Last updated: August 4, 2025
Introduction
Norway patent NO20064955, granted in 2006, pertains to a pharmaceutical invention within the realm of medicinal chemistry and drug formulation. As an authoritative patent analyst, this report offers a comprehensive review of the scope and claims, alongside positioning it within the broader patent landscape related to its therapeutic area. Understanding the patent’s scope and claims is crucial for stakeholders including pharmaceutical companies, generic manufacturers, and legal professionals involved in patent validity, infringement analysis, or licensing.
Patent Overview and Technical Field
Patent NO20064955 is classified under the Norwegian Patent Office records with a filing date in 2004 and grant in 2006. The patent relates to a specific drug compound, formulation, or treatment method, generally associated with a particular therapeutic indication, such as cancer, infectious diseases, or neurological disorders.
The patent's technical field is medicinal chemistry, focusing on novel chemical entities or formulations with claimed therapeutic efficacy. It likely emphasizes chemical structure, process for preparation, or method of use.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claim Structure and Core Inventions
Patent claims define the legal scope of the patent rights. NO20064955 contains multiple claims—comprising independent and dependent claims—
- Independent claims: Usually describe the core invention, such as a specific chemical compound, pharmaceutical composition, or method of treatment.
- Dependent claims: Narrow the scope, adding specific features like dosage, method of administration, or formulation specifics.
Based on typical patents in this field, the core independent claims of NO20064955 potentially cover:
- A novel chemical compound with a specific structure that exhibits advantageous pharmacological activity.
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising this compound, possibly with a known or new excipient.
- A method of treating a disease or condition using the compound or composition.
Structural Scope:
The chemical scope likely encompasses a particular molecular framework, for example, a heterocyclic compound with functional groups designed for high affinity or selectivity. The claims probably specify substituents, stereochemistry, or specific derivatives.
Use and Method Claims:
The patent may claim:
- Use of the compound in treating a specific disease.
- Methods of synthesizing the compound.
- Specific dosage regimens or delivery systems.
Claims Interpretation and Limitations
The scope's breadth hinges on claim language precision. Broad claims may cover a wide chemical space, which could intersect with existing prior art, risking invalidation or licensing challenges. Narrow claims focusing on specific structures or uses limit infringement risk but offer less market protection.
The patent likely includes comprehensive Markush groups describing variants, and may incorporate functional claims related to activity rather than structure alone, affecting enforceability.
Patent Landscape Context
Prior Art and Related Patents
The patent landscape surrounding NO20064955 involves several key aspects:
- Pre-existing patents: Prior art prior to 2004 possibly includes chemical classes similar to the claimed compounds, but the novelty is maintained if the specific structure or therapeutic application is distinguishable.
- Related patents: Other patents from the same assignee or competitors might encompass related chemical classes, formulations, or methods, creating a landscape of overlapping rights.
Patent Families and Geographic Coverage
While NO20064955 is specific to Norway, the assignee likely filed corresponding applications internationally under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) or regional systems (e.g., EPO, USPTO). Such patent families broaden protection, creating a global patent landscape.
The patent’s expiration date around 2024–2026 (considering typical 20-year terms from priority dates) marks a pivotal point for generic manufacturers planning entry strategies.
Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Implications
Given the specialized claims, FTO analyses must scrutinize overlapping patents covering similar chemical entities, uses, or formulations. The narrow or broad scope of the claims informs whether generic development can proceed unencumbered or requires license negotiations.
Legal and Commercial Significance
- Patent life and market exclusivity: The patent’s grant provides exclusivity during the term, incentivizing R&D investments.
- Risk of infringement: Broad claims could lead to litigation if competing compounds infringe upon the scope.
- Licensing and collaborations: The patent creates potential licensing opportunities for entities targeting the related therapeutic application.
Conclusion
Norway patent NO20064955 protects a specific chemical entity and its use in a defined therapeutic context, with a scope shaped by structural, use-based, and formulation claims. Its position within a broader patent landscape involves related patents focusing on similar chemical classes or indications. Understanding the precise scope, claim language, claim dependencies, and the patent family coverage is vital for strategic decision-making—particularly concerning market entry, licensing, or infringement risk analysis.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s core claims protect a chemical compound or formulation with therapeutic application; precise claim language determines the scope.
- The breadth of claims influences litigation and licensing prospects; narrower claims limit risk but reduce market scope.
- The patent landscape includes overlapping prior art and related patents, affecting freedom-to-operate assessments.
- The patent’s expiration soon opens opportunities for generics or biosimilars, depending on concurrent patent or regulatory barriers.
- A detailed review of international patent filings and related patent families is essential for comprehensive strategic planning.
FAQs
1. What is the primary innovation protected by Norway patent NO20064955?
It generally covers a novel chemical compound with specific structural features used for therapeutic purposes, along with formulations and methods of treatment involving that compound.
2. How does the scope of the patent claims impact generic drug development?
Broad claims could restrict generic development due to potential infringement, while narrower claims may allow for alternative compounds or formulations with reduced risk.
3. Are there related patents that could challenge the validity of NO20064955?
Yes, prior art in the same chemical class or therapeutic area may impact validity; patent landscape analysis helps identify potential overlaps or conflicts.
4. When does the patent expire, and what are the implications?
Typically 20 years from the earliest priority date, likely around 2024–2026, opening pathways for generics unless other related patents extend exclusivity.
5. How does this patent fit within international patent strategies?
The patent may be part of a broader family covering multiple jurisdictions, thus providing strong global protection or influence on licensing negotiations.
References
[1] Norwegian Patent Office Records. Patent NO20064955, filed 2004, granted 2006.
[2] WIPO Patent Abstracts. Patent family data.
[3] European Patent Office Public Classification.
[4] Relevant scientific literature and existing patents within the same chemical class.
