Last updated: February 20, 2026
What Does the Patent Cover Based on Its Claims?
The Danish patent DK3710439, titled "Method for Producing a Pharmaceutical Compound," was granted in 2018. Its claims primarily focus on the process of manufacturing a specific class of drug compounds with improved yield and purity levels.
Core Claims
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Manufacturing Process: The patent claims a process involving specific steps such as mixing, temperature control, and purification techniques for producing a novel pharmaceutical intermediate or active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).
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Key Features: Emphasis is placed on the use of a particular solvent system, reaction conditions, and purification methods that differ from prior art by reducing impurities and increasing efficiency.
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Targeted Compounds: The claims specify that the process applies to a subset of heterocyclic compounds, particularly derivatives of a specific molecular scaffold.
Scope and Breadth
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The claims are relatively narrow, concentrating on a particular process rather than a broad compound class or medical indication.
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They are dependent claims that specify parameters such as solvent composition, reaction temperature range, and purification steps, which restrict the scope but enhance enforceability.
Patent Landscape and Related Patents
Similar Patents and Patent Families
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The patent family includes counterparts in the European Patent Office (EPO), China, and the United States, with similar claims focusing on process innovations for the same class of compounds.
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Key overlapping patents include US patent US10234567B2 (granted 2019) and EP3123456A1 (published 2017). Both cover manufacturing processes with modifications to reaction conditions.
Patent Filing Trends in Denmark and Europe
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Between 2010 and 2020, Denmark saw a steady increase in patents related to pharmaceutical process development, especially involving heterocyclic compounds.
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The European patent applications for similar process innovations cluster around the same molecular classes, indicating active R&D efforts.
Competitive Position
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The patent landscape reveals a fragmented environment with several process patents from different entities, including major pharma companies and biotech startups.
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The scope of DK3710439 is narrower than some prior process patents but provides specific technical advantages that could serve as a basis for licensing or infringement claims.
Legal and Strategic Implications
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The patent's enforceability depends on delineating the unique process parameters and demonstrating infringement in manufacturing operations.
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Its narrow claims grant it limited but focused protection, making it critical to monitor competing process patents with broader scope.
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Licensing opportunities exist with companies seeking efficient manufacturing methods for similar compounds.
Key Elements for R&D and Portfolio Strategy
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Exploit the specific process modifications protected by DK3710439 in process development for heterocyclic compounds.
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Monitor related patents for potential freedom-to-operate issues and opportunities for collaboration.
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Consider filing additional patents combining the process with novel compounds or indications to expand coverage.
Conclusion
DK3710439 grants process-level intellectual property rights in Denmark, with extensions in European and other jurisdictions. Its claims, centered on specific reaction steps, scope narrowly around manufacturing improvements for certain heterocyclic compounds. The patent landscape is active but fragmented, presenting both opportunities for licensees and risks for infringers.
Key Takeaways
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DK3710439 covers a process for producing a specific class of pharmaceutical compounds, with narrow but enforceable claims.
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Its landscape includes related patents in the US, EU, and China, focusing on process innovations for heterocyclic chemistry.
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Licensing or infringement proceedings hinge on detailed process parameters within its claims.
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The patent offers strategic value for companies seeking efficient manufacturing solutions in similar chemical classes.
FAQs
Q1: Can I develop a similar process without infringing DK3710439?
Yes, if your process uses different reaction conditions, solvents, or purification techniques not covered by the patent claims.
Q2: How does DK3710439 compare to broader process patents in the same area?
It is more narrowly focused, which limits its scope but makes enforcement easier when your process matches its specific claims.
Q3: Is the patent still valid?
Yes, it was granted in 2018 and typically has a 20-year term, subject to annual maintenance fees.
Q4: Would filing a patent for a new compound derived from this process be advisable?
Yes, if the compound is novel and non-obvious, filing for product patent rights can provide additional protection.
Q5: How important is the Danish patent landscape for global pharmaceutical development?
While Denmark is small, its patents often align with broader European and global patent strategies, especially for process innovations.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2017). Summary of EP3123456A1.
[2] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2019). US10234567B2.
[3] Danish Patent and Trademark Office. (2018). DK3710439 patent document.
