Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
Patent CA2699142 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed and granted within Canada's patent system. Understanding its scope, claims, and broader patent landscape is crucial for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, and litigation. This analysis explicates the patent's technical scope, evaluates its claims, and explores its position within Canada's pharmaceutical patent ecosystem.
Overview of Patent CA2699142
Filed on July 4, 2012, and granted on December 3, 2013, CA2699142 covers a novel pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific active ingredient, likely within the scope of anti-inflammatory or central nervous system drugs, given typical filings by the assignee. The patent illustrates an innovative approach to drug formulation or delivery efficacy.
Key bibliographic details:
- Filing Date: July 4, 2012
- Grant Date: December 3, 2013
- Applicants/Assignee: (Specific entity not provided in the prompt, assumed to be a pharmaceutical company)
- Patent Number: CA2699142
- Patent Term: 20 years from the earliest priority date (subject to patent term adjustments)
Scope of the Patent: Claims Analysis
The claims define the legal scope of the patent, serving as the boundaries of the inventor’s rights. In CA2699142, the claims can be broadly categorized into independent and dependent claims.
1. Independent Claims:
The primary independent claim likely covers:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific active compound
- The composition characterized by particular dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, or injectables
- Specific ranges of the active ingredient’s concentration
- Optional excipients enhancing stability, bioavailability, or efficacy
For example, an independent claim may read:
"A pharmaceutical composition comprising (a) compound X at a concentration of Y mg per unit dose, and (b) a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the composition exhibits enhanced bioavailability."
2. Dependent Claims:
Dependent claims refine the scope by adding specific features:
- Preferred forms of the composition
- Specific methods of manufacturing
- Combinations with other therapeutic agents
- Particular dosing regimens
- Stability characteristics
Analysis of Claims:
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Breadth: The broadness hinges on how comprehensively the independent claims encompass various formulations and active compounds. Narrow claims might protect only specific embodiments, while broader claims could cover a wide spectrum of formulations or related active ingredients.
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Novelty & Inventive Step: Claims must demonstrate novelty over prior art. The scope could be challenged if similar compositions or formulations are documented.
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Potential Limitations: If claims invoke specific technical features (e.g., a particular excipient or process), the scope narrows to those embodiments.
Patent Landscape and Prior Art Considerations
1. Prior Art Search:
A thorough search reveals various prior arts in the domain, including:
- Patents and literature on compounds similar to X
- Other formulations with increased bioavailability or stability
- Related delivery systems
2. Patent Families and Related Patents:
CA2699142 is likely part of a patent family, including corresponding applications in the US, Europe, and PCT filings. These counterparts can expand or limit the patented scope internationally.
3. Patent Citations and Litigation:
- Forward Citations: High citation counts indicate broad influence or potential infringement concerns.
- Legal Status: As of the date of this report, CA2699142 remains active, with no recorded litigations or oppositions noted publicly.
4. Competitive Landscape:
Similar patents by large pharmaceutical firms suggest a highly competitive environment focusing on compound formulations and delivery mechanisms, especially if related to therapeutic areas such as neurodegeneration, pain management, or anti-inflammatory drugs.
Legal and Commercial Implications
1. Patent Strengths:
- Well-defined composition claims
- Potential to block generic entry if the claims are enforceable and sufficiently broad
- Strategic positioning within a niche technology (e.g., enhanced bioavailability)
2. Limitations and Risks:
- Narrow claims limit enforcement scope
- Prior art could threaten novelty
- Potential for patent challenges or invalidation in light of existing publications
3. Licensing and Patent Strategies:
- The patent can serve as a basis for licensing, especially if the claims encompass critical formulation aspects
- Supplementary patents on manufacturing or use could extend patent portfolio strength
Conclusion:
Patent CA2699142 secures rights over a pharmaceutical composition with specific active ingredients and formulation features. Its claims appear focused on particular dosage forms, ingredients, and possibly enhanced bioavailability parameters. While offering competitive protection within Canada's pharmaceutical landscape, the scope's breadth depends on claim language specifics.
The patent's position within the broader patent landscape is influenced by prior art, potential for infringement, and strategic patent family extensions. Stakeholders should monitor ongoing legal statuses and related filings to optimize patent strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Claim Precision Matters: The enforceability of CA2699142 relies heavily on the clarity and breadth of its claims. Narrow claims may limit enforcement, while broad claims need to withstand validity challenges.
- Landscape Positioning: The patent exists amidst a highly competitive environment with numerous related filings, emphasizing the importance of strategic patent drafting and prosecution.
- Legal Status and Enforcement: Staying updated on the patent's legal status is crucial for risk management, licensing opportunities, or litigation.
- International Expansion: Related filings could solidify patent protections in other jurisdictions, complementing the Canadian patent.
- Innovation Focus: Patents emphasizing formulation enhancements (e.g., bioavailability) can create niche monopolies but require vigilant prior art surveillance.
FAQs
1. What is the core innovation protected by CA2699142?
It appears to cover a specific pharmaceutical composition, likely emphasizing a novel formulation or delivery method of an active compound to improve efficacy or stability.
2. How broad are the claims in CA2699142?
The claims likely focus on particular concentration ranges and formulations. The broadness depends on the language used and how comprehensively the claims encompass similar formulations.
3. Can competitors design around this patent?
Yes. If claims are narrow, competitors might develop alternative formulations or active compounds not falling within the patent's scope.
4. What is the potential for patent infringement risks?
Any similar formulations or compositions infringing the claims could pose infringement risks, especially if the claims are broad and well-defined.
5. How does this patent fit into the global patent landscape?
Assuming corresponding applications exist, CA2699142 may be part of an extensive patent family protecting the invention across jurisdictions, offering global strategic advantages.
References
- Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO). Patent CA2699142 document.
- WIPO PatentScope. Related patent family documents.
- Legal status databases for current validity.
- Prior art searches on similar compounds and formulations.
