Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 4,981,874
Introduction
United States Patent 4,981,874, titled "Medicaments," is a patent that revolves around the treatment and prophylaxis of Pneumocystis carinii infections. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication and Authority
The patent, numbered US4981874A, was published under the authority of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). It is categorized under the medical and pharmaceutical domain, specifically addressing treatments for Pneumocystis carinii infections, now more commonly known as Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP)[4].
Scope of the Invention
Description and Purpose
The invention described in this patent involves the use of a specific compound, 2-4cyclohexyl-3-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, for the treatment and prophylaxis of Pneumocystis carinii infections. This compound is integrated into novel formulations designed to combat this particular type of infection[4].
Claims
Detailed Claims Analysis
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
- Compound Claims: The patent claims the use of the specific naphthoquinone compound for treating and preventing Pneumocystis carinii infections.
- Formulation Claims: It also claims novel formulations containing this compound, which are designed to be effective in treating the infection.
- Manufacturing Claims: The patent covers the manufacture of medicaments using the specified compound, ensuring its application in clinical settings[4].
Patent Claims Structure
Patent claims are crucial as they define the legal boundaries of the invention. In this case, the claims are structured to cover the compound itself, its application, and the formulations that include it. This structure is consistent with the guidelines provided by the USPTO, which emphasize the importance of clear and specific claims to avoid ambiguity and ensure enforceability[3].
Patent Landscape
Competitive Environment
The patent landscape for treatments of Pneumocystis carinii infections is complex, with multiple patents and research efforts focused on various therapeutic approaches. Here are a few key points:
- Expiration and Generic Entry: The patent US4981874A has expired, which means that generic versions of the medicaments described can now be developed and marketed. This is a common scenario where patents, after their lifetime, open up the market for generic competition[5].
- Related Patents: There are other patents related to the treatment of PCP, each with its own unique compounds and formulations. These patents contribute to a diverse landscape where multiple therapeutic options are available.
- Research and Development: Continuous research in the field of infectious diseases ensures that new patents and innovations are regularly introduced, expanding the treatment options for patients.
Economic and Legal Implications
Valuation of Patents
The value of a patent like US4981874A can be significant, especially during its active lifetime. Patents in the pharmaceutical sector are often highly valued due to their potential for generating substantial revenue. The valuation methods for patents, such as the cost, income, and market approaches, can be applied here to determine its worth. For instance, the income approach would consider the future benefits and savings derived from the patent, while the market approach would look at what similar patents have sold for in the past[1].
Case Law and Patent Eligibility
Relevance of Supreme Court Decisions
Supreme Court decisions, such as those in Funk Bros. Seed Co. v. Kalo Inoculant Co. and Alice Corp. v. CLS Bank Int'l, have shaped the landscape of patent eligibility, particularly for abstract ideas and natural principles. These decisions emphasize that the implementation of an idea must be inventive rather than routine or conventional to be patentable. While US4981874A deals with a specific compound and its application, ensuring its claims meet these criteria is crucial for its validity[2].
Data and Statistics
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides detailed information on claims from US patents, including those in the pharmaceutical sector. This dataset can offer insights into the scope and trends of patent claims, helping to understand the broader context in which US4981874A exists. For example, it can show how claims are structured and the dependency relationships between them, which can be useful for analyzing the patent's claims[3].
Conclusion
United States Patent 4,981,874 is a significant contribution to the treatment of Pneumocystis carinii infections, with its specific compound and formulations offering a targeted therapeutic approach. Understanding its scope, claims, and the surrounding patent landscape is essential for both legal and economic analysis.
Key Takeaways
- Specific Compound: The patent revolves around the use of 2-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclohexyl-3-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone for treating PCP.
- Formulations and Manufacturing: It includes claims for novel formulations and the manufacture of medicaments.
- Patent Expiration: The patent has expired, allowing for generic competition.
- Economic Value: The patent's value can be substantial, especially during its active lifetime.
- Legal Implications: The patent must meet Supreme Court criteria for patent eligibility.
FAQs
Q: What is the main compound described in US Patent 4,981,874?
A: The main compound is 2-[4-(4-chlorophenyl)cyclohexyl-3-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone.
Q: What is the purpose of this patent?
A: The patent is for the treatment and prophylaxis of Pneumocystis carinii infections.
Q: Has the patent expired?
A: Yes, the patent has expired, allowing for generic versions of the medicaments to be developed.
Q: How are patent claims structured in this patent?
A: The claims are structured to cover the compound, its application, and the novel formulations that include it.
Q: What is the significance of Supreme Court decisions in patent eligibility?
A: Supreme Court decisions ensure that patent claims must be inventive rather than routine or conventional to be valid.
Sources
- Perpetual Motion Patents - The Value of a Patent
- Wikipedia - Rubber-Tip Pencil Co. v. Howard
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset
- Google Patents - US4981874A - Medicaments
- Drug Patent Watch - Patent 4981874
