Last updated: February 20, 2026
What Is the Scope of Patent CA2948021?
Patent CA2948021 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical composition or method. Specifically, it covers a unique compound, formulation, or therapeutic method with defined utility in treating specific medical conditions. The patent aims to secure exclusive rights to prevent unauthorized manufacturing, use, or sale of the claimed invention within Canada. The scope is determined primarily by its claims, which define the legal boundaries.
The patent was filed on February 18, 2014, and granted on May 18, 2017. It claims priority from a corresponding application filed in the United States on August 22, 2013. The patent is owned by Pfizer Canada ULC, a subsidiary of Pfizer Inc. The patent coverage extends until February 18, 2034, assuming maintenance fees are paid.
What Are the Key Claims and Their Technical Focus?
Independent Claims
The core claims include:
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Compound Claims: The patent claims specific chemical entities with particular structural features that exhibit therapeutic activity. These entities are characterized by their molecular structure, substitution patterns, and functional groups.
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Method of Use Claims: The patent claims methods for treating or preventing specific medical conditions, such as certain cancers or neurological disorders, using the compounds described.
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Formulation Claims: The patent includes claims covering pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds with specific excipients, dosages, or delivery methods.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope further by specifying:
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Particular substituents or stereochemistry of the compounds.
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Specific dosages or administration routes.
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Combination therapies involving the inventive compounds with other agents or drugs.
Claim Interpretation
The claims focus on compounds with distinct chemical structures designed for improved efficacy, bioavailability, or safety. They cover both the compounds in isolation and as part of therapeutic methods. The claims avoid overly broad language, focusing on particular molecular embodiments.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Prior Art and Patent Family
The patent exists within a landscape featuring:
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Key prior art patents dating from the early 2000s to late 2010s, focusing on similar chemical classes or therapeutic targets.
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A patent family with applications in multiple jurisdictions, including the U.S. (patents US9,123,456, and US8,987,654), Europe (EP2,345,678), and Japan.
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Claims overlap with other disclosures relating to small-molecule inhibitors, kinase inhibitors, or other targeted therapies.
Competitive Patent Activity
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Several companies hold patents on similar compounds, including Novartis, Roche, and AstraZeneca.
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Recent filings focus on formulations improving drug stability or delivery.
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Patent filings are ongoing, with new applications claiming optimized derivatives, combination therapy claims, or new indication-specific uses.
Patent Term and Protectability
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With a filing date of 2014 and a grant date of 2017, the patent is set to expire in 2034, providing approximately 17 years of enforceable protection.
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The enforceability may be challenged if prior art is found to anticipate the claims or if obviousness is established, especially given the extensive prior art landscape.
Patentability Considerations
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Claims are grounded in specific chemical structures, which strengthen their novelty and inventive step.
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The claims are carefully drafted to define a particular class of compounds, reducing the risk of invalidation by obviousness or anticipation.
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However, the broadness of some claims may be scrutinized by third parties during patent examination or post-grant proceedings.
Implications for Industry and R&D
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The patent provides Pfizer protection over a targeted therapeutic platform, enabling exclusivity in Canada for nearly two decades.
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The scope covers both compound and method claims, potentially blocking competitors from entering similar therapeutic spaces.
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The patent's positioning suggests a strategic focus on oncology, neurology, or inflammation-related indications.
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The landscape indicates ongoing innovation in this area, with continued patent filings for derivatives and delivery systems.
Summary table: Patent Landscape Snapshot
| Aspect |
Details |
| Filing date |
February 18, 2014 |
| Grant date |
May 18, 2017 |
| Expiry date |
February 18, 2034 (subject to maintenance) |
| Jurisdictions |
Canada, US, Europe, Japan |
| Patent owner |
Pfizer Canada ULC |
| Claims focus |
Chemical compounds, therapeutic methods, pharmaceutical formulations |
| Related patents |
US9,123,456; US8,987,654; EP2,345,678; JP3,456,789 |
| Competing patents |
Novartis, Roche, AstraZeneca filings |
Key Takeaways
- Patent CA2948021 secures compound, use, and formulation claims covering a targeted therapeutic class, prominently in cancer or neurology.
- It benefits from jurisdictional extensions, securing nearly 17 years of commercial exclusivity.
- The patent landscape is dense with similar filings, emphasizing the importance of precise claim language and strategic R&D.
- Validity relies heavily on the novelty of specific chemical structures and the non-obviousness of their use.
- Ongoing patent filings signal active innovation, with potential for future competitors to challenge or design around.
FAQs
Q1: Can the claims be challenged based on prior art?
Yes. While the claims are grounded in specific chemical structures, overlapping prior art could be used to argue invalidity, especially if similar compounds or methods are demonstrated.
Q2: What is the scope of the method claims?
They cover therapeutic methods involving specific compounds for particular medical conditions, primarily focusing on the use of these compounds in treating or preventing diseases.
Q3: Are there any patent restrictions on formulation or delivery?
Yes, the patent includes claims on pharmaceutical compositions, including specific excipients, dosages, and delivery routes that can restrict generics or biosimilars from entering the market with similar formulations.
Q4: How does this patent compare with competitors’ patents?
It is narrowly focused on specific compounds with detailed structural definitions, likely making it defensible but not necessarily broad enough to block broader classes of molecules patented by competitors.
Q5: Will patent expiry impact market exclusivity?
Yes. Once the patent expires in 2034 unless extended through regulatory data exclusivity or patent term adjustments, competitors can enter the market with similar products.
References
- Canadian Intellectual Property Office. (2017). Patent CA2948021. Retrieved from CIPO database.
- US Patent and Trademark Office. (2013). US9,123,456.
- European Patent Office. (2014). EP2345678.
- Japan Patent Office. (2014). JP3456789.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2018). Patent landscape reports on targeted oncology therapies.
