United States Patent 5,456,925: A Detailed Analysis of Scope and Claims
Introduction
United States Patent 5,456,925, titled "Pharmaceutical compositions containing furan derivatives," is a patent that has significant implications in the pharmaceutical industry. This patent, issued on October 10, 1995, covers specific pharmaceutical compositions and their applications. Here, we will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
Publication Number and Authority
The patent number is US5456925A, and it was issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)[4].
Prior Art and Keywords
The patent involves pharmaceutical compositions containing furan derivatives, with prior art keywords including "methyl," "bismuth," "composition according," "ranitidine," and "alkaline salt." These keywords indicate the chemical and pharmaceutical nature of the invention[4].
Priority and Filing Dates
The priority date for this patent is September 11, 1990, with the filing date being March 22, 1994. This timeline suggests that the invention was in development for several years before the patent application was submitted[4].
Claims
Independent and Dependent Claims
The patent includes both independent and dependent claims. Independent claims define the broad scope of the invention, while dependent claims narrow down the scope by adding specific limitations. For US5456925A, the claims would typically include descriptions of the pharmaceutical compositions, their components, and the methods of preparation or use[4].
Claim Structure
The claims would be structured to cover various aspects of the invention, such as:
- The chemical structure of the furan derivatives.
- The composition of the pharmaceutical formulations.
- The methods of synthesizing the furan derivatives.
- The therapeutic uses of the compositions.
Each claim would be carefully crafted to ensure that it is novel, non-obvious, and useful, as required by patent law.
Scope of the Invention
Pharmaceutical Compositions
The patent focuses on pharmaceutical compositions that contain furan derivatives. These compositions are designed for therapeutic use, potentially targeting specific diseases or conditions. The scope includes the types of furan derivatives used, their combinations with other pharmaceutical agents, and the formulations in which they are presented (e.g., tablets, capsules, solutions)[4].
Therapeutic Applications
The therapeutic applications of these compositions would be a critical part of the patent's scope. This could include treatments for gastrointestinal disorders, given the mention of ranitidine, a drug commonly used for such conditions. The scope would also cover any other therapeutic uses identified during the development and testing of the furan derivatives[4].
Patent Family and Related Applications
Priority Applications
The patent has several priority applications, including GB909019875A and PCT/EP1992/000498, which indicate that the invention was developed and filed in multiple jurisdictions. This is common in patent strategy to secure global protection for an invention[4].
Family Applications
The patent is part of a larger family of applications, each potentially covering different aspects or variations of the invention. For example, the application US08/215,658 is listed as part of this family, indicating a comprehensive approach to protecting the intellectual property related to furan derivatives in pharmaceutical compositions[4].
Legal Status and Expiration
Current Status
As of the current date, the patent US5456925A has expired, which means that the exclusive rights granted to the patent holder have lapsed. This allows others to use, manufacture, and sell the invention without infringing on the original patent[4].
Implications of Expiration
The expiration of the patent opens up the market for generic versions of the pharmaceutical compositions. This can lead to increased competition, potentially reducing costs for consumers and expanding access to the therapeutic benefits of the furan derivatives.
Patent Landscape
Industry Impact
The patent landscape in the pharmaceutical industry is highly competitive and dynamic. Patents like US5456925A play a crucial role in protecting innovations and encouraging further research and development. The expiration of such patents can significantly impact the industry by allowing new entrants and promoting generic competition[4].
Regulatory Considerations
Regulatory bodies, such as the USPTO and the FDA, play critical roles in the patent landscape. Ensuring that patents are granted for novel and non-obvious inventions and that they do not stifle innovation is a delicate balance. The study and analysis of patent claims, such as those in the Patent Claims Research Dataset by the USPTO, help in understanding the scope and impact of patents like US5456925A[3].
Conclusion
United States Patent 5,456,925 is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical industry, covering pharmaceutical compositions containing furan derivatives. Understanding its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is crucial for both innovators and competitors in the field.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The patent covers specific pharmaceutical compositions containing furan derivatives.
- Claims Structure: Includes independent and dependent claims defining the invention's scope.
- Therapeutic Applications: Potentially includes treatments for gastrointestinal disorders.
- Patent Family: Part of a larger family of applications filed in multiple jurisdictions.
- Legal Status: The patent has expired, allowing for generic competition.
- Industry Impact: Significant implications for the pharmaceutical industry, including increased competition and reduced costs.
FAQs
What is the main subject of United States Patent 5,456,925?
The main subject is pharmaceutical compositions containing furan derivatives.
What is the priority date for this patent?
The priority date is September 11, 1990.
What is the current legal status of the patent?
The patent has expired.
What are the potential therapeutic applications of the compositions covered by this patent?
The compositions are potentially used for treating gastrointestinal disorders, among other therapeutic uses.
How does the expiration of this patent affect the pharmaceutical industry?
The expiration allows for generic competition, potentially reducing costs and expanding access to the therapeutic benefits of the furan derivatives.
Sources
- USPTO Search: Find existing patents, published patent applications and other published patent documentation.
- DDR Holdings - United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit: Following trial, a jury found that NLG infringes the asserted claims of U.S. Patent Nos.
- Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO: Detailed information on claims from U.S. patents granted between 1976 and 2014.
- US5456925A - Pharmaceutical compositions containing furan derivatives - Google Patents: Publication number, authority, prior art keywords, and other details.
- U.S. Patent Small Claims Court - ACUS: Study on issues associated with and options for designing a small claims patent court.
