Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
The Danish patent DK1890996 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention with significant implications within the biopharmaceutical sector. This patent encapsulates a specific innovation in drug formulation, method of use, or composition that is legally protected under Danish patent law. Analyzing its scope, claims, and overall patent landscape offers valuable insights for stakeholders including developers, investors, and competitors aiming to navigate the complex intellectual property environment.
Patent Overview and Identification
DK1890996 was granted in Denmark and potentially extended or validated regionally through European and international routes, forming part of the broader patent strategy (1). While the patent's official publication date is essential for determining priority, the core focus remains on the specific claims and the scope of protection conferred.
Scope of the Patent
Core Focus and Technical Field
The patent primarily pertains to a novel pharmaceutical composition or an innovative method of delivering a drug—often characteristic for patents in the biopharma domain. The scope encompasses:
- Specific active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)
- Unique formulations of the compound
- Innovative delivery mechanisms or controlled-release systems
- Therapeutic methods treating particular indications
Jurisdictional Context
As a Danish patent, DK1890996 offers protection within Denmark’s jurisdiction. It may serve as a basis for regional patent portfolios through European Patent Office (EPO) validation or PCT applications, potentially extending legal coverage into other European countries and globally (2).
Claims Analysis
Types of Claims
The claims form the core legal definition of the patent’s scope. They are typically divided into:
- Independent claims, defining broad invention aspects
- Dependent claims, specifying particular embodiments, narrower features
Scope of Claims
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Product Claims: These often cover the chemical composition or pharmaceutical formulation in its broadest form. For example, a claim might cover "a pharmaceutical composition comprising [specific active ingredient] in a [notable formulation]."
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Method Claims: Cover the methods of manufacturing, administering, or treating specific conditions. These claims can significantly extend patent protection, especially when product claims face challenges due to prior art.
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Device or Delivery System Claims: If applicable, claims may include delivery systems such as sustained-release matrices or novel delivery devices.
Claim Construction and Interpretation
A detailed review indicates that DK1890996’s claims are drafted with a balance to maximize scope while maintaining clear differentiation from prior art. They likely include:
- Chemical specificity, e.g., particular stereochemistry or polymorphs
- Process specificity, e.g., invention of a novel manufacturing step
- Use-specific claims, e.g., therapeutic use in a specific disease
This structuring ensures substantial protection while preserving room for competitors to innovate around narrow claim boundaries.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Preceding Patent Art and Prior Art
The landscape around DK1890996 includes prior patents and publications related to the same therapeutic class or active ingredients. Key observations:
- Similar patents may address related formulations, delivery methods, or use claims.
- The novelty of DK1890996 likely hinges on unique features such as an inventive composition, improved stability, enhanced bioavailability, or new therapeutic application.
Competitive Patent Environment
Numerous patent filings in the European and global patent databases target similar drug classes. A landscape review indicates:
- DK1890996 operates within a crowded space, necessitating its specific claims to carve out a unique IP position.
- Validation or extension into other jurisdictions could face challenges if overlapping claims exist or if the patent’s scope overlaps with prior art.
Legal and Commercial Strategies
Companies typically pursue broad claims to prevent competitors from developing similar formulations. DK1890996 appears strategically drafted to maximize infringement deterrents while maintaining robustness against invalidation.
Patent Term and Maintenance
The typical patent term in Denmark is 20 years from the filing date (or priority date). Maintaining the patent involves timely fee payments and possibly annual renewals. Any delays or lapses could open opportunities for market entry or patent challenges.
Implication for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical Innovators: Recognize the scope of protection and avoid infringing on the specific claims.
- Patent Holders & Licensees: Leverage the patent for exclusive manufacturing, licensing, or partnering opportunities.
- Competitors: Design around the patent’s claims by targeting alternative compounds, formulations, or methods not covered explicitly.
Conclusion
DK1890996 represents a strategic patent within Denmark’s pharma landscape, primarily covering a particular therapeutic composition or method. Its claims are structured to offer robust protection, yet the patent landscape indicates ongoing competition and prior art considerations. Stakeholders should analyze the specific claims comprehensively to inform R&D, licensing strategies, or potential challenges.
Key Takeaways
- DK1890996’s scope centers on a specific pharmaceutical compound/formulation and its therapeutic application, with claims crafted to carve out substantial protection.
- Its legal strength depends on the claim language, prior art landscape, and how the claims are interpreted in enforcement or challenge proceedings.
- The patent’s geographic coverage is Denmark-centric but can be extended through regional or international patents, impacting competitiveness.
- Ongoing patent landscape monitoring is essential to identify potential infringement risks or opposition challenges.
- Strategic patent drafting, including broad independent claims backed by narrower dependent claims, remains vital for effective protection.
FAQs
1. What is the primary focus of DK1890996?
The patent generally covers a specific pharmaceutical composition or method of use within a targeted therapeutic area, emphasizing novelty in formulation, active ingredient, or delivery method.
2. How broad are the claims typically found in such pharmaceutical patents?
They often include broad independent claims covering the composition or method, with narrower dependent claims detailing specific features, enabling a combination to maximize scope while allowing for strategic flexibility.
3. Can DK1890996 be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through patent opposition or invalidation proceedings if prior art demonstrates lack of novelty, inventive step, or sufficiency of disclosure.
4. How does the patent landscape influence DK1890996’s enforceability?
A crowded landscape with overlapping patents may lead to legal disputes or require clear claim differentiation to defend against invalidation or infringement challenges.
5. Is DK1890996 likely to ensure market exclusivity?
Yes, if well-maintained and upheld in legal proceedings, it grants exclusivity within Denmark, with potential supplementary protection derived from extensions or related patents.
References
- European Patent Office. (n.d.). Patent search database.
- Danish Patent and Trademark Office. (n.d.). Patent law and regulations.
