United States Patent 5,256,664: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
The United States Patent 5,256,664, titled "Antidepressant 3-halophenylpiperazinylpropyl derivatives of substituted triazolones and triazoldiones," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of antidepressant compounds. This article will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Invention Overview
Invention Description
The patent, granted on October 19, 1993, describes a series of chemical compounds that are derivatives of substituted triazolones and triazoldiones. These compounds are designed to act as psychotropic agents with selective central nervous system effects, specifically exhibiting useful antidepressant activity[4].
Structural Variations
The invention focuses on structural variations at the 5-position of the 3H-1,2,4-triazol-3-one ring of nefazodone and its related analogs. The compounds are characterized by the replacement of the 5-ethyl group with an acetyl group or the transformation of the 5-position to a carbonyl moiety. The most preferred compounds have structures of Formula XIb, with a phenoxy moiety[4].
Scope of the Patent
Claims
The patent includes 14 claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims cover the chemical structures of the compounds, their methods of preparation, and their use as antidepressants. Here are some key aspects of the claims:
- Chemical Structures: Claims 1-7 describe the specific chemical structures of the compounds, including the substitution patterns and functional groups.
- Methods of Preparation: Claims 8-10 outline the methods for synthesizing these compounds.
- Therapeutic Use: Claims 11-14 specify the use of these compounds as antidepressants and their administration to mammalian hosts[4].
Prior Art and Novelty
The patent distinguishes itself from prior art by introducing new structural variations that enhance the antidepressant activity of the compounds. The prior art keywords include "compound," "antidepressant," "compounds," and "mammalian host," indicating the context in which this invention was developed[4].
Patent Claims Analysis
Claim Structure and Dependency
The claims are structured to ensure broad coverage while maintaining specificity. For instance, Claim 1 is a broad claim that covers the general structure of the compounds, while subsequent claims narrow down to specific substitutions and methods of preparation. This hierarchical structure is common in patent claims to ensure that the invention is protected from various angles[3].
Claim Scope and Breadth
The scope of the claims is designed to be broad enough to cover a range of compounds but narrow enough to avoid prior art. The use of functional language and specific structural definitions helps in achieving this balance. For example, the replacement of the 5-ethyl group with an acetyl group or a carbonyl moiety is a specific innovation that differentiates these compounds from existing ones[4].
Patent Landscape
Related Patents and Applications
The patent landscape around US 5,256,664 includes other patents related to antidepressant compounds and their synthesis. For instance, patents like US 6,596,866 B2, which describes a process for the preparation of nefazodone hydrochloride, are part of the broader landscape of antidepressant drug development[2].
International Patent Offices
To understand the global patent landscape, one must also consider patents filed in other countries. Databases such as the European Patent Office's esp@cenet, the Japan Patent Office, and the World Intellectual Property Organization's PATENTSCOPE provide access to international patent applications and granted patents. These resources help in identifying similar inventions and ensuring that the patent does not infringe on existing international patents[1].
Economic and Research Implications
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset, which includes detailed information on claims from U.S. patents granted between 1976 and 2014, can provide insights into the trends and scope of patent claims in the pharmaceutical sector. This dataset can help researchers and patent analysts understand the evolution of patent claims and their impact on the industry[3].
Economic Impact
Patents like US 5,256,664 contribute significantly to the pharmaceutical industry by protecting innovative compounds and methods. This protection encourages investment in research and development, leading to the creation of new drugs and therapies. The economic impact is substantial, as these inventions can lead to new treatments and improved health outcomes[3].
Search and Analysis Tools
USPTO Resources
The USPTO provides several tools for searching and analyzing patents, including the Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and the Patent Examination Data System (PEDS). These resources are crucial for conducting thorough patent searches and understanding the patent landscape around a specific invention[1].
International Databases
In addition to USPTO resources, international databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office, Japan Patent Office, and World Intellectual Property Organization are essential for a comprehensive analysis. These databases offer machine translations and full-text searches, facilitating the identification of related patents and applications globally[1].
Key Takeaways
- Invention Scope: The patent covers specific chemical compounds with antidepressant activity, including their structures and methods of preparation.
- Claims Analysis: The claims are structured to ensure broad coverage while maintaining specificity, distinguishing the invention from prior art.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape of antidepressant drug development, with related patents and international applications.
- Economic Impact: The patent contributes to the pharmaceutical industry by protecting innovative compounds and encouraging research and development.
- Search and Analysis Tools: Utilizing USPTO resources and international databases is crucial for thorough patent searches and analysis.
FAQs
Q: What is the main subject of United States Patent 5,256,664?
A: The main subject is the development of antidepressant compounds, specifically 3-halophenylpiperazinylpropyl derivatives of substituted triazolones and triazoldiones.
Q: How do the claims in this patent distinguish it from prior art?
A: The claims introduce new structural variations, such as the replacement of the 5-ethyl group with an acetyl group or a carbonyl moiety, which enhance the antidepressant activity of the compounds.
Q: What tools are available for searching and analyzing patents related to this invention?
A: Tools include the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, PEDS, and international databases like esp@cenet and PATENTSCOPE.
Q: What is the economic impact of this patent?
A: The patent protects innovative compounds, encouraging investment in research and development, and contributing significantly to the pharmaceutical industry.
Q: How can one access detailed information on patent claims similar to this invention?
A: The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides detailed information on claims from U.S. patents granted between 1976 and 2014.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- United States Patent - US6596866B2: https://patentimages.storage.googleapis.com/23/5a/25/39b286fd68af83/US6596866.pdf
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- US5256664A - Google Patents: https://patents.google.com/patent/US5256664A/en
