United States Patent 5,607,942: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 5,607,942, titled "7-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-3-quinolone- and -naphthyridone-carboxylic acid derivatives as antibacterial agents and feed additives," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals and veterinary medicine. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Invention Overview
The patent, issued to a group of inventors, describes novel 7-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-3-quinolone- and -naphthyridone-carboxylic acid derivatives. These compounds are designed to act as antibacterial agents and feed additives, targeting a wide range of microorganisms, including both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria[4].
Scope of the Invention
The scope of the invention is broad, encompassing various derivatives of the quinolone and naphthyridonecarboxylic acids. Here are some key aspects:
Chemical Structure
The patent details the chemical structure of these derivatives, including the substitution patterns at various positions. For example, R1 can represent alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, or other functional groups, while R2 and R3 have specific substitution patterns that contribute to the antibacterial activity[4].
Applications
The compounds are intended for use in human and veterinary medicine for the prophylaxis and chemotherapy of local and systemic infections caused by bacteria and bacteria-like microorganisms. They are also suitable as feed additives to prevent or treat diseases in animals[4].
Spectrum of Activity
These derivatives are active against a broad spectrum of microorganisms, making them versatile in various medical and agricultural applications. They are particularly effective against bacteria and bacteria-like microorganisms, which is a significant advantage in combating infections[4].
Claims of the Patent
The patent includes several claims that define the scope of the invention:
Independent Claims
- Claim 1 typically describes the general structure of the 7-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-3-quinolone- and -naphthyridone-carboxylic acid derivatives.
- Subsequent claims narrow down the scope by specifying particular substitution patterns and functional groups.
Dependent Claims
- These claims build upon the independent claims, providing further details on the preparation methods, pharmaceutical compositions, and specific applications of the derivatives[4].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art
The patent cites several prior art references, including German patents and other international publications related to quinolone and naphthyridone derivatives. However, the specific combination of substitutions and the broad antibacterial activity described in this patent distinguish it from prior art[4].
Related Patents
Other patents in the same field include those related to moxifloxacin derivatives, such as US-20090170893-A1 and US-20060252789-A1. These patents describe different forms and preparations of moxifloxacin but do not overlap significantly with the scope of US 5,607,942[2][5].
International Patent Offices
To understand the global patent landscape, it is essential to search international patent databases. Resources like the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) provide access to international patent applications and grants, which can help in identifying similar or related inventions worldwide[1].
Search Tools and Resources
For a comprehensive analysis, several search tools and resources are available:
USPTO Patent Public Search
This tool allows for a detailed search of U.S. patents and published patent applications, including the ability to search by classification, type of patent, and other criteria[1].
Global Dossier
This service provides access to the file histories of related applications from participating IP Offices, helping to identify the patent family and related applications globally[1].
Common Citation Document (CCD)
The CCD application consolidates prior art cited by multiple offices for the same invention, facilitating a more integrated view of the global patent landscape[1].
Legal Status and Expiration
The legal status of US 5,607,942 indicates that the patent has expired, which means that the invention is now in the public domain. This expiration allows others to use, manufacture, and sell the described compounds without infringing on the original patent[4].
Impact and Applications
Medical Applications
The compounds described in this patent have significant medical applications, particularly in treating bacterial infections. Their broad spectrum of activity makes them valuable in both human and veterinary medicine.
Agricultural Applications
As feed additives, these compounds can help prevent and treat diseases in animals, improving animal health and productivity.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Spectrum of Activity: The compounds are effective against a wide range of microorganisms, including Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
- Chemical Structure: The patent details specific substitution patterns that contribute to the antibacterial activity.
- Applications: The compounds are used in human and veterinary medicine and as feed additives.
- Patent Expiration: The patent has expired, placing the invention in the public domain.
- Global Patent Landscape: Searching international patent databases is crucial for understanding related inventions worldwide.
FAQs
Q: What is the main focus of United States Patent 5,607,942?
A: The main focus is on novel 7-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-3-quinolone- and -naphthyridone-carboxylic acid derivatives as antibacterial agents and feed additives.
Q: What is the scope of the invention in terms of chemical structure?
A: The invention encompasses various derivatives with specific substitution patterns at different positions, contributing to their antibacterial activity.
Q: What are the primary applications of these compounds?
A: They are used in human and veterinary medicine for treating infections and as feed additives to prevent diseases in animals.
Q: Is the patent still in force?
A: No, the patent has expired, making the invention public domain.
Q: How can one search for related patents internationally?
A: Using resources like the USPTO Patent Public Search, Global Dossier, and international patent databases such as EPO, JPO, and WIPO.
Sources
- USPTO: Search for patents - USPTO
- Unified Patents: US-20090170893-A1 - Novel Hydrate Form
- USPTO: Patent Claims Research Dataset
- Google Patents: US5607942A - 7-(1-pyrrolidinyl)-3-quinolone- and - naphthyridone-carboxylic acid derivatives
- Unified Patents: US-20060252789-A1 - Amorphous form of moxifloxacin hydrochloride