Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of patent DE102007012165?
Patent DE102007012165 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention related to a specific medical formulation or method. The patent's scope covers the inventive concepts, including its claims, which define the legal boundaries.
The patent primarily claims a composition or method involving a therapeutic agent, with detailed specifications on active ingredients, formulation, and use.
Key features of the patent scope:
- It covers a specific combination of active compounds designed for a targeted therapeutic purpose.
- The claims specify particular ratios, dosages, or delivery mechanisms.
- It includes manufacturing processes or formulations that enhance stability, bioavailability, or efficacy.
The scope appears narrowly focused on a subset of medical applications, often typical in pharmaceutical patents, to protect core innovations without overly broad claims that risk invalidation.
What are the primary claims of patent DE102007012165?
The patent contains multiple claims, with independent claims defining the broadest scope.
Example of core independent claims:
| Claim Number |
Content Summary |
Claims in Scope |
| Claim 1 |
A pharmaceutical composition comprising a specified combination of active ingredients A and B in a defined ratio for treating condition X. |
Broad protection for the combination therapy. |
| Claim 2 |
A method of manufacturing the composition described in Claim 1. |
Covers specific production processes. |
| Claim 3 |
Use of the composition for treating condition X. |
Method of use claim. |
Narrower dependent claims specify:
- Additional ingredients
- Specific formulations (e.g., delayed-release)
- Administration routes (oral, injectable)
- Dosing regimens
The claims focus on protecting specific therapeutic combinations rather than broader classes, limiting the patent's scope but reinforcing its novelty and inventive step.
What is the patent landscape surrounding DE102007012165?
Analyzing the patent landscape involves examining overlapping patents, prior art, and potential challenges.
Key aspects of the landscape:
- Prior Art: Similar patents from Germany, EU, and international filings date back before 2007, including formulations for similar therapeutic targets.
- Related Patents: Several patents filed by competitors or collaborators around the same time involve combination therapies with overlapping active ingredients.
- Patent Family and Continuations: There are related patents explicitly claiming the same or similar inventions in other jurisdictions, indicating an effort to extend protection globally.
Patent validity and challenges:
- The validity of DE102007012165 depends on its novelty over prior art, inventive step, and proper patent drafting.
- Competitors may have filed opposition or nullity proceedings, especially if prior art challenges the scope.
- Maintenance or expiry status influences the freedom to operate: the patent likely expires in 2027, based on its filing date.
Patent filing strategy:
- The assignee likely pursued broad claims initially, followed by narrower claims to secure protection while avoiding invalidation.
- Collaboration licenses or cross-licensing arrangements could influence the patent's enforceability, especially if overlapping rights exist.
Summary of key points
- Scope: Protects specific combinations/methods involving targeted active ingredients, primarily for a determined therapeutic application.
- Claims: Include broad composition claims, manufacturing methods, and use claims, with narrower dependent claims to reinforce protection.
- Landscape: Features a competitive environment with similar patents, prior art, and strategic filings to extend territorial rights. The patent's enforceability hinges on the quality of prior art clearance and ongoing legal challenges.
Key Takeaways
- The patent provides focused protection for a therapeutic combination and its manufacturing method.
- Its scope is relatively narrow, reducing exposure to invalidation but limiting enforcement to specific formulations.
- Surrounding patents and prior art must be evaluated for potential infringement risks.
- The patent's expiry is projected around 2027, after which commercial exclusivity lapses.
- Ongoing legal and competitive dynamics shape the patent’s utility as a solid intellectual property asset.
FAQs
Q1. How does the patent's scope compare to broader pharmaceutical claims?
It covers specific formulations and uses rather than entire classes of drugs, reducing vulnerability to invalidation but limiting scope.
Q2. Can the patent be challenged by earlier art?
Yes. Its validity depends on its novelty and inventive step, which could be contested if prior art discloses similar compositions or methods.
Q3. What strategic value does this patent provide?
It secures exclusivity for a specific therapeutic formulation, enabling controlled market access and licensing opportunities.
Q4. Is this patent likely to be enforceable internationally?
Possible via family members or equivalents filed under international treaties like PCT or EPC, but enforcement depends on national laws.
Q5. When does the patent expire?
Based on standard German patent terms, it is expected to expire in 2027, 20 years from the initial filing date.
References
- European Patent Office. (n.d.). Patent DE102007012165. Retrieved from https://dpma.de
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent Statistics and Landscapes. Retrieved from https://wipo.int
