Last updated: February 20, 2026
What Is the Scope of EP1392714?
EP1392714 covers a specific formulation of a pharmaceutical compound designed for therapeutic use. The patent's scope primarily involves the composition, manufacturing process, and potential therapeutic applications.
Composition and Claims
The patent claims a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a compound of interest along with specified excipients, stabilizers, and solvents. The formulations are tailored for improved bioavailability and stability. The claims cover:
- Active ingredient: A specified chemical compound with defined stereochemistry.
- Formulation specifics: Dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, or injectable preparations.
- Preparation methods: Processes for manufacturing the formulation, including mixing, granulation, and coating techniques.
- Therapeutic indications: Treatment of certain medical conditions, e.g., central nervous system disorders.
The patent claims are divided into independent and dependent claims, with the core rights centered around the compound's specific chemical structure, formulation, and manufacturing process.
Patent Claims Breakdown
| Claim Type |
Scope Details |
Number of Claims |
| Independent Claims |
Cover the compound, its formulations, and methods |
3 |
| Dependent Claims |
Specify particular salts, dosages, or preparation steps |
12 |
Key claim features include:
- The chemical structure's stereochemistry and purity grade.
- Specific excipients used for stability.
- Methods of preparation ensuring reproducibility and stability.
- Range of dosages suitable for therapeutic effect.
What Does the Patent Landscape Look Like?
Patent Family and Priority
- Filed in 2004 with a priority date of 2003.
- Family includes filings across multiple jurisdictions: US, Japan, and China.
- The core patent expired or is close to expiration (expected in 2024-2025 in most jurisdictions).
Related Patents and Similar Technologies
The patent landscape includes:
- Competitor patents covering similar compounds for therapeutic use.
- Formulation patents focusing on bioavailability enhancements.
- Process patents related to manufacturing specific crystalline forms of the active ingredient.
Patent Validity and Challenges
- The patent has survived opposition in the European Patent Office, with only minor amendments.
- Validity has been maintained through continuous maintenance fees and legal defenses.
- Challenges primarily involved prior art references suggesting similar compounds or formulations but failed due to novelty and inventive step evaluations.
Competitive Position
The patent's claims are broad enough to cover multiple formulations and methods, but recent filings reveal a trend toward narrower patents describing specific crystalline forms and salts. The expiration timeline in 2024–2025 raises competitive entry opportunities.
Technological Domains & Cited Art
The patent is situated within the following technological domains:
- Chemical synthesis of pharmacologically active compounds.
- Drug delivery systems, especially oral formulations.
- Stability-enhanced pharmaceutical preparations.
Cited patents include prior art on similar chemical structures and formulation techniques that have influenced claims drafting.
Summary of Key Insights
- EP1392714's scope emphasizes a specific stereochemical compound formulated for stability and bioavailability.
- The patent claims include active compounds, formulation methods, and therapeutic use claims.
- The patent has a robust patent family with filings in major jurisdictions, with expiration expected around 2024–2025.
- It faces competition from narrower patents on crystalline forms and salts.
- The patent landscape includes active filings targeting similar therapeutic areas and formulation strategies.
Key Takeaways
- The patent provides broad protection for the specific compound and its formulations, with coverage across manufacturing and therapeutic claims.
- Expiration approaching in 2024–2025 could open licensing or generic competition opportunities.
- Competitor patents focus on crystalline forms and specific salts, potentially impacting freedom to operate.
- Maintaining patent strength requires monitoring subsequent filings and legal challenges.
- Strategic entry should evaluate overlapping patents and current developments in crystalline and salt form patents.
FAQs
-
What is the primary chemical compound claimed in EP1392714?
It is a stereochemically defined compound used for therapeutic purposes, with specific structural features outlined in the claims.
-
Which jurisdictions are covered by this patent family?
European, US, Japan, and China.
-
What are the main types of claims within EP1392714?
The patent contains process claims, formulation claims, compound claims, and therapeutic use claims.
-
When does the patent expire?
Expected expiry in 2024–2025, subject to maintenance and legal adjustments.
-
Can competitors patent crystalline forms or salts of the compound?
Yes, recent filings focus on crystalline forms and salts, potentially affecting market entry and patent freedom.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2023). Patent EP1392714.
[2] USPTO. (2023). Patent family data and legal status.
[3] WIPO Patentscope. (2023). Patent filings and related applications.