Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 5,538,982: A Comprehensive Guide
Introduction
United States Patent 5,538,982, titled "Medical use for tachykinin antagonists," is a significant patent that has contributed to the field of medical research, particularly in the treatment of various conditions using tachykinin antagonists. This article will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background of the Patent
Publication and Legal Status
The patent, US5538982A, was published on August 20, 1996, and has since expired due to the completion of its lifetime[2].
Inventors and Assignees
While the specific inventors and assignees are not detailed in the provided sources, it is common for such patents to be assigned to pharmaceutical companies or research institutions involved in the development of the compounds.
Scope of the Patent
Medical Applications
The patent focuses on the medical use of tachykinin antagonists, including substance P antagonists and other neurokinin antagonists. These compounds are particularly useful in treating a range of conditions such as:
- Emesis: Tachykinin antagonists acting at NK 1 receptors have been found effective in treating emesis, which includes nausea and vomiting[2].
- Visceral Pain: Conditions like myocardial infarction or peritonitis.
- Migraine and Increased Intracranial Pressure: Including altitude sickness.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: Such as gastrointestinal obstruction and reduced gastrointestinal motility.
- Vestibular Disorders: Including motion sickness and post-operative sickness[2].
Chemical Compounds
The patent specifies various chemical compounds and their structures, including those disclosed in other patent specifications like EP 0360390 and WO 92/01688. These compounds are characterized by specific formulas and structural elements, such as the presence of alkyl groups, phenyl rings, and other functional groups[2].
Claims of the Patent
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 additional limitations.
Key Claims
- Claim 1: Typically, the first claim is the broadest and defines the core invention. For US5538982A, this would involve the use of tachykinin antagonists for treating specific medical conditions.
- Dependent Claims: These claims build upon the independent claims by specifying particular compounds, dosages, and methods of administration[2].
Patent Landscape
Global Patent System
The patent is part of a larger global patent system. Tools like the Global Dossier and Common Citation Document (CCD) facilitate the integration of patent information across different intellectual property offices. This allows for a more comprehensive view of related patent applications and prior art[1].
International Search Resources
To understand the broader patent landscape, one can refer to international patent databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). These resources help in identifying similar patents and prior art globally[1].
Patent Assignment and Ownership
The Patent Assignment Search tool provided by the USPTO allows users to track changes in ownership of patents, which can be crucial for understanding the current status and potential licensing opportunities of a patent like US5538982A[1].
Economic and Research Implications
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides detailed information on claims from US patents, including those related to medical inventions. This dataset can be used to analyze trends and scope measurements of patents, offering insights into the economic and research implications of inventions like US5538982A[3].
Impact on Innovation
Patents like US5538982A drive innovation by protecting intellectual property and encouraging further research and development. The mission of the USPTO, to drive U.S. innovation and global competitiveness, is exemplified through such patents[4].
Practical Applications and Future Directions
Clinical Use
The compounds described in the patent have been clinically used to treat various conditions. For instance, tachykinin antagonists have shown promise in reducing nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy and other medical treatments.
Future Research
The expiration of the patent opens up opportunities for generic versions of these compounds and further research into their applications. New studies could explore additional medical uses or improvements in the existing treatments.
Key Takeaways
- Medical Use: US5538982A focuses on the medical use of tachykinin antagonists for treating conditions like emesis, visceral pain, and gastrointestinal disorders.
- Chemical Compounds: The patent details specific chemical structures and formulas of the compounds.
- Global Patent Landscape: Tools like Global Dossier and CCD help integrate patent information globally.
- Economic Implications: The patent contributes to innovation and economic growth by protecting intellectual property.
- Future Directions: The expiration of the patent allows for further research and the development of generic versions.
FAQs
What is the primary focus of United States Patent 5,538,982?
The primary focus of US5538982A is the medical use of tachykinin antagonists, including substance P antagonists and other neurokinin antagonists, for treating various medical conditions.
What are some of the medical conditions treated by the compounds described in the patent?
The compounds are used to treat conditions such as emesis, visceral pain, migraine, gastrointestinal disorders, and vestibular disorders.
How can one search for related patents globally?
One can use resources like the Global Dossier, Common Citation Document (CCD), and international patent databases provided by offices like the EPO, JPO, and WIPO.
What is the significance of the Patent Assignment Search tool?
The Patent Assignment Search tool helps track changes in ownership of patents, which is crucial for understanding the current status and potential licensing opportunities.
What dataset can be used to analyze trends and scope measurements of patents like US5538982A?
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides detailed information on claims from US patents and can be used to analyze trends and scope measurements.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Google Patents - US5538982A: https://patents.google.com/patent/US5538982A/en
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- U.S. Department of Commerce - U.S. Patent and Trademark Office: https://www.commerce.gov/bureaus-and-offices/uspto
