Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 5,602,162
Introduction
United States Patent 5,602,162, titled "Imidazole, triazole and tetrazole derivatives," is a patent that describes a class of compounds with specific biological activities. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this patent.
Patent Overview
Publication Number and Authority
The patent, US5602162A, was granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and is now expired[4][5].
Scope of the Patent
The patent covers a class of substituted imidazole, triazole, and tetrazole derivatives. These compounds are identified as selective agonists of 5-HT1-like receptors, making them potentially useful in various therapeutic applications.
Biological Activity
The compounds described in the patent are selective agonists of 5-HT1-like receptors, which are serotonin receptors involved in various physiological processes. This specificity suggests that these compounds could be developed into drugs with targeted therapeutic effects, minimizing side effects associated with non-selective serotonin receptor activation[4][5].
Claims of the Patent
The claims section of a patent is crucial as it defines the legal boundaries of the invention.
Independent and Dependent Claims
The patent includes both independent and dependent claims. Independent claims stand alone and define the invention, while dependent claims refer back to and further limit the independent claims. For example, the patent might claim a specific compound (independent claim) and then claim variations of that compound with certain substitutions (dependent claims)[4].
Claim Language and Scope
The scope of the patent claims can be measured using metrics such as independent claim length and independent claim count. Research suggests that narrower claims, as measured by these metrics, are associated with a higher probability of grant and a shorter examination process[3].
Chemical Structure and Composition
The patent describes the chemical structure and composition of the imidazole, triazole, and tetrazole derivatives in detail.
Chemical Groups and Compounds
The patent lists various chemical groups and compounds, including alkyl groups, amino groups, and specific chemical compounds like ethylamine and rizatriptan. These details are crucial for understanding the structural requirements for the claimed compounds[4].
Prior Art and Citation Data
Understanding the prior art and citation data is essential for assessing the novelty and impact of the patent.
Common Citation Document (CCD)
Tools like the Common Citation Document (CCD) can provide a single point of access to citation data relating to the patent applications of the IP5 Offices, helping to visualize the prior art cited by multiple offices for the same invention[1].
Patent Landscape
The patent landscape includes other related patents and applications that might impact the scope and validity of US5602162A.
International Patent Offices
To fully understand the patent landscape, it is necessary to search international patent databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)[1].
Patent Family
Using tools like the Global Dossier, one can identify the patent family for a specific application, including all related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This helps in understanding the broader context and potential overlaps or conflicts with other patents[1].
Legal Status and Expiration
Expired Patent
The patent US5602162A has expired, which means that the exclusive rights granted by the patent are no longer in effect. This allows others to use, manufacture, and sell the described compounds without infringing on the original patent[4].
Practical Implications
The expiration of the patent has significant practical implications.
Public Domain
With the patent expired, the described compounds and their uses enter the public domain. This can lead to increased competition and potentially lower costs for consumers as multiple entities can now produce and market these compounds[4].
Research and Development
The public domain status can also stimulate further research and development, as scientists and companies can build upon the existing knowledge without the need for licensing or fear of patent infringement.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The patent covers specific imidazole, triazole, and tetrazole derivatives with selective agonist activity on 5-HT1-like receptors.
- Claims: The patent includes detailed claims defining the chemical structures and compositions of the compounds.
- Chemical Structure: The patent describes various chemical groups and compounds essential for the claimed inventions.
- Prior Art and Citation: Tools like CCD help in understanding the prior art and citation data.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a broader landscape that includes international patent offices and related applications.
- Legal Status: The patent has expired, making the described compounds and their uses public domain.
FAQs
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What is the main subject of United States Patent 5,602,162?
The main subject is a class of substituted imidazole, triazole, and tetrazole derivatives that are selective agonists of 5-HT1-like receptors.
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What is the current legal status of the patent?
The patent has expired, meaning the exclusive rights are no longer in effect.
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How can one search for related patents internationally?
One can use databases provided by international patent offices such as the EPO, JPO, and WIPO to search for related patents.
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What tools can help in understanding the prior art and citation data for this patent?
Tools like the Common Citation Document (CCD) can provide a single point of access to citation data relating to the patent applications.
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What are the practical implications of the patent's expiration?
The expiration allows others to use, manufacture, and sell the described compounds without infringing on the original patent, potentially leading to increased competition and lower costs.
Sources
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USPTO - Search for patents
https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
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ACUS - U.S. Patent Small Claims Court
https://www.acus.gov/research-projects/us-patent-small-claims-court
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SSRN - Patent Claims and Patent Scope
https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2844964
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Google Patents - US5602162A
https://patents.google.com/patent/US5602162A/en
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Unified Patents Portal - US-5602162-A
https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/US-5602162-A