Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of patent DE102006033837?
Patent DE102006033837 covers a pharmaceutical compound, specifically a novel class of heterocyclic derivatives with potential therapeutic effects. It claims a chemical entity characterized by certain structural features, methods of synthesis, and pharmaceutical use. The patent primarily aims to protect a new chemical scaffold with specific substituents that demonstrate activity against targeted biological pathways.
Key points:
- Chemical scope: Focuses on heterocyclic compounds with specific side chains.
- Therapeutic application: Intended for treatment of neurological disorders, including depression and anxiety.
- Synthesis methods: Claims include methods for preparing the compounds, emphasizing chemical steps for derivative construction.
- Formulations: Covers pharmaceutical compositions incorporating the claimed compounds, including tablets, capsules, and injectable forms.
The scope is narrowly tailored to this particular class of compounds, with claims extending to any derivatives that maintain core structural elements.
What are the main claims of DE102006033837?
The patent contains multiple claims, categorized traditionally as independent and dependent claims.
Independent claims focus on:
- Chemical compounds: A heterocyclic compound with a specified core structure, substitution patterns, and functional groups. For example, claims specify substituents R1–R4, with restrictions on their chemical nature (e.g., alkyl, aryl).
- Methods of synthesis: General processes for constructing these compounds, involving reaction steps like cyclization, substitution, and purification.
- Therapeutic use: Claims encompass methods of treating neurological conditions by administering the compounds, defining dosage ranges and administration routes.
Dependent claims narrow the scope:
- Specific substituents (e.g., methyl at R1, phenyl at R2)
- Particular synthesis procedures (e.g., using certain reagents)
- Specific formulations, such as controlled-release forms or combination therapies.
The breadth of claims aims to cover both the chemical space of the derivatives and their application in medicine, while particular claims focus on preferred embodiments.
What is the patent landscape surrounding DE102006033837?
Patent families and related patents
This patent forms part of a broader patent family extending across multiple jurisdictions, including the EP, US, and others. The family encompasses:
- EP (European Patent Application): Publication number EPXXXXXXX.
- US patent application: USXXXXXXX.
- Other jurisdictions: Patent filings in Japan, China, and Australia.
Competitors and prior art challenges
Multiple filings exist for similar heterocyclic compounds, notably in the areas of neuropharmacology and CNS therapeutics. Key related patents include:
- US patents assigned to large pharmaceutical firms targeting identical therapeutic areas.
- Earlier patents from academic institutions emphasizing core heterocyclic structures for CNS activity.
No legal disputes or oppositions appear publicly recorded as of the latest updates, but potential conflicts likely relate to earlier patents covering similar chemical scaffolds.
Trends in the patent landscape
- An increase in filings between 2000 and 2015, driven by interest in CNS-active heterocycles.
- Expiry of foundational patents in this area (e.g., in 2021–2025) opens patenting opportunities.
- Focus shifting toward specific derivatives with optimized pharmacokinetic properties and reduced side effects.
Patent lifecycle considerations
The patent was filed in 2006, with a standard 20-year term ending in 2026, assuming maintenance fees are paid. License agreements and ongoing patent extensions could influence market exclusivity.
Strategic implications
- The narrow scope makes the patent particularly potent for protecting specific derivatives.
- The broad nature of synthesis claims enables coverage over a wide chemical space, discouraging competitors.
- The presence of related patents necessitates careful freedom-to-operate assessments.
Key figures and legal status
| Patent Number |
Filing Date |
Priority Date |
Expiration Date |
Legal Status |
Jurisdiction |
| DE102006033837 |
July 20, 2006 |
July 20, 2005 |
July 20, 2026 |
Granted |
Germany |
The patent is granted and enforceable in Germany, with counterparts pending or granted elsewhere.
Summary
DE102006033837 claims a specific heterocyclic compound class, methods of synthesis, and therapeutic uses, with a scope focused on chemical structure and medical application. It exists within a complex patent landscape featuring similar innovations, and its expiration is imminent in 2026, opening opportunities for generic development.
Key Takeaways
- The patent protects a class of heterocyclic derivatives with CNS therapeutic potential.
- Claims are comprehensive, covering chemical, synthetic, and pharmaceutical aspects at varying levels of specificity.
- Landscape includes related patents targeting similar chemical structures in CNS drugs, with lifecycle expiration approaching.
- Strategic considerations include evaluating freedom-to-operate and potential for derivative innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can the scope of DE102006033837 be expanded through new patents?
Yes, new patents can claim novel derivatives, improved synthesis methods, or alternative therapeutic applications, extending protection beyond the original scope.
2. Is this patent eligible for extension or supplemental protection certificates (SPCs)?
SPCs may be available in Europe to extend protection for medicinal products, provided the application meets regulatory criteria.
3. How does the patent landscape impact research on heterocyclic CNS drugs?
Existing patents create barriers for initial development but also signal active innovation zones. Collaboration or licensing might be necessary.
4. What are the risks of infringement if developing similar compounds?
Because the claims are chemically broad, developing derivatives without careful claim analysis risks infringement. Freedom-to-operate searches are essential.
5. When will this patent expire, and what are the implications?
Expiration is scheduled for 2026, after which generic or biosimilar development can proceed with reduced legal risk.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (n.d.). EPXXXXXXX.
[2] Generic Journal. (2006). Patent DE102006033837.
[3] Patent Scope. (2023). Patent family and legal status data.
[4] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Global patent filings in CNS therapeutics.
[5] European Patent Office. (2022). Patent lifecycle and extensions.
