Types of Pharmaceutical Patents and Their Scope
Pharmaceutical patents are intellectual property rights that ensure the protection of innovative products and manufacturing processes in the pharmaceutical industry. The content, formulation, manufacturing method, or use of a drug can be protected by a patent.
Pharmaceutical patents grant exclusive rights to pharmaceutical companies for a certain period, safeguarding their R&D investments and delaying the entry of generic drug manufacturers into the market for a specific time.
1. Product Patents
✅ Molecule Patent
These are patents related to a new medical or veterinary molecule or an active ingredient obtained from nature. These types of patents are the strongest in the pharmaceutical industry because they protect the most fundamental component of the drug.
✅ Derivative Patent
These patents are for new derivative molecules obtained from a new or known molecule. The new compounds resulting from chemical modifications of the molecule are protected.
✅ Crystal Form (Polymorph) Patent
These patents cover a new crystal form (polymorph structure) of a molecule. The same active ingredient can exhibit different bioavailability and stability in different crystal forms.
✅ Active Ingredient Mixture Patent
These patents are for mixtures of multiple active ingredients or derivatives combined in specific proportions. These types of patents are used in combination therapies.
2. Formulation (Composition) Patent
These patents cover the excipients, auxiliary components, drug form, dosage, and method of administration used in addition to the active ingredient in a drug. For example, innovations like a slow-release form of an active ingredient or a new tablet coating method are considered under formulation patents.
3. Indication Patent
These patents relate to the effects and uses of a molecule once it has been developed into a drug and applied to the body. For example, if a molecule was initially developed as a hypertension drug but later discovered to be effective in treating migraines, a new indication patent could be obtained for this new use.
4. Method (Process) Patent
These patents relate to the manufacturing method used to produce a product, crystal form, derivative, or drug. This patent protects innovative techniques involved in the synthesis of the active ingredient or the production process of the drug. For example, if a more environmentally friendly or efficient production process is developed, a patent can be granted specifically for this process.
Why Are Pharmaceutical Patents Important?
✅ Protects R&D investments.
✅ Encourages the development of new drugs.
✅ Creates a competitive advantage in the pharmaceutical industry.
✅ Prevents the imitation and unauthorized production of drugs.
Patent protection in the pharmaceutical industry is a critical incentive mechanism that supports companies in developing innovative medicines.
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As Başalan Patent Limited Company, we provide professional consulting services on pharmaceutical patents, generic drug protection processes, and intellectual property management both in Turkey and worldwide. With over 30 years of experience, a specialized team, and an ISO 9001:2008 Quality Certificate, we are dedicated to safeguarding your pharmaceutical patents and intellectual property.