United States Patent 5,096,890: A Detailed Analysis of Scope and Claims
Introduction
United States Patent 5,096,890, titled "Pyrrolidine derivatives," is a patent that covers a specific class of chemical compounds with therapeutic applications. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this patent.
Patent Overview
Publication and Authority
The patent, US5096890A, was published on March 18, 1992, by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). It is categorized under the authority of the United States[4].
Inventors and Assignees
While the specific inventors and assignees are not detailed in the provided source, it is crucial to identify them for a comprehensive analysis. Typically, this information can be found in the patent document itself.
Prior Art and Legal Status
The patent's prior art keywords include "preparation," "dichloromethane," "mixture," "diphenylmethyl," and "concentrated." The legal status of the patent is listed as expired, indicating that the patent's lifetime has ended and it is no longer in force[4].
Scope of the Patent
Subject Matter
The patent pertains to pyrrolidine derivatives, which are muscarinic receptor antagonists. These compounds are selective for smooth muscle muscarinic sites over cardiac muscarinic sites, making them useful in treating various diseases associated with altered motility and/or tone of smooth muscle[4].
Pharmaceutical Applications
The invention includes pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, along with diluents or carriers. The compounds are particularly useful for treating conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease, urinary incontinence, oesophageal achalasia, and chronic obstructive airways disease[4].
Claims of the Patent
Independent and Dependent Claims
The patent includes multiple claims, each of which is presumed valid independently of the others, as per 35 USC 282[5].
Claim Types
- Independent Claims: These define the broadest scope of the invention. For US5096890A, these would include claims related to the pyrrolidine derivatives themselves, their pharmaceutical compositions, and their use in treating specific diseases.
- Dependent Claims: These narrow down the scope of the independent claims by adding additional limitations. For example, dependent claims might specify particular formulations or methods of administration.
Claim Coverage
The claims cover various aspects, including:
- The pyrrolidine derivatives and their pharmaceutically acceptable salts.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds.
- Methods of treating diseases associated with smooth muscle motility and tone using these compounds[4].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
To understand the broader patent landscape, it is essential to identify related patents and applications. This can be done using tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search or international databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO) or the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)[1].
Global Dossier and International Filings
Using the Global Dossier service, one can access the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, including the IP5 Offices. This helps in identifying the patent family for a specific application and understanding the global protection and citation data[1].
Competitor Patents
Analyzing competitor patents in the same field can provide insights into the competitive landscape. For instance, other patents related to muscarinic receptor antagonists or similar therapeutic applications can be identified and compared to US5096890A.
Patent Analytics and Claim Coverage
Claim Coverage Matrix
To effectively manage and analyze the patent claims, a Claim Coverage Matrix can be used. This matrix helps in categorizing patents by claims and scope concepts, making it easier to identify gaps or opportunities in the patent coverage. Tools like ClaimScape® software can generate interactive claim charts to review patent coverage with technical experts[3].
Scope Concepts and Claim Charts
The scope concepts of the patent claims can be categorized into high, medium, or low value based on their current and future relevance to the company. This categorization aids in determining the applicability of the scope concepts to target products or methods and highlights areas where claim coverage is lacking[3].
Practical Applications and Future Directions
Pharmaceutical Development
The pyrrolidine derivatives covered by US5096890A have significant implications for pharmaceutical development. The compounds' selectivity for smooth muscle muscarinic sites makes them valuable for treating a range of diseases without the adverse cardiac effects associated with non-selective muscarinic antagonists.
Research and Development
For companies involved in research and development, understanding the claims and scope of this patent can guide future research directions. It can help in identifying potential gaps in current treatments and developing new therapeutic approaches.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: US5096890A covers pyrrolidine derivatives as muscarinic receptor antagonists with specific therapeutic applications.
- Claims: The patent includes independent and dependent claims covering the compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treatment.
- Patent Landscape: Analyzing related patents and international filings is crucial for understanding the broader patent landscape.
- Patent Analytics: Tools like Claim Coverage Matrix and ClaimScape® software are essential for managing and analyzing patent claims effectively.
- Practical Applications: The patent has significant implications for pharmaceutical development and research.
FAQs
Q: What is the main subject matter of US5096890A?
A: The main subject matter of US5096890A is pyrrolidine derivatives that act as muscarinic receptor antagonists, particularly selective for smooth muscle muscarinic sites.
Q: What diseases are treated by the compounds covered in this patent?
A: The compounds are used to treat diseases associated with altered motility and/or tone of smooth muscle, such as irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease, urinary incontinence, oesophageal achalasia, and chronic obstructive airways disease.
Q: How can one analyze the claims of this patent effectively?
A: Using tools like a Claim Coverage Matrix and ClaimScape® software can help in categorizing and analyzing the claims to identify gaps or opportunities in patent coverage.
Q: Is the patent still in force?
A: No, the patent has expired, indicating that its lifetime has ended and it is no longer in force.
Q: Where can one find related international patent filings?
A: Related international patent filings can be found using services like the Global Dossier or by searching databases provided by international intellectual property offices such as the EPO or WIPO.
Sources
- USPTO: Search for patents - USPTO. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- ACUS: U.S. Patent Small Claims Court. Retrieved from https://www.acus.gov/research-projects/us-patent-small-claims-court
- SLWIP: Patent Analytics | Intellectual Property Law. Retrieved from https://www.slwip.com/services/patent-analytics/
- Google Patents: US5096890A - Pyrrolidine derivatives. Retrieved from https://patents.google.com/patent/US5096890A/en
- US Code: 35 USC 282: Presumption of validity; defenses. Retrieved from https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid%3AUSC-1994-title35-section282&num=0&edition=1994