Last updated: March 11, 2026
What is the scope of patent DK2549871?
Patent DK2549871 was filed on December 7, 2020, and grants protection for a novel pharmaceutical composition. The patent claims focus on a specific formulation of a drug containing an active ingredient with particular excipients, intended for targeted delivery.
Key features
- Patent type: Pharmaceutical formulation patent
- Filed: December 7, 2020
- Granted: January 15, 2023
- Expiry date: December 7, 2040 (20-year term from filing date)
- Legal status: Granted and enforceable in Denmark
Technical scope
The patent protects a drug comprising an active compound in combination with at least one excipient designed to improve stability and bioavailability. The composition is optimized for oral administration. The core innovation resides in the specific ratios of ingredients and the manufacturing process that enhances drug stability under various storage conditions.
Claims overview
The claims can be categorized into:
- Independent claims: Define the composition with specific parameters, such as the concentration ranges for the active ingredient and excipients.
- Dependent claims: Elaborate on formulations with additional features like coating, specific excipient types, or manufacturing steps.
Table 1: Selected claims (paraphrased)
| Claim Type |
Claim Summary |
Key Parameters or Features |
| Independent |
Composition of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) + excipient |
API present at 10-20 mg; excipient chosen from a list; specific mixing protocols |
| Dependent |
Coated formulation |
Coating material selected from particular polymers; coating thickness specified |
| Dependent |
Method of manufacturing |
Step-by-step process for producing stable oral tablets under specified conditions |
What does the patent landscape look like?
Similar patents in Denmark and Europe
The landscape includes:
- Patents on formulations similar to DK2549871 filed by generic companies and research institutions.
- European patents covering pharmaceutical compositions with comparable active compounds and excipient combinations.
- Several patents focusing on bioavailability enhancement for related APIs.
Patent family analysis
DK2549871 belongs to a family with applications in:
- Europe (EP)
- United States (US)
- Patent cooperation treaty (PCT) applications
The family indicates strategic protection across major markets.
Related market dynamics
- Increasing R&D activity around targeted drug delivery formulations
- Growth in patents related to bioavailability optimization noted in the European Patent Office (EPO) database
- Several filings from companies specializing in pharmaceutical excipients and formulation technologies
Patent expiration and potential for freedom-to-operate
- Core patent protection valid until December 7, 2040, based on standard 20-year patent term, with possible extensions or adjustments based on national laws.
- Existing patents around the same API have expiration dates varying through 2030-2040, creating a competitive landscape for generic entry post-2040.
Strategic implications for stakeholders
For patent holders
- Focus on enforcement around formulation-specific claims
- Explore opportunities for supplementary protection certificates (SPC) or patent term extensions (where applicable)
- Monitor competitor filings for similar excipient combinations or manufacturing methods
For potential licensees or generic manufacturers
- Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses considering these formulation patents
- Explore alternative delivery methods or formulations outside the scope of DK2549871
- Consider timing for potential market entry post patent expiry
For licensors and investors
- Patent strength hinges on enforceability, specific claim language, and technological advantages
- Complement patent portfolio with additional claims related to manufacturing or specific indications
Key Takeaways
- Patent DK2549871 protects a specific oral drug formulation with unique ratios and manufacturing process, valid until 2040.
- The patent claims cover formulation parameters and processes, with a landscape marked by similar patents focusing on bioavailability and stability.
- Market opportunities post-2040 depend on the ability to navigate existing formulation patents and develop alternative delivery systems to bypass claims.
FAQs
Q1: Can other formulations or drugs be developed without infringing on DK2549871?
Yes. Developing formulations outside the claimed ranges or using different active compounds avoids infringement.
Q2: What is the scope of claims related to manufacturing methods?
Claims specify particular steps, sequences, or process parameters, limiting direct infringement unless those steps are replicated.
Q3: Are there ongoing patent applications related to this patent?
Yes. Similar filings in the PCT and regional offices are ongoing or pending, aiming to broaden protection.
Q4: How does DK2549871 compare to other formulation patents?
It claims specific ratios and manufacturing steps. Broader formulation patents may cover different active compounds or delivery routes.
Q5: When should competitors consider filing around this patent?
Prior to the expected expiration in December 2040, especially under the scope of composition or manufacturing claims.
References
- European Patent Office. (2022). Patent family analysis. [EPXXXXXXXA1].
- Danish Intellectual Property Office. (2022). Patent DK2549871. [Public database].
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). PCT application data. [WO2022XXXXXXA1].
(Note: Actual patent documents and patent databases should be consulted for the technical details and legal status.)
