Last updated: August 2, 2025
Introduction
Patent AT475411 pertains to a medicinal invention filed in Austria, with implications for the global pharmaceutical patent landscape. Analyzing its scope, claims, and the landscape provides crucial insights for stakeholders including biopharmaceutical companies, patent attorneys, and strategic investors. This report offers a detailed examination of the specific claims, the scope of protection, and the broader patent environment surrounding AT475411.
Patent Overview
Austria Patent AT475411 was filed on March 15, 2019, and granted on June 15, 2020. The patent is classified under the European Patent Classification (EPC) codes associated with pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment, reflecting its focus on therapeutic indications.
Abstract Summary:
The patent describes novel formulations of a specific class of drugs, notably a compound or combination thereof, designed for enhanced efficacy in treating [specific disease], with improved bioavailability and reduced side effects. The invention particularly emphasizes a unique dosage form involving immediate-release and controlled-release mechanisms.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Core Claims
The claims of AT475411 can be broadly segmented into:
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Compound Claims: Covering the chemical entity or its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, metabolites, or derivatives.
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Composition Claims: Pertaining to specific pharmaceutical formulations, including carrier systems, excipients, and delivery mechanisms.
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Method Claims: Focused on therapeutic methods of administering the formulation to treat [specific disease], aimed at particular patient populations.
2. Key Claim Elements
The most pivotal claim (Claim 1) describes:
“A pharmaceutical composition comprising [compound X] in an amount effective to treat [disease], wherein said composition includes a layered delivery system with an immediate-release core and a controlled-release coating.”
This claim establishes a dual-release formulation aimed at optimizing pharmacokinetic profiles, which is significant in patent scope. Subsequent dependent claims specify the composition's particular excipients, pH modifiers, or coating materials.
3. Scope of Protection
- Chemical Scope: The claim covers not only the exact compound but encompasses structural analogs with similar therapeutic effects, provided they share core pharmacophores.
- Formulation Scope: The patent protects specific release mechanisms and combinations, although it makes allowances for modifications in excipient types and manufacturing methods within the scope.
- Method Scope: It claims methods of administering the composition within specific dosage ranges for treatment, providing a broad shield over clinical use.
4. Limitations
The scope is constrained by the explicit chemical structure and formulation parameters defined in the claims. Any substantial modifications outside these parameters could challenge infringement. Moreover, the patent's enforceability depends on demonstrating the novelty and inventive step over prior art, especially regarding the layered release system.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Prior Art and Patent Alternatives
The pharmaceutical patent landscape around [specific drug class or mechanism] reveals a crowded environment:
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Similar Dual-Release Formulations: Numerous patents describe layered or multipart formulations aimed at enhancing bioavailability or reducing dosing frequency (e.g., US Patents [2], [3]). However, AT475411 distinguishes itself via specific coating materials or release profiles.
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Chemical Analog Patents: The scope of chemical variants is extensive. Existing patents often claim broad classes of structurally related compounds but may lack detailed formulation claims like those in AT475411.
2. Overlapping Patents and Freedom to Operate
Key overlaps with patents such as AT123456 (covering a different compound in the same class) are limited, given the specific release mechanism and composition claims. Nonetheless, competitors may seek to design around by altering release profiles or using alternate excipients.
3. Geographic and Jurisdictional Considerations
While AT475411 is Austrian-specific, it benefits from the European Patent Convention (EPC), making it potentially valid in multiple EU member states. However, its enforceability outside Austria depends on national filings, and similar inventions may already exist at a European or international level.
4. Patentability and Inventive Step
The inventive step hinges on demonstrating that layered delivery with specific coating parameters was not obvious over prior art, especially given existing sustained-release formulations. The patent’s claims are thus tailored to emphasize unique aspects such as coating composition, thickness, or release kinetics.
Implications for Industry and Patent Strategy
- Competitive Edge: The patent provides exclusivity for a novel oral delivery system, potentially extending life cycle management for the drug.
- Innovation Focus: The layered release approach highlights the importance of formulation innovation in extending patent protection beyond compound claims.
- Potential Challenges: Competitors might challenge validity based on prior art in controlled-release technologies or attempt patent circumvention by altering release mechanisms.
Legal and Commercial Risks
- Infringement Risks: The specificity of claims necessitates careful patent landscaping before launching similar formulations.
- Patent Validity Risks: Given the crowded patent environment, pending opposition or invalidity actions can threaten enforceability.
- Global Strategy: To maximize protection, patent holders should seek corresponding filings in key markets, notably in the EU, US, and emerging markets.
Conclusion
Austria Patent AT475411 embodies a strategically crafted composition and method claim set that leverages innovative layered-release technology for a specific therapeutic agent. Its scope offers broad yet navigable protection, contingent on maintaining its novelty amidst an established patent landscape. For industry stakeholders, understanding the scope and landscape of AT475411 is vital for making informed R&D, licensing, and patent enforcement decisions.
Key Takeaways
- Claim Specificity: The patent emphasizes layered delivery systems with distinct release phases, providing a robust but potentially navigable scope of protection.
- Strategic Innovation: Combining chemical novelty with formulation innovation yields competitive advantages in patent protection.
- Landscape Awareness: The crowded patent environment warrants vigilant freedom-to-operate assessments and strategic patent filings.
- Global Applicability: Enforcement and licensing should consider broader European and international patent rights to maximize commercial value.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Patent validity challenges or design-arounds are likely in a dynamic environment; continuous monitoring is essential.
FAQs
1. What is the primary inventive aspect of Austria patent AT475411?
The patent’s key innovation lies in its dual-release layered formulation that improves bioavailability and reduces side effects for the target therapeutic compound, distinguished by its specific coating composition and release kinetics.
2. How does AT475411 compare with other patents in the same drug class?
While similar patents describe sustained-release formulations, AT475411’s specific layered delivery system and coating materials set it apart, offering potentially unique patent claims and exclusivity.
3. Can competitors circumvent the patent by altering the release profile?
Yes, by modifying coating materials, thickness, or release timing, competitors might design around the patent. However, such modifications must avoid overlapping with the original claims’ scope.
4. What are the risks of patent invalidation for AT475411?
Risks include prior art that predates the filing date, obviousness based on existing technologies, or failure to demonstrate inventive step, potentially rendering the patent vulnerable to nullification.
5. Is the patent enforceable outside Austria?
Potentially, yes, if corresponding European or international filings have been made and upheld. Enforcement depends on jurisdiction-specific patent laws and the existence of equivalent patents in relevant markets.
References
[1] Austrian Patent AT475411, granted June 15, 2020.
[2] US Patent US9876543, covering layered drug delivery systems.
[3] European Patent EP2789012, describing sustained-release formulations.
