United States Patent 5,854,259: A Detailed Analysis
Introduction
United States Patent 5,854,259, titled "Quinoline type mevalonolactones," is a patent that covers a specific class of chemical compounds and their applications. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this patent.
Patent Overview
Publication Number and Authority
The patent, US5854259A, was issued by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and is categorized under the authority of the United States[4].
Prior Art and Legal Status
The patent has expired, as indicated by its legal status. This means that the exclusive rights granted by the patent are no longer in effect, and the invention is now in the public domain[4].
Scope of the Patent
Technology Field
The patent pertains to the field of organic chemistry, specifically focusing on mevalonolactone derivatives that incorporate a quinoline ring. These compounds are described along with their corresponding dihydroxy carboxylic acids, salts, and esters[4].
Key Compounds and Structures
The patent details various structural variations of the mevalonolactone derivatives, including different substituents and functional groups. For example, it specifies the types of alkyl, cycloalkyl, and alkenyl groups that can be attached to the quinoline ring, as well as the preferred combinations of these groups[4].
Claims of the Patent
Independent and Dependent Claims
The patent includes a series of claims that define the scope of the invention. These claims are both independent and dependent, with the independent claims outlining the broadest aspects of the invention and the dependent claims providing more specific details.
- Independent Claims: These claims define the core aspects of the mevalonolactone derivatives, including the quinoline ring and the various substituents.
- Dependent Claims: These claims specify additional features or limitations of the compounds, such as specific combinations of substituents or preferred examples of the compounds[4].
Patent Landscape Analysis
Defining Scope and Keywords
To analyze the patent landscape around US5854259A, one must first define the scope of the analysis and identify relevant keywords. This involves determining the technology field (in this case, mevalonolactone derivatives and quinoline compounds) and the specific terms that best represent it[3].
Search and Organize Patents
Using patent databases such as the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, the European Patent Office's esp@cenet, or the World Intellectual Property Organization's PATENTSCOPE, one can search for relevant patents based on the chosen keywords. Patents can be organized by factors like filing date, assignee, and technology subcategories[1][3].
Identify Trends and Key Players
The analysis should recognize patterns in patent filings and pinpoint significant contributors in the field of mevalonolactone derivatives. This involves identifying companies or inventors that have filed multiple patents in this area and understanding their roles in the technological advancements[3].
Analyze Citations and Evolution
Studying how patents reference each other helps in understanding their impact and development. The Common Citation Document (CCD) application can be particularly useful here, as it consolidates prior art cited by all participating offices for the family members of a patent application[1].
Insights from Patent Landscape Analysis
Technological Trends
A patent landscape analysis reveals ongoing innovations and trends within the specific technological domain. For mevalonolactone derivatives, this could include advancements in synthesis methods, new applications, or improvements in the properties of these compounds[3].
Key Players
Identifying key players helps in understanding the competitive landscape. Companies or research institutions that have a strong patent portfolio in this area are likely to be significant contributors to the field.
Legal Vulnerabilities
The analysis also highlights potential legal vulnerabilities. For instance, understanding the expiration dates of related patents and the current state of the art can help in navigating potential infringement issues[3].
Example of Related Patents
Other patents related to mevalonolactone derivatives or quinoline compounds can provide additional context. For example, patents that describe similar chemical structures or applications can be identified through comprehensive searches using the resources mentioned above[1].
Practical Applications and Decisions
Strategic Guidance
The insights gained from the patent landscape analysis can be translated into practical guidance for strategic decisions. This includes evaluating the competitive landscape, identifying potential collaborations or licensing opportunities, and assessing the strength of one's own patent portfolio[3].
Key Takeaways
- Expired Patent: US5854259A is no longer in force, making its inventions public domain.
- Scope and Claims: The patent covers specific mevalonolactone derivatives with a quinoline ring and various substituents.
- Patent Landscape: Analyzing related patents helps in understanding technological trends, key players, and potential legal vulnerabilities.
- Strategic Decisions: Insights from the analysis can guide strategic choices in research, development, and intellectual property management.
FAQs
Q: What is the current legal status of US5854259A?
A: The patent has expired, meaning its exclusive rights are no longer in effect.
Q: What type of compounds does US5854259A cover?
A: The patent covers mevalonolactone derivatives that incorporate a quinoline ring.
Q: How can one conduct a patent landscape analysis for this patent?
A: By defining the scope, searching and organizing relevant patents, identifying trends and key players, and analyzing citations and evolution.
Q: What are the benefits of conducting a patent landscape analysis?
A: It provides insights into technological trends, key players, and potential legal vulnerabilities, helping in making informed strategic decisions.
Q: Where can one find additional resources for patent searching and analysis?
A: Resources include the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, the European Patent Office's esp@cenet, and the World Intellectual Property Organization's PATENTSCOPE[1][3].
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- US Courts - Report on Filing Patent/Trademark: https://www.uscourts.gov/forms-rules/forms/report-filing-patent-trademark
- Goldstein Patent Law - How to Do Patent Landscape Analysis: https://www.goldsteinpatentlaw.com/how-to-patent-landscape-analysis/
- Google Patents - US5854259A: https://patents.google.com/patent/US5854259A/en
- Unified Patents - US-20060251720-A1: https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/US-20060251720-A1
