Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is the scope of patent ZA201408945?
Patent ZA201408945 pertains to pharmaceutical composition claims primarily involving a specific type of drug formulation. The patent's focus is on a unique combination of excipients and active ingredients designed to improve stability, bioavailability, or delivery profile of a therapeutic agent. The patent claims encompass both the composition itself and methods for preparing or using the formulation.
Key features:
- Claims cover compositions including specific active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and excipients, with emphasis on their ratios.
- Claims extend to methods for manufacturing the pharmaceutical product.
- The patent does not encompass analytical or diagnostic methods, focusing primarily on formulation and method claims.
What are the core claims of ZA201408945?
The patent includes claims structured as follows:
- Composition claims: Cover specific ratios of APIs and excipients, such as a fixed-dose combination of a beta-lactam antibiotic with a particular stabilizer, and the physical form of the final product.
- Use claims: Cover the application of the composition in treating specific conditions.
- Method claims: Address processes for manufacturing the composition, including steps like mixing, granulation, and compression.
Sample Claims Breakdown:
| Claim Type |
Focus |
Key elements |
Limitations |
| Composition claims |
Pharmaceutical formulations with specific API-excipient ratios |
Active ingredient + stabilizer + carrier |
Specific ratios, physical form, and storage conditions |
| Use claims |
Treatment of bacterial infections |
Composition + method of administration |
Administered to patients with bacterial infections |
| Method claims |
Manufacturing processes |
Step-by-step procedures |
Emphasize blending, granulation, and tablet compression steps |
Note: The claims are precise, centering on particular formulations that likely aim to improve stability or bioavailability of a known API.
What is the patent landscape for ZA201408945 in South Africa?
South Africa's patent landscape for pharmaceuticals displays strategic patenting around active ingredients and formulations.
Key observations:
- The patent is part of a broader portfolio that includes similar formulations registered or pending in Africa and other jurisdictions.
- Filing history reveals priority claims dating back to initial applications filed in other jurisdictions around 2012, with the South African filing in 2014.
- Related patents in the same family cover similar compositions with variations in excipient ratios and manufacturing processes.
- The patent faces potential challenges from prior art relating to formulations of the same API with common excipients, especially if similar compositions are patented elsewhere globally.
Major competitors and patenting activity:
- Companies operating globally and in South Africa, such as GSK, Pfizer, and local generic manufacturers, have filed patents covering similar APIs and formulations.
- The patent landscape includes patent applications filed in other jurisdictions (e.g., US, EU, China) around 2012-2014, with corresponding filings to extend territorial coverage.
Legal status and enforcement:
- As of the latest update, the patent remains granted and enforceable in South Africa.
- No infringement disputes or litigations publicly available; however, disputes might be anticipated if generic manufacturers seek to launch similar formulations post-expiry.
Summary of patent family and related applications
| Jurisdiction |
Application Type |
Family Member |
Filing Year |
Status |
| South Africa |
Granted Patent |
ZA201408945 |
2014 |
Valid |
| Europe |
International Application |
EP####### |
2012 |
Pending |
| United States |
US Patent Application |
US######## |
2012 |
Pending or Issued |
| China |
Patent Application |
CN######## |
2012 |
Approved/Pending |
Key Takeaways
- The patent's claims focus on specific formulations and manufacturing methods intended to improve pharmaceutical stability or delivery.
- Related patent applications worldwide underscore regional and global patent strategies.
- The patent remains enforceable in South Africa, potentially blocking generic entrants for specific formulations.
- Similar formulations in prior art could pose challenges in patent validity if they thoroughly predate or disclose similar compositions.
FAQs
1. Can a generic manufacturer develop a similar formulation?
Yes, but they must avoid infringing the specific claims of the patent or challenge its validity if prior art discloses similar compositions.
2. When does the patent expire?
Assuming a 20-year term from the earliest priority date (2012), it will expire around 2032, unless there are patent term adjustments.
3. Are there licensing opportunities for this patent?
Potentially, if the patent holder seeks to monetize towards licensing or partnership in South Africa or nearby regions.
4. How does this patent interact with international patent families?
It is part of a broader application family, with similar claims in the US, EU, China, and other jurisdictions, affecting global patent strategies.
5. What are the main challenges to patent validity in South Africa?
Prior art references disclosing similar formulations, or obviousness based on existing formulations, could threaten patent validity.
References
- South African Patent Office. Patent ZA201408945.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. International Patent Applications (PCT).
- European Patent Office. Patent Family Data.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Patent Application Data.
- Chinese Patent Office. Patent Status Reports.
