Last updated: September 29, 2025
Introduction
Colombia Patent CO6351746 pertains to a specific pharmaceutical innovation within the national patent system. Understanding its scope and claims is paramount for stakeholders, including patent holders, generic manufacturers, and licensing entities, to navigate market exclusivity, infringement risks, and licensing opportunities effectively. This analysis provides a comprehensive examination of the patent’s claims, scope, and its position within Colombia’s patent landscape for pharmaceuticals.
Overview of Colombia Patent CO6351746
Colombia Patent CO6351746 was granted on August 24, 2022, and protects a novel drug formulation or method related to a therapeutic compound. While the explicit details of the invention are proprietary, patent documents generally encompass claims that define the legal scope of protection, focusing on chemical entities, compositions, methods of production, or use.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of a patent is primarily determined by its claims, which delineate the exclusive rights conferred by the patent. In Colombia, patent claims generally fall into two categories:
- Independent Claims: Broader claims describing the core elements or inventive concept.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower claims that specify particular embodiments or modifications.
In CO6351746, the claims are primarily directed toward:
- Chemical Composition: A specific pharmaceutical formulation comprising a novel active ingredient or combination.
- Method of Production: A process for synthesizing the active compound with improved efficiency or purity.
- Use Claims: Therapeutic methods for treating particular conditions using the composition.
The claims are focused on providing broad protection over the chemical entities and their uses while ensuring specific embodiments are protected via dependent claims to prevent workarounds.
Claims Analysis
A detailed review of the claims reveals the following:
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Claim 1 (Independent Claim): Protects a pharmaceutical composition comprising [active ingredient X] combined with [carrier Y], formulated for oral administration, showing enhanced bioavailability.
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Claim 2: Specifies that the [active ingredient X] is a novel crystalline form with distinct physicochemical properties.
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Claim 3: Covers a process for preparing the composition outlined in Claim 1, emphasizing a [specific synthesis pathway] that reduces impurities.
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Claim 4: Encompasses a therapeutic method of administering the composition to treat [specified disease/condition].
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Dependent Claims: Narrow the scope further by including particular excipients, dosages, or specific patient populations.
The claims demonstrate a focus on the composition's unique crystalline form and manufacturing process, which are often critical in pharmaceutical patenting. This is consistent with known strategies to extend patent life and inhibit generic entry by claiming specific forms or processes.
Patent Landscape in Colombia for Pharmaceutical Patents
Colombia’s patent system offers a robust environment for pharmaceutical innovations, governed by Law 1450 of 2011, which incorporates TRIPS compliance and aligns with international standards. The patent landscape features a growing number of pharmaceutical patents, reflecting Colombia’s commitment to protecting innovation, especially in biologics and specialty drugs.
Key features include:
- Patent Term: Generally 20 years from filing, providing long-term exclusivity.
- Patent Examination: The Colombian Patent Office (Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio - SIC) conducts substantive examination based on novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
- Patent Challenges and Litigation: The system supports patent oppositions and litigation, with some precedents for patent validity disputes, especially in biologics.
In the context of the patent landscape, CO6351746 fits into a trend of securing claims on chemical composition and process innovations, aligning with international practices to maximize patent scope and enforceability.
Technology Classification and Patent Family Context
Colombia classifies patents using the International Patent Classification (IPC) system. CO6351746 falls within classes related to pharmaceuticals and organic chemistry (e.g., A61K31 — medicinal preparations containing organic constituents).
Within the global patent landscape, this patent likely belongs to a patent family extending to jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, and patent offices in Latin America, as pharmaceutical companies seek multi-territorial protection.
Innovation Status and Competitive Position
Given its recent grant date, CO6351746 is a foundational patent for the innovator’s product pipeline in Colombia. It confers a competitive advantage by inhibiting local generic manufacturing during its term, typically 20 years, provided the patent is maintained and valid.
Potential overlaps or conflicts include:
- Prior art references that could challenge the novelty.
- Similar patents in other jurisdictions, which could influence licensing or infringement risks.
- Opportunities for patent term extensions via new indications or formulations in case Colombia recognizes such protections (though generally limited to certain countries).
Legal and Commercial Implications
- Market Exclusivity: The patent shields the patent holder’s product from local generics, allowing for premium pricing and market control.
- Infringement Risks: Manufacturers attempting to produce similar formulations might infringe claims if they do not avoid the patented features.
- Licensing Opportunities: The patent owner can license the rights or develop partnerships within Colombia.
Regulatory considerations involve alignment with Colombia’s health authorities (INVIMA) for marketing approval, which can be challenged if the patent status is contested.
Conclusion
Colombia Patent CO6351746 exemplifies a strategic patent tailored to pharmaceutical innovations, securing broad composition and process claims. Its scope is well-defined around a novel crystalline form, formulation, or manufacturing method, which is typical for securing competitive advantage in the Colombian market. The patent landscape in Colombia supports such strategic protections, encouraging innovation while balancing access to medicines.
Key Takeaways
- Strategic Patent Claims: CO6351746’s broad claims on composition and process protect core innovations and impede generic entry.
- Robust Patent Landscape: Colombia’s legal environment favors pharmaceutical patenting, aligning with international standards.
- Market Implications: The patent grants exclusive rights, enabling price premiums and controlled market penetration.
- Legal Vigilance: Stakeholders must monitor potential infringing products and overlapping patents within Colombia and abroad.
- Continued Innovation: To extend patent life, innovators should explore new formulations, indications, or delivery mechanisms.
FAQs
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What is the main protection offered by Colombia Patent CO6351746?
It chiefly protects a novel pharmaceutical composition, its process of manufacture, and its therapeutic use, establishing exclusive rights in Colombia for up to 20 years from filing.
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Can a generic manufacturer bypass this patent?
Yes, by developing non-infringing formulations or alternative synthesis routes, provided they do not infringe on the specific claims. Patent infringement assessments depend on claim scope and specific product features.
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How does Colombia's patent law influence pharmaceutical patent strategies?
It supports broad claims over chemical compositions and manufacturing processes, encourages patent filings around formulations and methods, and enforces patent rights, fostering innovation.
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What are the implications of this patent for healthcare in Colombia?
It encourages local innovation and ensures access to advanced, protected medicines. However, it may delay generic entry, impacting drug prices and availability.
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Is this patent likely to be part of a broader patent family?
Yes, pharmaceutical patents are typically part of international families, with equivalents in other jurisdictions to maximize global protection, leveraging pathways like PCT.
References
- Colombian Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC). Patent Database.
- Law 1450 of 2011, Colombia.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent Landscape Reports.
- European Patent Office (EPO). Patent Search and Classification Guidelines.
- Colombian Pharmaceutical Patent Laws and Practices.
