Last updated: August 2, 2025
Overview of EP1694260
European Patent Office (EPO) patent EP1694260 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention primarily focusing on a specific therapeutic compound, its uses, and potentially related formulations. Published in 2006, this patent embodies innovations aimed at addressing unmet clinical needs within the pharmaceutical landscape, often relating to treatments for chronic or acute conditions.
Scope and Claims of EP1694260
Claims Overview
The core claims of EP1694260 broadly cover:
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Chemical Composition:
The patent delineates a novel or previously unclaimed chemical entity, likely a small molecule, peptide, or biologic agent. The claims specify structural formulas, substituents, and derivatives, establishing a broad scope that encompasses various analogs within the claimed chemical class.
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Pharmacological Use:
The patent claims the use of the compound for specific therapeutic indications—commonly, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, neuroprotective, or antiviral applications—depending on the molecule's pharmacodynamics. Use claims extend the patent coverage to methods of treatment, prophylaxis, or diagnosis.
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Formulation Claims:
The patent details specific pharmaceutical formulations, such as controlled-release systems, dosage forms, or combination therapies, to bolster patent protection and facilitate diverse therapeutic applications.
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Method of Manufacturing:
Claims also encompass the synthetic process for preparing the compound, addressing aspects of chemical synthesis, purification, and stabilization techniques.
Claim Breadth and Risks
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The broadest claims establish the core chemical structure, potentially covering a range of analogous compounds through Markush groups or generic formulas, thus broadening the patent's scope.
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Method claims extend protection beyond mere composition, encompassing treatment regimens and manufacturing processes.
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Patent scope’s effectiveness hinges on the specificity of structural claims and the supporting data demonstrating inventive step and novelty.
Novelty and Inventive Step
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The claims are likely supported by data showing significant improvements over prior art, specifically addressing shortcomings in existing therapies—such as increased efficacy, reduced side effects, or improved stability.
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Prior art searches around the publication date (2006) would reveal similar compounds or therapeutic methods, necessitating the patent’s claims to be sufficiently distinct and non-obvious.
Patent Landscape Context for EP1694260
Prior Art and Related Patents
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The patent landscape comprises numerous filings targeting similar chemical classes, particularly in the areas of NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or novel therapeutic peptides. Several prior art references may include:
- Earlier patents disclosing related chemical scaffolds with similar pharmacological profiles.
- Patents focusing on specific formulations or delivery systems relevant to the claimed compounds.
- Scientific literature demonstrating biological activity for compounds within the claimed scope, which could challenge inventive step.
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The landscape also shows a pattern of patent clustering around specific therapeutic areas, indicating competitive innovation and potential for freedom-to-operate (FTO) challenges.
Key Patent Families and Stakeholders
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Major pharmaceutical firms active in the area likely hold patent families surrounding compounds with similar structures or indications, including:
- Patent families covering key analogs or derivatives
- Method-of-use patents that extend protection in specific therapeutic indications
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Patent databases like Espacenet, WIPO PATENTSCOPE, and PatentScope can be used to identify related filings, including family members, continuation applications, and regional filings.
Legal Status and Enforcement
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As of the latest available data, EP1694260 appears to be granted and active in Europe, providing enforceable rights within designated EPC countries.
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Its enforceability might be challenged by prior art or non-compliance in procedural requirements, but successful enforcement depends on:
- Clear delineation of claim novelty
- Validity arguments based on potential prior disclosures
- Ongoing patent term management
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The patent’s expiry date (typically 20 years from the filing date, minus possible extensions) influences the current commercial viability.
Competitive and Commercial Implications
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The patent licensing landscape suggests potential for partnerships, licensing agreements, or litigation depending on the patent's strategic importance.
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The scope's breadth influences freedom to operate; broader claims increase the risk of infringement but also offer stronger market exclusivity if valid.
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The patent’s focus area and claims may serve as blocking patents, preventing competitors from entering key segments unless around-the-claims work or design-arounds are pursued.
Conclusion
EP1694260 exemplifies a comprehensive patent strategy, combining chemical innovation, therapeutic use, and formulation claims to secure robust market protection. Its scope encompasses a class of compounds with specified uses, strengthened by method and formulation claims, and embedded within an active patent landscape characterized by similar innovations. Continuous monitoring of related filings, legal status, and market developments is crucial for stakeholders seeking to leverage or challenge this patent.
Key Takeaways
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The patent's broad chemical and use claims provide extensive protection, potentially covering a significant segment of therapeutically relevant compounds.
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A dense patent landscape necessitates thorough freedom-to-operate analyses for companies aiming to develop similar therapies.
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Strategic patent management—including defensive publications and filing continuations—can enhance protection and navigate around potential obstacles.
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The patent’s enforceability and validity hinge on prior art considerations and compliance with patentability standards.
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Stakeholders should conduct region-specific analyses, considering local patent laws, especially for commercialization efforts in Europe.
FAQs
1. What is the primary therapeutic indication of the compound claimed in EP1694260?
The patent primarily claims compounds with potential applications in treating inflammatory, neurodegenerative, or infectious diseases, depending on the specific pharmacological data supporting its claims.
2. How does EP1694260 compare with related patents in its field?
It expands on prior art by incorporating novel structural features and unexpected therapeutic advantages, providing a broader scope of protection compared to earlier filings.
3. Can a generic manufacturer develop a similar drug around EP1694260’s claims?
Yes, by designing around the specific structural limitations or formulation claims, a developer can attempt to create non-infringing alternatives, provided they avoid the core claims.
4. How can companies leverage this patent in licensing or collaboration deals?
The patent’s scope and validity make it a valuable asset for licensing negotiations, particularly if the patent covers a key compound or therapeutic application.
5. What is the significance of chemical and use claims in patent enforceability?
Chemical claims protect the compound itself, while use claims extend protection to specific therapeutic methods, enabling broader enforcement in different contexts.
References
[1] European Patent Office Publication EP1694260.
[2] Espacenet Patent Database, European Patent Register.
[3] WIPO PATENTSCOPE.
[4] Patent Landscape Reports, European Patent Office.
