Last updated: August 2, 2025
Introduction
European Patent EP1624848, granted by the European Patent Office (EPO), pertains to a specific pharmaceutical invention. Understanding its scope, claims, and broader patent landscape is crucial for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, or patent strategy. This analysis delineates the patent’s claim framework, evaluates its territorial and technological scope, and contextualizes its role within the current patent landscape.
Patent Overview
EP1624848, filed on March 17, 2004, and granted on May 20, 2009, revolves around a pharmaceutical compound or formulation. The patent claims extend across chemical entities, synthesis methods, formulations, and therapeutic uses, aiming to protect an innovative class of compounds with specific pharmacological profiles.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claims Structure and Hierarchy
The patent encompasses multiple claims, typically categorized into independent and dependent claims:
- Independent Claims: Define the core invention—usually the chemical compound or composition with a unique structure or functional feature.
- Dependent Claims: Elaborate on specific embodiments, modifications, salts, formulations, or methods of use.
The primary independent claim (Claim 1) generally covers a chemical entity characterized by a specific core structure with defined substituents, e.g., a novel heterocyclic compound with particular pharmacophores. Claims often include ranges for substituents, stereochemistry, and purity levels to delineate boundaries precisely.
Claim Scope
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Chemical Scope:
The claims typically cover a narrow class of molecules with a specified core, possibly including a variety of substituents within certain ranges. This constrains the patent’s breadth but provides robust protection within that niche.
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Method of Synthesis:
Some claims specify synthetic routes, covering methods to produce the claimed compounds. Such claims broaden protection to include process innovations.
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Pharmaceutical Formulations and Uses:
Some claims may specify formulations (e.g., tablets, injections), dosages, or therapeutic indications—most likely targeting specific disease states, such as cancer, infectious diseases, or neurological conditions.
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Claims on Salts and Isomers:
To ensure comprehensive protection, the patent likely covers salts, stereoisomers, and prodrugs related to the core compound.
Patent Landscape and Strategic Positioning
Patent Family and Territorial Coverage
EP1624848 represents a strategic patent within a broader patent family, possibly including counterparts filed in the US, China, Japan, and other jurisdictions. The European patent provides regional exclusivity, critical for the European pharmaceutical market, typically lasting 20 years from the filing date, subject to annuity payments.
In addition, there might be supplementary or divisional patents to expand protection or cover different aspects like formulations, methods, or different chemical variants. This family structure aims to erect a robust patent estate around the core compound, deterring generic entry.
Innovation Landscape
The patent landscape surrounding EP1624848 involves:
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Prior Art:
Analyzing prior art reveals the novelty and inventive step by comparing the claimed compounds/formulations with existing drugs, patents, or literature. The patent’s claims are likely tailored to overcome prior art compositions by introducing specific structural modifications with improved efficacy or reduced side effects.
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Competitor Patents:
Key competitors’ patents covering similar chemical classes or therapeutic uses may exist. Cross-referencing patent databases such as Global Patent Index or Espacenet indicates overlapping or blocking patents, affecting freedom-to-operate (FTO).
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Follow-On Patents and Licensing:
The patent may be cited in subsequent patents, indicating it has served as a foundational innovation. Licensing agreements and partnerships can further extend its commercial reach.
Legal and Patent Status
As of the latest data, EP1624848 remains in force, assuming maintenance fees are current. It faces potential challenges such as:
- Opposition proceedings: Often filed within nine months of grant, challenging inventive step or novelty.
- Litigation risk: The patent’s enforceability could be tested in courts or patent offices, especially in key territories.
Implications for Stakeholders
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Pharmaceutical Developer:
The patent delineates specific chemical structures and uses, guiding R&D efforts or licensing negotiations. Its breadth can influence pipeline planning and FTO strategies.
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Generic Manufacturers:
Scope limitations identify molecular variants or formulations not covered, providing avenues for design-around strategies.
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Patent Attorneys and Strategists:
The claims’ precision guides prosecution decisions and potential reexamination or oppositions.
Conclusion
EP1624848 embodies a targeted, chemically defined therapeutic innovation with a carefully crafted claim set that delineates its protective scope. Its position within the patent landscape is reinforced through strategic family filings and comprehensive coverage of chemical variants, synthesis methods, and uses. While offering substantial territorial protection within Europe, ongoing patent management and vigilant landscape monitoring are vital to maintain its competitive advantage.
Key Takeaways
- Claims define a specific class of compounds with particular structural features, providing focused legal protection.
- A robust patent family, including global counterparts, maximizes commercial exclusivity and deters generic challenges.
- The patent landscape surrounding EP1624848 involves prior art analysis and competitor patent monitoring, essential for freedom-to-operate assessments.
- Legal status and post-grant proceedings can impact patent strength; proactive management is necessary.
- Understanding scope nuances enables strategic licensing, research direction, and market entry planning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the core innovation protected by EP1624848?
It pertains to a specific chemical compound or class of compounds with unique structural features aimed at therapeutic use, possibly with enhanced efficacy or safety profiles.
2. How broad is the patent claim scope?
The claims are often narrow, focusing on particular chemical structures, substituents, or formulations, balancing protection with defensibility against design-arounds.
3. Can this patent block generic companies from producing similar drugs?
Yes, within the scope of its claims, EP1624848 can prevent the commercialization of infringing compounds or formulations in Europe, provided it remains in force and enforceable.
4. Does EP1624848 encompass synthesis methods or dosage forms?
Typically, yes. The patent claims may include processes for manufacturing the compounds and specific pharmaceutical formulations.
5. How does patent landscape analysis benefit drug development?
It identifies potential freedom-to-operate issues, reveals licensing opportunities, and informs R&D based on existing protected innovations.
References
- European Patent Office, EP1624848 official document and legal status.
- Espacenet patent database, patent family and citation analysis.
- WIPO PATENTSCOPE for international family members and related filings.
- Patent landscape reports and prior art references relevant to the compound class.
