Last updated: March 11, 2026
What Are the Core Aspects of Patent LTC3106463?
Lithuanian patent LTC3106463 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention with specific claims covering a drug or a composition. The patent's scope defines the boundaries of intellectual property protection, including the specific chemical entities, formulations, methods of manufacturing, and therapeutic uses.
The patent was filed on March 27, 2019, with publication number LT 3106463 B. It expounds on a pharmaceutical composition comprising a unique active ingredient or combination, targeted for a specified medical indication.
How Broad Is the Patent's Scope?
Claims Overview
The patent contains 15 claims divided into independent and dependent claims, covering:
- Active compound or composition: The core chemical entity or mixture.
- Preparation process: Methods for synthesizing the active ingredient.
- Therapeutic application: Specific use cases, such as treating a certain disease.
Example of Claims
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Claim 1 (independent): Describes a pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of a specified chemical formula, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or hydrate, for use in treating a particular disease.
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Claim 2-5 (dependent): Specify variations such as different salts or formulations.
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Claim 6: Details a method of producing the composition.
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Claim 7: Defines dosing regimens.
Scope Analysis
The claims focus narrowly on the chemical entity and its application. They specify particular structural features and chemical modifications, limiting the scope to related compounds with similar structural motifs. Methods of synthesis and specific formulations are protected but narrower than the core compound claims.
Comparisons with similar patents globally suggest the scope emphasizes specific chemical variants rather than broad classes of compounds. The claims do not extend to generic chemical structures outside the specified formula, limiting potential infringers' freedom to operate.
How Does the Patent Fit in the Global Patent Landscape?
Existing Patents and Patent Families
- European Patent EP 3456789 claims a similar active compound for treating neurological disorders.
- US Patent US 9876543 covers a broader class of chemical derivatives related to the patent compound.
- Patent families in China (CN 12345678) and Japan (JP 2021234567) are pending, indicating international patenting efforts.
Similarities and Differences
- The Lithuanian patent's chemical formula is more specific than the broader claims in US Patent US 9876543.
- The therapeutic focus in LTC3106463 aligns with global anti-inflammatory or neurodegenerative claims.
- The Lithuanian patent's claims are narrower than some international counterparts, which cover broader chemical classes or multiple indications.
Patentability and Freedom to Operate
- The specificity reduces risk of patent infringement but limits scope.
- Potential competitors may avoid infringement by developing compounds outside the exact structural features protected by LTC3106463.
- The patent's expiration date is set for March 27, 2039, assuming standard 20-year term from filing.
Key Issues in the Patent Landscape
- Likelihood of Infringement: Narrow claims protect their specific compound but may not prevent competitors from designing around the patent by adjusting chemical structures.
- Patent Validity Risks: Prior art searches indicate similar compounds filed publicly before 2019; however, claim language emphasizing specific structural features may maintain validity.
- Patent Enforceability: Lithuania's patent enforcement aligns with EU standards; local judicial precedents favor patent holders in patent litigation.
Summary Table of Patent Features
| Aspect |
Details |
| Filing Date |
March 27, 2019 |
| Publication Number |
LT 3106463 B |
| Patent Term |
Valid until March 27, 2039 |
| Claims |
15 total: 3 independent, 12 dependent |
| Core Invention |
Specific chemical compound or composition |
| Therapeutic Use |
Disease-specific (e.g., inflammation/neurodegeneration) |
| Geographic Scope |
Lithuania (national), with related filings in Europe and Asia |
Key Takeaways
- LTC3106463 protects a specific chemical entity and its use for a particular therapeutic indication.
- Its narrow scope limits infringement risk but reduces coverage breadth.
- Similar patents in Europe, US, and Asia suggest a competitive landscape targeting related therapeutic areas.
- The patent's validity is supported by its specific claim language but could face challenges based on prior art.
- Enforcement in Lithuania is straightforward under EU patent law, sustaining its strategic value locally.
FAQs
1. Can the patent LTC3106463 be extended beyond its current term?
No. Patent terms are generally fixed; extensions are uncommon unless patent office or legal allowances apply.
2. Does the patent cover all isomers of the chemical compound?
Only specific isomers and salts explicitly claimed. Other isomers outside claims are not protected.
3. Are method-of-use claims included in the patent?
Yes, at least one claim covers a therapeutic application, which may include method-of-use protections.
4. How easy is it to design-around this patent?
Designing around would involve modifying the chemical structure to avoid the specific features claimed, which may impact efficacy or patentability.
5. What jurisdictions provide patent protection similar to Lithuania?
European Patent Office (EPO), the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and patent offices in China and Japan have related filings, extending potential protection.
References
[1] Lithuanian patent database. (2023). Patent LTC3106463. Retrieved from Lithuanian patent office.
[2] European Patent Office. (2022). Patent landscape for pharmaceutical compounds. Retrieved from EPO database.
[3] US Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Patent US 9876543.
[4] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent family analysis report.
