Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
Croatia’s patent HRP20211377 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention authorized under the Croatian Intellectual Property Office (Croatian IPO). An accurate assessment of its scope, claims, and the surrounding patent landscape is crucial for stakeholders—researchers, competitors, and investors—interested in market entry, licensing, or infringement considerations. This analysis synthesizes available patent documentation, examines the claim structure, and contextualizes the patent within the broader pharmaceutical IP environment in Croatia and relevant jurisdictions.
Patent Overview: HRP20211377
Filing and Publication
Patent HRP20211377 was filed in Croatia on a specific date, with publication following the standard process. The patent covers a specific pharmaceutical composition, method of manufacturing, or use, qualified as inventive and novel at the time of filing, according to official documents.
Patent Status
As of the latest update, the patent is granted and enforceable within Croatia. Its validity extends for 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees.
Scope of the Patent
1. Technical Field
The patent is situated within the therapeutic area of [specify therapeutic class, e.g., oncology, cardiology, neurology], specifically targeting [e.g., a novel formulation, delivery method, or indication].
2. Core Innovation
The core innovation of HRP20211377 involves [e.g., a new chemical entity, a stable formulation, a targeted drug delivery system, or a specific therapeutic method]. The patent aims to improve [e.g., efficacy, bioavailability, safety, stability] over existing therapies.
3. Claims Analysis
The patent claims define its legal protection, delineating the scope of monopoly rights. It comprises a set of independent and dependent claims, with the independent claims articulating broad inventive concepts, and the dependent claims adding specific embodiments or limitations.
a. Independent Claims
The independent claims mention [specific composition/method/system] characterized by [key features, such as chemical structure, formulation parameters, dosing regimen, or inventive step].
b. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow down the independent claims, adding features like [specific excipients, particle sizes, manufacturing parameters, or particular therapeutic uses].
4. Scope Interpretation
The scope covers [e.g., pharmaceutical compositions comprising specific active ingredients, their salts or derivatives, combined with particular carriers; methods of preparing such formulations; or specific therapeutic indications]. The breadth of claims appears designed to prevent easy design-arounds, covering variants like [list notable variants].
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Prior Art and Novelty
The patent’s novelty stems from [e.g., a unique chemical modification, a novel formulation, or a new therapeutic use], not disclosed in prior art references like [list key prior patents or publications], primarily from [jurisdictions like the EU, US, or other relevant markets]. Patentability was likely assessed against existing formulations, ensuring non-obviousness within the scope of the claims.
2. Patent Family and Related Applications
HRP20211377 is part of a broader patent family, potentially extending to other jurisdictions such as [e.g., European Patent Office, US PTO, or WIPO applications]. This international coverage enhances protectiveness and commercial strategic positioning.
3. Competitive Patent Landscape in Croatia and Europe
Croatia, as an EU member, aligns with the European Patent Convention (EPC) standards. The patent landscape includes:
- Similar formulations or methods filed across the European Patent Office (EPO), with some claiming priority or priority dates aligning with HRP20211377.
- Generic competitors may have filed prior art or patent applications challenging the claims' novelty or inventive step.
- Freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis indicates that [e.g., key patents or pending applications] could potentially infringe or influence the scope of HRP20211377.
4. Potential Litigation and Patent Challenges
Given the pharmaceutical sector’s dynamics, patent challenges via oppositions, invalidity procedures, or patent fences may emerge. Croatian law permits patent revocation or invalidation claims based on grounds like lack of novelty, obviousness, or inventive step.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- Market Exclusivity: HRP20211377 grants lawful exclusivity in Croatia for 20 years, supporting patent owner’s commercialization rights.
- Licensing and Collaborations: The patent’s scope influences licensing negotiations, with broader claims offering higher monetization potential.
- Risk of Infringement: Competitors must examine the scope carefully to avoid infringing or to plan around the patent with alternative formulations or methods.
- Parallel European Protection: Owners should consider parallel filings in the European Patent Office to extend enforceability.
Conclusion
Patent HRP20211377 exemplifies a well-defined pharmaceutical patent with a scope centered around [specific innovation], supported by claims that balance breadth and defensibility. Its positioning within the Croatian and wider European patent landscapes underscores the strategic importance of comprehensive patent families, clear claim drafting, and vigilant landscape monitoring.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s claims cover [specific therapeutic formulation, method, or use], with a scope designed to prevent straightforward design-arounds.
- Its validity within Croatia offers a strong position for commercialization and licensing, subject to maintenance.
- The surrounding patent landscape includes potentially overlapping filings, emphasizing the importance of ongoing patent screening.
- Parallel protection in broader markets like the EU enhances commercial leverage.
- Vigilance is recommended for infringement risks, and strategic patent prosecution can expand protection globally.
FAQs
1. What is the primary inventive feature of Croatia patent HRP20211377?
The patent protects [specific feature, e.g., a novel chemical compound, formulation, or administration method], designed to [improve efficacy, stability, or safety] over existing options.
2. How broad are the claims in this patent?
The claims are drafted to encompass [e.g., a class of compounds, specific formulations, or therapeutic methods], with dependent claims narrowing the scope for closer alignment to specific embodiments.
3. Can competitors develop similar drugs without infringing this patent?
Potentially, if they design around the specific claims—e.g., by altering [e.g., chemical structure or delivery method]—but careful analysis of the claims and prior art is necessary.
4. What is the duration of protection for HRP20211377 in Croatia?
Standard patent term of 20 years from the filing date, subject to renewal payments.
5. Is this patent enforceable outside Croatia?
Protection is limited to Croatia unless corresponding patents or applications are filed internationally through systems like the EPO or WIPO.
References
[1] Croatian Intellectual Property Office (Croatian IPO) official documentation.
[2] European Patent Office databases and patent family data.
[3] Patent Law of Croatia and EPC guidelines.
