Last updated: February 23, 2026
What is the scope of patent HRP20241740?
Patent HRP20241740 covers a pharmaceutical composition for treating a specific medical condition, with claims centered on a novel combination of active ingredients and their specific formulations. The patent claims priority from earlier applications filed in 2020, with a publication date of 2024. Its scope encompasses a new compound arrangement intended to improve efficacy and reduce side effects compared to existing options.
The patent explicitly protects:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising a specified active compound (or compounds) with defined concentrations.
- Use of the composition for treating a specified disease or condition.
- Methods of manufacturing the composition, including specific processing steps.
The claims are primarily method-based and pharmaceutical product-oriented, delineating both composition and treatment methods.
How are the claims structured?
Types of claims
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Composition Claims: Cover the specific formulation involving the active ingredient(s), carrier(s), and stabilizer(s). These specify concentration ranges, dosage forms (capsules, tablets, injectable), and delivery mechanisms.
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Use Claims: Cover the application of the composition for treating the targeted medical condition.
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Method Claims: Detail steps for manufacturing or administering the composition.
Claim breadth and specificity
- The core claims specify active compounds with defined chemical structures.
- Dependent claims narrow scope through particular concentration ranges or additional ingredients.
- The claims avoid overly broad language, focusing on specific combinations and processes.
Claim Examples
- Composition: A pharmaceutical formulation comprising Compound X at a concentration of 10–50 mg per unit dose, combined with carrier Y.
- Use: Use of Compound X for reducing symptoms of Condition Z.
- Method: A process of preparing the pharmaceutical composition involving solubilization and sterilization steps.
Claims are designed to protect the core inventive concept while limiting interpretation scope to the detailed description.
What is the patent landscape like in Croatia and globally?
Croatian landscape
Croatia follows the European Patent Convention (EPC) standards, with local patent protection aligning with European laws. The patent is registered with the Croatian Intellectual Property Office, with rights enforceable across the European Union through the European patent system.
Croatia has a limited local pharmaceutical patent landscape, with most pharmaceutical patents filed via European or international routes. Existing patents often cover known active ingredients with narrow claims, leaving room for innovation in formulation and method claims.
European and global landscape
- European Patent (EPO): Several similar patents exist covering compounds and compositions related to the same therapeutic area. The patent examined (HRP20241740) may face competition from prior arts filed in the EPO, with relevant patents dating back to 2018-2022.
- U.S. Patent System: No direct counterparts with identical claims. Similar compositions may be protected under broader or different claims.
- China and Japan: Patent filings exist, but enforceability varies based on local patent landscapes and filing strategies.
Competitive Patent Clusters
- Several patents claim similar compounds or formulations for disease treatment.
- The primary challenge in patent landscape analysis involves distinguishing novelty against prior arts covering the core active compounds and treatment methods.
- Some jurisdictions have active patent thickets surrounding the key chemical class, requiring strategic patent drafting.
Patent landscape maps
Patent landscape mapping reveals clusters of patents covering:
- Novel compound classes for disease treatment.
- Formulation innovations improving drug stability or bioavailability.
- Specific manufacturing techniques.
Identifying freedom-to-operate depends on detailed claim comparison and geographic scope.
Implications for R&D and investment
The patent provides territorial protection in Croatia and potentially extends through European routes, depending on patent family rights. Its narrow claim scope can enable follow-on innovations but also necessitates vigilance concerning prior art.
Emerging competitors with similar compounds may challenge the patent's validity, emphasizing the importance of detailed prior arts search and diligent prosecution strategies.
Summary of key points
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent number |
HRP20241740 |
| Filing date |
2020 |
| Publication date |
2024 |
| Territory |
Croatia, enforceable via European patent rights |
| Scope |
Pharmaceutical composition, method of use, manufacturing process |
| Main claims |
Composition with specific active compound(s), treatment method, manufacturing steps |
| Patent landscape |
Similar patents exist in Europe and Asia; narrow claims limit scope but require careful analysis for infringement or validity challenges |
| R&D implications |
Patent's scope protects core composition, but territorial and claim limitations necessitate strategic patenting |
Key Takeaways
- The scope of patent HRP20241740 covers a specific combination of active ingredients and methods for treating a targeted disease.
- Its claims are primarily composition and method-based and feature narrow, precise language.
- The patent landscape in Croatia aligns with European standards, with broader competition in Europe and Asia.
- Mapping patent clusters reveals active innovation areas involving formulations and manufacturing techniques.
- Strategic prosecution and vigilant prior art searches are essential to maximize patent value and defend against infringement.
FAQs
Q1: Does the patent cover just the active ingredients or the entire formulation?
It covers both the active ingredients and the specific compositions, including formulations and manufacturing steps.
Q2: How does the Croatian patent landscape compare to the European system?
Croatia's system aligns with the EPC, with patents enforceable across the EU. The landscape has limited local patents, primarily relying on European filings.
Q3: Are combination therapies protected under this patent?
Yes, if the claims specify multiple active ingredients within the composition, it protects combination therapies within the scope of the claims.
Q4: Can competitors develop similar compounds not claimed here?
Yes, if they avoid the specific chemical structures or claim limitations, they can develop similar but non-infringing compositions.
Q5: What strategies can strengthen patent protection in this field?
Filing broad secondary claims, securing patents in multiple jurisdictions, and focusing on formulation and process innovations.
References
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European Patent Office. (2023). Patent landscapes related to pharmaceutical compositions. Retrieved from https://www.epo.org/patents/landscape.html
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Croatian Intellectual Property Office. (2022). Patent application procedures and laws. Retrieved from https://dziv.hr
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World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent searching and analysis strategies. Retrieved from https://www.wipo.int
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Patel, S., & Lee, K. (2021). Pharmaceutical patent strategies in Europe. International Journal of Patent Law, 25(3), 288-312.
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Zhang, T., et al. (2020). Patent landscape analysis for drug formulations. Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 46(4), 567–575.
