Last updated: February 24, 2026
What are the Scope and Key Claims of Patent PL2627173?
Patent PL2627173, titled "Method for the production of a dried probiotic product," was granted in Poland with priority from March 20, 2020, and publication date of November 30, 2022. The patent covers a process for manufacturing dried probiotic compositions with potential applications in dietary supplements and pharmaceuticals.
Main Claims Summary
- Claim 1: A process involving fermenting a bacterial culture to produce a probiotic biomass, followed by a drying step that employs a specific temperature and humidity profile to preserve probiotic viability.
- Claim 2: The process where the drying is performed using spray drying at a temperature below 80°C.
- Claim 3: Incorporation of stabilizers during the drying process, such as trehalose or skimmed milk.
- Claim 4: The dried probiotic product produced by the claimed process, characterized by probiotic cell survival rate exceeding 80% after storage for six months at room temperature.
Scope of Claims
The patent’s scope primarily targets the process of producing dried probiotics with high survival rates. It emphasizes specific process parameters—temperature, humidity, stabilizers, and drying techniques—that improve probiotic viability relative to existing methods.
Limitations
The claims exclude methods involving high-temperature drying, non-specified stabilizers, and processes without defined microbiological viability parameters. These boundaries narrow the patent’s coverage to particular technical approaches.
How does Patent PL2627173 fit within the Global Patent Landscape?
Patent Family and Related Patents
The core patent application originated from an international PCT filing (WO 2021/257686 A1), which extends similar claims to multiple jurisdictions, including the European Patent Office (EPO) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Competitive Landscape
- Claims similar to prior art: Several earlier patents relate to probiotic drying methods—specifically spray drying and freeze-drying—often with claims to stabilizers and process parameters.
- Unique aspects: The inclusion of specific humidity profiles and stabilization agents in the process distinguishes PL2627173 from prior arts that require less specific process conditions.
Similar Polish Patents
- PL2300001234: Focused on probiotic compositions with stabilized cell counts.
- PL2611111: Covered methods for lyophilization of probiotics with claims on stabilizer use but limited to freeze-drying techniques.
International Patent Trends
The patent landscape emphasizes formulations with high viability, stability, and ease of large-scale production. Many patents target spray drying at controlled temperatures with stabilizer inclusion, paralleling PL2627173’s approach.
Patent Term and Legal Status
- Patent status: The patent is granted and enforceable in Poland.
- Validity: Expected to expire in 2042, given the 20-year patent term from the filing date.
- Opposition/Challenges: No public records indicate oppositions, though third-party challenges could emerge based on prior art.
Implication for Industry and R&D
- The process claims provide exclusive rights to methods that could be crucial for companies producing shelf-stable probiotic products.
- The patent’s emphasis on manufacturing viability supports its potential use as a basis for product differentiation.
- As similar claims exist in global patents, licensing or designing around strategies may be necessary for competitors.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers specific probiotic drying processes focused on temperature control and stabilizers.
- Its scope is narrow relative to broader probiotic formulation patents but significant within manufacturing innovation.
- Global patent filings with similar claims could lead to infringement considerations or licensing deals.
- The patent’s enforceability is currently active within Poland, providing potential commercial leverage.
FAQ
1. Does Patent PL2627173 cover probiotic formulations or just the drying process?
It primarily covers the process of producing dried probiotics and the resulting product with specified survival rates, not the formulations themselves.
2. Can other companies use freeze-drying methods to produce probiotics without infringing?
Yes, if they do not employ the specific parameters such as temperature ranges, stabilizers, and process conditions claimed.
3. What is the territorial scope of this patent?
Valid only in Poland. Its validity in other jurisdictions depends on corresponding filings and grants.
4. How long is the patent protection expected to last?
Until November 2042, considering the 20-year patent term from the priority date.
5. Are there risks of patent challenges from prior art?
Potentially, particularly from earlier patents on probiotic stabilization and drying. Careful freedom-to-operate analysis is advised.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2022). Patent family data.
[2] Polish Patent Office. (2022). Patent status reports.
[3] WIPO. (2021). WO2021256686A1, Priority Document Application.
[4] PatentScope. (2023). Global patent landscape for probiotic drying methods.
[5] Polish Patent Office. (2023). Register of granted patents.
