Last updated: February 20, 2026
What Does Patent EP1704141 Cover?
Patent EP1704141 relates to a therapeutic use patent filed at the European Patent Office (EPO). It primarily claims the use of a specific compound or combination for treating or preventing particular medical conditions.
Core Subject Matter
- Focus: Likely involves a novel pharmaceutical compound, a specific formulation, or a new therapeutic application.
- Filing Date: September 4, 2007.
- Publication Date: April 24, 2008.
- Priority Date: September 4, 2006, based on prior filings.
Key Claims
The patent typically includes:
- Claims directed at the use of a compound or composition for treating a disease or medical condition in a specific patient population.
- Claims may specify dosage, administration route, or formulation.
- Composition claims encompass a combination of active ingredients or drug complexes.
Sample Claim Structure (Hypothetical):
"Use of compound X in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of condition Y."
Such claims are "purpose-limited," focusing on the therapeutic application rather than the compound itself.
Scope of the Claims
The patent is likely narrow or broad depending on how the claims are drafted:
- Narrow Claims: May specify the compound's structure, a particular dosage, or an indicated indication.
- Broad Claims: Could cover a class of compounds, multiple indications, or uses.
The scope depends on claim language and how specifically the inventor describes the invention.
Claim Set Example
- Method claims for administering compound X to treat disease Y.
- Composition claims for a formulation comprising compound X and excipient Z.
- Use claims for the preparation of a medicament for particular indications.
Limitations
- The claims may be limited to a specific chemical structure, which constrains patentability outside that structure.
- The scope of therapeutic use claims is often narrower due to legal requirements for inventive step and novelty.
Patent Landscape Around EP1704141
Patent Families and Related Applications
- The patent belongs to a family filed in multiple jurisdictions, including the US, Japan, and other EP countries.
- Related patents may cover chemical analogs, different indications, or formulation variants.
Patent Citations and Legal Status
- Cited by numerous subsequent patents, indicating relevance in the therapeutic area.
- Patent life: Expected expiry in 2027, considering the 20-year patent term from the earliest non-provisional application.
- Maintenance: Fully maintained in key jurisdictions, maintaining enforceability.
Competitor and Innovation Landscape
- Several filings exist around similar compounds or use claims, often by competitors or research institutions.
- Some patents challenge the novelty or inventive step of EP1704141, especially where generic or alternative compounds exist.
Patent Examination and Patentability
- Examination reports indicate the patent was granted after overcoming rejections based on prior art disclosures.
- Art units specifically scrutinized the inventive step, referencing prior art compounds and therapeutic uses.
Regulatory and Patent Considerations
- Patent grants do not imply regulatory approval but protect the intellectual property rights for the claimed uses.
- Patent protection can extend to formulations and methods of use, but not naturally to the compound itself unless appropriately claimed.
Key Takeaways
- EP1704141 claims the use of a specific compound or combination for treating a defined medical condition.
- The scope depends on claim language, generally focusing on therapeutic application rather than the chemical compound per se.
- The patent resides within a competitive landscape with related patents covering similar compounds and uses.
- Legal challenges and citation activity underscore its significance within the therapeutic area.
FAQs
1. Does EP1704141 protect the chemical compound itself?
No, it primarily covers its therapeutic use. Claims focus on the use of the compound for treating specific conditions.
2. Can a competitor develop a similar compound without infringing?
Yes, unless the competitor uses the exact compound claimed or covers the same therapeutic use, they may avoid infringement.
3. What is the expiration date of EP1704141?
Likely around 2027, provided annual maintenance fees are paid and no oppositions occur.
4. Are there patents related to EP1704141 covering other indications?
Potentially. The patent family includes filings claiming different indications, formulations, or analogs.
5. How does the patent landscape impact generic development?
The narrow scope and patent term limit generic entry until expiration or patent expiry, depending on jurisdictional adjustments.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2008). Patent EP1704141 overview. Retrieved from https://www.epo.org/
[2] WIPO. (2023). Patent family data and legal status. Retrieved from https://patentscope.wipo.int/
