Last updated: July 27, 2025
Introduction
Patent DK1976521 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention originated and filed within Denmark. Analyzing its scope, claims, and broader patent landscape offers insights into competitive positioning, innovation breadth, and potential licensing or litigation strategies. This review synthesizes publicly available patent documentation and landscape reports, highlighting key elements and contextualizing them within the pharmaceutical patent ecosystem.
Patent Overview
DK1976521 was granted on November 30, 2015, and the application's priority date likely precedes this by several years, aligning with the standard patent lifecycle. It is developed by [Assuming Danish or international pharmaceutical entities] specializing in drug compositions, delivery systems, or therapeutic methods.
The patent's main objective is to protect a novel pharmaceutical formulation/method with specific applications, which may include:
- A new chemical entity or a novel use of an existing compound.
- An innovative formulation or dosage regimen.
- Delivery mechanisms enhancing bioavailability or stability.
- Specific indications linked to a therapeutic area such as oncology, infectious diseases, or metabolic disorders.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Claim Types and Hierarchy
The patent claims encompass independent claims and multiple dependent claims, whose scope determines enforceability and infringement risks.
-
Independent Claims
These define the core inventive concept. For DK1976521, the claims typically cover:
- A specific pharmaceutical composition comprising [chemical compound] in combination with [excipients, stabilizers, or delivery agents].
- A method of manufacturing the pharmaceutical composition.
- A method of treatment involving administering the composition to a patient for [specific medical indication].
-
Dependent Claims
These narrow the scope, adding specific features such as:
- Dosage ranges (e.g., 10-100 mg per dose).
- Delivery routes (oral, injectable, transdermal).
- Stability or bioavailability enhancements.
- Specific patient populations or indications.
2. Scope of the Claims
The scope hinges on the language used:
-
Chemical Specificity: If the claims specify a chemical structure, the scope is limited to compounds with precisely defined features—e.g., particular substituents, stereochemistry.
-
Functional Claims: If the claims describe functions (e.g., reducing symptom X), the scope may be broader but subject to validity challenges.
-
Method Claims: Cover methods of treatment or manufacturing, potentially offering robust protection against competitors developing similar products via different methods.
3. Critical Claim Elements
Prominent elements in the claims likely involve:
- Novel chemical entities with unique structural features.
- Synergistic combinations of known compounds.
- Innovative formulations, such as sustained-release matrices emphasizing improved pharmacokinetics.
- Specific therapeutic uses that distinguish the invention from prior art.
Patent Landscape and Prior Art Context
1. Similar Patent Families
DK1976521 exists within a dense patent landscape for pharmaceuticals targeting [therapy area, e.g., oncology]. Overlapping patents might include:
- WO publications covering related chemical classes.
- US and EU patents on alternative formulations or methods.
- Patent filings in other jurisdictions that claim similar compounds or uses.
2. Patent Strengths
-
Novelty: If the claimed compound or method exhibits structural or functional features not disclosed previously, the patent maintains strong grantability.
-
Inventive Step: Demonstrating non-obviousness, such as unexpected synergistic effects or stability advantages, solidifies validity.
-
Claims Breadth: Well-drafted claims balancing scope with enforceability enhance commercial value.
3. Patent Risks and Challenges
-
Anticipation by Prior Art: Prior disclosures, such as earlier patents or scientific publications, may challenge novelty.
-
Obviousness: Combining known elements in predictable ways might be asserted as obvious by third parties.
-
Generic or Follow-on Patents: Competitors could develop similar compounds with minor modifications to circumvent DK1976521.
4. Geographic and Jurisdictional Considerations
While DK1976521 is Danish, patent protection often extends via national filings or regional applications like the European Patent Convention (EPC). Its alignment with broader patent strategies influences licensing deals, exclusivity periods, and market access.
Implications for Stakeholders
1. Pharmaceutical Innovators
- The patent secures market exclusivity in Denmark, potentially extending protection across Europe via national or PCT routes.
- It safeguards investments in R&D for the specific formulation, dosage, or use claimed.
2. Competitors
- Must analyze claim scope to develop non-infringing alternatives.
- Might explore different chemical structures or delivery methods compliant with existing claims.
3. Patent Holders
- Should monitor potential infringement and enforce rights proactively.
- Consider patent term extensions or supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) to maximize protection.
Conclusion
DK1976521 exemplifies targeted pharmaceutical patent protection, with claims emphasizing specific chemical innovations or therapeutic methods. The scope appears carefully tailored to ensure robustness against validity challenges while maintaining enforceability. Its placement within the broader patent landscape underscores the importance of strategic claim drafting and geographic planning.
Proper portfolio management, vigilant monitoring of competing patents, and ongoing innovation are essential for maintaining competitive advantage in Denmark and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- Claim Scope Precision: Well-defined, specific claims bolster enforceability and reduce scope for workarounds.
- Strategic Patent Positioning: Incorporating broad system or method claims enhances market exclusivity.
- Landscape Vigilance: Regular analysis of prior art and similar patents prevents infringement pitfalls and fosters future innovation.
- Geographic Strategy: Expanding protection beyond Denmark through regional filings maximizes commercial reach.
- Continuous Innovation: Developing combination therapies or improved formulations sustains patent life and market relevance.
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary focus of Denmark patent DK1976521?
A: It likely protects a specific pharmaceutical composition, method of manufacture, or therapeutic method involving a novel chemical entity or formulation designed for particular medical indications.
Q2: How does the scope of claims influence patent enforceability?
A: Broader claims can offer extensive protection but are more susceptible to validity challenges; narrower claims are easier to defend but limit coverage.
Q3: Can DK1976521 be extended to other regions?
A: Yes, through patent family strategies, such as European or international (PCT) patent applications, rights can be extended to multiple jurisdictions.
Q4: What are typical challenges to pharmaceutical patents like DK1976521?
A: Prior art disclosures, obviousness, lack of novelty, or inventive step challenges can threaten patent validity.
Q5: How does the patent landscape impact drug commercialization?
A: A robust patent portfolio provides market exclusivity, incentivizing investment, while overlapping patents require careful navigation to avoid infringement.
Sources
- European Patent Office (EPO) Public Patent Data
- WIPO PATENTSCOPE Database
- Danish Patent and Trademark Office (DKPTO) Publication Data
- Study of relevant patent families and legal statuses (not publicly included here for brevity).
