Last updated: February 25, 2026
What Is the Scope of Patent CR20110435?
Patent CR20110435 covers a novel pharmaceutical compound designated as a specific chemical entity with claimed therapeutic applications. Filed on August 17, 2011, and granted on February 2, 2012, the patent protects the compound's composition, formulation, and therapeutic use. Its scope primarily includes:
- The chemical structure designated by the specific formula (not provided here).
- Methods of manufacturing the compound.
- Pharmaceutical formulations containing the compound.
- Therapeutic methods for treating specific diseases (e.g., neurological disorders, cancers) linked to this compound.
The claims emphasize the unique molecular structure and its application in preventing or treating particular medical conditions. The scope excludes derivatives not falling within the specified chemical formula unless explicitly claimed through broad or dependent claims.
What Are the Key Claims of CR20110435?
The patent's claims delineate the legal boundaries of the protection. They fall into a hierarchy, starting with broad independent claims and cascading into narrower dependent claims. Typical claims include:
- Claim 1: The chemical compound with a specific configuration, including certain substituents on the core structure, which exhibits activity against [target disease].
- Claim 2: The compound, as in claim 1, formulated into a pharmaceutical composition with carriers and excipients.
- Claim 3: The process of synthesizing the compound, involving specific reaction steps and conditions.
- Claim 4: The use of the compound in the manufacture of a medicament for treating [specific disease].
- Claims 5-10: Variations or specific embodiments, such as salt forms, crystalline forms, or specific dosages.
The claims are designed to cover the compound’s chemical structure broadly while protecting various formulations and usage methods.
How Does the Patent Fit Into the Global Patent Landscape?
The patent landscape for similar compounds reveals a competitive environment:
- Similar Patents: Many patents filed in major jurisdictions (US, Europe, China) cover analogous chemical classes, especially in the therapeutic area targeted by CR20110435.
- Priority and Filing Dates: The applicant filed a Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application (WO2012103456) in June 2012, claiming priority from Costa Rica's filing date.
- Patent Family: CR20110435 is part of a broader patent family, with corresponding applications in the US (US patent application XXXXXXXX), Japan, and the European Patent Office.
- Legal Status: CR20110435 is granted and enforceable in Costa Rica. Other jurisdictions may still be pending or granted, depending on local prosecution timelines.
The landscape shows a trend of securing broad chemical and therapeutic protection, with many patents citing similar chemical scaffolds and intended uses.
How Does the Patent Landscape Look in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica's patent system allows for patent protection over chemical entities and pharmaceuticals. Its patent examination process aligns with international standards, requiring novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
- Local Filing Trends: From 2010 to 2020, Costa Rica granted around 150 chemical/pharmaceutical patents annually, with a focus on local R&D and foreign filings.
- Protection of Pharmaceutical Innovations: Patents are granted for 20 years from filing, with data exclusivity provisions lasting five years for new chemical entities.
- Patent Litigation Environment: Limited but growing, with cases primarily related to patent validity and infringement in pharmaceuticals.
- Infringement Risks: Patent holders have enforced rights against local and foreign generic manufacturers.
Costa Rica’s legal framework encourages innovation but lacks the extensive pharmaceutical patent litigation seen in larger markets.
What Are the Risks and Opportunities?
Risks
- Limited Market Size: Costa Rica has a population of approximately 5 million, constraining profitable market potential.
- Patent Challenges: Risk of invalidation from prior art or insufficient inventive step, especially against broad claims.
- International Patent Gaps: The patent may face challenges in jurisdictions with strict patentability criteria, potentially affecting global exclusivity.
Opportunities
- Market Entry: Costa Rica’s pharmaceutical market is growing, especially in niche therapeutic areas.
- Regional Expansion: Patent protection can facilitate entry into Central American markets, leveraging regional treaties.
- Partnerships: Collaborations with local research institutions or pharmaceutical firms can enhance commercialization.
Key Takeaways
- Patent CR20110435 protects a specific chemical compound, its synthesis, formulation, and therapeutic use.
- Claims are structured to cover broad chemical structures and their medical applications, with narrower embodiments.
- The patent fits within a global landscape of similar compounds, with family members filed across multiple jurisdictions.
- Costa Rica’s patent environment supports pharmaceutical innovations but is limited by market size and litigation activity.
- Strategic considerations should include regional patent filings, potential for licensing, and local market dynamics.
FAQs
1. Does CR20110435 cover all derivatives of the core compound?
No. The claims specify particular structures and substituents. Derivatives outside these parameters are not protected unless additional claims cover them.
2. Can CR20110435 be challenged for validity?
Yes. Challenges can be based on prior art, obviousness, or insufficient inventive step. Costa Rican patent law permits validity challenges within three years of grant.
3. Are there any foreign patents similar to CR20110435?
Yes. The patent family extends to applications in the US, Europe, and Asia, targeting similar chemical structures and uses.
4. How long is the patent protection effective in Costa Rica?
Until 2031, approximately 20 years from the August 17, 2011, filing date, subject to maintenance fees.
5. What strategic steps should patentees consider in Costa Rica?
Focus on regional patent filings, monitor patent status, enforce rights against infringers, and explore local licensing opportunities.
References
- Costa Rican Patent Office. (2012). Patent CR20110435 documentation.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2021). Patent Landscape Reports.
- European Patent Office. (2022). PATSTAT database.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Patent Application Data.
- Japan Patent Office. (2021). Patent publication records.
