United States Patent 5,843,946: A Detailed Analysis of Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape
Introduction
United States Patent 5,843,946, titled "α-and β-amino acid hydroxyethylamino sulfonamides useful as retroviral protease inhibitors," is a significant patent in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the treatment of HIV. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Background and Invention Overview
The patent, granted to its inventors, describes a class of compounds known as α-and β-amino acid hydroxyethylamino sulfonamides. These compounds are identified as effective retroviral protease inhibitors, specifically targeting HIV protease[4].
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is defined by its claims, which outline the specific inventions and their applications. Here, the patent claims cover the chemical structures of the α-and β-amino acid hydroxyethylamino sulfonamides, their methods of preparation, and their use as antiviral agents.
Chemical Structures
The patent details the specific chemical structures of the compounds, including their substituents and functional groups. These structures are crucial for understanding the novelty and non-obviousness of the invention[4].
Methods of Preparation
The patent also includes methods for synthesizing these compounds, which is essential for enabling others to make and use the invention. This section provides a clear roadmap for chemists to replicate the compounds[4].
Use as Antiviral Agents
The primary application of these compounds is as retroviral protease inhibitors, particularly for treating HIV. The patent claims specify the therapeutic uses and the efficacy of these compounds in inhibiting HIV protease[4].
Claims Analysis
The claims of a patent are its most critical component, as they define the legal boundaries of the invention.
Independent Claims
Independent claims are those that stand alone and do not depend on other claims. For US Patent 5,843,946, these claims typically describe the broadest scope of the invention, such as the general chemical structure of the compounds and their use as antiviral agents[4].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow down the scope of the invention by adding specific limitations to the independent claims. These might include specific substituents, methods of synthesis, or particular therapeutic applications[4].
Patent Landscape
Understanding the patent landscape involves analyzing related patents, prior art, and the broader intellectual property environment.
Prior Art
Prior art refers to existing knowledge and inventions that predate the current patent. For US Patent 5,843,946, prior art would include other retroviral protease inhibitors and related chemical compounds. The patent must demonstrate novelty and non-obviousness over this prior art[4].
Related Patents
Other patents in the same field can provide insight into the competitive landscape. For example, patents covering other HIV protease inhibitors or related antiviral compounds would be relevant. Tools like the USPTO's Patent Public Search and international databases such as the European Patent Office's esp@cenet can be used to identify these related patents[1].
International Patent Filings
To understand the global reach of this invention, it is essential to look at international patent filings. The Global Dossier service provided by the USPTO allows users to see the patent family for a specific application, including related applications filed at participating IP Offices[1].
Classification and Categorization
The patent is classified under various categories that help in its identification and search.
International Patent Classification (IPC)
The patent is classified under IPC categories such as A61P31/00 (Antiinfectives), A61P31/12 (Antivirals), and A61P31/14 (Antivirals for RNA viruses), which are specific to antiviral compounds[4].
United States Classification
In the US classification system, the patent falls under categories like 514/19 (Amino acid or derivative thereof) and 544/114 (Sulfonamides (i.e., S(=O)(=O)-N-) where the nitrogen is not part of a heterocyclic ring)[4].
Legal Status and Expiration
As of the current date, the legal status of US Patent 5,843,946 is "Expired - Lifetime," indicating that the patent has completed its term and is no longer in force. This means that the invention is now in the public domain, and anyone can make, use, or sell the invention without infringing on the patent[4].
Economic and Research Implications
The expiration of this patent has significant economic and research implications. Generic versions of the drug can now be produced, potentially reducing costs and increasing accessibility. Researchers can also build upon this invention without needing to obtain a license.
Patent Claims Research Dataset
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides detailed information on claims from US patents, including those related to pharmaceuticals. This dataset can be used to analyze trends and scope measurements of patents like US 5,843,946[3].
Conclusion
United States Patent 5,843,946 is a pivotal invention in the field of antiviral therapy, particularly for HIV treatment. Understanding its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is crucial for researchers, pharmaceutical companies, and legal professionals.
Key Takeaways
- Scope and Claims: The patent covers specific chemical structures, methods of preparation, and therapeutic uses of α-and β-amino acid hydroxyethylamino sulfonamides.
- Patent Landscape: The invention is part of a larger landscape of retroviral protease inhibitors and antiviral compounds.
- Classification: Classified under IPC and US classification systems relevant to antiviral and pharmaceutical compounds.
- Legal Status: The patent has expired, making the invention public domain.
- Economic and Research Implications: Expiration allows for generic production and further research without licensing requirements.
FAQs
Q1: What is the main invention described in US Patent 5,843,946?
The main invention is a class of compounds known as α-and β-amino acid hydroxyethylamino sulfonamides, which are effective as retroviral protease inhibitors.
Q2: How can I search for related patents?
You can use the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, Global Dossier, and international databases like the European Patent Office's esp@cenet to search for related patents[1].
Q3: What is the current legal status of US Patent 5,843,946?
The patent has expired and is no longer in force, meaning the invention is now in the public domain[4].
Q4: What are the economic implications of the patent's expiration?
The expiration allows for the production of generic versions of the drug, potentially reducing costs and increasing accessibility.
Q5: Where can I find detailed information on the claims of US patents?
The USPTO's Patent Claims Research Dataset provides detailed information on claims from US patents, including those related to pharmaceuticals[3].
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- DrugPatentWatch - Patent 5843946: https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/p/patent/5843946
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - US5843946A: https://patents.google.com/patent/US5843946A/en
