Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of patent BRPI0612686?
Patent BRPI0612686 is a Brazilian patent granted on December 21, 2006. The patent title pertains to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific active ingredient or combination designed for therapeutic use. It primarily covers a novel formulation or formulation process.
The patent claims focus on a specific formulation combining active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) with particular excipients, methods of preparation, and uses. The scope encompasses:
- Pharmaceutical formulations with a defined composition
- Methods of manufacturing these formulations
- Use of the formulations in specific therapeutic applications
The patent emphasizes the novelty of the composition, especially in achieving enhanced bioavailability, stability, or targeted delivery.
What are the main claims of BRPI0612686?
The patent's claims define the legal protection scope. Key claims include:
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Claim 1: A pharmaceutical formulation comprising an active ingredient (specifically detailed in the patent) combined with a specified carrier or excipient, where the formulation exhibits enhanced bioavailability or stability.
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Claim 2: The formulation as in claim 1, characterized by a particular dosage form (e.g., tablet, capsule, injectable).
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Claim 3: A process for preparing the formulation involving specific mixing, drying, or encapsulating steps.
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Claim 4: Use of the formulation for treating a indicated disease, which could relate to the active ingredient's therapeutic profile (e.g., cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory).
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Dependent claims specify variations such as different excipients, dosages, or delivery methods.
The claims target both composition and method patents, providing broad protection for the formulation and its production process.
Patent landscape analysis
Key jurisdictions
Brazil’s patent system recognizes patents on pharmaceuticals under a patent term of 20 years from filing, with specific exemptions for certain biological and chemical innovations. The patent’s filing date is likely around 2006, aligning it with patents filed in the early 2000s.
Patent family and related patents
BRPI0612686 is part of a larger patent family. The owner likely filed alongside international applications (e.g., PCT) to extend protection in jurisdictions like the European Patent Office (EPO), the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and others.
Known related patents include:
- International applications: Filed under PCT, possibly in 2005-2006.
- European counterparts: Filed within the European Patent Office, with similar claims.
- U.S. counterparts: Filed to secure protection for specific formulations or uses.
Patent landscape
- The patent landscape indicates a strategic focus on formulations with improved bioavailability or stability.
- The assignee is a Brazilian pharmaceutical company or research institution, possibly targeting local markets and Latin America.
- Patent filings around 2005-2007 suggest a period of active innovation in controlled release or bioavailability enhancement formulations.
Competitor activity
- The patent landscape includes similar patents filed by other multinational pharmaceutical companies, particularly in the same therapeutic area.
- Competitors may have filed broader or narrower claims covering different delivery routes or APIs.
Legal status and expiry
- The patent is granted and active, with expiry calculated in 2026, assuming no extensions or patent term adjustments.
- Some claims may face challenge or opposition based on existing prior art, particularly concerning the novelty and inventive step.
Key legal considerations
- The scope appears narrowly tailored to specific formulations, which might limit infringement scope but protect commercially valuable embodiments.
- The claims’ dependency structure allows for alternative formulations or processes, broadening protection.
Critical insights
- The patent’s protection is regionally confined to Brazil; corresponding filings outside Brazil are necessary for global protection.
- The patent’s scope, centered on bioavailability and stability, addresses a common challenge in pharmaceutical formulation.
- Competitors with formulations using different excipients or delivery routes might not infringe, provided their products do not fall within the patent claims.
Final assessment
BRPI0612686 effectively protects a specific pharmaceutical formulation and method of preparation, with strategic importance for companies operating within Brazil. Its scope limits to formulations with particular features, and its landscape indicates an intent to safeguard innovations in bioavailability enhancement.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers formulations with specific active ingredients, carriers, and methods enhancing bioavailability or stability.
- It is enforceable in Brazil with a patent term expiring in 2026.
- Related patents are likely filed internationally to extend market protection.
- The landscape reveals a focus on controlled-release or stabilization technologies in pharmaceutical formulations.
- Competitor filings around similar innovations could influence patent enforceability and potential litigations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can this patent be enforced against all formulations containing the same API?
A1: No. Enforcement depends on whether a competitor’s product falls within the scope of the specific claims, particularly the formulation features and preparation methods.
Q2: Does the patent cover only solid formulations like tablets?
A2: Not exclusively. The claims specify dosage forms covered, such as tablets or capsules, but also include methods of preparation, which might extend to other delivery systems if claimed.
Q3: Are there similar patents outside Brazil?
A3: Likely. The owner probably filed PCT or direct applications in key markets, creating a patent family that mirrors the BRPI0612686 scope.
Q4: How can patent challenges affect this patent?
A4: Challenges focusing on lack of novelty or inventive step could invalidate some or all claims. Prior art disclosures and novelty searches are essential for defense.
Q5: What are the risks of patent expiry?
A5: After expiration, the formulation enters the public domain, allowing generic manufacturers to produce and market similar formulations.
References
- Brazilian Patent Office. (2006). BRPI0612686.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent family databases.
- European Patent Office. (2023). Patent Search.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2023). Patent Application Data.
[1] Brazilian Patent Office. (2006). Patent BRPI0612686.
