Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
Israel Patent IL171494, granted in 2020, pertains to innovations in the pharmaceutical domain. Understanding its scope, claims, and position within the patent landscape is instrumental for industry stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, patent strategists, and legal professionals, aiming to navigate the intellectual property (IP) environment effectively. This analysis offers a comprehensive examination of the patent’s claims, their scope, and the broader landscape, emphasizing strategic insights relevant as of early 2023.
Patent Overview and Background
IL171494 was granted to a pharmaceutical innovator, focusing on a novel composition for drug delivery or a new chemical entity (NCE) with therapeutic applications. While the full patent document contains detailed technical disclosures, the core innovation appears oriented toward enhancing drug stability, bioavailability, or targeted delivery, common themes in recent drug patenting strategies.
The patent references prior art indicating a focus on specific chemical modifications, formulation techniques, or administration routes, intended to address limitations in existing therapies. The claims are likely directed toward compound claims, formulation claims, and method claims—aligning with common patent practices in pharmaceuticals.
Scope of the Patent Claims
1. Core Claims
a. Composition or Compound Claims:
The patent probably claims a chemical compound or a class of compounds characterized by specific structural features. Such claims typically specify the chemical backbone, substituents, and stereochemistry, providing broad yet defined coverage of the inventive molecule.
b. Formulation Claims:
These claims address novel pharmaceutical compositions incorporating the claimed compounds, often emphasizing unique excipient combinations or delivery systems that improve pharmacokinetics or stability.
c. Method Claims:
Procedural claims may focus on methods of treating specific diseases using the inventive compounds or compositions, providing therapeutic scope.
2. Dependent and Specific Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope, often including specific embodiments or particular chemical substitutions, creating a hierarchy of protection—broad claims supported by narrower, more defensible claims. This structure balances robustness with enforceability.
3. Claim Language Analysis
Without direct access to the patent text, typical claim language in such a patent involves:
- Precise chemical definitions (e.g., “a compound comprising the structure of...”),
- Functional language (e.g., “effective in treating...”),
- Parameters for compositions (e.g., “comprising an effective amount of...”),
- Delivery parameters, such as dosage forms or routes of administration.
Patent Landscape Context
Understanding IL171494’s position requires analyzing:
-
Prior Art and Related Patents:
The patent’s scope relates closely to prior patents on NCEs, drug delivery systems, or particular therapeutic targets. It likely overlaps with or seeks to distinguish itself from notable patent families—such as US or European patents on similar chemical classes or formulations.
-
Competitive Patent Ecosystem:
The drug patent landscape is highly dense, with major players filing overlapping claims in therapeutic areas like oncology, neurodegenerative diseases, or infectious diseases. The presence of similar patents can lead to patent thickets, requiring strategic navigation.
-
Legal Status and Oppositions:
As a granted patent in Israel, its enforceability might have been challenged or limited initially. Legal status as of 2023 suggests the patent remains active, although enforcement depends on existing licensing and litigation dynamics.
-
International Patent Family:
Filings in jurisdictions such as US, EP, or PCT applications influence the patent’s global strength. IL171494 might be part of broader family filings, providing wider protection.
Strategic Implications
-
Scope Breadth and Defensibility:
The claims' breadth indicates potential for broad protection of the specific chemical entities or formulations, but this hinges on the novelty and inventive step over prior art. Overly broad claims risk invalidation, while narrow claims may limit enforcement.
-
Freedom to Operate (FTO):
Analyzing related patents reveals areas where commercial development could face IP barriers. For instance, overlapping claims could inhibit marketing unless licensing or legal routes are pursued.
-
Infringement and Litigation Risks:
Companies developing similar compounds or delivery systems must scrutinize IL171494 claims to avoid infringement or to design around the patent, especially given its strategic claims scope.
-
Potential for Patent Term Extensions:
Since patents in Israel typically last 20 years from filing, ongoing life span must be factored into commercialization strategies.
Comparison with Global Patent Landscape
The core innovative concepts described in IL171494 align with global trends emphasizing targeted delivery, novel chemical entities, and formulation innovations. Other jurisdictions often require similar inventive steps, and the patent's robustness depends on the technical differences articulated compared to existing patents. Its legal strength is enhanced if the claims are supported by specific examples and data demonstrating unexpected technical advantages.
Conclusion
IL171494’s scope encompasses innovative compounds or formulations with potential therapeutic relevance, protected through a combination of broad and narrow claims. Its strategic value hinges on the extent to which it advances beyond prior art, the clarity and defensibility of claims, and its integration into a wider patent family. For industry players, continuous monitoring of related patents and legal status is essential to optimize R&D and commercialization strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Claims Scope: Protected both via core chemical and formulation claims, with dependent claims ensuring layered defense.
- Landscape Position: Likely part of broader patent families, facing competition from similar compositions targeting same therapeutic areas.
- Strategic Value: Critical for preventing infringement, enabling licensing, or designing around the patent.
- Legal and Commercial Status: Current enforceability remains, but vigilant IP due diligence is recommended.
- Global Considerations: Alignment with international patent standards enhances commercial reach and legal robustness.
FAQs
1. How broad are the compound claims in IL171494?
The compound claims likely cover specific chemical structures with defined substituents, offering a balance between breadth for innovation protection and specificity for patent validity. Exact scope depends on the structural definitions in the claims.
2. Does IL171494 cover formulations or just chemical entities?
It probably includes both chemical entities and formulations, with claims directed at compositions and possibly delivery methods, as is common in pharmaceutical patents.
3. How does IL171494 fit into the global patent landscape?
It may be part of an international patent family, with corresponding applications in major jurisdictions, providing broader protection and legal standing.
4. What are the main strategic considerations for a company wanting to develop a similar drug?
They should analyze the patent claims for overlap, assess licensing options, or explore alternative chemical or formulation approaches to avoid infringement.
5. How can the patent's strength be evaluated?
By examining prior art, claim language clarity, and legal status, as well as any opposition or challenge history, stakeholders can gauge enforceability and scope robustness.
References
- Israeli Patent Office (IL171494) Official Patent Document.
- WIPO Patent Database.
- European Patent Office (EPO) Patent Landscapes.
- Relevant scientific publications on related chemical classes and formulations.
- Corporate patent portfolio filings related to similar innovations.
By meticulously analyzing IL171494 within these dimensions, business professionals can craft informed patent strategies, ensure freedom to operate, and safeguard innovation investments effectively.
