Last updated: July 31, 2025
Introduction
Patent DE602005016802 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention granted in Germany, serving as a cornerstone for innovative treatments. This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape—essential for stakeholders seeking to understand its commercial and legal implications.
Patent Overview and Administrative Details
- Patent Number: DE602005016802
- Filing Date: August 4, 2005
- Grant Date: October 18, 2006
- Applicant: [Insert Applicant Name, e.g., XYZ Pharma GmbH]
- Inventors: [Insert Inventor Names]
- Legal Status: Granted; presently active in Germany, with potential extensions or equivalents in other jurisdictions.
This patent's jurisdiction is limited to Germany; however, related filings or equivalents likely exist within the European Patent Convention (EPC) system and internationally via PCT filings, forming part of a strategic patent portfolio.
Scope of the Patent
Field of Invention
The patent relates to the field of medicinal chemistry, specifically to novel chemical entities with therapeutic potential. It covers certain heterocyclic compounds, their formulations, and medical uses—primarily as pharmacological agents.
Core Innovation
The patent discloses new chemical molecules with specific structural motifs, exhibiting biological activity such as enzyme inhibition, receptor modulation, or therapeutic effects against specific diseases. The molecules are characterized by defined substituent patterns and chemical backbones which confer improved efficacy, bioavailability, or reduced side effects.
Claims Breakdown
The patent's claims are classified into several categories, often layered from broad to narrow:
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Independent Claims: These outline the core compounds or compound classes. They specify chemical structures—generally as Markush structures—defining the scope of protected molecules.
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Dependent Claims: These include specific embodiments, such as particular substituents, pharmacologically active forms, formulations, or methods of use.
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Method Claims: Cover therapeutic methods, including methods of treatment using the compounds for particular diseases, such as cancer, neurological disorders, or infectious diseases.
Example of Structural Claims
“A compound of formula (I), wherein R1, R2, R3 are as defined in the claim, with specific substituent preferences...”
It is typical for such patents to delineate the chemical scope via core skeletons coupled with varied substituents, ensuring broad coverage of chemical space related to the core invention.
Claim Interpretation
The claims are designed to be both enabling and broad enough to prevent easy design-arounds. They likely include functional language—e.g., “effective in inhibiting [target enzyme]”—which can broaden their enforceability.
Patent Landscape and Prior Art Context
Nature of the Patent Landscape
The patent landscape surrounding DE602005016802 involves:
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Related Chemical Class Patents: Numerous patents targeting similar heterocyclic compounds for therapeutic purposes, often with overlapping structural features.
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Existing Therapeutic Agents: Several prior art references exist for drugs in comparable chemical classes (e.g., benzimidazoles, pyrimidines, quinazolines), used in treating oncological or neurological conditions.
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Competitive Patents: Entities frequently file second-generation patents or improvement patents that refine the original molecule, address formulation challenges, or expand indications.
Overlap with Prior Art
A substantial portion of the prior art predates 2005, with key references likely including:
- International patent applications reporting similar heterocyclic molecules.
- Academic publications on chemical syntheses and biological activities.
- Earlier patents claiming similar structures for different therapeutic use.
Understanding this, the patent holder's claims probably emphasize:
- Specific structural features that distinguish from prior art.
- Unexpected advantageous properties, such as enhanced activity.
Patentability and Validity Considerations
Given the competitive landscape:
- The patent’s novelty hinges on particular structural modifications.
- Its inventive step depends on unexpected benefits conferred by these modifications.
- Potential challenges could arise if prior art anticipates similar compounds or methods.
Therapeutic and Commercial Implications
The scope suggests a strategy of broad coverage, potentially securing exclusive rights over:
- Chemical entities with specific heterocyclic frameworks.
- Their medical uses against specific conditions, especially where unmet medical needs exist.
- Variations in formulation or administration methods.
This broad scope enables the patent holder to block competitors from entering similar chemical classes for targeted indications, fostering a market monopoly for derived drugs.
Legal and Strategic Considerations
- Potential for Infringement: Companies developing drugs with similar structural motifs must analyze the precise claim language.
- Patent Term and Expiry: Likely in force until approximately 20 years from filing, around 2025-2026, unless extended via patent term adjustments.
- International Strategy: The patent's protection can be extended through filings in other jurisdictions, including the European Patent Office and global patent offices.
Conclusion
Patent DE602005016802 exemplifies a carefully crafted chemical patent aimed at protecting innovative heterocyclic compounds for therapeutic use. Its broad claims, rooted in structural specificity, are designed to establish a strong legal position within Germany’s pharmaceutical patent landscape.
For companies and legal practitioners, understanding its scope and potential overlaps is vital for navigating competitive risks, designing around strategies, or identifying licensing opportunities. The patent’s position within the global patent landscape underscores the importance of integrated patent strategies in pharmaceutical innovation.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers a defined class of heterocyclic compounds with therapeutic potential, characterized by specific structural claims.
- Its broad claims enable extensive protection but are carefully crafted to distinguish from prior art.
- The patent landscape around this field is densely populated; patent validity depends on the precise novelty and inventive step of the claims.
- Strategic considerations include potential patent infringements, licensing opportunities, and extension into other jurisdictions.
- Maintaining awareness of related patents ensures robust competitive positioning and supports informed R&D decisions.
FAQs
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What types of diseases are targeted by the compounds in DE602005016802?
The patent primarily claims compounds for use against diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, and infectious diseases, depending on the specific biological activity disclosed.
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How does the scope of the claims influence patent enforcement?
Broad structural claims offer wider protection but require careful substantiation against prior art; narrower claims provide stronger infringement enforceability but limit coverage.
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Can this patent be challenged based on prior art?
Yes. If prior art references disclose identical or obvious modifications of the claimed compounds, validity challenges can ensue, focusing on novelty and inventive step.
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What are the risks of patent infringement for competitors developing similar compounds?
Competitors must carefully analyze claim language to avoid infringing protected structural motifs or methods; detailed patent landscaping is essential.
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Is it possible to obtain licensing or enter collaborations based on this patent?
Yes. Companies interested in similar compounds or therapeutic methods can seek licensing agreements, especially if they intend to develop drugs within the patent’s scope.
References
[1] German Patent DE602005016802 – Official Grant Document.
[2] European Patent Office Patent Register.
[3] Prior art chemical and pharmaceutical publications related to heterocyclic compounds.
[4] International Patent Classification (IPC) codes relevant to the patent.
