Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 5,686,570: Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
Introduction
United States Patent 5,686,570, titled "Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors," is a patent that describes an assay for screening snake venom for the presence or absence of platelet aggregation inhibitors (PAIs) based on specific receptor binding. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background of the Patent
The patent, issued on November 11, 1997, is assigned to the inventors who developed a method for identifying PAIs in snake venom. This invention is significant in the field of pharmacology and biomedical research, as PAIs have potential therapeutic applications in preventing or treating thrombotic disorders.
Scope of the Patent
Invention Overview
The patent describes a method for screening snake venom to identify peptides that inhibit platelet aggregation. This is achieved through a specific receptor binding assay that targets the platelet receptors involved in the aggregation process. The scope of the patent includes the method of screening, the peptides identified as PAIs, and the potential therapeutic applications of these peptides[4][5].
Technical Details
The assay involves using specific receptors to bind with peptides present in the snake venom. The peptides that bind to these receptors are then isolated and characterized. The patent provides detailed descriptions of the peptides, including their chemical structures and the specific binding sites on the platelet receptors.
Claims of the Patent
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims cover:
- Method of Screening: The process of screening snake venom for PAIs using a receptor binding assay.
- Peptides Identified: Specific peptides isolated from snake venom that inhibit platelet aggregation.
- Therapeutic Applications: The use of these peptides in preventing or treating thrombotic disorders[4][5].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the details of the independent claims, including:
- Specific Receptor Binding: The use of particular receptors to identify PAIs.
- Peptide Structures: Detailed chemical structures of the identified peptides.
- Assay Conditions: The specific conditions under which the assay is conducted.
Patent Landscape
Prior Art
The patent landscape for platelet aggregation inhibitors involves a body of prior art that includes other methods and compounds known to inhibit platelet aggregation. However, the specific method of using receptor binding assays to screen snake venom for PAIs is novel and distinguishes this patent from prior art[4].
Related Patents
Other patents related to platelet aggregation inhibitors include those that describe different methods of screening and different sources of inhibitors. For example, patents describing assays using different types of venom or other natural sources are part of the broader landscape. The uniqueness of this patent lies in its specific approach to screening snake venom using receptor binding assays[5].
International Patent Family
To understand the global protection of this invention, it is essential to look at the international patent family. This involves searching databases such as those provided by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan Patent Office (JPO), and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to see if similar patents have been filed or granted in other jurisdictions[1].
Search Tools and Resources
USPTO Resources
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) provides several tools for searching and analyzing patents, including the Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and the Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs). These resources can be used to find related patents, understand the prior art, and analyze the patent family of US 5,686,570[1].
International Databases
Databases such as esp@cenet from the EPO, PATENTSCOPE from WIPO, and the Japan Patent Office's database provide access to international patent collections. These databases can be used to search for similar patents filed in other countries and to understand the global patent landscape for platelet aggregation inhibitors[1].
Economic and Legal Implications
Economic Impact
The economic impact of this patent can be significant, given the potential therapeutic applications of the identified PAIs. The development of new drugs based on these peptides could lead to substantial revenue for the pharmaceutical industry. The Patent Claims Research Dataset from the USPTO can provide insights into the economic impact of such patents by analyzing claim-level statistics and document-level statistics[3].
Legal Considerations
The legal status of the patent, including its expiration date and any legal challenges, is crucial for understanding its current and future implications. The patent has expired, which means that the invention is now in the public domain, and the described methods and peptides can be freely used without infringing on the original patent[4].
Expert Insights
Industry experts and legal practitioners often provide valuable insights into the implications of such patents. For instance, experts in pharmacology might discuss the therapeutic potential of the identified PAIs, while legal experts might analyze the patent's legal status and any potential disputes or challenges[2].
Key Takeaways
- Novel Method: The patent describes a novel method for screening snake venom for platelet aggregation inhibitors using receptor binding assays.
- Therapeutic Applications: The identified peptides have potential therapeutic applications in preventing or treating thrombotic disorders.
- Expired Patent: The patent has expired, placing the invention in the public domain.
- Global Landscape: Understanding the international patent family and related patents is essential for a comprehensive analysis.
- Economic Impact: The development of new drugs based on these peptides could have significant economic implications.
FAQs
What is the main invention described in US Patent 5,686,570?
The main invention is a method for screening snake venom to identify peptides that inhibit platelet aggregation using a receptor binding assay.
What are the potential therapeutic applications of the identified peptides?
The identified peptides have potential therapeutic applications in preventing or treating thrombotic disorders.
Is the patent still in force?
No, the patent has expired, which means the invention is now in the public domain.
How can one search for related patents internationally?
One can use databases such as esp@cenet from the EPO, PATENTSCOPE from WIPO, and the Japan Patent Office's database to search for related patents internationally.
What resources are available for analyzing the patent landscape?
Resources such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs) are available for analyzing the patent landscape.
Sources
- USPTO: Search for patents - USPTO. https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- ACUS: U.S. Patent Small Claims Court. https://www.acus.gov/research-projects/us-patent-small-claims-court
- USPTO: Patent Claims Research Dataset - USPTO. https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents: US5686570A - Platelet aggregation inhibitors - Google Patents. https://patents.google.com/patent/US5686570A/en
- Unified Patents: US-5786333-A - Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors | Unified Patents. https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/US-5786333-A