Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 5,312,924
Introduction
United States Patent 5,312,924, titled "Phenylacetic acid benzylamides," is a patent that covers a novel class of compounds, their preparation, and their pharmaceutical applications. Here, we will delve into the details of the patent, its claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
The patent, issued on May 17, 1994, describes phenylacetic acid benzylamides, their non-toxic salts, methods for preparing these compounds, and their use as hypoglycemic agents[4].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
Independent Claims
- Claim 1 describes the novel phenylacetic acid benzylamides and their non-toxic salts.
- Claim 2 outlines the method of preparing these compounds.
- Claim 3 specifies the pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds as active ingredients.
- Claim 4 details the method of using these compounds as hypoglycemics.
Dependent Claims
- These claims further specify the structure of the compounds, such as the types of alkyleneimino groups and substituents, and the conditions for preparing and using these compounds.
Chemical Structure and Composition
The patent describes the chemical structure of the phenylacetic acid benzylamides, including the formula and the specific groups that can be substituted. For example, R1 represents an unbranched alkyleneimino group with 4 to 6 carbon atoms, optionally mono- or di-substituted with alkyl groups of 1 to 3 carbon atoms. R2 can be a hydrogen, halogen atom, methyl, or methoxy group[4].
Preparation and Use
The patent provides detailed methods for synthesizing these compounds and their pharmaceutical compositions. It also outlines the method of using these compounds as hypoglycemic agents, which is crucial for their therapeutic application.
Patent Landscape Analysis
To understand the broader context of this patent, a patent landscape analysis is essential.
Technological Domain
The patent falls within the domain of pharmaceutical chemistry, specifically in the area of hypoglycemic agents. A patent landscape analysis would help identify other patents and pending applications in this field, competitors, and trends in research and development[3].
Competitors and Market Trends
A thorough patent landscape analysis would reveal key players in the pharmaceutical industry working on similar compounds or therapeutic applications. This includes identifying gaps in the market, key inventors, filing year trends, and top filing countries. Such insights are crucial for strategic decision-making and minimizing business risks[3].
Legal Status and Expiry Dates
The patent has expired, which means that the protected compounds and methods are now in the public domain. This information is critical for companies considering the use or further development of these compounds. The legal status, including whether a patent is alive, pending, lapsed, revoked, or expired, is a key component of patent landscape reports[3].
International Patent Landscape
To see if similar inventions have been patented abroad, one would need to search international patent databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and other national intellectual property offices. This helps in understanding the global patent family and any related applications filed in other countries[1].
Search Tools and Resources
Several tools and resources are available for conducting a comprehensive patent search:
Patent Public Search
The USPTO's Patent Public Search tool is a powerful resource for searching prior art and related patents. It offers enhanced access to patent data and can be used to identify similar patents and applications[1].
Global Dossier
The Global Dossier service provides access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP offices, which can be useful in understanding the international patent landscape for this invention[1].
Common Citation Document (CCD)
The CCD application consolidates citation data from multiple offices, helping to visualize the prior art cited by different offices for the same invention[1].
Strategic Implications
Understanding the scope and claims of US Patent 5,312,924, along with the broader patent landscape, is crucial for several strategic reasons:
Research and Development
For companies involved in pharmaceutical research, knowing the existing patents and their expiry dates can guide the development of new compounds and therapeutic applications.
Licensing and Collaboration
Identifying key players and trends in the market can facilitate licensing agreements, collaborations, or mergers and acquisitions.
Litigation and Risk Management
A thorough patent landscape analysis helps in identifying potential litigation risks and opposition activities, allowing companies to make informed decisions to protect their intellectual property.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: US Patent 5,312,924 covers novel phenylacetic acid benzylamides, their preparation, and use as hypoglycemic agents.
- Claims: The patent includes claims for the compounds, their preparation, and pharmaceutical compositions.
- Patent Landscape: A comprehensive analysis reveals competitors, market trends, and international patent filings.
- Legal Status: The patent has expired, making the protected compounds and methods public domain.
- Strategic Implications: Understanding the patent and its landscape is crucial for R&D, licensing, and risk management.
FAQs
Q: What is the main subject of US Patent 5,312,924?
A: The main subject is novel phenylacetic acid benzylamides, their preparation, and use as hypoglycemic agents.
Q: What tools can be used to conduct a comprehensive patent search related to this invention?
A: Tools such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and Common Citation Document (CCD) can be used.
Q: Why is it important to analyze the patent landscape for this invention?
A: Analyzing the patent landscape helps in identifying competitors, market trends, and potential litigation risks, which is crucial for strategic decision-making.
Q: What is the current legal status of US Patent 5,312,924?
A: The patent has expired, making the protected compounds and methods public domain.
Q: How can companies benefit from understanding the scope and claims of this patent?
A: Companies can benefit by guiding their research and development, facilitating licensing and collaborations, and managing litigation risks.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- CONTOUR IP HOLDING LLC v. GOPRO, INC.: https://cafc.uscourts.gov/opinions-orders/22-1654.OPINION.9-9-2024_2381170.pdf
- Navigating Technological Domains with Patent Landscape Analysis: https://sagaciousresearch.com/blog/navigating-technological-domains-with-patent-landscape-analysis/
- US5312924A - Phenylacetic acid benzylamides: https://patents.google.com/patent/US5312924A/en
- U.S. Patent Small Claims Court: https://www.acus.gov/research-projects/us-patent-small-claims-court
