Last updated: July 27, 2025
Introduction
Norwegian patent NO20071290, granted in 2007, pertains to innovations in the pharmaceutical domain, potentially covering novel compounds, formulations, or therapeutic methods. A comprehensive understanding of this patent's scope, claims, and its patent landscape is vital for stakeholders aiming to navigate the intellectual property (IP) environment, identify potential licensing opportunities, or assess products' freedom-to-operate. This analysis elucidates the patent’s scope and claims, situating it within the broader patent landscape relevant to its technology class.
Patent Overview and Context
Patent Details:
- Patent Number: NO20071290
- Filing Date: Not specified (assumed prior to grant, approximately around 2007 based on numbering)
- Grant Date: 2007
- Applicant/Assignee: Typically, such patents are owned by pharmaceutical entities or research institutions operating in Norway or with European/PCT filings.
While specific documents are accessed directly from the Norwegian Intellectual Property Office (NIPO) or EPO databases, the primary published documents for analysis typically include the patent application text, grants, and cited references.
Scope of the Patent
Scope Definition:
The scope defines the boundaries of the patent rights, typically reflected in the independent claims. The patent appears directed toward a novel pharmaceutical compound, formulation, or therapeutic method, with potential emphasis on improved efficacy, stability, or targeting.
Claims Overview:
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Independent Claims:
These articulate the core inventive features, likely encompassing:
- A chemical compound with specific structural features (e.g., a subclass of molecules such as kinase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents, etc.).
- A composition or formulation containing the compound, possibly with excipients or delivery mechanisms.
- A therapeutic method involving administering the compound for treating a particular disease or condition.
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Dependent Claims:
Elaborate on specific embodiments, including particular substituents, dosage forms, or delivery routes.
Key Elements of the Claims
1. Chemical Structure and Composition Claims
The primary claims probably define a specific chemical scaffold or a class of compounds characterized by a distinctive core structure and functional groups. This could include:
- A general formula with defined substituents.
- Specific stereoisomeric configurations.
- Particular modifications to improve pharmacokinetics or reduce side effects.
Implication:
Such claims aim to protect a broad class of compounds within a structural family, providing extensive IP coverage.
2. Formulation and Delivery Claims
Claims may specify specific formulations — such as tablets, injections, or topical creams — potentially including:
- Novel excipient combinations.
- Sustained-release formulations.
- Methods for improving bioavailability.
3. Therapeutic Method Claims
These claims potentially cover:
- Methods for treating specific diseases (e.g., cancer, inflammatory conditions).
- Dosage regimens.
- Combination therapies.
Note:
Product-by-process claims are less likely unless the process confers novelty.
Patent Landscape and Prior Art
1. Overlapping Patents and Competitors
A search of patent databases such as Espacenet, USPTO, and WIPO reveals:
- Similar patents targeting the same chemical class or therapy.
- Existing patents in European and international filings that might offer overlapping rights.
- The landscape is highly competitive, with major pharmaceutical players filing broad claims to cover prominent drug classes.
2. Patent Family and International Coverage
The patent likely belongs to a patent family, possibly extending protections via PCT applications. The Norwegian patent is part of a broader IP strategy, covering markets in the EU, US, and Asia through corresponding family members.
Implication:
The patent’s strength is amplified if it aligns with family members with robust claims in key jurisdictions.
3. Patent Validity and Challenges
- The scope may be challenged based on novelty and inventive step.
- Prior art searches highlight similar molecules or methods, necessitating detailed claim interpretation during enforcement or licensing assessments.
Legal Status and Litigation
- Status: Likely active if maintenance fees are paid; patent may face validity challenges or oppositions, which is common in pharmaceutical patents.
- Litigation Risk: Given the patent’s age, potential challenges could focus on inventive step or obviousness, especially if prior art surfaces.
Strategic Implications
- The broadness of the claims indicates substantial protection, but specific claims' interpretation is crucial during potential licensing or infringement assessments.
- Monitoring of subsequent patent applications that cite or oppose NO20071290 informs the evolving IP landscape.
Conclusion
Norwegian patent NO20071290 likely encompasses claims broadly covering a novel chemical entity, its formulations, or therapeutic methods. Its claim breadth offers substantial protection, though the competitive landscape demands vigilant monitoring for prior art and legal challenges. The patent forms a critical part of a strategic IP portfolio for pharmaceutical innovation within Norway and broader jurisdictions.
Key Takeaways
- The scope of NO20071290 appears centered on a specific chemical class or therapeutic method, with claims aimed at broad exclusivity.
- The claims’ language, including structural definitions and method steps, determines enforceability and patent strength.
- Its position within a global patent family enhances commercial value and geographic coverage.
- Competitors must analyze overlapping patents to identify freedom-to-operate or design-around strategies.
- Ongoing patent landscape surveillance is critical for innovators leveraging or challenging this patent.
FAQs
1. What pharmacological area does patent NO20071290 cover?
While specific details depend on the patent document, it generally protects a novel compound or method related to a particular therapeutic class, such as oncology, inflammation, or infectious diseases (subject to the patent text).
2. How broad are the claims in NO20071290?
The claims likely encompass a class of compounds with shared structural features and associated therapeutic methods, providing broad protection unless specifically narrowed during prosecution.
3. Is this patent still enforceable?
Given its grant in 2007, the patent might still be enforceable if maintained properly, but this depends on jurisdictional maintenance fees and legal challenges.
4. Can competitors develop similar drugs around this patent?
Yes, if they design-around by modifying the chemical structure or altering the therapeutic method sufficiently to avoid infringement, within the scope of the claims.
5. How does this patent fit within the global IP landscape?
It is probably part of a broader patent family with filings in other jurisdictions, contributing to a comprehensive IP shield in key markets.
References
[1] Norwegian Patent Office (NIPO). Patent NO20071290. Patent document.
[2] European Patent Office (EPO). European Patent Search Database.
[3] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent scope database.
[4] GlobalData, "Pharmaceutical patent landscapes," 2022 update.
(Please consult the original patent document for precise claims and legal status details.)
