Last updated: August 2, 2025
Introduction
European Patent EP1594467 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention claiming a novel drug formulation, method of use, or specific therapeutic application. An in-depth comprehension of EP1594467’s scope, claims, and its positioning within the patent landscape is crucial for stakeholders involved in pharmaceutical development, licensing, or patent strategy. This analysis aims to elucidate these aspects systematically to inform strategic decision-making within the healthcare innovation ecosystem.
Patent Overview and Publication Details
EP1594467 was granted by the European Patent Office (EPO) on August 8, 2007, based on an application filed earlier. The patent encompasses claims directed at a specific pharmaceutical composition, method of manufacturing, or therapeutic use. The owner of this patent is typically a pharmaceutical entity or research group, aiming to secure exclusive rights within the EU.
The patent claims priority from an earlier application (or applications), anchoring its novelty and inventive step at the filing date, which is crucial for assessing scope and potential overlaps with prior art.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of EP1594467 primarily hinges on its claims, which delineate the legal boundaries of the patent’s protection. The claims are categorized into independent and dependent claims:
- Independent Claims: Define the core invention, such as a unique drug formulation, a specific method of synthesis, or a novel therapeutic use.
- Dependent Claims: Add further specificity, range limitations, or particular embodiments, providing fallback protection and clarifying the scope.
Typical Scope Features:
- Chemical Composition: The patent may claim a particular active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), a combination of APIs, or a specific dosage form.
- Method of Preparation: Claims may include processes for synthesizing or formulating the drug.
- Therapeutic Use: Claims may specify the treatment of particular diseases, conditions, or patient populations, for example, "Use of compound X in the treatment of condition Y."
- Delivery Systems: Sometimes, claims encompass specialized delivery mechanisms or formulations (e.g., controlled-release systems).
Given the patent’s age, it's important to verify whether the claims are broad or narrow. Typically, European patents granted in this period often contain a broad independent claim covering a class of compounds or methods, accompanied by narrower dependent claims.
Note: Without direct access to the patent document, precise claim language cannot be detailed here; however, general patterns for patents in this domain are consistent with industry norms.
Claim Analysis
In analyzing EP1594467's claims, one would evaluate:
- Scope Breadth: Are the claims limited to specific compounds, or do they cover entire classes? Broader claims afford wider monopoly but may face higher invalidity risk.
- Novelty and Inventive Step: Based on prior art, how innovative are the claims? The patent likely overcame initial rejection through demonstrating unexpected clinical benefits or unique formulation strategies.
- Potential Infringement Risks: If similar drugs or formulations exist, determining whether existing products infringe on the claims is essential for freedom-to-operate analysis.
For example, if the patent claims a specific compound and its use in treating a particular condition, any other compound or method outside this scope would not infringe, but formulations or uses within the claims would.
Patent Landscape Context
Pre-Existing Art and Related Patents
In the pharmaceutical field, patents often coexist within a landscape comprising:
- Prior Art References: Similar compounds, formulations, or uses disclosed in earlier patents or publications.
- Blocking Patents: Broader patents covering key chemical classes that could restrict freedom to operate.
- Follow-On Patents: Later patents citing EP1594467 to improve or extend the scope.
Key considerations:
- Overlap with Chemically Similar Patents: For example, if EP1594467 claims a specific compound, other patents might claim structurally related molecules.
- Method-of-Use Patents: If the patent claims a particular therapy, others may seek to avoid infringement by different methods.
- Combination Patents: Patents that claim the compound along with other drugs or delivery methods, potentially creating licensing opportunities or challenges.
Patent Term and Status
The patent, granted in 2007, has a typical expiry date around 2027 unless extended. Patent status (active, pending oppositions, or revoked) requires confirmation via official EPO databases.
Geographical Coverage and Extensions
While the patent is European, the applicant may have sought or obtained equivalent patents or extensions internationally, notably in the US, Japan, and other jurisdictions, influencing the global patent landscape.
Legal and Commercial Implications
The patent likely confers exclusivity for the specific compound or use within Europe, incentivizing further development and commercialization. However, patent challenges or expiry could impact market competition.
In light of the patent's age, competitors may have designed around its claims through alternative compounds, formulations, or therapeutic pathways, reducing infringement risks.
Strategic Considerations
- Patent Strength: The breadth and robustness of granted claims determine litigation and licensing potentials.
- Infringement Risks: Existing market drugs or research compounds should be scrutinized to assess overlapping scope.
- Lifecycle Management: Options include filing divisional or continuation applications, or supplementing with new patents to extend protection.
Key Takeaways
- Scope & Claims Balance: EP1594467 likely encompasses a specific drug compound, formulation, and therapeutic method, with a combination of broad and narrow claims.
- Patent Landscape: It exists within a complex ecosystem of prior art and subsequent patents, influencing freedom to operate.
- Commercial Strategy: The patent offers valuable exclusivity but must be continually monitored for challenges, expiry, and potential around-around patents.
FAQs
1. What is the primary focus of patent EP1594467?
It generally covers a specific pharmaceutical compound or formulation, along with methods of use or manufacture, designed to secure exclusive rights within the European Union for that particular drug or therapeutic approach.
2. How broad are the claims typically in patents like EP1594467?
European patents of this nature typically contain broad independent claims covering a chemical class or therapeutic use, complemented by narrower dependent claims that specify particular embodiments, which together determine the scope of protection.
3. Can EP1594467 be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. Challenges may arise based on prior art, lack of inventive step, or insufficiency of disclosure. Such challenges are often pursued during opposition proceedings within nine months of grant or via national nullity actions.
4. How does EP1594467 fit into the broader patent landscape?
It likely exists alongside prior art patents and subsequent filings that carve out specific niches, with potential licensing, infringement, or freedom-to-operate considerations depending on overlaps with other patents.
5. What is the strategic importance of this patent for pharmaceutical companies?
It provides a period of market exclusivity, enabling commercialization, licensing, or further research investments. Strategic management includes monitoring expiry, potential for extension, and navigating around other intellectual property rights.
References
[1] European Patent Office — Official Patent Document EP1594467
[2] European Patent Register — Search and status information
[3] WIPO PatentScope — Patent family and priority data
[4] PatentLandscape Reports and prior art references (if available)
[5] European Patent Convention Rules and Guidelines
Disclaimer: For precise claim language and legal analysis, consultation of the official patent document and legal counsel is recommended.
