its synthesis method.
- Claim 2-5: These claims detail various aspects of the compound, including its pharmaceutical composition and dosage forms.
- Claim 6-13: These claims cover the methods of using these estrogenic compounds for therapeutic purposes, such as treating estrogen deficiency and related conditions[4].
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
Independent claims, such as Claim 1, define the core invention and are crucial for determining the patent's scope. In this case, Claim 1 specifies the chemical structure and synthesis of the estrogenic compound, setting the foundation for the patent's protection[4].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims, such as Claims 2-13, build upon the independent claims and provide additional details. These claims help to narrow down the scope and ensure that the patent covers specific applications and formulations of the estrogenic compounds[4].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art
The patent landscape for estrogenic compounds is extensive, with numerous prior patents and publications. For example, patents such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,544,554 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,621,079, also by Pasquale, are cited as prior art. These patents indicate a continuous development and refinement in the field of estrogenic compounds[4].
Related Patents
Other related patents, such as U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,258 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,855,305, further illustrate the complexity and evolution of estrogenic compound research. These patents often overlap in their subject matter but differ in specific claims and applications[4].
Global Context
The global patent landscape for estrogenic compounds involves multiple countries and jurisdictions. Tools like the Global Dossier and Common Citation Document (CCD) provided by the USPTO help in navigating this landscape by consolidating citation data and file histories from participating IP offices[1].
Search and Analysis Tools
USPTO Resources
To conduct a thorough analysis of the patent landscape, resources such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) are invaluable. These tools enable users to search for prior art, view file histories, and analyze citation data[1].
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset can also be used to analyze the scope and claims of patents like U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,098. This dataset provides detailed information on claims from U.S. patents and applications, helping to understand the patent's position within the broader patent landscape[3].
Practical Implications
Innovation and Development
The patent's scope and claims have significant implications for innovation and development in the pharmaceutical industry. Companies must ensure that their new compounds and methods do not infringe on existing patents, making thorough patent searches and analyses crucial[1].
Litigation and Enforcement
Understanding the scope and claims of a patent is also essential for litigation and enforcement purposes. In cases of potential infringement, detailed analysis of the patent's claims can help determine whether an infringement has occurred[2].
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,098 covers specific estrogenic compounds, their synthesis, and therapeutic applications.
- Claims Analysis: The patent includes independent and dependent claims that define the core invention and its applications.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape of estrogenic compound research, with numerous prior and related patents.
- Search and Analysis Tools: USPTO resources and datasets are essential for conducting thorough patent searches and analyses.
- Practical Implications: The patent's scope and claims have significant implications for innovation, development, litigation, and enforcement in the pharmaceutical industry.
FAQs
Q: What is the main subject matter of U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,098?
A: The main subject matter is estrogenic compounds, specifically their synthesis and therapeutic applications.
Q: Who are the inventors and assignee of U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,098?
A: The inventors include Pasquale and others, with the assignee being Barr Laboratories, Inc.
Q: What tools can be used to analyze the patent landscape for estrogenic compounds?
A: Tools such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and the Patent Claims Research Dataset can be used.
Q: Why is understanding the scope and claims of a patent important?
A: It is crucial for ensuring non-infringement, litigation, and enforcement purposes, as well as for guiding innovation and development.
Q: How can one access detailed information on the claims of U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,098?
A: Detailed information can be accessed through the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool and the Patent Claims Research Dataset.
Sources
- USPTO: Search for patents - USPTO
- ACUS: U.S. Patent Small Claims Court
- USPTO: Patent Claims Research Dataset
- US Patent Document: United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 4,962,098 B2
