United States Patent 5,433,959: A Detailed Analysis
Introduction
United States Patent 5,433,959, though now expired, provides valuable insights into the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the realm of drug development and patent strategies. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this patent.
Patent Overview
Title and Abstract
The patent, titled "Pharmaceutical drugs," focuses on specific pharmaceutical compositions and their methods of preparation. The abstract outlines the invention's core aspects, including the chemical structures and therapeutic applications of the drugs covered.
Scope of the Patent
Technology Domain
This patent falls within the pharmaceutical domain, specifically addressing the development and use of certain drug compounds. The scope is defined by the types of chemical structures and the therapeutic areas they target.
Key Terms and Keywords
To understand the scope, key terms such as "pharmaceutical drugs," "chemical structures," "therapeutic applications," and specific chemical compounds mentioned in the patent are crucial. These terms help in identifying relevant patents and analyzing the competitive landscape[3].
Claims Analysis
Independent and Dependent Claims
The patent includes both independent and dependent claims. Independent claims define the broadest scope of the invention, while dependent claims narrow down the scope by adding additional features or limitations. Understanding these claims is essential for determining the patent's coverage and potential infringement issues.
Claim Types
- Composition of Matter Claims: These claims cover the specific chemical compounds and their formulations.
- Method of Preparation Claims: These claims detail the processes used to prepare the pharmaceutical compositions.
- Method of Use Claims: These claims specify the therapeutic applications and how the drugs are administered.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Defining Scope and Keywords
To analyze the patent landscape, one must first define the scope and identify relevant keywords. For this patent, keywords might include "pharmaceutical drugs," "chemical structures," "therapeutic applications," and specific chemical compounds mentioned[3].
Search and Organize Patents
Using patent databases, one can search for patents related to the identified keywords. Organizing these patents by factors such as filing date, assignee, and technology subcategories helps in visualizing the landscape. Tools like heat maps can be used to illustrate the density of patent filings in specific areas[3].
Identifying Trends and Key Players
Pattern Recognition
Analyzing the patent filings over time reveals trends in innovation within the pharmaceutical industry. This includes identifying periods of high activity, technological shifts, and emerging areas of research.
Significant Contributors
Key players in the industry can be pinpointed by analyzing the assignees of the patents. Companies and inventors with a high number of filings in this domain are likely to be significant contributors to the technology[3].
Analyze Citations and Evolution
Citation Analysis
Studying how patents reference each other provides insights into the impact and development of the technology. Highly cited patents are often foundational or highly influential in the field.
Evolution of Technology
By tracing the evolution of patent filings, one can see how the technology has advanced over time. This includes new discoveries, improvements to existing technologies, and shifts in therapeutic targets[3].
Generate Insights for Decisions
Competitive Landscape
The analysis provides a clear picture of the competitive landscape, including potential competitors and their strengths in the patent portfolio. This information is crucial for strategic decisions such as licensing, collaboration, or litigation.
Legal Vulnerabilities
Understanding the patent landscape also helps in identifying potential legal vulnerabilities. This includes expired patents, pending applications, and areas where there may be gaps in coverage[3].
Impact of Expiration
Generic Entry
The expiration of Patent 5,433,959 allows for generic versions of the covered drugs to enter the market. This can significantly impact the original patent holder's market share and revenue.
Technological Advancements
The expiration also opens up opportunities for further innovation, as other companies can build upon the now-public domain technology. This can lead to new and improved versions of the drugs or entirely new therapeutic applications.
Key Takeaways
- Scope and Claims: The patent covers specific pharmaceutical compositions, their preparation methods, and therapeutic applications.
- Patent Landscape: Analyzing the landscape reveals trends, key players, and the evolution of technology within the pharmaceutical domain.
- Expiration Impact: The expiration of the patent allows for generic entry and further innovation in the field.
- Strategic Insights: The analysis provides valuable insights for strategic decisions regarding licensing, collaboration, and litigation.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary focus of United States Patent 5,433,959?
A: The primary focus is on specific pharmaceutical compositions and their methods of preparation.
Q: How does the expiration of this patent affect the market?
A: The expiration allows for generic versions of the covered drugs to enter the market, potentially impacting the original patent holder's market share and revenue.
Q: What are the key steps in performing a patent landscape analysis?
A: The key steps include defining the scope and keywords, searching and organizing patents, identifying trends and key players, analyzing citations and evolution, and generating insights for decisions[3].
Q: Why is citation analysis important in patent landscape analysis?
A: Citation analysis helps in understanding the impact and development of the technology by showing how patents reference each other.
Q: How can the insights from a patent landscape analysis be used?
A: The insights can be used to make informed decisions regarding licensing, collaboration, litigation, and strategic planning within the technological domain[3].
Cited Sources
- US20170204127A1 - Coordination complexes, pharmaceutical solutions comprising coordination complexes, and methods of treating patients - Google Patents
- US11077055B2 - Orally disintegrating compositions - Google Patents
- How to Do Patent Landscape Analysis - Goldstein Patent Law
- Pharmaceutical drugs covered by patent 5,433,959 - Drug Patent Watch
- US8178541B2 - 8-[3-amino-piperidin-1-yl]-xanthines, the preparation thereof and their use as pharmaceutical compositions - Google Patents
