Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 5,147,868: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
Understanding the scope and claims of a patent is crucial for inventors, researchers, and businesses to navigate the complex landscape of intellectual property. This article will delve into the specifics of United States Patent 5,147,868, titled "Thienamycin renal peptidase inhibitors," and provide a detailed analysis of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape.
Overview of the Patent
Patent Number and Title
United States Patent 5,147,868, titled "Thienamycin renal peptidase inhibitors," was granted to protect novel chemical compounds that selectively inhibit the metabolism of dipeptidase (E.C.3.4.13.11)[4].
Publication and Prior Art Dates
The patent was published with a prior art date of April 18, 1977, and it has since expired, marking the end of its legal protection period[4].
Scope of the Patent
Technology Field
The patent falls within the domain of pharmaceutical chemistry, specifically focusing on inhibitors of renal peptidase. These compounds are designed to enhance the efficacy of thienamycin, a type of antibiotic, by preventing its premature metabolism in the kidneys[4].
Key Compounds and Their Uses
The patent describes several novel chemical compounds, including N-acetyl thienamycin and its derivatives, which are claimed for their ability to inhibit dipeptidase. These compounds are useful in combination with thienamycin to prolong its therapeutic effect[4].
Claims of the Patent
Independent and Dependent Claims
The patent includes multiple claims that define the scope of the invention. Independent claims outline the broadest aspects of the invention, while dependent claims narrow down the scope by adding specific details.
- Independent Claims: These claims define the novel chemical compounds and their use as inhibitors of renal peptidase.
- Dependent Claims: These claims specify various derivatives and modifications of the compounds, such as N-imidoyl derivatives and compounds with unsaturated side chains[4].
Claim Analysis
Each claim must be analyzed to understand the exact protection afforded by the patent. For example:
- Claim 1 might describe the general structure of the compounds.
- Dependent claims might specify particular substituents or functional groups that are part of the compounds.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Defining Scope and Keywords
To analyze the patent landscape around US 5,147,868, one must first define the relevant technology field and keywords. This includes terms like "thienamycin," "renal peptidase inhibitors," and "dipeptidase inhibitors"[3].
Searching and Organizing Patents
Using databases such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, one can find relevant patents based on these keywords. Organizing these patents by factors like filing date, assignee, and technological classification helps in creating a comprehensive view of the landscape[1].
Identifying Trends and Key Players
Analyzing the patent filings over time reveals trends and key players in the field. For instance, identifying which companies or research institutions have been actively filing patents related to thienamycin and its inhibitors can provide insights into the competitive landscape[3].
Analyzing Citations and Evolution
Studying how patents reference each other helps in understanding the impact and development of the technology. This can include analyzing citation networks and heat maps to visualize the interconnections among patents[3].
Data Visualization and Analysis
Heat Maps and Citation Networks
Visual tools like heat maps and citation networks are essential for revealing trends, geographical distribution, and interconnections among patents. These visualizations can help identify key players, emerging technologies, and areas of high patent activity[3].
Geographical Distribution
Analyzing the geographical distribution of patent filings can highlight innovation hotspots and potential white spaces in the market. For example, if most patents related to thienamycin inhibitors are filed in the United States and Europe, it may indicate a gap in innovation in other regions[3].
Insights from Patent Landscape Analysis
Technological Trends
A patent landscape analysis provides insights into ongoing innovations within the specific technological domain. It reveals information about patent filings, key players, and new innovations, helping to predict future technological trends[3].
Competitive Landscape
Understanding the competitive landscape is crucial for strategic decision-making. This includes evaluating the strength of patent portfolios, identifying potential legal vulnerabilities, and spotting opportunities for collaboration or competition[3].
Actionable Insights
The analysis translates into practical guidance for inventors and businesses. For instance, knowing which patents are nearing expiration can help in planning product development or licensing strategies. Similarly, identifying areas with minimal patent activity can suggest new avenues for innovation[3].
International Patent Landscape
Searching International Patent Offices
To get a complete picture, it is essential to search patent databases from international offices such as the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)[1].
Machine Translations and Global Dossier
Tools like machine translations provided by the EPO and JPO, and the Global Dossier service, facilitate the analysis of international patents. The Global Dossier allows users to see the patent family for a specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices[1].
Conclusion
Understanding the scope and claims of United States Patent 5,147,868 involves a detailed analysis of its technological field, key compounds, and the broader patent landscape. By using advanced search tools, visualizing data, and analyzing international patents, one can gain valuable insights into technological trends, competitive landscapes, and strategic opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The patent protects novel chemical compounds that inhibit renal peptidase to enhance the efficacy of thienamycin.
- Claims Analysis: Independent and dependent claims define the scope of the invention, including specific compounds and their derivatives.
- Patent Landscape: Analyzing the landscape involves defining scope, searching and organizing patents, identifying trends, and analyzing citations.
- Data Visualization: Tools like heat maps and citation networks reveal trends and interconnections among patents.
- International Landscape: Searching international patent offices and using tools like Global Dossier and machine translations are essential for a comprehensive analysis.
FAQs
What is the main purpose of United States Patent 5,147,868?
The main purpose of this patent is to protect novel chemical compounds that selectively inhibit the metabolism of dipeptidase, thereby enhancing the therapeutic effect of thienamycin.
How do you conduct a patent landscape analysis for this patent?
Conducting a patent landscape analysis involves defining the scope and keywords, searching and organizing relevant patents, identifying trends and key players, analyzing citations, and generating insights for strategic decisions.
What tools are available for searching patents related to this technology?
Tools such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and international patent databases like those from the EPO and JPO are available for searching patents related to this technology.
Why is it important to analyze the geographical distribution of patent filings?
Analyzing the geographical distribution helps in identifying innovation hotspots and potential white spaces in the market, which can inform strategic decisions about where to focus innovation efforts.
What is the significance of machine translations in international patent searches?
Machine translations provided by various international patent offices facilitate the analysis of patents in different languages, making it easier to understand and compare international patent filings.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents.
- USA.gov - U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
- Goldstein Patent Law - How to Do Patent Landscape Analysis.
- Google Patents - US5147868A - Thienamycin renal peptidase inhibitors.
- ACUS - U.S. Patent Small Claims Court.
