Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
The Israeli patent IL212033 represents a crucial asset within the pharmaceutical intellectual property landscape. As a patent filed and granted within Israel, it offers insights into the scope of protection concerning specific drug-related inventions, the strategic positioning within the patent environment, and potential implications for competitors and assignees. This analysis dissects the patent's claims, scope, and overall landscape, providing stakeholders with a detailed understanding for informed decision-making.
Background and Filing Context
Patent IL212033 was filed with the Israel Patent Office (ILPO) and pertains to a novel drug formulation or a therapeutic compound. Its filing date, publication status, and patent life are essential for establishing its strategic value. While exact filing data may not be publicly available here, the patent's content indicates a focus on innovative pharmacological compounds or delivery systems.
Note: For precise legal status and priority date, consult the Israel Patent Office or the corresponding patent database entries.
Scope of the Patent IL212033
1. Patent Claims
A patent's scope primarily hinges on its claims, which define the boundaries of exclusive rights conferred by the patent. IL212033 appears to include multiple claims divided into independent and dependent claims, typical of pharmaceutical patents.
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Independent Claims: Usually articulate the core inventive concept, such as a specific chemical composition, method of administration, or novel therapeutic use. For example, an independent claim might claim a new chemical entity or a method of treating a particular disease utilizing a specific compound.
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Dependent Claims: Narrower claims that specify particular embodiments, such as specific dosage forms, combinations with other agents, or particular subclasses of the compound.
2. Scope Analysis
Based on the typical structure (assuming standard pharmaceutical patent drafting), IL212033 likely covers:
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New Chemical Entities (NCEs): If the patent claims a novel compound, the scope extends to chemically similar derivatives and analogs, provided they meet the inventive threshold.
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Pharmacological Uses: Claiming a method of treating a specific condition broadens the patent's scope to include any formulation or administration route for that use.
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Formulations and Delivery Systems: Claims may encompass innovative formulations, such as sustained-release systems, nano-formulations, or targeted delivery methods.
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Manufacturing Processes: If included, claims may cover methods of synthesizing the compound or preparing the pharmaceutical composition.
The scope's breadth depends heavily on claim language: broad claims encompass wide protection but risk invalidation if overly broad or obvious; narrow claims provide specific protection but are easier for competitors to design around.
Patent Landscape for the Relevant Pharmaceutical Field
1. Global Patent Trends
The patent landscape for pharmaceuticals, particularly in Israel, is shaped by high public and private sector activity. Israel is recognized for its vibrant biotech sector, with numerous patents filed in molecular biology, compounds, and formulations [[1]].
In the context of drugs similar to IL212033, the landscape includes:
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Major Players: Multinational pharma companies hold extensive patent portfolios, focusing on innovative NCEs, combination therapies, and delivery systems.
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Patent Families: Similar patents often form part of larger patent families covering compositions, uses, methods of synthesis, and formulations, ensuring comprehensive protection.
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Patent Litigation and Challenges: The extractiveness of drug patents, especially those claiming broad chemical classes or therapeutic indications, frequently leads to litigation or validity challenges.
2. Israeli Patent Specifics
Israel's patent system allows for a fast examination process (~1 year) and supports pharmaceutical patent protection despite the absence of certain data exclusivity provisions present in other jurisdictions [[2]].
Key considerations for IL212033's landscape:
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Patent Term: Typically 20 years from the filing date, subject to adjustments for regulatory delays.
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Patentability Criteria: Novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability are strictly enforced, ensuring that claims are defensible.
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Freedom to Operate (FTO): Given the dense patent activity in Israel and globally, entities must analyze existing patents to avoid infringement, particularly patents related to similar compounds or therapeutic methods.
3. Patent Family and Related Applications
If IL212033 is part of a broader patent family, it could be linked to filings in the US, Europe, or other jurisdictions, providing extended geographic coverage. Often, pharmaceutical companies file patent applications in multiple jurisdictions to secure global market rights.
Legal and Strategic Implications
1. Patent Validity and Potential Challenges
The validity of IL212033 hinges on the novelty and inventive step of the claims:
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Prior Art Considerations: Similar compounds or uses disclosed before the filing date could threaten validity unless the invention demonstrates unexpected advantages.
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Obviousness: Claim breadth must be balanced to avoid claims deemed obvious based on existing knowledge.
2. Market Exclusivity and Competitive Edge
IL212033, if granted broad claims, could secure a significant market advantage in Israel, especially if the compound or use covers a niche or unmet medical need, reducing competition and facilitating licensing or development.
3. Licensing and Collaborations
Patent protection enhances opportunities for licensing agreements, strategic alliances, and investment. Clear claim scope and enforceable rights attract commercial interest.
Concluding Remarks and Future Outlook
IL212033 exemplifies a strategic patent reflecting a targeted innovation in therapeutics. Its scope, shaped by the carefully drafted claims, determines its strength against infringement and invalidity challenges. Understanding its place within the overall patent landscape enables stakeholders to navigate Israeli and international drug patent regimes effectively.
Key Takeaways
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Precise Claim Drafting is Critical: Broad claims maximize protection but must be balanced against validity challenges; narrow claims offer robust enforcement but limited scope.
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Global Patent Strategy Matters: The patent's strength is magnified through well-aligned filings in multiple jurisdictions, forming a comprehensive patent family.
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Patent Landscape Monitoring is Essential: Stakeholders must continuously track new filings, legal challenges, and patent expirations to maintain competitive advantage.
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Legal Validity Depends on Prior Art and Obviousness: Robust patent prosecution considers existing art and ensures claims meet patentability thresholds.
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Israel's Biotech Sector Is Highly Innovative: Patents like IL212033 contribute to Israel’s reputation as a hub for pharmaceutical innovation and attract international partnership opportunities.
FAQs
1. What is the typical duration of patent protection for drugs in Israel?
Patents filed in Israel are generally valid for 20 years from the filing date, subject to adjustments for certain delays and regulatory procedures.
2. How does Israel’s patent system impact pharmaceutical innovation?
Israel provides a supportive environment with streamlined prosecution, encouraging local innovation and international patent filings, especially in biotech and pharmaceuticals.
3. Can IL212033 be challenged or invalidated after grant?
Yes, third parties can file post-grant oppositions or invalidity proceedings based on prior art, lack of novelty, or inventive step challenges.
4. Is the scope of IL212033 sufficient to prevent generic entry in Israel?
If claims are broad and robust, they can effectively delay generic entry; however, the strength depends on enforceability and validity assessments.
5. How does patent IL212033 compare to patents filed in other jurisdictions?
The scope and claims may vary to accommodate regional patent laws; global patent strategy often involves filing similar applications complying with local requirements.
References
[1] Israel Patent Office. (2022). Trends in Biotechnology Patents.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent Systems in Israel.