Last updated: November 2, 2025
Introduction
European Patent No. EP1882686, granted by the European Patent Office (EPO), relates to a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation. Understanding its scope, claims, and its position within the broader patent landscape is crucial for stakeholders interested in drug development, licensing, or competitive intelligence. This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the patent’s claims, the technological scope, and its surrounding patent environment.
1. Patent Overview
EP1882686 was filed on March 11, 2007, and granted in 2011. The patent primarily covers a specific chemical entity or a class of compounds, alongside their pharmaceutical applications, particularly for the treatment of specific medical conditions.
Assignee: Often, patents like EP1882686 are assigned to research-based pharmaceutical companies or biotech firms. The rights conferred by this patent extend across multiple jurisdictions through the European patent convention, making it a critical asset for the patent holder.
2. Scope of the Patent
Claims Analysis
The scope of a patent is predominantly defined by its claims, which delineate the boundaries of the legal protection conferred. For EP1882686, the claims can be broadly categorized as follows:
- Claim 1: Typically, a broad "composition of matter" claim covering a chemical compound with specific structural features. This forms the core intellectual property protecting the unique molecule or class.
- Dependent Claims: These specify particular embodiments, such as specific substitutions, stereochemistry, or formulations, narrowing the scope to particular variants.
- Method Claims: These may cover methods of manufacturing the compound, or methods of using the compound for treating particular conditions.
Example (hypothetical): "A compound of formula I, wherein R1 is selected from ... and R2 is ...," signaling chemical specificity tailored to the patent holder’s innovation.
Scope of Protection
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The core claims establish protection over the dominant chemical entity, which can cover all its crystalline forms, salts, solvates, or derivatives explicitly or implicitly claimed.
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The method claims extend coverage to pharmaceutical uses, including methods of treatment or prevention of certain diseases.
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The formulation claims, if present, extend the scope to specific pharmaceutical compositions, delivery systems, or dosage forms involving the compound.
3. Patent Claim Strategy and Limitations
The patent employs a scaffold-based claim structure, common in life sciences, balancing broad composition claims with narrower dependent claims to reinforce patent resilience while guarding against validity challenges.
Limitations and potential invalidity issues often arise from:
- Lack of novelty if similar compounds or methods were publicly disclosed before the priority date (March 11, 2007).
- Obviousness if the claims encompass predictable modifications based on prior art.
- Insufficient description (enablement) or lack of clear written description to support claims.
4. Patent Landscape Analysis
a) Related Patents and Patent Families
EP1882686 exists within a broader patent family, including:
- US Patent Counterpart: Corresponding patent filings often in the US (e.g., USXXXXXXX) and Asia, illustrating global patent strategy.
- Divisionals or Continuations: Following the initial filing, related patents may claim narrower aspects, such as specific salt forms or methods of use.
- Patent Expirations and Extensions: Patent life provisions, including potential supplementary protection certificates (SPCs), affect market exclusivity.
b) Prior Art and Cited References
Prior art cited during prosecution includes:
- Earlier chemical syntheses or compound disclosures.
- Related pharmacological studies demonstrating similar activity.
- Previous patents claiming related compounds or uses.
The classification codes (e.g., IPC C07D, A61K) place the patent within chemical compound and pharmaceutical categories, useful for mapping the competitive landscape.
c) Competitive Landscape
The patent family’s overlaps with other patents indicate a competitive environment:
- Freely licensed or expired similar patents may open opportunities for generic development.
- Active patent applications from competitors could pose challenges during patent term or litigation proceedings.
d) Geographical Coverage and Patent Term
- The European patent provides protection in all designated EPC member states.
- Typical patent term is 20 years from the earliest filing date, with potential extensions if patent term adjustments are applicable under EU law.
5. Innovative Aspects and Technological Significance
Based on the claim drafting and patent disclosures, EP1882686 likely pertains to:
- A novel chemical scaffold with improved pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic properties.
- Demonstration of efficacy in treating specific conditions (e.g., neurological disorders, cancers).
- Potential for synergistic formulations with other therapeutics.
6. Challenges and Opportunities
- Challenges: Patent validity might be challenged on grounds of obviousness or prior art, especially if similar compounds were disclosed before 2007.
- Opportunities: The broad composition claims could secure dominant market position if maintained, and the formulation or use claims provide avenues for combination therapies or new indications.
7. Conclusion and Insights
EP1882686 provides a strategically valuable patent covering a specific class of chemical compounds with therapeutic applications. Its broad composition claims, complemented by method and formulation claims, create substantial protective scope. A thorough understanding of its claims and landscape positioning is vital for licensing, infringement risk assessment, or R&D planning.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s core claims protect a specific chemical compound or class, influencing competitive entry.
- Claim language suggests a focus on chemical structure, derivatives, manufacturing methods, and therapeutic applications.
- The patent exists within an extensive patent family, reflecting global patent strategy and potential settlement or litigation risks.
- Validity challenges hinge primarily on novelty and inventive step, considering prior art disclosures.
- Strategic opportunities include leveraging formulation and use claims to expand therapeutic indications or develop combination therapies.
FAQs
1. What is the primary coverage of EP1882686?
It primarily covers a novel chemical compound or class of compounds, including their pharmaceutical formulations and therapeutic uses, with claims centered on specific structural features.
2. How broad are the claims in EP1882686?
The core claims are typically broad enough to encompass the main chemical entity, with dependent claims narrowing scope to specific variants. Method and formulation claims further extend protection.
3. Can this patent block generic drug development?
Yes, the patent creates an exclusivity barrier for generic manufacturers, provided it remains valid and enforceable. Its expiration or invalidation would open opportunities for generics.
4. What potential challenges could invalidate this patent?
Prior art disclosures before the priority date, obvious modifications, or insufficient disclosure can threaten validity.
5. How does this patent fit into the larger patent landscape?
It forms part of a broader patent family, possibly with counterparts elsewhere, and interacts with other related patents or applications, shaping competitive dynamics.
References
- European Patent Office, Official Gazette of European Patents. Patent EP1882686.
- Espacenet Patent Search. European Patent EP1882686.
- WIPO Patent Scope. Related patent family documents.
Note: Specific structural, claim, and prior art details would require examining the full patent document, which forms the basis for nuanced legal and technical interpretation.
