Understanding the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 7,553,863: Ultrapure 4-Methylpyrazole
Introduction
The United States Patent 7,553,863, titled "Ultrapure 4-methylpyrazole," is a significant patent in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly in the context of drug development and manufacturing. This patent, assigned to various entities over its lifetime, outlines a method for producing ultrapure 4-methylpyrazole, a compound with various medical and industrial applications.
Patent Overview
Publication and Filing Details
- The patent was published on June 30, 2009, under the publication number US7553863B2.
- It was filed on November 21, 2005, as part of the application US11/279,708[4].
Inventors and Assignees
- The patent lists specific inventors and assignees who have contributed to the development of the ultrapure 4-methylpyrazole process. Understanding the assignees is crucial as it can impact the patent's ownership and licensing.
Claims and Scope
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that define the scope of the invention. Here are some key aspects:
-
Claim 1: This claim typically sets the broadest scope of the invention, describing the method for producing ultrapure 4-methylpyrazole. It includes specifications such as the purity levels of the compound, specifically less than 0.1% pyrazole and less than 10 ppm each of hydrazine and nitrobenzaldehyde[4].
-
Subsequent Claims: These claims often narrow down the scope by adding specific conditions or steps in the production process. For example, they might detail the purification steps, the starting materials, or the reaction conditions.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims build upon the independent claims, providing additional details or limitations. These claims help to further define the invention and can be crucial in distinguishing the patented process from prior art.
Prior Art and Novelty
Prior Art Keywords
The patent lists several prior art keywords such as "propene," "ethoxy," "pyrazole," "hydrazine," and "produce." These keywords indicate the areas of prior art that the inventors have considered and differentiated their invention from[4].
Novelty
The novelty of the patent lies in the specific method of producing ultrapure 4-methylpyrazole. The patent highlights that the existing methods did not achieve the desired purity levels, and the new method addresses this gap by providing a more efficient and pure production process.
Patent Landscape
Exclusivity and Patent Term
- The patent is currently active but will expire based on the patent term, which is typically 20 years from the filing date. For this patent, the expiration date would be around November 2025, assuming no extensions or adjustments[4].
Licensing and Litigation
The patent's scope and claims can significantly impact licensing and litigation. A narrower scope, as validated by metrics such as independent claim length and count, can reduce the likelihood of litigation and make the patent more attractive for licensing[3].
Industrial and Medical Applications
Medical Use
4-Methylpyrazole is used in medical applications, such as in the treatment of methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning. The ultrapure form is crucial for ensuring the efficacy and safety of these treatments.
Industrial Use
Beyond medical applications, 4-methylpyrazole has industrial uses, including as a catalyst or intermediate in chemical synthesis. The purity of the compound is critical for these applications to ensure consistent and reliable outcomes.
Impact on Generic Drug Market
Patent Expiration
When patents like US7553863B2 expire, it opens up opportunities for generic drug manufacturers to produce the compound. This can lead to increased competition, potentially reducing costs and making the drug more accessible to patients.
Generic Development
Companies interested in developing generic versions of drugs protected by such patents need to carefully analyze the patent claims and scope. They must ensure that their production methods do not infringe on the existing patent claims, or they must wait until the patent expires[2].
Conclusion
The United States Patent 7,553,863 for ultrapure 4-methylpyrazole is a critical piece of intellectual property in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Understanding its claims, scope, and patent landscape is essential for both innovator companies and generic manufacturers.
Key Takeaways
- Patent Claims: The patent includes independent and dependent claims that define the method for producing ultrapure 4-methylpyrazole.
- Scope and Novelty: The patent's novelty lies in achieving high purity levels of 4-methylpyrazole, differentiating it from prior art.
- Patent Landscape: The patent's exclusivity period and potential for licensing or litigation are crucial aspects of its landscape.
- Applications: The compound has significant medical and industrial applications.
- Generic Market Impact: The patent's expiration will open opportunities for generic manufacturers.
FAQs
Q: What is the primary focus of the United States Patent 7,553,863?
A: The primary focus is on the method for producing ultrapure 4-methylpyrazole.
Q: What are the key purity specifications mentioned in the patent?
A: The patent specifies that the 4-methylpyrazole should contain less than 0.1% pyrazole and less than 10 ppm each of hydrazine and nitrobenzaldehyde.
Q: When is the patent set to expire?
A: The patent is set to expire around November 2025, assuming no extensions or adjustments.
Q: What are the medical applications of 4-methylpyrazole?
A: 4-Methylpyrazole is used in the treatment of methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning.
Q: How does the patent's expiration impact the generic drug market?
A: The patent's expiration allows generic manufacturers to produce the compound, potentially reducing costs and increasing accessibility.
Sources
- DrugPatentWatch - Approved drug products - Cumulative Supplement[1].
- GreyB - List of 59 Drug Patents Expiring in 2027[2].
- SSRN - Patent Claims and Patent Scope[3].
- Google Patents - Ultrapure 4-methylpyrazole - US7553863B2[4].
