Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 5,387,603
Introduction
United States Patent 5,387,603, titled "1,5,7-trisubstituted indoline compounds and salts thereof," was granted on February 7, 1995, to Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. This patent is significant in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly for the treatment of conditions related to urethral contractions.
Inventors and Assignee
The inventors of this patent include Makio Kitazawa, Masaaki Ban, Kosuke Okazaki, Motoyasu Ozawa, Toshikazu Yazaki, and Ryoichi Yamagishi, all affiliated with Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. in Nagano, Japan[4].
Patent Claims
The patent claims cover a specific class of indoline compounds and their salts, which are defined by a detailed chemical structure. Here are the key aspects of the claims:
Chemical Structure
The indoline compounds are represented by a formula that includes various substituents at positions 1, 5, and 7 of the indoline ring. These substituents can include saturated or unsaturated aliphatic acyl groups, hydroxy groups, lower alkoxy groups, carboxy groups, and other functional groups[4].
Therapeutic Use
The primary claim is that these indoline compounds specifically suppress urethral contractions, making them useful as therapeutic agents for treating related conditions[4].
Scope of the Patent
Claim Language and Scope
The patent scope is defined by the detailed claim language, which specifies the chemical structure and the therapeutic application of the indoline compounds. The claims are narrow in the sense that they are highly specific about the chemical structure, but they also cover a range of possible substituents, which provides some breadth to the patent[4].
Independent Claim Length and Count
The metrics for measuring patent scope, such as independent claim length and count, can provide insights into the complexity and breadth of the patent. However, for this specific patent, the focus is on the detailed chemical structure and its therapeutic application rather than broad, general claims[3].
Patent Landscape Analysis
Innovation Context
Patent landscape analysis can provide a snapshot of the innovation happening in a particular technological field. For the field of pharmaceuticals, especially compounds targeting urethral contractions, this patent represents a specific innovation at the time of its filing in 1993[5].
Competitive Impact
The Competitive Impact of this patent can be evaluated by how many times it has been cited by subsequent patents and the geographic territories where it is protected. Given its specific therapeutic application, it may have been cited in subsequent patents related to similar therapeutic areas[5].
Global Patent Trends
The patent is part of a larger global patent landscape in the pharmaceutical sector. Analyzing patent filing trends and patent rights on an international level can help identify key players, competitors, and potential business opportunities. For this patent, its protection in various territories and its citation in other patents would be crucial for understanding its global impact[5].
Key Compounds and Examples
The patent describes several specific compounds, including:
- 1-(3-ethoxycarbonyl propyl)-5-2-2-(2-isopropoxyphenoxy)ethylamino propylindoline-7-carboxamide
- 1-(3-methoxypropyl)-5-2-2-2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)-phenoxyethylaminopropylindoline-7-carboxamide
- (R)-1-butyryl-5-2-2-2-(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)phenoxylethylaminopropylindoline-7-carboxamide
These examples illustrate the variety of substituents that can be included in the indoline compounds covered by the patent[4].
Legal and Litigation Context
The patent has been involved in legal proceedings, as indicated by court documents. For instance, Kissei Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. is the owner and assignee of this patent, and it has been a party in litigation involving Actavis, Inc.[2].
Expiration and Current Status
The patent has expired, as it was granted in 1995 and patents typically have a lifespan of 20 years from the filing date. This expiration means that the protected compounds and their therapeutic uses are now in the public domain[4].
Impact on Innovation
The granting of this patent reflects the innovation in pharmaceutical research at the time. However, debates over patent quality and scope suggest that overly broad or unclear patents can impede innovation. This patent, with its specific claims and clear therapeutic application, does not appear to fall into the category of overly broad patents[3].
"Many panelists and participants expressed the view that software and Internet patents are impeding innovation," - Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Report, 2003[3].
Conclusion
United States Patent 5,387,603 is a significant contribution to the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly for treating conditions related to urethral contractions. The patent's scope is defined by its detailed chemical structure and specific therapeutic application. Understanding the claims, scope, and patent landscape of this invention provides valuable insights into the innovation and competitive dynamics within the pharmaceutical industry.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers 1,5,7-trisubstituted indoline compounds and their salts.
- These compounds are therapeutic agents for suppressing urethral contractions.
- The patent has a specific and detailed claim language.
- It has been involved in legal proceedings and has since expired.
- The patent's impact on innovation is tied to its clear and specific claims.
FAQs
What is the main therapeutic use of the compounds described in US Patent 5,387,603?
The main therapeutic use is the suppression of urethral contractions.
Who are the inventors of US Patent 5,387,603?
The inventors include Makio Kitazawa, Masaaki Ban, Kosuke Okazaki, Motoyasu Ozawa, Toshikazu Yazaki, and Ryoichi Yamagishi.
What is the current status of US Patent 5,387,603?
The patent has expired, as it was granted in 1995 and has a typical lifespan of 20 years.
How can the scope of this patent be measured?
The scope can be measured using metrics such as independent claim length and count, as well as the specific details of the chemical structure and therapeutic application.
What is the significance of this patent in the pharmaceutical industry?
It represents a specific innovation in the treatment of conditions related to urethral contractions and provides a clear example of how detailed chemical structures can be patented for therapeutic uses.
Sources
- US5387603A - 1,5,7-trisubstituted indoline compounds and salts thereof - Google Patents
- in the united states district court - Insight.RPXCorp
- Patent Claims and Patent Scope - Hoover Institution
- United States Patent (19) - Google APIs
- Patent Landscape Analysis - LexisNexis IP
