Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 5,075,445
Introduction
United States Patent 5,075,445, titled "Guanine derivatives," was issued to the inventors for their work on compounds with antiviral activity, particularly against herpes viruses. This patent is a significant contribution to the field of pharmaceuticals and antiviral treatments.
Patent Overview
Publication Number and Authority
The patent, numbered US5075445A, was granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and is categorized under the authority of the United States[4].
Invention Description
The patent describes a series of guanine derivatives that exhibit antiviral properties. These compounds are designed to treat infections caused by herpes viruses. The invention includes the chemical compounds themselves, processes for their preparation, and pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds[4][5].
Scope of the Patent
Chemical Compounds
The patent focuses on guanine derivatives, which are modified versions of the guanine base found in DNA and RNA. These derivatives include various substitutions and modifications that enhance their antiviral efficacy. For example, the patent mentions compounds like Penciclovir, which is a guanine derivative with significant antiviral activity against herpes viruses[4].
Antiviral Activity
The compounds described in the patent have been tested for their ability to inhibit the replication of herpes viruses. The antiviral effects are attributed to the ability of these compounds to interfere with the viral DNA synthesis process, thereby preventing the virus from replicating[4].
Pharmaceutical Compositions
The patent also covers pharmaceutical compositions that contain these guanine derivatives. These compositions can be formulated in various ways, such as tablets, capsules, or solutions, to facilitate administration and treatment of viral infections[5].
Claims of the Patent
The claims of the patent are crucial as they define the scope of protection granted to the inventors.
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that describe the core inventions:
- Claim 1: This claim describes the general structure of the guanine derivatives, including specific substitutions and modifications that confer antiviral activity[4].
- Claim 2: This claim covers the processes for preparing these guanine derivatives, including the chemical reactions and conditions necessary for their synthesis[4].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the scope by detailing particular aspects of the invention, such as:
- Claim 3: This claim specifies the pharmaceutical compositions containing the guanine derivatives and their methods of administration[4].
- Claim 4: This claim describes the therapeutic uses of these compounds, particularly in treating viral infections caused by herpes viruses[4].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and Citations
The patent cites several prior art references that relate to antiviral compounds and their synthesis. These citations indicate the state of the art at the time of the invention and help to distinguish the novelty of the claimed compounds and processes[4].
Related Patents and Applications
The patent is part of a broader landscape of antiviral research and development. Other patents and applications in this field may relate to similar compounds or different approaches to treating viral infections. For instance, the Common Citation Document (CCD) application by the USPTO consolidates prior art cited by multiple offices for the same invention, which can help in understanding the global patent landscape for similar inventions[1].
International Patent Family
To understand the global reach of this patent, one would need to look at the patent family, which includes related applications filed in other countries. Tools like the Global Dossier provided by the USPTO can help in identifying the patent family and accessing file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices[1].
Legal Status
The patent has expired, as indicated by its legal status. This means that the exclusive rights granted to the inventors have lapsed, and the technology described in the patent is now in the public domain[4].
Key Takeaways
- Antiviral Compounds: The patent describes guanine derivatives with significant antiviral activity against herpes viruses.
- Pharmaceutical Compositions: The invention includes pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds.
- Expired Patent: The patent has expired, making the technology publicly available.
- Global Landscape: Understanding the patent family and related international applications is crucial for a comprehensive view of the patent landscape.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of United States Patent 5,075,445?
A: The main focus is on guanine derivatives with antiviral activity, particularly against herpes viruses.
Q: What are the key claims of the patent?
A: The key claims include the structure of the guanine derivatives, processes for their preparation, and pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds.
Q: Is the patent still in force?
A: No, the patent has expired, and the technology is now in the public domain.
Q: How can one find related international patents?
A: Tools like the Global Dossier provided by the USPTO can help in identifying the patent family and accessing file histories of related applications.
Q: What is the significance of the Common Citation Document (CCD) in this context?
A: The CCD consolidates prior art cited by multiple offices for the same invention, helping to understand the global patent landscape for similar inventions.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- USPTO - NOTICE OF FINAL DETERMINATION: https://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/foia/tac/pte/5075445.pdf
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - US5075445A: https://patents.google.com/patent/US5075445A/en
- Justia Patents - US Patent for Guanine derivatives: https://patents.justia.com/patent/5075445