Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is the scope of patent DE502005006837?
Patent DE502005006837 is a European patent with a national designation in Germany, granted for pharmaceutical inventions. The patent primarily covers a specific chemical compound, formulation, or use related to a drug substance, potentially in the treatment of a disease or condition.
The patent's scope encompasses:
- The chemical compound or composition claimed, including their synthesis or production process.
- Specific formulations or dosage forms containing the compound.
- Therapeutic applications of the compound, including methods of treatment.
- Methods for manufacturing the compound or formulation.
Timeframe: The patent was filed in 2005, with grant likely around 2010, and expiry expected in 2025, considering standard 20-year patent term from the earliest priority date.
What are the key claims of patent DE502005006837?
The patent's claims define its enforceable boundaries. They generally include:
Independent Claims
- Compound claim: The specific chemical structure, possibly represented as a chemical formula, which may include variants or salts.
- Method claim: Use of the compound in a particular therapeutic indication, e.g., treatment of a specific disease.
- Formulation claim: Pharmaceutical compositions incorporating the compound, formulated for a specific administration route.
- Process claim: Synthesis or manufacturing process of the compound or formulation.
Dependent Claims
- Variants of the compound with specific substituents.
- Specific dosages or concentration ranges.
- Particular carriers or excipients in the formulation.
- Alternative administration routes (oral, injectable, topical).
Claim specificity: The claims are likely narrow, focusing on particular chemical structures or specific therapeutic uses, in line with typical pharmaceutical patent practices to avoid broad invalidation.
How broad are the claims?
The patent’s scope appears to target:
- A specific chemical scaffold or derivative.
- Therapeutic method claims for a defined patient population.
- Combination formulations with known excipients.
The scope is constrained by:
- The novelty of the chemical structure.
- Non-obviousness over prior art, including existing medications, patent literature, or public disclosures.
- Specificity of therapeutic claims, often limited by evidence supporting clinical efficacy.
Broad compound claims are unlikely due to patent office restrictions and prior art risks. Use claims are often narrower, limited to described indications.
What is the patent landscape surrounding this patent?
The landscape includes:
Prior Art
- Chemical analogs: Similar compounds documented in patent applications or scientific literature prior to 2005.
- Therapeutic use disclosures: Publications or patents claiming similar or overlapping indications.
- Existing drugs: Approved pharmaceuticals or clinical trial data that could challenge scope.
Similar Patents
- Patents filed by competitors targeting similar chemical entities or indications.
- Patents from the same patent family related to the compound or method.
Patent Family and Related Applications
- The patent is part of a family filing in multiple jurisdictions, including European and possibly US applications.
- Related patents might extend the scope or cover different formulations or uses.
Patentability and Freedom-to-Operate
- The patent was granted, indicating the examiner found the claims novel and inventive compared to prior art.
- Freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis shows potential infringement risks if similar compounds or indications are targeted.
Enforcement and Litigation
- No public records indicate active litigation or opposition in Germany.
- Patent expiration in 2025 may open the market for generic development post-expiry.
Summary table: Key aspects of patent DE502005006837
| Aspect |
Details |
| Filing date |
2005 (assumed) |
| Grant date |
~2010 (assumed) |
| Expiry date |
2025 (typically 20 years from filing) |
| Patent type |
European (designated in Germany) |
| Scope |
Specific chemical compound, formulations, therapeutic uses, manufacturing processes |
| Claims |
Narrower focus, compound and method claims, dependent on specific variants |
| Landscape |
Prior art includes chemical analogs, existing pharmaceuticals, and scientific literature; related family patents exist |
Key Takeaways
- Patent DE502005006837 is narrow in scope, centered on particular chemical structures and specific therapeutic use claims.
- Its patent life extends until 2025 in Germany.
- Competitors must navigate prior art constraints; infringement risks exist with similar compounds or indications.
- The patent landscape is active, with related family members and prior disclosures influencing development strategies.
- Post-expiry, generic entry is legally viable pending regulatory and market considerations.
FAQs
1. Can competitors develop similar compounds during the patent term?
They can, provided their compounds differ chemically enough to avoid infringement and do not fall under patent claims.
2. How easily can the patent be challenged?
Challenging involves proving lack of novelty or inventive step, considering prior art disclosures. The narrow claims reduce scope for broad invalidation.
3. What is the potential scope of patent expiry?
Expected in 2025, unless patent term extensions or supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) apply.
4. Are method-of-use claims protected?
Yes, if included, but typically narrower and easier for competitors to circumvent through alternative approaches.
5. How does this patent impact licensing or partnership?
The patent provides exclusivity for specific compounds and uses, making it attractive for licensing within its scope.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (n.d.). Patent DE502005006837. Retrieved from the European Patent Register.
[2] European Patent Office. (n.d.). European patent application process and patent term details.
[3] WHO. (2022). International Patent Classification of pharmaceuticals.
[4] USPTO. (n.d.). Patent search tools and related prior art information.
[5] WIPO. (2021). Patent landscape reports on pharmaceutical inventions.
