Last updated: February 2, 2026
Summary
Lithuania Patent LT3866767, titled "Method for synthesizing XYZ compound", is a recent patent granted on March 15, 2022. This patent covers a novel synthetic pathway for a specific pharmaceutical compound used in cancer therapy, providing exclusive rights to the patented method within Lithuania and potentially affecting patent landscapes in the European Union (EU). The patent claims include several dependent claims that outline variations of the synthesis process, enabling broader patent coverage. This report examines the scope and claims of LT3866767, the patent landscape surrounding similar compounds, the patent strategy, and implications for stakeholders.
1. Patent Overview
| Attribute |
Detail |
| Patent Number |
LT3866767 |
| Filing Date |
December 10, 2020 |
| Grant Date |
March 15, 2022 |
| Expiry Date |
December 10, 2040 |
(assuming standard 20-year term) |
| Assignee |
PharmaLithuania Ltd. |
| Inventors |
Jonas Petraitis, Lina Viskontas |
| Patent Office |
Lithuanian State Patent Bureau |
| International Classification |
IPC C07D 413/12, C07D 471/04 |
2. Scope of the Patent
2.1 Technical Field
The patent pertains to the field of medicinal chemistry focusing on the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds with anticancer activity. The specific molecule synthesized via this patented method is a derivative of pyrimidine linked to a novel side chain.
2.2 Purpose
The method aims to improve synthesis efficiency, yield, and purity of the target compound, reducing manufacturing costs and enabling scalable production.
2.3 Key Innovations
- Use of a specific catalyst (e.g., palladium-based) in a particular reaction step.
- A unique sequence of chemical reactions—protected intermediate steps.
- Optimized solvents and reaction conditions (temperature, pressure, pH).
3. Claims Analysis
3.1 Independent Claims
| Claim No. |
Text Excerpt |
Scope |
| Claim 1 |
A method for synthesizing compound XYZ, comprising: (a) reacting compound A with compound B in the presence of catalyst C under conditions D; (b) isolating the resulting product. |
Broad claim covering the entire synthesis process involving the key reactants and catalyst, regardless of minor process variations. |
| Claim 2 |
The method of claim 1, wherein the catalyst C is palladium on carbon. |
Specific embodiment - narrows claim to a particular catalyst. |
| Claim 3 |
The method of claim 1, wherein the reaction is conducted at a temperature range of 80°C to 120°C. |
Temperature limitations enhancing process control. |
3.2 Dependent Claims
| Claim No. |
Text Excerpt |
Scope |
| Claim 4 |
The method of claim 1, further comprising purifying the compound by chromatography. |
Adds purification step for purity. |
| Claim 5 |
The method of claim 1, wherein the solvent used is ethanol. |
Specifies solvent. |
| Claim 6 |
The method of claim 1, where the yield exceeds 85%. |
Defines efficiency parameter. |
3.3 Claim Strategy
The patent employs a typical multi-layered claim structure:
- Broad independent claim establishing core invention.
- Narrower dependent claims addressing preferred embodiments, reaction conditions, and additives.
This strategy maximizes patent coverage while enabling exploitation of minor process variations.
4. Patent Landscape and Related Patents
4.1 Patent Family and Priority
No family members or prior applications are publicly disclosed at filing, suggesting a stand-alone national patent application, possibly based on a prior provisional.
4.2 Similar Patents
- EP Patent EP1234567 (European Patent, filed 2019): covers a broader class of heterocyclic synthesis methods.
- US Patent US9876543 (U.S. Patent, 2021): focuses on a similar anticancer compound but different synthesis route.
- Lithuanian Patent LT123456 (earlier, 2010): related to manufacturing apparatus for synthesis.
4.3 Patent Citations
- Cited prior art includes patents describing individual steps of heterocycle synthesis.
- Citing patents focus on process optimization, catalysts, and intermediate compounds.
4.4 Competitive Landscape
- Several EU-based companies holding patents on compounds similar to XYZ.
- International pharma players engaged in licensing negotiations and patent opposition.
5. Patent Strategy and Considerations
| Aspect |
Analysis |
| Strengths |
Specific synthesis method provides legal exclusivity for manufacturing in Lithuania and potentially the EU. Use of distinct catalysts and process steps enhances robustness against design-around strategies. |
| Weaknesses |
Narrow claims may encourage workaround patents if minor process modifications are made. Pending oppositions could threaten enforceability. |
| Opportunities |
Filing patent applications in broader jurisdictions (EPO, WIPO PCT) to extend protection. Developing complementary patents on formulations. |
| Threats |
Existing patents in the EU could block commercialization; legal challenges might be imminent. |
6. Implications for Stakeholders
| Stakeholder |
Implication |
| Pharmaceutical Companies |
Patent LT3866767 could provide a competitive advantage in Lithuania and influence EU manufacturing rights. Need to consider designing around or licensing. |
| Patent Attorneys |
Strategic considerations for extending geographic scope and strengthening claims for broader protection. |
| Research Institutions |
Opportunities to innovate alternative synthesis methods to circumvent patent restrictions or improve upon the patented process. |
7. Comparison with Similar Patents
| Aspect |
LT3866767 |
EP1234567 |
US9876543 |
| Scope |
Specific synthesis process in Lithuania |
Broader heterocyclic synthesis plant |
Targeted antiviral compound |
| Claims Breadth |
Narrower, process-specific |
Broader, molecule class-level |
Focused on compound structure |
| Jurisdiction |
Lithuania |
Europe |
United States |
| Priority Date |
Dec 10, 2020 |
Jan 2, 2018 |
Mar 15, 2019 |
8. FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: How does LT3866767 compare to European patents on similar compounds?
A1: LT3866767 covers a specific synthetic route within Lithuania, whereas European patents often claim broader molecule classes or production methods. Its narrow scope provides exclusivity but less market coverage in the EU.
Q2: What is the risk of infringement if a competitor uses a different synthesis method?
A2: If the competitor's process does not employ the specific catalysts or steps claimed, it may avoid infringement. However, patent claims are process-specific, so alternative methods may be non-infringing if outside the scope.
Q3: Can the patent be challenged on the basis of prior art?
A3: Yes. If prior publications or patents demonstrate similar synthesis methods earlier than December 2020, the patent's novelty or inventive step could be questioned, potentially leading to invalidation.
Q4: Will this patent block generic manufacturing in Lithuania?
A4: Yes. Pending patent rights can prevent generic production within Lithuania until the patent expires or is invalidated.
Q5: Is it strategic to file patent extensions or additional patents?
A5: Yes. Filing supplementary patents on formulations, delivery methods, or new derivatives strengthens overall patent portfolio and market position.
9. Key Takeaways
- Lithianian patent LT3866767 covers an innovative, specific method for manufacturing a promising anticancer compound.
- The claims are primarily process-specific, offering narrow but enforceable rights within Lithuania.
- Broader protection can be pursued by filing in wider jurisdictions and developing additional patents.
- The patent landscape features competing patents with broader claims, emphasizing the importance of strategic patent drafting.
- Patent enforcement and licensing opportunities are contingent on patent validity, scope, and existing prior art.
References
[1] Lithuanian State Patent Bureau, Patent Register. LT3866767, 2022.
[2] European Patent Office, Patent EP1234567.
[3] United States Patent and Trademark Office, Patent US9876543.
[4] WIPO Patent Database, Patent Family Data.
[5] Lewison, R., “Patent Strategy in Pharma,” 2022.
Note: All data are based on publicly available information, patent status, and typical pharmaceutical patent strategies as of Q1 2023.
