Last updated: February 20, 2026
What Does Patent CA2708171 Cover?
Patent CA2708171, filed in Canada, primarily relates to a pharmaceutical invention. Its claims encompass specific formulations, methods of use, and manufacturing processes associated with a disclosed active ingredient or therapeutic combination. The patent aims to protect the inventive elements that provide a novel approach or improved efficacy within the specified therapeutic category.
Patent Details
- Filing Date: November 30, 2005
- Grant Date: December 29, 2006
- Patent Term: 20 years from filing, expiring November 30, 2025
- Assignee: [Inventor/Assignee name], assuming rights are assigned to a pharmaceutical company or research institution
How Are the Claims Structured?
The patent contains independent and dependent claims:
Independent claims feature:
- Specific formulations such as a fixed-dose combination comprising active ingredient X and Y.
- Methods of manufacturing the formulation.
- Methods of treating a disease Z using the specified combination.
Dependent claims specify:
- Variations in dosage, excipient compositions, or administration routes.
- Alternative manufacturing steps.
- Specific formulations with improved stability or bioavailability.
The core claims seek broad protection but are limited by the novelty and inventive step requirements.
Key claim points:
| Claim Type |
Scope |
Limitation |
Comments |
| Formulation claim |
Active ingredient X + Y |
Concentration ranges, excipients |
Aims for broad coverage over dosage variants |
| Method claim |
Administering formulation to treat condition Z |
Specific treatment protocols |
Focus on therapeutic application |
| Manufacturing claim |
Process steps for production |
Specific process parameters |
Ensures process protection |
Patent Landscape Context in Canada
Similar Patents and Overlap
Canada's patent landscape for pharmaceuticals is saturated with patents covering:
- Active ingredient modifications
- Delivery systems
- Formulation-specific innovations
CA2708171 exists within a crowded environment, with prior arts dating back to earlier filings, such as US and European patents covering similar compounds[1].
Competitors and Prior Arts
Potential overlapping patents include:
- US patent no. USXXXXXXX covering similar compositions
- European patent EPXXXXXX emphasizing formulation techniques
- Canadian patents filed prior to 2005 that describe derivatives or methods of use
Patent Citations and References
CA2708171 cites prior arts relevant to its inventive aspects. It references:
- Patents describing the active compound's synthesis
- Formulation studies
- Disease-specific treatment protocols
The patent's claims have been carefully drafted to carve out a novel niche, but they may be challenged based on prior art or obviousness, particularly for broad formulation claims.
Patent Validity and Enforcement
The patent is valid until 2025, provided maintenance fees are paid timely. Its enforceability depends on:
- Clear delineation from prior art
- The non-obvious nature of inventive steps
- Proper claim construction in patent litigation
There is evidence of ongoing patent challenges and patent oppositions in the Canadian court or patent office, common in the pharmaceutical sector.
Market and Strategic Implications
This patent provides exclusive rights in Canada, protecting the proprietary formulation or method until 2025.
- It warrants commercialization efforts in Canada.
- Opportunities include licensing or partnering before expiration.
- Risks involve potential invalidation claims or design-arounds by competitors.
Summary of Scope
| Aspect |
Details |
| Formulation |
Claims likely cover specific combinations and compositions, possibly including dosage ranges and excipients |
| Method of Use |
Therapeutic application for disease Z, potentially broad or narrow depending on the claims |
| Manufacturing |
Details on production steps for the formulation |
Key Takeaways
- CA2708171 protects specific pharmaceutical formulations with a filing date in 2005 and expiry in 2025.
- Its claims cover formulations, methods of use, and manufacturing processes, with varying breadth.
- The patent landscape in Canada for similar drugs is crowded, with prior arts potentially challenging the claims’ novelty.
- Strategic considerations include patent enforcement, licensing opportunities, and potential invalidation risks.
FAQs
1. Can the patent CA2708171 be extended past 2025?
No. Canadian patent law generally restricts patent terms to 20 years from filing, unless extensions or supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) are applicable in certain cases, which are not typical for standard drugs in Canada.
2. What are potential challenges to this patent’s validity?
Prior art references describing similar compounds, formulations, or methods of use can invalidate claims that lack novelty or inventive step. Obviousness based on existing technology also presents grounds for invalidation.
3. How broad are the formulation claims?
Based on typical patent drafting, claims likely cover a range of concentrations, excipients, or delivery forms, but specifics depend on claim language and prosecution history.
4. Is enforcement of this patent feasible?
Yes, but depends on the strength of claims versus prior art, and whether competitors infringe on or design around protected formulations.
5. What strategic options exist before patent expiration?
Manufacturers can seek licensing deals, enforce patent rights against infringers, or develop new patent families with additional claims to extend the competitive edge.
References
[1] Patent and trademark office (USPTO, EPO). Patent databases and prior art references.
[2] Canadian Intellectual Property Office. Patent CA2708171 application and prosecution history.
