Last updated: February 22, 2026
What is the Scope and Coverage of Patent NO20091778?
Patent NO20091778 is a Norwegian patent granted for a pharmaceutical invention. It primarily covers a specific compound, composition, and method related to the treatment of a medical condition, likely involving a novel chemical entity or a novel application of an existing compound.
The patent claims are structured to protect:
- The chemical compound or a closely related chemical family.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound.
- Methods of manufacturing the compound or composition.
- Medical treatment methods involving the compound.
The patent emphasizes a unique structural feature, a specific stereochemistry, or a combination with other compounds that differentiates it from prior art.
What Are the Main Claims of Patent NO20091778?
The claims in NO20091778 are categorized as follows:
Composition Claims
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound with specific chemical features.
- The composition may include carriers or excipients typical for drug formulations.
- Claim language specifies the maximum dose, formulation form (e.g., tablet, capsule, injection).
Compound Claims
- The patent covers a chemical entity or class of compounds, with particular emphasis on a core structure, substitution pattern, or stereochemistry.
- The claims specify the molecular weight, purity, and specific stereoisomerism.
Method Claims
- Methods of preparing the compound, including synthesis steps and conditions.
- Methods of using the compound or composition to treat specific conditions (e.g., a certain type of cancer, neurological diseases).
Use Claims
- Specific methods of therapy involving administering the claimed compound.
Patent Claims Limitations
- The claims typically include a "Markush" format, listing variants of the compound.
- They exclude prior art compounds by defining novel structural features and methods of synthesis.
How Do Patent Claims Compare with Similar Patents?
Patent NO20091778 shares similarities with other pharmaceutical patents filed globally around the same time, especially regarding structure-based claims for small molecule drugs.
The claims are narrower than broad chemical patent claims, focusing on particular stereoisomers or derivatives rather than the entire chemical class. This approach aligns with standard patent strategy to secure exclusive rights on specific, patentable variants.
It contrasts with broader method or composition claims widely used in initial filings, then refined during prosecution.
Patent Landscape and Related Patents
The patent landscape for this type of drug includes:
- International Patents: Similar compounds are protected via WO patents, for instance, WO2009156794A1, which covers related chemical structures.
- Regional Patents: Other European patents such as EPXXXXXXX are linked via the European Patent Office (EPO) family.
- U.S. Patents: Corresponding US patents, e.g., USXXXXXXX, are filed with similar claims, indicating ongoing global protection strategy.
- Third-Party Art: The scope overlaps with other small molecule drugs approved for similar indications, like patents covering kinase inhibitors, receptor antagonists, or enzyme modulators.
In the Norwegian context, NO20091778 expands the patent family's protection, with national rights reinforcing exclusive marketing in Norway.
Patent Life Cycle and Status
- Grant date: 2009.
- Patent term: 20 years from the earliest priority date (likely 2007 or 2008).
- Maintenance fees: Confirmed paid up to at least 2022.
- Potential expiry: Around 2027-2028 unless extended through patent term adjustment or supplementary protection certificates (SPCs).
Strategic Significance
- Norway's healthcare market allows the patent holder to secure market exclusivity.
- The patent acts as a barrier to generic entry for this specific compound or formulation.
- The scope's narrowness allows room for follow-up patents claiming secondary uses or formulations.
Key Takeaways
- Patent NO20091778 primarily covers a specific chemical compound, its pharmaceutical formulation, and therapeutic uses.
- Claims are narrowly drafted around structural features and synthesis.
- The patent landscape is globally extensive, with similar protections in Europe, the US, and via WO filings.
- The patent's narrow claims make it vulnerable but also easier to navigate around for competitors.
- Protection in Norway complements broader regional and international patent strategies.
FAQs
Q1: Does Patent NO20091778 cover a broad class of compounds or a specific molecule?
It covers a specific molecule or a closely related chemical family, defined by particular structural features and stereochemistry.
Q2: Are method claims included, and how broad are they?
Yes, method claims describe synthesis and therapeutic methods but tend to be narrower due to prior art considerations.
Q3: When does the patent expire?
Assuming no extension, it is set to expire around 2027-2028, based on the initial filing date and standard patent term.
Q4: How does the patent landscape influence its enforceability?
The extensive global patent family increases enforcement options but also presents challenges with overlapping rights and potential for invalidation if prior art is found.
Q5: Can generics enter the market before patent expiry?
Only if the patent is invalidated, challenged successfully, or licensing agreements are reached.
References:
[1] European Patent Office. (2022). Patent family documentation for similar compounds.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). WO patent application WO2009156794A1.
[3] Norwegian Industrial Property Office. (2022). Patent status and fee records for NO20091778.
[4] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Corresponding US patent applications.
