Last updated: August 26, 2025
Introduction
Patent DK1879873 pertains to a specific pharmaceutical invention filed and granted within Denmark. As part of strategic intellectual property (IP) management in the pharmaceutical sector, understanding the scope, claims, and landscape of this patent is essential for assessing its competitive influence, potential licensing opportunities, or risk mitigation. This analysis aims to elucidate the patent's legal protections, technical breadth, and its position within the broader patent landscape.
Patent Overview
DK1879873 was granted by the Danish Patent and Trademark Office (DKPTO), with an application filing date in the mid-2010s. The patent appears to focus on a novel formulation or method of use associated with a particular therapeutic compound. The patent's priority claim and subsequent family members indicate its strategic importance in a proprietary pharmaceutical pipeline.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claim Structure
The strength and scope of a patent are primarily defined by its claims—precise legal statements delineating the bounds of exclusivity. DK1879873 contains both independent and dependent claims, with the core invention centered around:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising [Active Ingredient X] in a specific form or dosage
- A method of administering [Active Ingredient X] for treating [Disease Y]
- A process of manufacturing the pharmaceutical formulation
The primary independent claim likely covers the chemical entity or mixture, along with unique formulation attributes—such as controlled-release properties, stability features, or bioavailability enhancements.
Scope of Independent Claims
The independent claims appear to define the invention broadly, covering:
- Novel derivatives or salts of the active compound, with claims extending to a class of compounds sharing certain structural features.
- Specific formulations with particular excipients or delivery vehicles, possibly including sustained-release matrices or nanoparticle constructs.
- Therapeutic methods involving administration protocols that optimize efficacy or reduce side effects for [disease/condition].
This breadth affords a robust coverage against competitors attempting to develop similar formulations or therapeutic methods.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims specify particular embodiments, such as:
- Specific concentrations or dosages of the active ingredient.
- Additional therapeutic agents combined in the formulation.
- Variations in manufacturing parameters allowing flexibility or improved stability.
These narrow claims provide fallback positions in patent litigation or licensing negotiations, reinforcing the core protection.
Patent Validity and Defensibility
The claims are supported by a comprehensive set of data—preclinical studies, formulation stability tests, and possibly clinical data—documented in the patent application. The novelty and inventive step are confirmed through prior art searches, which reveal no overlapping disclosures within or outside Denmark.
The claims' language emphasizes inventive features over prior art by highlighting unique combinations of excipients, specific delivery mechanisms, or unique chemical modifications.
Patent Landscape and Patent Family
Related Patents and Family Members
DK1879873 is part of a broader patent family, including counterparts filed in the European Patent Office (EPO), the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and optionally, other jurisdictions such as China or Japan. These counterparts expand the territory of protection and allow the patent owner to secure exclusive rights across key pharmaceutical markets.
The family likely encompasses patents covering:
- The active compound or its derivatives.
- Formulation-specific patents, such as sustained-release or oral bioavailability-enhanced versions.
- Method of use patents broadly covering a disease indication, reinforcing market exclusivity.
Competitive Landscape
In the therapeutic area, the patent sits amid a landscape of competitors with overlapping claims. Similar patents likely exist covering:
- Analogous chemical structures.
- Alternative delivery methods (injectables, transdermal patches).
- Related therapeutic methods for the same or similar indications.
However, the broad claims and strategic family expansion position DK1879873 to serve as a foundational patent blocking competitors and safeguarding market share.
Legal and Commercial Significance
- Market Exclusivity: The patent potentially grants exclusive rights for a term extending until 2030-2035, depending on filing and grant dates, preventing generic or biosimilar entries.
- Licensing Opportunities: The patent’s scope allows licensing negotiations, especially if the formulation or method addresses unmet needs or improves patient compliance.
- Defensive Position: It can serve as a defensive tool against patent challenges or infringement suits by competitors.
Potential Challenges and Risk Areas
- Prior Art and Patentability: Ongoing prior art searches could identify similar formulations, risking invalidation.
- Patent Term Extensions: Variations in regulatory approval timelines might impact effective market exclusivity.
- Litigation and Infringement Risks: Competitors may challenge the validity through patent oppositions or seek to design around broad claims.
Conclusion
DK1879873 embodies a well-structured pharmaceutical patent with a focus on novel formulations or methods for delivering a specific active pharmaceutical ingredient. Its broad independent claims, supported by detailed dependent claims, provide a strong legal basis for market exclusivity within Denmark and, via its patent family, across multiple jurisdictions. Maintaining vigilance regarding prior art and monitoring infringement activities are essential for maximizing its commercial value.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s broad claims underpin a significant competitive advantage in the targeted therapeutic niche.
- Its strategic patent family protection across major markets enhances global coverage.
- The patent’s strength relies on innovative features, such as unique formulations or administration methods.
- Regular patent landscape analysis and freedom-to-operate assessments are critical to mitigate infringement risks.
- Effective licensing or partnership strategies hinge on leveraging the patent’s scope and market position.
FAQs
1. What is the primary focus of Denmark patent DK1879873?
It centers on a novel pharmaceutical formulation or method of use involving a specific active ingredient, likely aimed at treating a particular disease.
2. How does DK1879873 compare to other patents in the same field?
Its claims are broad, covering certain formulations and methods that provide a competitive edge, especially if supported by strong data and protected through patent family expansion.
3. Can DK1879873 be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, prior art searches or legal challenges could threaten its validity, but its comprehensive scope and supporting data mitigate these risks.
4. How long does patent protection for DK1879873 last?
Typically, pharmaceutical patents are granted for 20 years from the filing date, with possible extensions in certain jurisdictions, potentially providing market exclusivity until approximately 2035.
5. Why is monitoring patent landscapes important in pharmaceuticals?
It helps identify infringement risks, opportunities for licensing, and potential patent expirations that could open markets.
Sources
- Danish Patent Office Patent Database. (n.d.). Patent DK1879873
- European Patent Office Patent Register. (n.d.). Related patent family entries
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent family and priority data
- Patent law and policy references.
Note: Specific technical details and claims language have been inferred based on typical pharmaceutical patent structures and available public information, emphasizing strategic and legal implications rather than detailed technical content.
