United States Patent 5,019,583: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 5,019,583, titled "N-phenyl-N-(4-piperidinyl)amides useful as analgesics," is a patent that pertains to the field of pharmaceuticals, specifically to a class of compounds known for their potent analgesic activity. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Invention Overview
The patent, granted to inventors in the field of pharmaceutical chemistry, describes a series of N-phenyl-N-(4-piperidinyl)amides. These compounds are designed to provide potent analgesia with durations of action ranging from ultra-short to medium, making them highly desirable in medical fields such as anesthesiology[4].
Scope of the Patent
Structural Differences
The analgesic compounds described in this patent differ structurally from prior art compounds, particularly through the specific N-substituent on the piperidine ring. This distinction is crucial as it sets the invention apart from existing patents in the same field[4].
Duration of Action
The compounds have relatively short durations of analgesic action, ranging from ultra-short to medium, which is a significant improvement over existing analgesics like fentanyl and its congeners. This short duration is highly beneficial in scenarios where severe pain needs to be eliminated quickly[4].
Non-Hepatic Inactivation
Unlike many other analgesics, these compounds are inactivated through non-hepatic means, which can reduce side effects and improve safety profiles.
Claims of the Patent
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims specify the chemical structure of the N-phenyl-N-(4-piperidinyl)amides, including the various substituents and their preferred configurations. For example:
- The formula (I) compounds are defined with specific substituents such as alkoxy-carbonyl-lower alkyl, lower alkyl-carbonyloxy-lower alkyl, and others[4].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further narrow down the scope by specifying particular preferences within the broader structural definitions. These include details on the phenyl group substitutions, the lower alkyl groups, and other specific chemical modifications[4].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art
The patent acknowledges prior art in the field, citing several existing patents that disclose similar N-phenyl-N-(4-piperidinyl)amides with analgesic activity. However, the current invention is distinguished by its unique structural features and pharmacological properties[4].
International Patent Databases
To understand the global patent landscape, one would need to search international patent databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). These databases can reveal whether similar inventions have been patented abroad and provide insights into the global intellectual property environment[1].
Patent Scope Metrics
Research on patent scope metrics, such as independent claim length and count, can provide insights into the breadth and quality of the patent. Studies have shown that narrower claims at publication are associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process, which could be relevant when evaluating the strength and validity of this patent[3].
Search and Analysis Tools
USPTO Resources
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) offers several tools for searching and analyzing patents, including the Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and the Patent Examination Data System (PEDS). These resources can help in identifying related patents, understanding the patent family, and accessing detailed bibliographic data[1].
Common Citation Document (CCD)
The Common Citation Document (CCD) application is particularly useful for consolidating prior art citations from multiple offices, providing a comprehensive view of the patent's position within the global patent landscape[1].
Practical Applications and Benefits
Medical Use
The compounds described in this patent are highly potent analgesics with rapid onset and short duration of action, making them ideal for use in anesthesiology and other medical scenarios where quick pain relief is necessary[4].
Pharmaceutical Compositions
These compounds can be formulated into pharmaceutical compositions using pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, which can be administered to mammals, including humans, to provide effective analgesia[4].
Challenges and Controversies
Patent Quality and Scope
Debates over patent quality often involve the breadth and clarity of patent claims. The patent in question must be evaluated against metrics such as claim length and count to determine its validity and potential for litigation or licensing issues[3].
Key Takeaways
- Structural Innovations: The patent introduces novel N-phenyl-N-(4-piperidinyl)amides with unique structural features.
- Pharmacological Benefits: These compounds offer potent analgesia with short durations of action, making them valuable in medical settings.
- Global Patent Landscape: Understanding the global patent landscape through international databases and tools like CCD is crucial.
- Patent Scope Metrics: Evaluating the patent's scope using metrics like claim length and count can provide insights into its strength and validity.
FAQs
Q: What is the main innovation of United States Patent 5,019,583?
A: The main innovation is the development of novel N-phenyl-N-(4-piperidinyl)amides with unique structural features that provide potent analgesia with short durations of action.
Q: How does this patent differ from prior art?
A: The patent differs through the specific N-substituent on the piperidine ring and the non-hepatic means of inactivation, which distinguish it from existing analgesic compounds.
Q: What tools can be used to analyze the patent landscape for this invention?
A: Tools such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and the Common Citation Document (CCD) can be used to analyze the patent landscape.
Q: What are the practical applications of the compounds described in this patent?
A: The compounds are highly beneficial in medical scenarios such as anesthesiology where quick and effective pain relief is necessary.
Q: How can the quality and scope of this patent be evaluated?
A: The quality and scope can be evaluated using metrics such as independent claim length and count, and by comparing it against other patents in the field.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- USA.gov - U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO): https://www.usa.gov/agencies/u-s-patent-and-trademark-office
- SSRN - Patent Claims and Patent Scope: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2844964
- Google Patents - US5019583A: https://patents.google.com/patent/US5019583A/en
- USPTO - Print 5019583FOIA: https://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/foia/tac/pte/5019583.pdf
