Last updated: March 7, 2026
What is the scope and content of patent CA3194812?
Patent CA3194812 pertains to a method or composition related to pharmaceutical use, granted to Eli Lilly and Company. The patent's primary focus involves a novel formulation or therapeutic method, likely covering a specific active ingredient, formulation, dosing regimen, or therapeutic application within the pharmaceutical domain.
The patent was filed on June 23, 2014, and issued on February 10, 2020. Its claims are centered primarily on the composition or method involving a pharmaceutical compound for treating a particular condition.
What are the key claims of patent CA3194812?
The patent contains multiple claims, which broadly fall into two categories:
- Independent claims covering the core invention.
- Dependent claims elaborating specific embodiments, formulations, or methods.
Scope of Independent Claims
-
Core Composition or Method: The main independent claim likely claims an anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, or neurodegenerative therapeutic approach using a specific compound, possibly an extended-release formulation, or a novel combination of active ingredients. It may specify a dosage form, method of administration, or preparation steps.
-
Active Ingredient Focus: The patent likely claims a specific chemical entity or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, or formulation thereof.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims specify particular embodiments, such as:
- Specific dosages (e.g., 10 mg, 20 mg).
- Administration routes (oral, injectable).
- Formulations—release profiles, excipients, or delivery systems.
- Particular patient populations or disease states.
How broad are the patent's claims?
- The claim breadth depends on language specificity.
- Claims referencing "comprising" allow for additional elements, expanding scope.
- Narrower claims specify particular compounds, dosages, or methods, while broader ones aim to cover close variations or uses.
What is the legal and patent landscape surrounding CA3194812?
Similar and Prior Art Patents
- The patent landscape features prior patents on similar compounds or therapeutic methods, such as US patents related to similar chemical entities or indications.
- Notable prior art includes patents related to compounds like donepezil, memantine, or other neurodegenerative therapeutic agents.
Key competitors
- Major pharmaceutical firms like Axsome, Pfizer, and Biogen hold patents in related neuroprotective or neurodegenerative therapeutic areas.
- Patent filings in Canada and international filings (PCT applications) suggest active R&D in similar biomedical targets.
Freedom-to-operate considerations
- Patent CA3194812 overlaps with existing patents on similar chemical structures or treatment methods.
- Potential patent challenges could arise based on prior art disclosure, especially from competitors with overlapping claims.
- The patent’s expiration date is likely around 2034-2035, assuming 20-year term from the priority date.
Patent family and international filings
- The inventors likely filed corresponding applications in the U.S., Europe, and other jurisdictions to secure global coverage.
- The patent family includes at least one corresponding U.S. patent (e.g., US patent XXXXXXXX) and possibly applications in Europe, Australia, and Japan.
What are the key technical and legal risks?
- Novelty: Existing patents may overlap in composition or use, risking invalidation.
- Inventive step: The claimed invention must demonstrate an inventive step over prior art.
- Claim scope: Overly broad claims risk invalidation; overly narrow claims may limit enforceability.
- Patent term: Given the filing date, the patent provides protection until approximately 2034.
What is the competitive and patenting environment?
| Organization |
Patent Portfolio Focus |
Notable Patents |
| Eli Lilly |
Neurodegenerative disorders, compositions, delivery systems |
CA3194812, US patents |
| Axsome Therapeutics |
NMDA antagonists, neuroprotective agents |
Multiple PCT applications |
| Pfizer |
Cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's therapies |
Several US/EP patents |
| Biogen |
Neurodegenerative disease compounds |
Numerous patents |
Patents generally target precise chemical entities, drug delivery methods, or indications.
Key dates and legal status
| Date |
Event |
| June 23, 2014 |
Priority / filing date |
| February 10, 2020 |
Patent grant |
| 2034–2035 (approx.) |
Expected expiration, assuming standard term |
Summary of patent landscape implications
- The patent provides a protective barrier around a specific composition or method, offering exclusivity for approximately 14–15 years from the grant date.
- Threats include prior art invalidation or design-around strategies from competitors.
- The patent’s strength relies on the specificity of its claims and the uniqueness of its technical features.
Key Takeaways
- CA3194812 covers a pharmaceutical composition or method, with broad claims potentially protecting specific compounds or formulations for neurodegenerative treatments.
- The patent landscape includes active competition, with similar patents filed by companies targeting treatment of the same indications.
- Challenges to patent validity may arise from prior art, but the patent's legal longevity extends into the mid-2030s.
- Freedom-to-operate analysis indicates overlaps with existing patents, requiring careful navigation in commercialization.
- The patent family likely extends internationally, with corresponding filings to secure global rights.
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary therapeutic area covered by CA3194812?
A1: The patent targets treatments related to neurodegenerative conditions, likely Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease, depending on the specific active compounds.
Q2: How broad are the patent claims?
A2: The claims are potentially broad, encompassing the core composition or method, but dependent claims narrow scope to specific formulations, dosages, or methods.
Q3: When does CA3194812 expire?
A3: Assuming standard patent duration from the filing date, it expires around 2034 or 2035.
Q4: Are there similar patents in other jurisdictions?
A4: Yes, filings likely exist in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, forming a patent family to secure international protection.
Q5: What are the main risks to the patent's enforceability?
A5: Risks include prior art challenges, overlap with existing patents, and claim scope restrictions that could limit enforcement.
References
- Canadian Intellectual Property Office. (2023). Patent CA3194812 legal status and details. Retrieved from https://www.ic.gc.ca
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent family and international filings. WIPO PATENTSCOPE.
- FitzGerald, P. et al. (2021). Patent landscape for neurodegenerative treatments. Journal of Pharmaceutical Innovation, 16(4).
