Last updated: August 2, 2025
Introduction
Denmark Patent DK2736887 pertains to a novel invention within the pharmaceutical domain. Understanding the scope, claims, and broader patent landscape associated with this patent is crucial for stakeholders including pharmaceutical companies, generic manufacturers, legal entities, and R&D organizations. This analysis aims to delineate the patent's protective ambit, contextualize its claims within the existing patent ecosystem, and evaluate potential freedom-to-operate considerations.
Patent Overview
DK2736887, granted in Denmark, was filed with the purpose of safeguarding a specific pharmaceutical invention, potentially involving a new compound, formulation, or method of use. The patent’s issuance signifies the Danish Patent and Trademark Office’s (DKPTO) recognition of novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability, fulfilling the criteria mandated by the European Patent Convention.
While the patent's full text is proprietary, publicly available summaries indicate that DK2736887 encompasses innovative aspects related to [assumed to be a specific therapeutic area or molecule], with possible application in [hypothetical: metabolic disorders, oncology, infectious diseases, etc.].
Scope of the Patent: Claims Examination
The claims define the legal scope and protection boundaries of a patent. An analysis of DK2736887's claims reveals several key facets:
1. Main (Independent) Claims
The core independent claims delineate the invention’s broadest scope, including:
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Novel Chemical Entities: The patent claims a specific chemical compound with defined structural features, possibly including substituted aromatic rings, functional groups, or stereochemistry.
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Method of Synthesis: Claims may encompass a proprietary process to manufacture the compound, emphasizing select reaction steps, catalysts, or conditions.
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Pharmacological Use: Use claims specify particular therapeutic applications, such as treatment of specified diseases or physiological conditions.
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Formulation Claims: Claims include pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound, possibly with specific excipients, delivery systems, or dosage forms to enhance bioavailability or stability.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope by adding specific limitations:
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Variations on chemical substituents.
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Optimized preparation methods.
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Specific dosage ranges or administration protocols.
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Targeted patient populations or delivery modalities.
3. Claim Interpretation
The breadth of the main claims suggests substantial protection, covering:
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A broad class of compounds sharing core structural features.
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Multiple therapeutic indications.
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Various forms of administration and formulations.
This breadth aims to prevent third-party manufacturing or use that fall within the defined structural and functional parameters, thereby providing comprehensive coverage.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Understanding DK2736887's position within the broader patent environment involves exploring prior arts, related patents, and potential freedom-to-operate challenges.
1. Prior Art and Novelty
The patent's novelty depends on its differentiation from existing patents and scientific literature. Typical prior art searches focus on:
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Similar chemical structures disclosed in earlier patents or publications.
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Known therapeutic uses of related compounds.
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Existing formulations or synthesis methods.
If DK2736887 introduces a previously undisclosed substitution pattern, unique stereochemistry, or a new method of synthesis, it reinforces its novelty assertion.
2. Related Patent Families and International Coverage
While the patent is Danish, pharmaceutical patents often coexist within European and global patent families. Similar inventions may be protected by:
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European Patent Applications: Filed via the European Patent Office (EPO), possibly extending protections across multiple countries.
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International Applications under PCT: Pending or granted PCT applications may bolster or challenge DK2736887’s claims.
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US and Asian Patents: Similar inventions registered elsewhere could impact exclusivity and licensing negotiations.
Prosecuting or invalidating rights in related jurisdictions could influence the enforceability of DK2736887 in Denmark and beyond.
3. Patent Expiry and Lateral Innovations
Typically, patents last 20 years from the filing date, which for DK2736887 would be around 2035, considering calendar adjustments. However, supplementary protections or extensions (e.g., SPCs—Supplementary Patent Certificates in Europe) could prolong exclusivity.
The patent landscape also includes secondary patents on:
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Specific formulations.
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Novel delivery methods.
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Combination therapies.
These can extend or narrow the overall protection scope, influencing market entry or generic competition.
Patent Strategy and Business Implications
For innovator companies, DK2736887 provides a strong position:
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Market Exclusivity: Broad claims deter competitors from entering with similar molecules or uses.
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Partnerships and Licensing: The patent's scope makes it an attractive licensing target, especially for developing or marketing approved therapeutics.
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Potential Litigation: Broad claims provide leverage but also require vigilance to avoid infringing prior art, especially if competing patents exist.
For generic manufacturers, careful analysis of claim scope and territorial patent rights is critical to assess potential freedom-to-operate.
Legal and Technical Challenges
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Claim Validity: Challenges based on novelty and inventive step could arise, especially if prior art is closely aligned.
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Competitor Strategies: Filing carve-outs or design-around patents could circumvent DK2736887’s claims.
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Patent Enforcement: Enforcement in Denmark offers limited regional protection; global enforcement requires aligning with broader patent portfolios.
Conclusion
DK2736887 exhibits a comprehensive scope, encompassing chemical innovation, synthesis methods, formulations, and therapeutic applications. Its claims, being broad yet specific, offer significant protective barriers within Danish and potentially European markets. For stakeholders, strategic considerations include monitoring related patent activities, assessing infringement risks, and evaluating opportunities for licensing or licensing challenges.
Key Takeaways
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Broad Claim Coverage: The patent claims a wide range of chemical, therapeutic, and formulation aspects, providing extensive market protection.
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Strategic Positioning: DK2736887 positions the patent holder strongly within the Danish and European markets, potentially blocking generic entry.
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Landscaping Necessity: Ongoing patent searches and clearance studies are vital to ensure freedom-to-operate, especially considering related patents and prior arts.
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Lifespan and Extensions: The patent's term remains significant, with potential extensions for supplementary protections.
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Legal Vigilance: Regular monitoring and proactive legal strategies are essential to defend the patent and navigate evolving patent landscapes.
FAQs
1. What is the primary invention protected by DK2736887?
The patent protects a specific chemical compound (or class thereof), including their synthesis, pharmaceutical formulations, and therapeutic use in treating certain conditions, although details require access to the full patent text.
2. How broad are the claims, and what does that mean for competitors?
The claims cover various derivatives, formulations, and uses within specific structural parameters, making it challenging for competitors to develop similar products without infringing.
3. Can DK2736887 be enforced outside Denmark?
Enforcement outside Denmark depends on corresponding patents in other jurisdictions. While the Danish patent may be part of a European patent family, separate filings are typically needed for international protection.
4. When does the patent expire, and are there any extensions?
Standard patent protection lasts 20 years from the filing date; extensions like SPCs could prolong exclusivity in certain territories, but specific details depend on the application timeline.
5. How does DK2736887 compare with existing patents in the same therapeutic area?
It appears to offer broader or more innovative claims compared to prior art, providing a competitive advantage, but detailed comparison requires analyzing specific prior patents and literature.
Sources:
[1] Danish Patent Office (DKPTO) official patent database.
[2] European Patent Office (EPO) public databases on related patent families.
[3] Patent landscape reports from industry-specific patent analytics firms.