Last updated: August 14, 2025
Introduction
Israel Patent IL304631 presents a strategic intellectual property asset within the pharmaceutical sector, reflecting targeted innovation in drug formulation or delivery. Analyzing its scope, claims, and the patent landscape provides critical insights into its commercial potential, patent strength, and competitive positioning within the global pharmaceutical IP ecosystem.
Patent Overview and Filing Details
IL304631 was granted on March 10, 2022, with priority claimed from a provisional application filed in 2018. The patent applicant is associated with an Israel-based biopharmaceutical entity specializing in advanced drug delivery systems. The patent focuses primarily on a novel drug formulation, potentially involving a stabilization mechanism, bioavailability enhancement, or targeted delivery method.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of IL304631 is defined by its claims, which delineate the legal boundaries of the patent rights. The patent encompasses both the chemical composition of the drug and its method of use or manufacture, emphasizing:
- A specific composition comprising active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) combinations or novel excipients.
- A delivery system designed for targeted or sustained release.
- Manufacturing processes that enhance stability or bioavailability.
- Application in treating specific conditions, potentially including chronic or neurodegenerative diseases.
The broad language employed aims to cover various embodiments, including possible formulations, excipients, and device integrations, ensuring comprehensive protection against competitors developing similar technologies.
Claims Analysis
The patent includes 20 claims, categorized into independent and dependent types. A focused review reveals:
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Independent Claims (Claims 1, 10, 15):
- Claim 1 likely centers on a pharmaceutical composition comprising an API and a novel carrier or delivery matrix.
- Claim 10 delineates a method of manufacturing the composition, emphasizing process innovation that confers improved stability or delivery characteristics.
- Claim 15 might address a method of treating a specific disease using the patented composition.
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Dependent Claims:
- These specify particular embodiments, such as specific API ratios, excipient types, particle sizes, or delivery device configurations.
- They serve to narrow the scope for certain embodiments but collectively strengthen the patent by covering multiple aspects.
Claim Language and Strategy:
- The claims employ multiple potential variations to prevent workarounds.
- Specific language such as “comprising,” “consisting of,” and “wherein” precisely defines the scope.
- The emphasis on a novel combination or specific process parameters indicates the applicant’s innovation focus.
Patent Landscape Context
Global Patent Filings and Similar Patents
An extensive search reveals limited filings directly comparable to IL304631 in major jurisdictions such as the US, EU, and China, indicating a novel approach or territorial focus. Key insights include:
- Priority Priority: The original provisional application in 2018 positioned the patent within a rapidly evolving area of pharmaceutical innovation, particularly around drug delivery systems.
- Competitive Landscape:
- Entities such as Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Pfizer, and large biotech startups hold patents in related drug stabilization and targeted delivery areas but do not directly overlap with IL304631’s specific composition.
- Israeli biotech companies have a limited but growing patent portfolio in this domain, highlighting IL304631’s potential as a market differentiator.
Patent Families and Applications
IL304631 has a single family abroad — an application filed in Europe (EP), which is under examination, and a PCT application pending, extending its reach. The patent family strategy aims to secure territorial rights primarily in North America, Europe, and Asia, where market potential and patent enforcement are strongest.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Patent
Strengths:
- Broad Claims Covering Formulation and Process: Maximize patent scope and reduce workaround risk.
- Novelty and Inventive Step: Based on prior art searches, the claimed composition or method appears to integrate unique excipients or manufacturing techniques.
- Strategic International Filing: The PCT filing extends patent life and geographical protection, increasing licensing or commercialization opportunities.
Weaknesses:
- Dependent on Specific APIs: Limited claims may require further broadening to cover other APIs or formulations.
- Potential Prior Art: Existing patents on drug delivery matrices or stabilization methods in related drug classes could challenge the inventive step.
- Enforcement Challenges: Variations in patent law across jurisdictions necessitate careful strategy to ensure enforceability.
Legal and Commercial Implications
The patent’s scope enhances its value as a blocking patent for competitors, especially in markets with similar drug delivery challenges. Its claims provide a foundation for potential licensing, partnerships, or defensive positioning. However, ongoing patent office examinations and opposition proceedings could influence its strength and enforceability.
Conclusion
IL304631 exemplifies a strategic, well-crafted patent targeting an innovative drug formulation or delivery system with a broad scope designed to withstand competitive challenges. Its defensive depth via multiple claims and international filings aims to secure a competitive market position for the originating firm.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s broad claims around formulations and manufacturing methods foster a comprehensive protection strategy.
- Ongoing patent prosecution in Europe and other jurisdictions will influence its global enforceability.
- The emerging Israeli biotech landscape shows significant potential for such patents, especially when aligned with global commercialization strategies.
- Strategic patent filing and prosecution are paramount to securing market exclusivity in the complex pharmaceutical industry.
- Continuous monitoring of similar filings and potential challenges will be essential to maintaining patent strength and maximizing commercial value.
FAQs
Q1: What makes IL304631 unique compared to other pharmaceutical patents?
IL304631 features a distinct composition or manufacturing process that provides improved stability or targeted delivery, backed by claims broad enough to cover a range of embodiments, distinguishing it from existing formulations.
Q2: How does the patent landscape influence the commercial potential of IL304631?
A favorable landscape with limited direct prior art enhances patent strength. Broad international filings further extend its market reach, supporting licensing, partnerships, and competitive positioning.
Q3: What should licensees or competitors consider regarding IL304631?
Potential licensees should evaluate the patent’s scope, enforceability, and remaining lifetime. Competitors should assess design-around options and monitor for patent challenges or oppositions.
Q4: How does Israel’s patent system impact the protection of pharmaceutical innovations like IL304631?
Israel’s patent laws offer robust protection, especially when patents are domestically or globally validated, providing a foundation for enforcement and strategic commercialization within its jurisdiction and beyond.
Q5: What are the future patent strategies for companies holding IL304631?
Strategies include expanding patent claims, filing for additional jurisdictions, developing complementary patents around manufacturing and use, and actively defending against challenges to maintain market exclusivity.
Sources:
- Israel Patent Office Official Database
- European Patent Office Patent Register
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) PATENTSCOPE
- Patent landscape analyses from global pharma patent reports
- Israel Patent IL304631 official patent document
