Analyzing the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 6,020,353
Introduction to Patent 6,020,353
United States Patent 6,020,353, titled "2-(hydroxy)-N-(5-nitro-2-thiazolyl) benzamide," is a pharmaceutical patent that describes a specific compound and its applications in treating viral diseases. Here, we will delve into the details of the patent's scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape.
Patent Overview
Publication and Priority Dates
The patent was published on January 18, 2000, with a priority date of September 8, 1994. This indicates that the invention was first disclosed and filed for patent protection in 1994, but the patent was granted six years later[4].
Inventors and Assignees
While the specific inventors and assignees are not detailed in the provided sources, it is common for pharmaceutical patents to be assigned to the institutions or companies that funded the research, such as universities or pharmaceutical companies.
Scope of the Patent
Pharmaceutical Composition
The patent describes a pharmaceutical composition containing a compound of a specific formula, which includes a 2-(hydroxy)-N-(5-nitro-2-thiazolyl) benzamide. This compound is designed to treat viral diseases, particularly human viral infections and liver diseases[4].
Active Agent
The active agent in the composition is the compound itself, which is formulated to provide both immediate and retarded action against viruses. This dual-action mechanism is beneficial for treating a range of viral infections effectively[4].
Applications
The patent highlights the use of the compound in treating various viral infections, including:
- Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) and Type 2 (HSV-2)
- Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV)
- Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV)
- Murine Cytomegalovirus (MCMV)
These applications indicate the broad spectrum of antiviral activity of the compound[4].
Claims of the Patent
Independent and Dependent Claims
The patent includes both independent and dependent claims. Independent claims define the broad scope of the invention, while dependent claims narrow down the scope by adding specific limitations.
Claim Examples
- Independent Claim: The patent might claim the compound itself, its pharmaceutical composition, and its method of use for treating viral infections.
- Dependent Claim: A dependent claim could specify the formulation of the compound, such as the weight content of the compound in a mixture, or the method of administration (e.g., oral tablets)[4].
Patent Landscape
Prior Art and Citations
To understand the patent landscape, it is crucial to look at prior art and citations. The Common Citation Document (CCD) application, for instance, consolidates prior art cited by multiple patent offices, helping to visualize the search results for the same invention on a single page[1].
International Patent Offices
The patent's global relevance can be assessed by searching 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 this specific application, including all related applications filed at participating IP Offices. This helps in understanding the broader intellectual property strategy around this invention[1].
Expiration and Legal Status
Patent Expiration
The patent has expired, as indicated by its legal status. This means that the exclusive rights to the invention have lapsed, and the technology is now in the public domain[4].
Impact on the Pharmaceutical Industry
Antiviral Treatments
The compound and its compositions described in the patent have contributed to the development of antiviral treatments. The broad spectrum of activity against various viruses makes it a significant addition to the arsenal of antiviral agents.
Future Research
The expiration of the patent opens up opportunities for further research and development by other entities. This can lead to new formulations, combinations with other antiviral agents, or improvements in the delivery mechanisms.
Search and Analysis Tools
USPTO Resources
For conducting a thorough analysis, resources like the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, Patent and Trademark Resource Centers (PTRCs), and the Patent Examination Data System (PEDS) are invaluable. These tools provide access to detailed patent information, including bibliographic data and full-text documents[1].
Datasets and Documentation
The Patent Claims Research Dataset provided by the USPTO can also be useful for analyzing patent claims and scope. This dataset includes detailed information on claims from US patents and applications, which can help in understanding the patent's position within the broader patent landscape[3].
Key Takeaways
- Patent Scope: The patent covers a specific pharmaceutical composition for treating viral diseases, with a broad spectrum of antiviral activity.
- Claims: The patent includes independent and dependent claims that define the invention and its applications.
- Patent Landscape: The patent is part of a larger global patent family, and its expiration has significant implications for future research and development.
- Tools and Resources: Various USPTO resources and datasets are available for conducting thorough patent searches and analyses.
FAQs
Q: What is the main compound described in US Patent 6,020,353?
A: The main compound is 2-(hydroxy)-N-(5-nitro-2-thiazolyl) benzamide.
Q: What are the primary applications of the compound?
A: The compound is used to treat various viral infections, including Herpes Simplex Virus, Human Cytomegalovirus, and Varicella-Zoster Virus.
Q: Has the patent expired?
A: Yes, the patent has expired, making the technology public domain.
Q: How can one search for related patents internationally?
A: One can use databases provided by international patent offices such as the EPO, JPO, and WIPO, as well as tools like the Global Dossier.
Q: What resources are available for analyzing patent claims and scope?
A: Resources include the USPTO's Patent Public Search tool, Patent Claims Research Dataset, and other datasets and documentation provided by the USPTO.
Sources
- USPTO - Search for patents: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- Justia Patents - US Patent for Compositions and methods of treatment with prodrugs: https://patents.justia.com/patent/10577337
- USPTO - Patent Claims Research Dataset: https://www.uspto.gov/ip-policy/economic-research/research-datasets/patent-claims-research-dataset
- Google Patents - US6020353A - 2-(hydroxy)-N-(5-nitro-2-thiazolyl) benzamide: https://patents.google.com/patent/US6020353A/en
- Unified Patents Portal - US-10117856-B2: https://portal.unifiedpatents.com/patents/patent/US-10117856-B2
