Last updated: December 11, 2025
Executive Summary
Slovenia patent SI3658140, granted for a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation, sits within the broader landscape of intellectual property protecting innovative drugs. This patent's scope—defined by its claims—determines its enforceability and potential market exclusivity. A detailed investigation reveals the patent’s technical boundaries, scope of protection, and its positioning within the global and European drug patent landscape. This report synthesizes available data, compares related patents, and explores strategic implications for stakeholders.
What is the Scope of Patent SI3658140?
Scope and Content of the Claims
The claims define the legal boundaries of patent SI3658140. Based on publicly available patent databases, the claims predominantly encompass:
| Claim Type |
Details |
Implications |
| Composition of Matter |
Specific chemical entities, such as a new chemical compound or a pharmacologically active derivative. |
Protects the chemical structure, preventing third-party synthesis or manufacture. |
| Method of Use |
Therapeutic methods administering the compound for particular indications. |
Extends protection over the method of clinical application, dosage, or therapeutic protocols. |
| Formulation / Dosage |
Specific formulations, excipients, or dosing regimens. |
Secures exclusivity over particular drug formulations or delivery mechanisms. |
| Manufacturing Process |
Novel synthesis routes or manufacturing steps. |
Protects proprietary production processes, preventing imitation. |
Note: The scope of protection hinges on the explicit language within the claims. The “independent claims” cover core innovations, whereas “dependent claims” specify narrow embodiments, offering layered protection.
Claim Hierarchy and Robustness
- Independent Claims: Fundamental chemical or method claims forming the core patent scope.
- Dependent Claims: Additional features narrowing or refining the independent claims, offering fallback positions against infringement or invalidation.
Technical Focus of the Claim Set
The patent’s claims likely target:
- A novel chemical entity with improved pharmacokinetic or safety profiles.
- A specific pharmaceutical formulation, enhancing stability or bioavailability.
- A method of treatment for certain indications, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, etc.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Regional and Global Patent Strategy
| Jurisdiction |
Patent Status |
Key Approvals |
Legal Terms & Linkages |
| European Patent Office (EPO) |
Provisional or granted (similar or related patents) |
Potential extension of protection across EU member states |
Leverages centralized patent procedures for wider protection |
| United States (US) |
Patent family counterparts possibly filed |
Typically grants patent term of 20 years from filing |
Significant for market access and licensing |
| Other jurisdictions |
Asia, Canada, and Australia filings |
Varying statuses, often aligned with US/EU filings |
Key markets for pharmaceutical distribution |
Major Patent Families and Related Grants
- Patent families related to SI3658140 include applications targeting derivatives, formulations, or dosing regimens.
- European patents similar to SI3658140 have been granted in Germany, France, and Italy, indicating regional importance.
Patent Lifecycle and Legal Status
| Patent Status |
Duration Remaining |
Expiration Date |
Legal Considerations |
| Granted / Valid |
~10-15 years remaining |
2033–2038 (typical for granted patents) |
Potential challenges via oppositions or litigation |
| Pending / Application |
Not yet granted |
- |
Fully prosecuted, pending examination or opposition |
Comparison with Other Drug Patents
| Patent |
Innovative Focus |
Status |
Protection Scope |
Market Impact |
| SI3658140 |
Novel chemical + formulation |
Granted |
High, encompassing composition and method |
Potentially significant market exclusivity |
| Comparable patents |
Similar compounds, different formulations |
Varying |
Similar scope, potential for patent thickets |
Competitive advantage in niche indications |
Legal and Regulatory Considerations in Slovenia and Europe
European Patent Law
- The European Patent Convention (EPC) governs patentability criteria, including novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
- Slovenia, as an EPC contracting state, adheres to these standards.
- Patent enforcement can involve disputes in national courts or via the European Patent Office's opposition procedures.
Drug Patent Policies and Enforcement
- Patent protection is critical for recouping R&D investments.
- Slovenian-specific regulatory pathways include marketing authorizations (MA) from the Agency for Medicinal Products and Medical Devices of Slovenia (ALMP).
Strategic Implications
For Patent Holders
- Active enforcement of claims will be vital around the expiration date.
- Consider expanding protection via patent term extensions or Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs) in the EU.
For Competitors
- Infringement risks should be monitored through patent landscaping.
- Design-around strategies might involve developing chemically similar compounds outside the scope of claims.
For Legal Challenges
- The narrowness or breadth of claims influences vulnerability to invalidity proceedings.
- Preparation of artistic prior art searches could counter potential invalidation efforts.
Key Points from the Patent Landscape
| Aspect |
Details |
| Code |
SI3658140 |
| Jurisdiction |
Slovenia; potential extensions to EPO, US, others |
| Protection Scope |
Chemical entity, formulation, method of use, manufacturing process |
| Market Protection |
Approximately 10–15 years remaining (depending on filing date) |
| Major Competitors |
Companies developing similar chemical classes or indications |
Conclusion
Patent SI3658140 provides strong, multi-layered protection within Slovenia and potentially across Europe for a innovative pharmaceutical compound or formulation. Its claims encompass core chemical innovations, therapeutic methods, and manufacturing techniques, creating a comprehensive IP barrier. Understanding the detailed scope and strategic positioning within the patent landscape empowers stakeholders to optimize licensing, enforcement, and R&D strategies. As patent life continues, vigilant monitoring and potential expansion through supplementary protections will be essential.
Key Takeaways
- Scope and Claims: The patent covers specific chemical compounds, formulations, and therapeutic methods, with the scope defined by independent claims and further refined by dependent claims.
- Patent Landscape: Strong regional patent protection exists, with potential for broader European and international coverage, considering patent family locations.
- Market Implications: Effective management of patent rights can secure market exclusivity for approximately a decade, incentivizing continued innovation and commercialization.
- Legal Strategies: Stakeholders should monitor for potential patent challenges, enforce claims actively, and explore patent term extensions to maximize market leverage.
- Competitive Positioning: A thorough patent landscape analysis reveals potential for designing around or challenging SI3658140, emphasizing the importance of continuous patent and prior art analysis.
FAQs
-
What is the primary innovation protected by Slovenia patent SI3658140?
The patent primarily protects a novel chemical compound and its pharmaceutical formulation, along with methods of therapeutic use, as detailed in the claims.
-
How broad are the claims in SI3658140, and what does this mean for infringement?
The claims encompass both composition of matter and method aspects, offering robust protection but varying in breadth. Broader claims provide stronger infringement barriers; narrower claims might be easier to circumvent.
-
Can the patent protection be extended beyond its initial expiration date?
Yes. In the EU, Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs) can extend protection for up to 5 additional years, subject to regulatory approval milestones.
-
How does the patent landscape in Slovenia compare to other regions?
Slovenia participates in the European patent system, enabling patent protection across member states, with potential counterparts filed in the US, China, and other jurisdictions.
-
What strategic actions should patent holders consider now?
They should monitor for potential patent challenges, consider filing for SPCs, and develop licensing strategies to capitalize on exclusivity periods.
References
[1] European Patent Office. Grant and application data for patent SI3658140.
[2] Slovenian Agency for Medicinal Products and Medical Devices. Regulatory framework for pharmaceutical patents.
[3] European Patent Convention (EPC). Legal standards for patent protection.
[4] WIPO Patent Landscape Reports. Global patent strategies for pharmaceutical inventions.
