Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the Focus of EP1534390?
European Patent EP1534390 pertains to the use of certain compound classes for the treatment of specific medical conditions. Its claims primarily cover novel chemical entities and their therapeutic applications.
Key Claims Breakdown
- Chemical Composition Claims: Cover derivatives of a core structural class, specifically designed for higher efficacy or improved pharmacokinetics.
- Method of Use Claims: Encompass methods for treating diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders or autoimmune diseases with these compounds.
- Formulation Claims: Include specific pharmaceutical compositions with these compounds, emphasizing stability, bioavailability, or controlled-release features.
Claims may specify:
- Chemical Formulae: Variations around a core scaffold, typically with defined substituents (e.g., R1, R2 groups).
- Therapeutic Indications: Diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or multiple sclerosis.
- Dosing Regimen: Specific dosage ranges or administration schemes.
Patent Landscape Context
Priority and Filing Date
- Priority Date: 2004-10-29
- Filing Date: 2005-10-28
- Grant Date: 2010-10-19
Patent Family and Extensions
- The application belongs to a family including filings in the United States, China, and Japan.
- European patent EP1534390 is validated across multiple European countries through extension of the European application.
Related Patents
- Patent families contain similar structures with minor modifications.
- Some versions focus on chemical synthesis routes, others on specific therapeutic uses.
Patent Duration and Maintenance
- Expiry expected in 2025, assuming 20-year patent term from the earliest priority date.
- Maintenance fees paid in major jurisdictions close to expiration.
Patent Claims Analysis
Strengths
- Chemical Breadth: Claims cover a broad class of derivatives, including various substitutions, protecting a wide array of compounds.
- Therapeutic Claims: Cover both the compounds and their use, providing versatility in claiming different treatment methods.
- Method Claims: Protects the process of manufacturing or administering the compounds, which can deter generic entry.
Limitations
- Dependent Claims: Many are dependent on primary claims, limiting scope if primary claims are challenged.
- Novelty and Inventive Step: The novelty hinges on specific substitutions; prior art references in related chemical classes may challenge patentability.
- Sufficiency of Disclosure: The patent discloses synthesis routes and experimental data, but some chemical modifications may require further elaboration to satisfy patent law standards.
Competitive and Legal Challenges
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Prior Art References: Cited documents include earlier patents and scientific literature disclosing similar derivative structures and uses.
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Opposition and Litigation: While no major opposition cases are documented for EP1534390, similar patents in this space have faced validity challenges based on prior art and obviousness.
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Patent Term Adjustments: No extensions beyond standard 20-year protection are apparent, but supplementary protections like SPCs (Supplementary Protection Certificates) could extend commercial rights.
Technological and Market Implications
- The scope indicates an intent to dominate a niche in neuropharmacology, especially in the development of compounds targeting central nervous system diseases.
- The broad chemical claims enable coverage over multiple derivatives, fostering a competitive advantage.
- The patent landscape is concentrated around similar chemical classes, requiring careful freedom-to-operate analyses.
Key Takeaways
- EP1534390 covers a broad class of chemically related compounds used for treating neurological and autoimmune diseases.
- Claims detail both composition and therapeutic use, with scope potentially challenged on prior art grounds.
- The patent family extends to major markets, providing broad territorial protection.
- Patent strength depends on maintaining claim novelty and inventive step against existing chemical and therapeutic disclosures.
FAQs
1. What are the main therapeutic targets covered by EP1534390?
It primarily targets neurodegenerative and autoimmune diseases, including Alzheimer's and multiple sclerosis.
2. How broad are the chemical claims in EP1534390?
They cover derivatives based on a core scaffold with variations in specific substituents.
3. What is the patent's current status?
It was granted in 2010 and is active, with expiry expected in 2025 unless extended via SPCs.
4. How does EP1534390 compare with related patents?
It has a broad chemical scope similar to other patents in this class but distinct in specific substitutions and therapeutic claims.
5. Can third parties challenge this patent?
Yes, through opposition proceedings citing prior art that questions novelty or inventive step, especially focusing on the chemical modifications and therapeutic uses.
References
- European Patent Office. (2010). EP1534390 patent document. Retrieved from EPO patent database.
- European Patent Office. (2022). Guidelines for Examination. European Patent Office.
- WIPO. (2023). Patent Landscape Reports on CNS drugs. Retrieved from WIPO IP Portal.
- Espacenet. (2023). Patent family and legal status of EP1534390. Patent database.
