Detailed Analysis of the Scope and Claims of United States Patent 9,371,344
Introduction
United States Patent 9,371,344, titled "Morphic forms of hexadecyloxypropyl-phosphonate esters and methods of synthesis thereof," is a patent that outlines innovative methods for the synthesis of specific phosphonate ester compounds. This analysis will delve into the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding this invention.
Patent Overview
The patent, granted on June 7, 2016, describes methods for the large-scale preparation of hexadecyloxypropyl-phosphonate esters. These compounds are of interest in various fields, including pharmaceuticals and materials science, due to their unique properties.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of the patent is defined by the methods and compounds described within it. Here are the key aspects:
Methods of Synthesis
The patent details several methods for synthesizing hexadecyloxypropyl-phosphonate esters. These methods include:
- Reaction Conditions: The patent specifies the use of particular solvents, such as methanol, and reaction conditions like temperature and stirring times to achieve the desired compounds[4][5].
- Purification Techniques: Methods for purifying the synthesized compounds, including recrystallization, filtration, and cooling, are also described[4].
Compounds
The patent focuses on the synthesis of specific morphic forms of hexadecyloxypropyl-phosphonate esters. These compounds are characterized by their chemical structure and properties, such as their stability and purity[4][5].
Claims of the Patent
The claims section of the patent is crucial as it defines the legal boundaries of what is protected.
Independent Claims
The patent includes several independent claims that outline the core inventions:
- Claim 1: This claim describes the method of synthesizing hexadecyloxypropyl-phosphonate esters using specific reactants and conditions[4][5].
- Claim 2: This claim details the purification process of the synthesized compounds, ensuring their purity and stability[4].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the conditions and variations of the independent claims, such as different solvents or reaction times.
Patent Landscape Analysis
To understand the broader context and significance of this patent, a patent landscape analysis is essential.
Technological Domain
The patent falls within the chemical and pharmaceutical technological domains. This area is highly competitive, with numerous patents related to synthesis methods and compound properties.
Market Developments
- Mergers and Acquisitions: The pharmaceutical industry is known for its frequent mergers and acquisitions, which can impact the ownership and licensing of patents like this one[3].
- Licensing and Litigation: The patent landscape analysis would reveal any licensing agreements or litigation activities related to this patent, which could affect its commercial use[3].
Competitor Analysis
A thorough patent landscape analysis would identify competitors who are also working on similar synthesis methods or compounds. This includes analyzing the patent portfolios of other companies in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries to understand their focus areas and potential overlaps or conflicts[3].
Trends and Insights
- Patent Trends: The analysis would show trends in patent filings in the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, highlighting areas of increased innovation and competition[1].
- Market Opportunities: By identifying gaps in the current market and technological advancements, the analysis could reveal opportunities for further innovation or commercialization of the patented methods and compounds[3].
Legal Status and Expiry
The legal status of the patent is crucial for understanding its current and future implications.
- Current Status: As of the last update, the patent is listed as active, indicating that it is still in force and protected by law[4][5].
- Expected Expiry Dates: The patent's expected expiry date would be approximately 20 years from the filing date, assuming no extensions or adjustments. This information is critical for planning future research, development, and commercial activities[3].
Conclusion
United States Patent 9,371,344 is a significant contribution to the field of chemical synthesis, particularly for phosphonate ester compounds. Understanding its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is essential for navigating the complex environment of intellectual property in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.
Key Takeaways
- Methods of Synthesis: The patent details specific methods for synthesizing hexadecyloxypropyl-phosphonate esters.
- Compounds: The focus is on the synthesis of specific morphic forms of these compounds.
- Claims: The patent includes independent and dependent claims that define the protected methods and compounds.
- Patent Landscape: The analysis reveals market developments, competitor activities, and trends in the technological domain.
- Legal Status: The patent is currently active, with an expected expiry date based on the filing date.
FAQs
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What is the main focus of United States Patent 9,371,344?
- The main focus is on the methods of synthesizing hexadecyloxypropyl-phosphonate esters and the specific morphic forms of these compounds.
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What are the key methods described in the patent?
- The patent describes methods involving specific reactants, solvents like methanol, and detailed reaction conditions, as well as purification techniques such as recrystallization and filtration.
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How does the patent landscape analysis help in understanding this patent?
- It helps by identifying market trends, competitor activities, licensing and litigation issues, and potential opportunities or risks in the technological domain.
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What is the current legal status of the patent?
- The patent is currently listed as active.
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Why is it important to know the expected expiry date of the patent?
- Knowing the expected expiry date is crucial for planning future research, development, and commercial activities, as it indicates when the patent protection will end.
Sources
- National Science Foundation. Invention: U.S. and Comparative Global Trends. January 15, 2020.
- USA.gov. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
- Sagacious Research. Navigating Technological Domains with Patent Landscape Analysis.
- Google Patents. US9371344B2 - Morphic forms of hexadecyloxypropyl-phosphonate esters and methods of synthesis thereof.
- Drug Patent Watch. Patent 9,371,344.