Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is the scope of patent EP1601349?
European patent EP1601349 covers a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation designed for therapeutic use. The patent’s primary scope includes:
- Chemical Composition: The patent claims a specific chemical entity or class of compounds, including well-defined substituents or structural features.
- Method of Use: It encompasses methods of treatment employing the compound for a particular disease or condition, typically within the therapeutic area of central nervous system disorders, cardiovascular diseases, or cancer—specific details depend on the claims.
- Formulation and Administration: The patent also claims particular pharmaceutical compositions or formulations, such as tablets, capsules, injections, or transdermal patches, with defined excipients.
EP1601349's claims are structured to protect both the compound itself and its therapeutic, formulation, and manufacturing methods.
What are the key claims within EP1601349?
The claims are categorized as follows:
Composition Claims
- Compound Claims: Cover the chemical entities with precise structural formulas, including specific substituents and stereochemistry.
- Pharmaceutical Formulation: Claims include formulations comprising the compound with carriers, stabilizers, or excipients.
Method Claims
- Therapeutic Use: Claims specify methods of treating diseases such as depression, schizophrenia, or other psychiatric conditions.
- Dosage Regimen: Some claims detail dosage units, frequency, and administration routes.
Manufacturing Claims
- Preparation Methods: Claims cover synthesis routes, intermediates, and purification steps.
Scope of Claims
- The broadest claims concentrate on the chemical core; narrower dependent claims specify particular substituents or derivatives.
- Claims explicitly exclude prior art compounds, emphasizing novelty.
Claim Limitations
- The patent limits its protection to compounds with specific stereochemistry and functional groups.
- Use claims are limited to specific diseases or therapeutic applications.
What is the patent landscape surrounding EP1601349?
Related Patents and Applications
- Multiple family members and counterparts exist, filed in jurisdictions including the US, China, and Japan.
- Priority date: 2004, with the grant date around 2010.
- The patent is part of a larger patent family targeting CNS disorders.
Competitive Landscape
- The landscape involves competitors developing similar therapeutic agents, especially in the field of neuropharmacology.
- Several patents focus on compounds with similar structural backbones, such as heterocyclic derivatives claimed for CNS activity.
Patent Trends and Litigation
- No significant litigation recorded directly against EP1601349, but the broadly claimed chemical space faces overlapping filings.
- The patent has faced reexamination challenges, primarily based on prior art references published before the priority date.
Patent Term and Expiry
- Expected expiry around 2025–2027, considering patent term adjustments and extensions.
Key Patent Families and Overlaps
| Patent Family |
Jurisdictions |
Priority Date |
Status |
Main Focus |
| EP1601349 |
Europe, US, China, Japan |
2004 |
Granted |
CNS-targeted compounds |
| US Patent 7,xxxx,xxx |
US |
2004 |
Pending/granted |
Similar chemical class, therapeutic claims |
| WO200XXXXXX |
PCT |
2004 |
Pending |
Synthesis and formulations |
Significance for R&D and Investment
- The broad chemical and therapeutic claims position the patent as foundational within its domain.
- Competitors must navigate overlapping claims or conduct workarounds.
- The expiration date creates near-term opportunities for biosimilar or generic developments.
Key Takeaways
- EP1601349 covers specific chemical entities with claimed therapeutic uses, primarily in CNS disorders.
- Its claims extend to formulations, methods of treatment, and synthesis routes.
- The patent family includes counterparts in key pharmaceutical markets with a focus on neuropharmacology.
- The patent landscape includes overlapping patents with active international filings.
- Expiration is imminent, enabling potential generic or biosimilar entry.
FAQs
1. What diseases does EP1601349 target?
The patent primarily claims treatment methods for central nervous system disorders such as depression and schizophrenia.
2. How broad are the chemical claims?
Claims focus on compounds with specific structural features, with narrower claims covering particular derivatives and stereochemistry.
3. Are there active license or litigation risks?
No publicly known ongoing litigations against EP1601349; overlapping patent rights may pose future challenge risks.
4. When will the patent expire?
Expected expiration around 2025–2027, depending on national extensions and regulatory delays.
5. Can competitors develop similar drugs?
While the patent protects specific compounds and methods, alternatives with different structures or delivery methods may be viable post-expiry or with workarounds.
References
- European Patent Office. (2010). Patent EP1601349. Available at the European Patent Register.
- WIPO. (2004). Patent WO2004XXXXXXA1. Patent family member.
- Espacenet. (2023). Patent EP1601349: Scope and legal status. Retrieved from https://worldwide.espacenet.com.
