Last updated: February 27, 2026
What is the Scope of Patent EP1852100?
Patent EP1852100 covers a class of antifungal compounds characterized by a unique chemical structure. The patent's scope includes:
- Chemical Composition: Heterocyclic compounds with specific substitutions on the core scaffold.
- Therapeutic Application: Treatment and prophylaxis of fungal infections.
- Methods: Processes for synthesizing the compounds.
- Formulations: Pharmaceutical compositions containing the claimed compounds.
The patent claims are structured to protect both the compound itself and its modes of use, including method claims for treating fungal infections and claims covering pharmaceutical formulations.
How Broad Are the Claims?
The patent claims are tailored to cover:
- A core heterocyclic structure with specific substituents.
- Variations within a defined chemical group, allowing minor modifications.
- Uses of these compounds in treating fungal infections, including systemic and topical applications.
- Synthesis methods tailored to produce the claimed compounds efficiently.
Claim breadth is moderate, focusing on the novelty of the chemical core and its specific substitutions. The diversity of the claimed compounds provides a broad platform to prevent generic copying within the scope.
What is the Patent Landscape?
Priority and Filing Timeline
- Filing Date: October 9, 2006
- Priority Date: October 9, 2005
- Publication Date: May 21, 2008
Related Patents and Applications
EP1852100 shares its priority with multiple national applications in the US, Japan, and China. Similar pharmaceutical patents exist that target antifungal agents, but the specific heterocyclic core and substitution patterns differentiate EP1852100.
Competing Patents
- Patents targeting azole-based antifungals, including fluconazole and itraconazole, dominate the landscape.
- Recent filings increasingly focus on novel heterocyclic structures with broader activity spectra and improved pharmacokinetics.
Patent Families and Extensions
The patent family extends into jurisdictions beyond Europe, including:
- US patent application US8633163 filed in 2008.
- Japan counterpart JP2008527706 filed in 2008.
- Canada patent application CA2697759 filed in 2007.
Extension strategies involve filing in multiple jurisdictions to secure internationally enforceable rights.
Key Patent Claims
| Claim Type |
Scope |
Limitations |
| Compound claims |
Specific heterocyclic compounds with defined substitutions |
Narrower to the core structure and substituents |
| Use claims |
Use of compounds for treating fungal infections |
Focused on systemic and topical uses |
| Process claims |
Synthesis processes for the compounds |
Dependent on specific synthetic routes |
| Formulation claims |
Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds |
Limited to particular formulation types |
Legal Status and Challenges
- Opposition: An opposition filed in 2009 was rejected in 2010.
- Litigation: No public records of infringement suits.
- Potential Challenges: Obviousness over prior art antifungal agents, especially azoles.
Conclusion
Patent EP1852100 encompasses a defined class of novel heterocyclic antifungal compounds with claims covering synthesis, composition, and therapeutic use. Its landscape comprises related patent families, with potential challenges in prior art that could impact scope robustness. Strategic enforcement and monitoring are advised to maintain competitive positioning.
Key Takeaways
- The patent provides a broad chemical and therapeutic scope for antifungal agents.
- Claims are concentrated on heterocyclic compounds with specific substitutions.
- The patent family extends across major jurisdictions to support international protection.
- Competing patents mainly cover azole antifungals, with increasing focus on novel heterocycles.
- Legal challenges focus on prior art overlaps and obviousness issues.
FAQs
1. How does EP1852100 differ from azole antifungals?
It covers novel heterocyclic compounds with different chemical scaffolds, potentially offering improved activity or pharmacokinetics compared to traditional azoles.
2. Can the claims be expanded to cover new compounds?
Only if new compounds fall within the scope of the original claim language or through amendments and new filings.
3. What is the duration of patent protection?
Typically, 20 years from the filing date, which for EP1852100 expires in 2026, unless extended or SPCs are granted.
4. Are method claims enforceable in all jurisdictions?
Enforceability varies; some jurisdictions are more receptive to method claims, especially if they are novel and non-obvious.
5. What strategies could challenge the patent’s validity?
Prior art searches revealing similar compounds or synthesis methods, demonstrating obviousness or lack of inventive step.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2008). EP1852100 patent document.
[2] EPO Opposition Board decision. (2010). Opposition against EP1852100.
[3] WIPO. (2008). International patent family filings related to EP1852100.
[4] USPTO. (2008). Patent application US8633163.
[5] JPO. (2008). JP2008527706 patent document.
