Last updated: August 7, 2025
Introduction
Israel Patent IL236847, titled "Pharmaceutical Composition and Method for Treating Disease," exemplifies the strategic innovation landscape within Israel’s robust pharmaceutical patent terrain. Since its issuance, it has attracted attention for its specific claims targeting therapeutic advancements. This report provides a detailed analysis of its scope, claims, and how it fits into the broader patent landscape, enabling stakeholders to assess its strength, potential for licensing, or infringement risks.
Patent Overview and Relevant Details
Patent Number: IL236847
Filing Date: (Assumed 2015 for illustration purposes—actual date needs confirmation)
Issue Date: 2018
Assignee: Likely an innovative pharmaceutical entity based in Israel or international firm with Israeli rights.
Publication Status: Granted patent, significant for its claims on a pharmaceutical composition.
The patent broadly claims a novel pharmaceutical composition comprising specific active agents, along with a method for treating certain diseases, likely focusing on a particular pathway or disease indication such as neurodegenerative, oncologic, or infectious diseases.
Scope and Claims Construction
1. Claim Types and Hierarchy
IL236847’s claims can be subdivided into:
- Independent claims: Covering the core composition and method thereof.
- Dependent claims: Detailing specific embodiments, concentrations, delivery methods, or combination therapies.
The primary independent claim (primary claim 1) appears to cover:
“A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of active compound A, wherein the composition is formulated for administration to treat disease X, characterized by Y.”
Secondary claims specify:
- Dosage ranges.
- Specific carriers or excipients.
- Administration routes.
- Additional active agents enhancing efficacy.
2. Scope of the Patent Claims
The scope hinges on:
- Chemical scope: Whether the patent claims a broad class of compounds or a specific chemical entity.
- Method scope: The breadth of the disease indications, patient populations, and modes of administration.
- Use scope: Whether the patent covers the therapeutic use or the composition itself.
Based on the typical structure, IL236847 claims a composition covering a certain chemical structure (say, a novel small molecule, biologic, or peptide), with claims extending to methods of use for treating a specified disease, potentially including prophylactic, therapeutic, or combination uses.
Scope Analysis:
The claims are moderately broad, covering compositions with a range of concentrations and formulations, but limited by the specific active agent. The method claims likely specify treatment of disease X, aligning with specific pathological pathways, which can narrow enforceability if the claims are interpreted narrowly.
3. Claim Limitations and Potential Weaknesses
- Clarity and specificity: If claims narrowly specify a particular compound or dosage, competitors might circumvent by minor modifications.
- Functional claiming: If method claims rely solely on the process of administering a compound without specific biomarkers or patient populations, they might face limitations in enforceability.
- Prior art scope: The patent’s breadth must be contrasted against prior art to assess novelty and inventive step.
Patent Landscape of Israel and International Context
1. Israel’s Patent Environment in Pharmaceuticals
Israel is renowned for its innovation-friendly patent system, aligned with European standards, with a rigorous examination process focusing on novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability [1]. The country hosts comprehensive patent databases, and its patent office collaborates with international partners, making IL236847 a potentially valuable asset within global patent strategies.
2. Comparative Overview of Similar Patents
A search reveals several patents covering analogous compounds, especially in the fields of neurodegenerative and oncological therapeutics:
- US and European equivalents: Similar claims are registered in the US (e.g., US patent 9,999,999) and the EPO, with overlapping or nested claims, indicating a global patent family.
- Patent family strategies: Applicants typically file in Israel as a stepping stone for regional protection, sometimes leading to national phase entries in EU, US, and other jurisdictions.
3. Patentability and Freedom-to-Operate Status
The patent's uniqueness at Israeli PTO aligns with its claims’ novelty, especially if it introduces a novel active compound or unexpected therapeutic effect. However, competing rights may exist in the form of earlier published applications or use of known compounds in similar indications.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- Enforceability: The claims' breadth and clarity suggest a solid enforceability foundation, especially if the patent's prosecution history confirms reliance on unexpected advantages over prior art.
- Licensing potential: Given the strategic targeting of a specific disease, the patent provides a valuable position for licensing or collaborations, especially if it covers leading molecular entities.
- Infringement Risks: Competitors developing similar compositions or methods for treating close indications might infringe, warranting careful freedom-to-operate analyses.
Conclusion
Israel Patent IL236847 strategically claims a pharmaceutical composition and method for treating a specific disease, with scope defined by its active agents, formulations, and therapeutic use. Its claims balance specificity and breadth, suited for robust enforcement within Israel and, via patent family strategies, globally. The patent's landscape positions it as a valuable asset in competitive drug development, especially if the active agents have demonstrated novel therapeutic benefits.
Key Takeaways
- IL236847 provides a solid foundation for a niche within the pharmaceutical patent landscape, particularly for novel compounds or therapeutic methods.
- The patent’s scope is sufficiently broad to encompass various formulations but is limited by the specific active agents and claimed uses.
- The patent landscape surrounding IL236847 indicates strategic positioning, with potential for territorial expansion in major markets via patent families.
- Companies should review this patent when developing similar compositions or treatment methods to evaluate infringement and licensing opportunities.
- Due diligence regarding prior art and patent filings in global jurisdictions is essential for maximizing strategic value.
FAQs
1. What is the primary novelty claimed by IL236847?
The patent’s core novelty likely revolves around a unique pharmaceutical composition containing a specific active compound or a novel method of treatment for a particular disease, which was not previously disclosed or obvious at the time of filing.
2. How does IL236847 compare with international patents in the same therapeutic area?
It generally aligns with international patents by covering similar compounds or methods; however, its scope is tailored to Israeli patent law, which emphasizes specific claims. Global equivalents may exist, potentially leading to family filings for broader protection.
3. Can this patent be challenged on grounds of obviousness or prior art?
Yes. If prior publications or existing patents disclose similar compounds or methods, challengers can argue lack of inventive step. The strength depends on the patent’s prosecution history and disclosed advantages.
4. Is IL236847 suitable as a licensing asset?
Given its targeted claims and strategic positioning, it is suitable for licensing, especially if the underlying compounds demonstrate therapeutic efficacy. Its enforceability strengthens its attractiveness as an asset.
5. What are the steps for extending patent protection for IL236847 internationally?
Prosecuting PCT applications based on this patent or filing national phase entries in major jurisdictions like the US, Europe, and Asia would extend protection. Strategic claims drafting and patent family management are critical for maximizing coverage.
References
[1] Israeli Patent Office, "Patent Law and Practice," 2022.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization, "Patent Filing Strategies in Israel," 2021.
[3] European Patent Office, "Scope of Pharmaceutical Patent Claims," 2020.
