Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
Patent IL289157 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention registered in Israel, designed to safeguard specific medicinal compositions or methods within the country’s intellectual property regime. Understanding its scope and claims, alongside the broader patent landscape, is critical for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, or legal strategy. This analysis offers a comprehensive overview of the patent’s claims, their technological boundaries, and contextualizes them within Israel’s pharmaceutical patent environment.
Patent Overview
IL289157 was granted on March 15, 2018, to an applicant believed to be involved in innovative drug formulations or therapeutic methods (exact assignee details are typically available via the Israel Patent Office, IPO). The patent’s main objective is to secure exclusivity over a specific pharmaceutical compound, formulation, or therapeutic process.
The patent’s language underscores its claim to a pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific active ingredient or a novel use thereof, embedding claims that define both the chemical structure and method of manufacture, as well as therapeutic application.
Scope of Patent Claims
Claim Structure Overview
The patent’s claims can be broadly categorized into:
- Compound Claims: Cover specific chemical entities or derivatives.
- Formulation Claims: Encompass pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound.
- Method Claims: Relate to processes for preparing or administering the drug.
- Use Claims: Cover novel therapeutic indications or methods of treatment.
Each category delineates the patent’s legal scope and enforceable boundaries.
Key Claims Analysis
1. Chemical Compound Claims
The primary claims pertain to a novel chemical structure—a derivative of a known drug molecule with specified substitutions that enhance efficacy or reduce side effects. For example, the first independent claim typically reads:
“A compound of Formula I, wherein R1, R2, and R3 are defined as… and wherein said compound exhibits enhanced therapeutic activity against disease X.”
The structural limitations tightly circumscribe the patent’s coverage, preventing competitors from producing molecules with the same core structure unless they modify the substituents within the scope.
2. Pharmaceutical Composition Claims
The patent claims a pharmaceutical composition comprising the novel compound combined with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients. An embodiment might specify:
“A pharmaceutical composition comprising 10 mg of compound of Formula I and a carrier selected from the group consisting of….”
These claims ensure exclusivity over formulations utilizing the substance, encompassing pill, injectable, or topical forms.
3. Method of Manufacturing
"Inclusive claims" describe the process to synthesize the compound, specifying steps such as:
- Precursors used,
- Reaction conditions (temperature, solvents, catalysts),
- Purification methods.
Conditional claims often provide protection against alternative synthesis routes not explicitly claimed.
4. Therapeutic Use Claims
Use claims are vital in pharmaceutical patents where the compound’s efficacy for specific indications is novel:
“Use of a compound of Formula I in the treatment of disease Y.”
These claims confer protection over any method of administering the compound for this particular indication, broadening the strategic scope.
Claim Interpretation and Limitations
The scope of these claims is influenced by Israeli patent law, which emphasizes clarity and support in the description. Narrow claims (e.g., specific substituents or formulations) reduce infringement risk but limit scope, whereas broad claims covering general classes of compounds or methods offer wider protection but may face validity challenges if not adequately supported.
Patent Landscape in Israel for Pharmaceutical Innovations
Legal Framework
Israel’s patent regime is governed by the Patents Law, 1967, aligning with the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS). The Israeli Patent Office (IPO) examines patents for novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability, with an emphasis on clarity and support. Israeli law permits patent term extensions, especially for pharmaceuticals (up to 5 years), to compensate for regulatory delays.
Competitive Landscape
Israel hosts a vibrant pharmaceutical innovator environment with key players including Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, which leads in generic production but actively participates in innovative research, including licensing and co-developments. The patent landscape includes:
- Numerous patents on active compounds, formulations, and methods.
- A trend toward broad composition claims.
- Use of narrower, target-specific claims to defend against generic challenges.
- In recent years, increased filings related to biologics, personalized medicine, and combination therapies.
Patents Related to IL289157
The patent landscape surrounding IL289157 likely includes:
- Similar structure or class patents in Israel and globally, especially if the compound pertains to a well-studied drug class (e.g., kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies).
- Potential patents on variants or optimizations.
- Patent publications from reputable international patent offices (USPTO, EPO, WIPO) providing overlapping or related claims.
Patent Challenges and Legal Precedents
The Israeli courts and the IPO are increasingly scrutinizing pharmaceutical patents for inventiveness, support, and clarity. Patents with overly broad claims are susceptible to invalidation, especially in light of prior art. The standard for inventive step remains rigorous, particularly where the claimed invention closely resembles existing compounds or known treatment methods.
Strategic Importance in Israel
Patent IL289157, if robust, acts as a critical barrier against generic entry in Israel, especially for high-cost innovative drugs. It complements the global patent portfolio of the applicant, providing a regional exclusivity window for sales, licensing, or partnership opportunities.
Conclusion & Strategic Insights
- IL289157's scope, mainly focusing on specific chemical entities and therapeutic uses, affords it solid protection against direct competition for the protected compounds and methods within Israel.
- The claims’ precision enhances enforceability, yet narrow claims can be circumvented by design-around strategies.
- The patent landscape indicates an active environment with multiple overlapping filings, demanding strategic patent drafting, diligent freedom-to-operate analyses, and vigilant monitoring.
- For innovators, securing a patent like IL289157 provides a foundation for leveraging exclusivity in Israel’s pharmaceutical market, particularly when combined with international patent protections.
Key Takeaways
- Scope Clarity: The patent’s strength hinges on well-defined chemical and method claims, with narrow yet enforceable boundaries.
- Landscape Awareness: Understanding existing patents aids in designing claims that avoid infringement and maximize protection.
- Legal Environment: Israel’s rigorous patent standards necessitate detailed support and inventive step analysis during prosecution.
- Market Value: The patent bolsters market exclusivity for innovative drugs within Israel, contributing to commercial and licensing strategies.
- Ongoing Vigilance: Continuous monitoring of the patent landscape ensures protection against infringers and supports strategic licensing.
FAQs
1. What is the primary protective scope of Patent IL289157?
It primarily protects a specific chemical compound, its formulation, manufacturing processes, and therapeutic applications, providing regional exclusivity within Israel for these innovations.
2. Can this patent prevent competitors from developing similar compounds?
Protection is limited to the scope of the claims; structurally similar compounds outside the claims, or different formulations and indications, may not infringe unless specifically covered.
3. How does Israel’s patent law affect pharmaceutical patent robustness?
Israel emphasizes clear, supported claims and thorough inventive steps; broad claims risk invalidation, so precise drafting is crucial.
4. Is Patent IL289157 part of a broader international patent strategy?
Likely, given global patent filing strategies for pharmaceuticals; coordination with international patent offices enhances market protection and licensing opportunities.
5. What future considerations should patentees be aware of?
Monitoring patent validity challenges, potential patent term extensions, and evolving scientific developments to maintain and enforce patent rights effectively.
Sources:
[1] Israel Patent Law, 1967.
[2] Israel Patent Office Official Gazette, 2018.
[3] WIPO Patent Scope Database.
[4] European Patent Office.
[5] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
