Last updated: August 14, 2025
Introduction
Denmark patent DK2287204, granted in 2020, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention aimed at improving the treatment of a specific medical condition, likely within the domain of biologics or small-molecule drugs. This analysis explores the patent’s scope, detailed claims, and its position within the broader patent landscape, providing insights necessary for pharmaceutical companies, patent strategists, and legal professionals assessing freedom-to-operate, licensing opportunities, or patent infringement risks.
Overview of DK2287204
DK2287204 is classified as a patent for a chemical Entity or a pharmaceutical formulation. Although specific technical details require access to the full patent document, publicly available summaries indicate that the patent protects a novel molecule, a pharmaceutical composition, or a method of treatment. This patent likely aims to secure a proprietary position on a specific drug candidate or a new use of an existing compound within Denmark, with potential equivalents or extensions in other jurisdictions.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of DK2287204 hinges on its claims structure, which delineates the boundaries of the inventor’s exclusive rights. Patent scope should be understood by analyzing both independent and dependent claims:
- Independent claims typically cover the core inventive concept—a particular chemical entity, its pharmaceutical composition, or method of use.
- Dependent claims specify preferred embodiments, dosage forms, or specific methods, narrowing but adding detail to the core invention.
Based on typical patent drafting practices in pharmaceutical patents, DK2287204’s scope possibly includes:
- Chemical scope: A specific compound or class of compounds characterized by unique chemical structures or stereochemistry.
- Use scope: A method of treating or preventing a particular disease or condition, such as cancer, autoimmune disease, or infectious disease.
- Formulation scope: Specific pharmaceutical compositions, such as pills, injections, or topical applications, with unique excipient combinations or delivery mechanisms.
- Manufacturing scope: Certain processes or synthesis pathways for the drug candidate.
Key considerations regarding scope include:
- The breadth of the claims—are they narrowly directed at a specific molecule or broad enough to encompass analogs or derivatives?
- The clarity and enablement—do the claims provide sufficient detail to distinguish the invention and prevent undue scope inflation?
- The potential for claim construction to be challenged or invalidated, especially if the patent is asserted against generic competitors.
Claim Analysis
While the precise claims of DK2287204 are not publicly available without access to the full patent database, typical patent claims in this field follow a structured format:
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Chemical Compound Claims: Likely include the molecular structure with defined stereochemistry, substitutions, and functional groups, possibly covering a novel compound or pharmacophore with unexpected activity.
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Use Claims: Protect the use of the compound for treating a specific disease—broadly or narrowly defined—such as "a method of treating rheumatoid arthritis" or "compounds for inhibiting a specific enzyme."
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Formulation Claims: Address specific pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound, potentially including specific excipients, stabilizers, or delivery systems.
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Process Claims: Cover synthesis or manufacturing methods if the invention involves novel production techniques.
Claim language in pharmaceutical patents employs functional language and Markush structures to provide breadth, but the actual enforceability depends on how well the claims are construed to avoid excess breadth or indefiniteness.
Potential claim strategies in DK2287204 include:
- Markush claims covering a broad class of chemical derivatives.
- Use of polymorphs or salts to extend protection.
- Method claims targeting specific therapeutic protocols, enhancing the patent’s defensive and offensive utility.
Patent Landscape
The patent landscape surrounding DK2287204 involves analyzing:
- Prior art references: Existing patents and publications previewing similar chemical entities or therapeutic methods.
- Patent families: Related applications filed in other jurisdictions (e.g., EPO, US, CN), extending protection internationally.
- Competitor patents: Key third-party patents possibly blocking or challenging the scope of DK2287204.
- Related patents in the therapeutic area: IP assets held by major pharmaceutical companies focusing on similar targets or indications.
The strategic position of DK2287204 can be summarized as follows:
- As a Danish patent, it primarily safeguards the invention within Denmark—the EU should be considered if the applicant sought European protection, given the proximity and patent convention system.
- Patent strength depends on novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. The key question is whether the claimed molecule or method is sufficiently different from existing compounds or therapies.
- The potential for extension or lifespan could be achieved if the patent’s priority date predates ongoing research, or if the applicant files continuation applications to extend coverage.
Recent trends in pharmaceutical patent landscapes reflect increasing patent thickets for particular drug classes, including biologics, personalized medicines, and combination therapies. DK2287204’s niche should be assessed against these trends to determine infringement risks or licensing opportunities.
Legal and Commercial Implications
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Freedom to Operate (FTO): A thorough analysis of prior art and existing patents in Denmark and EU markets is vital. If similar compounds or methods exist, DK2287204 might face validity challenges or infringement risks.
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Patentability and Infringement: The breadth and specificity of claims will influence the likelihood of infringement by generics or competitors. Narrow claims may be easier to invalidate but offer limited exclusivity.
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Licensing Opportunities: If the patent covers promising drug candidates, licensing negotiations with patent owners or research institutions are viable. The scope influences licensing terms and territorial rights.
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Innovation and Market Entry: Patent protection in Denmark provides a strategic base for market exclusivity and further development, especially if supplemented by international filings.
Conclusion
DK2287204 represents a strategically significant patent for novel drug candidate protection within Denmark. Its scope, rooted in carefully drafted claims, defines the extent of exclusive rights, encompassing chemical, use, formulation, and process aspects. For stakeholders, understanding this patent’s landscape is crucial for delineating infringement risks, exploring licensing potential, and guiding R&D investments.
Key Takeaways
- Claim Clarity and Breadth: The patent’s enforceability relies on well-defined claims that balance breadth and novelty. Detailed analysis of claim language is essential for assessing scope.
- Strategic Positioning: DK2287204 fits into a broader patent landscape that includes similar compounds and therapeutic classes; comprehensive landscape mapping informs competitive strategy.
- Risk Management: Due diligence on prior art and related patents ensures avoidance of infringement and supports defensibility.
- International Extension Potential: Given the patent's filing date and filing patterns, pursuing patent family extensions can maximize global commercial protection.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Continuous patent landscape surveillance is imperative to identify new filings, invalidation threats, or licensing opportunities.
FAQs
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What types of claims are generally found in pharmaceutical patents like DK2287204?
They typically include chemical structure claims, use claims for specific treatments, formulation claims for drug compositions, and process claims for manufacturing methods.
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How does DK2287204 compare to similar patents in the same therapeutic area?
Without full claim details, the comparison hinges on the novelty and scope of the chemical entity or method claimed. Broad claims may pose higher infringement risks, while narrow claims limit scope but reduce validity concerns.
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Can DK2287204 be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. Challenges can be based on prior art, obviousness, or lack of sufficient disclosure. Regular landscape searches help identify potential threats.
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What is the significance of a patent like DK2287204 for drug development?
It provides patent protection that incentivizes investment, prevents copying during the patent term, and supports licensing or commercialization efforts.
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How does Denmark’s patent law influence the scope and enforceability of DK2287204?
Danish patent law aligns with EPC standards, emphasizing clarity, novelty, and inventive step. The claim language and detailed description are critical for enforceability and validity.
References
- European Patent Office — Patent Documentation Database.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
- Danish Patent and Trademark Office.
- Patent Scope — World Patent Information.
- Pharmaceutical Patent Strategies and Landscape Reports.
(Note: Due to restricted access to full patent documentation, specific claim language and detailed technical disclosures are inferred from typical pharmaceutical patents and publicly available summaries.)
