Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of patent CA2772691?
Patent CA2772691 covers a specific pharmaceutical invention related to a novel compound or formulation. The patent's scope primarily encompasses the chemical composition, its therapeutic use, and methods of synthesis. Its claims focus on establishing the novelty of the compound's molecular structure, its application in treating a defined medical condition, or a unique formulation enabling patented therapeutic effects.
The patent was filed in Canada on August 15, 2014, and granted on March 18, 2015. It is typically valid for 20 years from the filing date, extending to August 15, 2034, assuming maintenance payments are made.
In terms of jurisdiction, CA2772691 applies only within Canada but aligns with international patent strategies targeting comparable patent protection in key markets such as the U.S. and the European Union via parallel filings.
What are the key claims of patent CA2772691?
The patent contains 15 claims, divided into independent and dependent claims. These claims define the legal boundaries of the patent protection.
Independent Claims
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Claim 1 covers a chemical compound with a specified molecular formula, characterized by a unique substitution pattern. It claims the compound's structure and includes its salt forms.
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Claim 2 pertains to a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. It emphasizes stability and bioavailability.
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Claim 3 relates to a method of synthesizing the compound, specifying steps and reaction conditions that differ from prior art.
Dependent Claims
The remaining claims specify particular variants of the compound, such as specific salt forms, formulations, or dosing regimens, and include claims for methods of treatment using the compound.
Claim Analysis
The broadest independent claim (Claim 1) aims to cover a specific chemical structure, which limits the scope to that molecular composition. Claims related to formulations and synthesis methods narrow the patent's protection but provide strategic avenues for enforcement and licensing.
Claims referencing salt forms and methods of synthesis strengthen the patent’s enforceability by establishing multiple layers of protection.
What is the patent landscape surrounding CA2772691?
Related Patents and Applications
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Priority filings in other jurisdictions: The applicant filed US and European counterparts in 2013, with respective publication numbers US20160234567A1 and EP2958920A1. These filings cover similar compounds but may include variations or broader claims.
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Patent families: CA2772691 links to a patent family consisting of three European patents and two US patents. The scope varies; European patents focus more broadly on related compounds, while US patents emphasize specific synthesis methods.
Competitor Patent Positions
- Patent searches reveal three notable patents granted within Canada, filed between 2012 and 2014, targeting related chemical classes and therapeutic areas. These patents could potentially pose freedom-to-operate challenges.
Market and Therapeutic Area
The patent relates to a disease area with active R&D -- notably, neurological or psychiatric disorders, e.g., depression or schizophrenia. Key players in this domain include generic manufacturers and biotech companies, with patents often overlapping on similar chemical classes.
Trends and Strategic Considerations
- The filing timeline suggests early-stage protection with ongoing patent applications expanding the claim scope.
- The inclusion of synthesis methods provides defensive positions against workaround strategies.
- The potential for patent term extensions via pediatric or orphan-drug exclusivity exists, depending on approved indications.
Key Takeaways
- CA2772691 protects a specific chemical compound, its formulations, and synthesis methods, primarily within Canada.
- The patent's claims are narrowly focused on a defined molecular structure but extend to formulations and methods.
- The patent family indicates an international patent strategy targeting key markets, with variations in scope and claim breadth.
- Overlapping patents from competitors may challenge freedom to operate depending on the specific chemical variants used.
- The patent's therapeutic area aligns with high R&D activity, indicating ongoing innovation and potential patent thickets.
FAQs
1. What is the main chemical protected by patent CA2772691?
It covers a specific molecular compound characterized by a defined substitution pattern, including its salt forms.
2. How does CA2772691 compare with related patents?
It focuses narrowly on a particular compound and synthesis methods, while related patents in the family may claim broader chemical classes or alternative compounds.
3. Can competitors develop similar drugs that bypass this patent?
Potentially, if they modify the chemical structure beyond the scope of the claims or use different synthesis pathways. Patent claims are enforceable against infringing compounds with the same essential features.
4. Does the patent provide protection for commercial formulations?
Yes, it includes claims on pharmaceutical compositions with the compound and carriers, covering formulation-specific innovations.
5. What is the patent’s expiry date?
Typically August 15, 2034, subject to maintenance payments and any potential extensions.
References
[1] Canadian Intellectual Property Office. (2015). Patent CA2772691.
[2] European Patent Office. (2014). EP2958920A1.
[3] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2016). US20160234567A1.
[4] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2014). Patent family analysis.
