Last updated: August 11, 2025
Introduction
Israel Patent IL267172 pertains to an innovative pharmaceutical invention, whose scope and claims influence its exclusivity and competitive positioning within the drug patent landscape. A thorough examination of its claims, scope, and surrounding patent environment offers vital insights for stakeholders assessing patent strength, potential licensing opportunities, and competitive risks.
Patent Overview
Patent IL267172 was granted in Israel, a jurisdiction known for its rigorous patent standards aligning with international norms. The patent’s filing date, likely in the early 2010s, situates it within a contemporary landscape of biologic and small-molecule drug innovations.
The patent target appears to be a novel therapeutic compound or formulation with potential indications spanning oncology, neurology, or infectious diseases, as is common in recent Israeli pharmaceutical patents. The explicit textual scope stems from the claims, which define its legal boundaries.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The core of IL267172 comprises several independent claims primarily defining:
-
Chemical Composition or Compound:
These claims specify a chemical entity or a class of compounds, often characterized by a structural formula. For example, a new heterocyclic compound with specific substitution patterns, designed to exert a biological effect.
-
Method of Use or Treatment Claims:
Claims may cover the use of the compound for treating specific conditions, such as a particular cancer type or neurodegenerative disorder.
-
Pharmaceutical Formulations:
Claims might extend to specific formulations, including combinations with excipients, delivery systems, or biological agents, broadening the protection scope.
-
Process Claims:
If the preparation process is inventive, claims may cover novel synthesis or purification methods, enhancing patent strength by covering inventive steps.
Dependent Claims
These elaborate on the independent claims by adding specific structural details, dosage forms, or method limitations, thus narrowing but also reinforcing patent robustness for particular embodiments.
Scope of Protection
The patent claims encompass:
-
Chemical diversity:
The breadth of the chemical claims, especially if core structural features are broadly defined, intends to prevent similar compounds from circumventing patent rights.
-
Therapeutic applications:
Use claims directed at specific disease indications extend the patent’s relevance, potentially covering subsequent therapeutic uses of the same compound.
-
Formulation and delivery:
Claims covering specific delivery mechanisms or formulations augment protection by preventing easy circumvention through alternative routes.
However, the scope’s strength hinges on claim clarity and novelty. Overly narrow claims risk design-around attempts, while overly broad claims may face validity challenges during patent examination or litigation.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
In Israel, patent law requires demonstration of novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. Patent IL267172’s scope must stand scrutiny under these criteria, especially given the aggressive patenting landscape in pharmaceuticals.
Patent Landscape for IL267172
Precedent and Related Patents
-
Similar compounds or formulations:
Prior art searches reveal patents on related chemical classes, such as those in the same drug family or targeting similar pathways (e.g., kinase inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies).
-
Prior Art:
The existence of prior patents or publications covering analogous compounds could limit the novelty aspect, potentially leading to patent origination or invalidation challenges.
-
Patent families and global filings:
The patent family, potentially covering jurisdictions like the US, Europe, and China, indicates strategic global positioning. Cross-references or extensions bolster market exclusivity.
Competitive Landscape
- Several patent holders develop similar drugs, with overlaps in chemical structure or mechanism of action.
- The patent’s novelty and inventive step are critical in contesting or defending its validity amid a crowded environment.
- Licensing and litigation trends in related patents influence tactical decisions for IL267172 holders, particularly in licensing negotiations and patent enforcement.
Implications and Strategic Significance
Strengths:
- Clear, well-defined claims that extend protection over key compounds and applications.
- Use of broader claim language enhances defendability against minor design-arounds.
- Alignment with international patent standards enhances global value.
Challenges:
- Overlap with existing prior art or published data may threaten validity.
- Patentability of structural claims depends on demonstrating inventive step amid similar prior art.
- Regulatory complexities in drug approval may influence commercial exposure despite patent protection.
The patent landscape's competitive nature underscores the importance of robust claims drafting, continuous monitoring, and strategic patent portfolio management.
Key Takeaways
-
Claim Strength:
IL267172’s claims focus on both chemical entities and their therapeutic applications, providing a multi-faceted protection scope.
-
Scope Narrowness and Breadth:
While specific structures and formulations are protected, broader claims could face validity challenges unless carefully supported by inventive step.
-
Landscape Position:
It exists amid a competitive array of related patents, necessitating vigilant infringement monitoring and licensing strategies.
-
Global Strategy:
Filing in multiple jurisdictions enhances market control but increases complexity; patent family management is critical.
-
Future Outlook:
Continuously expanding patent claims and maintaining exclusivity over key compounds and uses will be essential as competitors innovate around similar chemical spaces.
FAQs
1. How does IL267172 compare to similar patents in the same therapeutic area?
It offers a combination of chemical and use claims that, if well-drafted, can secure a strong position; however, overlapping claims with prior art could limit its scope, requiring ongoing patent landscape analysis.
2. What are common challenges in defending the patent’s validity?
Prior art disclosures, the obviousness of the chemical modifications, or lack of unexpected therapeutic effect can challenge validity.
3. Can this patent be circumvented by minor structural modifications?
Potentially, if claims are not sufficiently broad or if minor modifications are evident, competitors may develop similar compounds outside its scope.
4. How important is the patent’s regional coverage?
Significantly; patent protection in key markets (e.g., US, EU, Israel, China) determines the ability to commercialize exclusively and deter infringement.
5. What strategic actions can patent holders pursue?
Ongoing patent prosecution, broadening claims, filing continuations, and active monitoring of the patent landscape are recommended to maintain competitive advantage.
References
[1] Israeli Patent Office, Official IP Register, IL267172.
[2] WIPO PatentScope Database.
[3] European Patent Office (EPO) Patent Applications and Grants.
[4] Recent pharmaceutical patent litigation cases and analysis.
[5] Patent law principles applicable in Israel and internationally.
