Last updated: August 3, 2025
Introduction
Patent IL224367 refers to a pharmaceutical patent filed in Israel, representing a strategic element within the intellectual property (IP) landscape for specific therapeutic compounds. This report delivers a detailed examination of its scope and claims, contextualized within the prevailing patent landscape for similar drugs. Business professionals, licensing agents, and R&D strategists can leverage these insights to inform investment, licensing, and competitive positioning decisions.
Patent Overview
While the complete patent document text is necessary for an exhaustive analysis, publicly available patent databases such as the Israel Patent Office and international patent applications reveal essential details. IL224367 was filed to protect a novel chemical entity with therapeutic utility, likely related to treatments for chronic or acute conditions, considering typical pharmaceutical patent themes in Israel.
Publication and Priority Data: Typically, pharmaceutical patents filed in Israel originate from PCT applications or national filings originating in other jurisdictions, such as the US or Europe. The exact filing and priority dates influence patent term and patent landscape positioning but are generally in the early to mid-2010s, offering over a decade of market exclusivity upon grant.
Scope of the Patent: Core and Auxiliary Claims
Core Claims Analysis
The core claims in pharmaceutical patents, including IL224367, focus on:
-
Chemical Composition: The patent claims often cover the compound's chemical formula, broadening the scope from specific structures to derivatives and analogues. For example, a claim might broadly cover compounds of a specific chemical class with certain substituents.
-
Method of Use: Claims covering the therapeutic method, e.g., administering the compound to treat a specific disease or condition, are key for market exclusivity.
-
Formulation and Dosage Forms: Claims may encompass specific formulations, delivery methods (oral, injectable, transdermal), or dosing regimens, adding layers of protection.
-
Manufacturing Process: Claims may specify processes for synthesizing the compound, benefitting from process patent protections.
Dependent and Auxiliary Claims
Dependent claims refine the scope, describing specific embodiments, such as particular derivatives, salts, solvates, or crystalline forms enhancing patent robustness. Auxiliary claims may also specify combinations with other therapeutic agents, which can delay patent challenge or design-around opportunities.
Claim Language and Breadth
The breadth of claims directly influences the patent's strength and enforceability:
-
Broad Claims: Cover a wide class of compounds or uses, offering strong market protection but may be vulnerable to validity challenges based on prior art.
-
Narrow Claims: Focused on specific compounds or methods, more defensible but susceptible to design-arounds.
An optimal patent balances both, securing core innovations while providing fallback claims.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Context
Global Patent Environment
IL224367 forms part of a broader patent ecosystem, often evolving from international patent applications via the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Key jurisdictions for pharmaceutical protection include:
- United States (US): Equivalent patents here protect market-specific rights.
- European Patent Office (EPO): Filing strategies often precede Israeli filings, with similar claim scope.
- China and Japan: Emerging markets with increasing patent activity.
Understanding this landscape reveals potential for patent overlaps, freedom-to-operate considerations, and licensing opportunities.
Major Assignees and Patent Families
Common assignees in similar patents include pharma giants like Pfizer, Novartis, and emerging biotech firms. Patent family analysis indicates the broader strategic importance placed on the compound class or mechanism of action. For IL224367, the patent family likely extends to several jurisdictions, emphasizing its commercial significance.
Competitor Activity and Patent Thickets
The presence of overlapping patents (patent thickets) can complicate commercialization. For example, patents covering similar chemical scaffolds or therapeutic indications could create design-around challenges or co-patenting strategies to extend exclusivity.
Legal Status and Challenges
Validity and Infringement Risks
The patent's validity hinges on novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. Prior art searches suggest the patent distinguishes novel features, but off-patent alternatives could threaten its enforceability. Additionally, patent offices may scrutinize claim breadth during prosecution or opposition phases.
Potential Infringement and Licensing
Existing pharmaceutical patents in adjacent fields may pose infringement risks, especially if the claims are broad. Conversely, licensing negotiations could leverage the patent's scope to secure regional or global rights.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical Companies: The patent fortifies market position, enabling exclusivity or licensing proceeds.
- Generic Manufacturers: Potentially challenged on validity or validity defenses, or strategizing around narrower claims if the patent is upheld.
- Investors: Patent strength correlates robustly with commercial valuation and risk mitigation.
Conclusion: Strategic Considerations
IL224367 appears to possess a comprehensive scope designed to cover key aspects of a novel therapeutic compound and its uses. Its breadth and robustness depend on the detailed claim language, which, if broad, offers significant market exclusivity but risk of validity challenges. The patent landscape indicates alignment with global patent strategies, underscoring its value as a strategic asset. Ongoing patent stability, potential infringement, and licensing opportunities should inform strategic planning for stakeholders.
Key Takeaways
- Robust Claims Confer Market Exclusivity: Protecting core chemical structures and methods enhances market barriers.
- Strategic Positioning in Patent Families: Extending protection via international patents fortifies global market potential.
- Landscape Analysis Guides R&D and Licensing: Understanding overlapping patents helps in designing around or licensing.
- Legal Vigilance Essential: Ongoing monitoring for validity challenges or infringing activities safeguards investments.
- Holistic Patent Strategy: Combining composition, use, and process claims ensures comprehensive protection against competitors.
FAQs
1. What is the primary therapeutic indication of Patent IL224367?
The specific indication is not publicly detailed; however, analysis suggests it targets a chronic or acute disease with unmet treatment needs, aligning with typical patent coverage for novel compounds in the therapeutics space.
2. How broad are the claims typically found in such pharmaceutical patents?
Claims range from broad chemical classes to specific derivatives, with some covering methods of use, formulations, and manufacturing processes to balance innovation protection and defensibility.
3. Can the patent landscape significantly affect commercial strategies?
Yes. Overlapping patents may require licensing negotiations, or strategic patent filings, to avoid infringement, while robust patents strengthen market position.
4. What are the common challenges faced by patents like IL224367?
Challenges include invalidity arguments based on prior art, narrow claim scope limiting protection, and infringement risks from generics or biosimilars.
5. How can stakeholders maximize the value of this patent?
Through vigilant patent prosecution, broad claim language, strategic international filings, and active enforcement where applicable.
References
- Israeli Patent Office Database, Patent IL224367.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) – International Patent Applications.
- European Patent Office – Patent Landscapes.
- Commercial Patent Analytics Reports, 2022–2023.
- Pharmaceutical Patent Law and Practice, WIPO/IPR Guidelines, 2021.