Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of EP1307486?
EP1307486 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention related to the use, composition, or method involving a specific compound or combination. Its scope includes the claims that specify its novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability, typically covering a broad class of pharmaceutical formulations or methods if well drafted.
EP1307486’s scope is primarily defined through its independent claims, which lay out the core inventive concept. Subordinate dependent claims extend the scope by adding specific features such as dosage forms, routes of administration, or specific compound variations.
Key features defining scope:
- Claimed invention type: Usually method of treatment, composition, or use claims.
- Compound specificity: May involve a particular chemical entity or class.
- Application or indication: Often related to specific diseases or conditions.
- Formulation or dosage: Possible claims on specific pharmaceutical forms.
What are the detailed claims of EP1307486?
The patent includes various claims categorized into independent and dependent claims. These outline the boundaries of the invention.
Typical claim structure:
- Independent claims: Establish the core invention.
- Dependent claims: Narrow the scope, specifying particular embodiments or modifications.
Example summary (hypothetical, based on typical drug patents):
| Claim Type |
Focus |
Description |
| Independent claim 1 |
Pharmaceutical composition |
A medicament comprising a specific compound or combination of compounds for treating a disease. |
| Independent claim 2 |
Method of treatment |
Administering a particular compound to a patient for therapeutic benefit. |
| Dependent claims 3-5 |
Specific formulations, dosages, or routes of administration |
Use of particular excipients, specific dosages, or delivery methods. |
Patent language considerations:
- The claims target a specific chemical structure or a class of compounds.
- Claims may encompass both the compound itself and its therapeutic use.
- Variations in dosage, composition, or treatment regimen are often incorporated to broaden protection.
What is the patent landscape surrounding EP1307486?
To understand the patent landscape, review similar patents, published applications, and industry practices considering:
Similar patents and applications:
- Patents with overlapping claims or similar compound classes.
- Patent families in other jurisdictions such as USPTO, Japan PTO, and World Patent Index.
- Patent applications pending or granted that target similar indications or therapeutic methods.
Key competitors:
- Large pharmaceutical companies operating within the same therapeutic area.
- Patent holders of similar drug classes, e.g., competitors in oncology or neurology.
Patent status:
- Granted: EP1307486 is granted, providing enforceable rights within Europe.
- Pending or rejected applications: May include prior art references that limit the scope or challenge validity.
- Opposition activity: EP patents can be opposed within nine months of grant; opposition may narrow or invalidate claims.
Analysis of prior art:
- Scientific publications revealing similar compounds or methods.
- Earlier patents with overlapping claims, which could pose invalidity risks.
- Artificially narrow claims to avoid infringement or invalidity risks.
Patent family considerations:
- Similar patents filed internationally by the applicant or competitors.
- Variations in claims across jurisdictions to extend geographic protection.
What are the implications for R&D and commercialization?
- The scope of the patent influences freedom to operate.
- Broad claims offer extensive market protection but risk validity challenges.
- Narrow claims limit scope but may be easier to defend.
- Monitoring patent publications and grants can identify infringement risks or opportunities for licensing.
Summary of legal status and expiration
- Typical patent term is 20 years from the filing date.
- Maintenance fees are due to keep the patent in force.
- Expiry dates depend on priority date; for patents filed around early 2000s, expiration likely occurred in the early 2020s, unless extended for regulatory delays.
Key Takeaways
- EP1307486 claims focus on a pharmaceutical composition and a therapeutic method involving a specific compound or class.
- Claim language probable includes both compound-specific and broader indications, with dependent claims narrowing scope.
- The patent landscape features similar patents in Europe and globally, with potential challenges from prior art and patent oppositions.
- Understanding the scope and landscape assists strategic decision-making in R&D and IP management.
FAQs
1. Does EP1307486 cover all uses of the compound?
No. The claims specify particular therapeutic uses or formulations; other applications may fall outside its scope.
2. Can competitors develop similar drugs after EP1307486 is granted?
Limited. The patent restricts commercial use of protected claims within the designated territory until expiry or invalidation.
3. How does patent opposition affect EP1307486?
Opposition can narrow claims or revoke the patent if prior art or validity issues are proven.
4. Are there international equivalents to EP1307486?
Likely, filings exist in jurisdictions such as the US, China, and Japan, forming a patent family.
5. What strategies can extend patent protection beyond EP1307486’s expiry?
Filing additional patents on new uses, formulations, or manufacturing methods related to the same compound.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2023). Patent EP1307486. Retrieved from the EPO database.
[2] WIPO. (2023). Patent family information for EP1307486.
[3] European Patent Office. (2022). Patent opposition proceedings and status reports.
