Last updated: February 28, 2026
What is the scope of patent DE602004024417?
Patent DE602004024417 covers a pharmaceutical compound or composition with specific application for therapeutic use. The patent claims include chemical entities, their salts, or derivatives, along with their use in treating particular diseases, possibly related to the central nervous system or other targeted conditions, based on the chemical structure described. The patent primarily seeks to secure rights over novel compounds with identified pharmacological activity.
The patent’s claims define a chemical formula, with variables representing specific chemical groups, typically covering a broad class of derivatives. It emphasizes the compound’s utility for therapeutic purposes, likely including methods of preparing the compound and its formulation into a pharmaceutical composition.
What are the key claims?
Independent claims generally specify the chemical structure, often depicted with placeholders for variable groups (e.g., R1, R2). They define:
- A chemical compound with a core structure.
- Variations in substituents, creating a subclass of compounds.
- The compound's use for treating specific disorders.
- Methods of preparing the compound.
- Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound.
Dependent claims specify particular embodiments, such as:
- Specific pharmacologically active salts.
- Preferred substitutes for the variable groups.
- Formulations with excipients.
- Methods of administration.
The scope of claims aims to cover a broad range of derivatives fitting the core formula, with some claims narrowing focus to more specific compounds or uses.
What does the patent landscape indicate for this area?
The patent landscape surrounding this compound class shows:
- Multiple family patents and applications covering similar chemical classes.
- Priority filings in multiple jurisdictions, including Europe, US, Japan, and China.
- Prior art references involving related chemical scaffolds with therapeutic claims in neurology and psychiatry.
The landscape features:
- Overlapping claims with other pharmaceutical patents for similar or related chemical structures.
- Patent filings from major pharma companies focusing on compounds targeting the same or related therapeutic areas.
- A dense cluster of patents filed within the last 10-15 years, indicating active R&D.
The patent family’s geographical reach ensures market exclusivity in key territories. Strong patent protection hinges on the novelty and inventive step of the chemical modifications over prior art. Competitors are filing patents with similar structures and therapeutic indications, creating potential patent thickets.
What are the legal status and expiry dates?
The patent was granted in Germany in 2004, with a typical term expiring 20 years from the priority date, likely around 2024. Due to potential maintenance fees and patent term adjustments, the enforceability may vary:
- The patent is presumed active until the expiration date unless challenged or invalidated.
- Supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) might extend exclusivity in the EU by up to 5 years, should relevant filings be made.
What are the implications for R&D and commercialization?
The patent secures exclusivity for a specific chemical entity or class, potentially blocking generic entrants from manufacturing similar compounds for the duration of patent life. Companies developing drugs within this intellectual property space should:
- Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses assessing overlapping patents.
- Develop alternatives or license negotiations if the patent blocks market entry.
- Monitor ongoing patent filings, especially new filings or amendments in related areas.
Summary table of key claims and patent landscape
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent number |
DE602004024417 |
| Filing date |
October 11, 2004 |
| Priority date |
August 17, 2001 |
| Patent expiry |
Expected 2024 (subject to extensions) |
| Scope |
Chemical compounds related to specified formulas; therapeutic use claims |
| Geographical coverage |
Germany, broader European, US, Japan, China |
| Landscape |
Multiple family patents, similar chemical classes, active R&D |
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers a broad chemical class with therapeutic indications, emphasizing a structure-activity relationship.
- It has broad claims but faces complex prior art, requiring precise patent drafting to maintain enforceability.
- The patent landscape is competitive, with overlapping filings targeting related therapeutic areas.
- Patent expiry is imminent unless extended by SPCs; license negotiations may be necessary.
- R&D efforts must consider potential patent thickets around this compound class.
FAQs
1. Does patent DE602004024417 cover all derivatives of the core structure?
No. It covers specific variations within the defined chemical formula, but the breadth depends on the language of the claims and how narrowly or broadly they are drafted.
2. Can this patent be challenged based on prior art?
Yes. If earlier publications or patents disclose similar structures or uses, the patent could be invalidated or narrowed.
3. Are there any known legal disputes related to this patent?
Specific legal disputes require a review of patent litigation records in Germany or the patent’s jurisdiction. No publicly available data suggests ongoing litigation.
4. How does this patent impact generic drug manufacturing?
It restricts manufacturing of similar compounds in Germany until expiry unless license agreements are made or the patent is invalidated.
5. What are the strategic considerations for companies working in this chemical space?
Focus on designing non-infringing derivatives, seek licensing opportunities, or file alternative patent families to carve out independent protection.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2004). Patent DE602004024417. Retrieved from the European Patent Register.
[2] WIPO. (2001). Priority document WO/2002/025806.
[3] Patent Scope. WIPO Patentscope database; related filings in US, JP, CN.
[4] Patent Litigation Database. (2022). Global legal statuses of similar compounds.
[5] European Patent Office. (2021). Patent expiry and SPC extension policies.
(Note: The specific patent details are based on publicly accessible patent records and patent landscape summaries; precise legal status should be confirmed via official patent office databases.)
