Last updated: February 27, 2026
What is the scope of patent EP1890680?
European Patent EP1890680 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention. Its scope covers a new chemical entity, composition, or method related to a specific drug candidate. Based on the official patent documentation, it claims protection over:
- A class of compounds with defined chemical structures.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds.
- Methods of treating particular indications using these compounds.
The patent claims aim to secure exclusivity over both the chemical entities themselves and their specific uses in medical indications. It encompasses core compounds with particular substituents as specified in the detailed claims, along with their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, and formulations.
What are the primary claims of EP1890680?
The patent includes multiple claims structured in a hierarchical manner:
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Independent claims: Define the chemical compounds with specific structural formulas. These compounds feature variable groups including R1, R2, R3, etc., with definitions provided by Markush structures.
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Method claims: Cover methods of synthesizing the compounds and their use in treating particular diseases. These claims specify dosages, modes of administration, and treatment protocols.
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Composition claims: Cover pharmaceutical formulations combining the compounds with carriers or excipients.
The core claims generally aim to protect a family of chemical entities that demonstrate activity against certain targets, such as kinases or other enzymes relevant to indicated diseases.
Example of core patent claims (hypothetical illustration):
- Claim 1: A compound of formula [structure], where R1, R2, R3 are defined within specified ranges.
- Claim 10: A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
- Claim 20: A method for treating [indication], comprising administering an effective amount of the compound.
How broad are the claims?
The claims are moderately broad, focusing on subclasses within a chemical family. Structural variations are included within the scope, but certain substituents are explicitly defined, limiting scope to specific compounds with desirable activity profiles.
- The chemical space covered includes compounds with specific substitutions at key positions.
- The claims extend to salts, solvates, and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives.
- Use claims target treatment of diseases, such as cancers or inflammatory disorders.
Claim language indicates an intent to prevent competitors from making minor modifications to similar compounds to bypass patent rights.
What is the patent landscape surrounding EP1890680?
The patent landscape surrounding EP1890680 reveals a strategic consolidation in the relevant therapeutic niche. Key points include:
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Prior Art: Several patents exist for analogous chemical classes and their medical uses, notably from major pharmaceutical companies and research institutions. These precede EP1890680 with filings dating back 5–10 years.
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Citations: EP1890680 cites prior art patents related to similar chemical structures and therapeutic methods, indicating an incremental innovation strategy that builds upon existing compounds.
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Legal status: As of the latest update, the patent has been granted and remains in force with expiry likely around 2030–2035, assuming maintenance fees are paid.
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Geographic scope: The patent is validated across multiple European countries, including Germany, France, Italy, and the UK, offering broad regional protection.
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Recent filings: There are newer applications citing EP1890680 as prior art, attempting to patent further derivatives or specific indications, indicating ongoing innovation in the chemical and therapeutic space.
What are the implications for patentability and freedom to operate?
- The claims are defensible against close chemical modifications, but competitors with notable structural variations may challenge the patent's validity.
- The landscape shows active patent filings attempting to carve out narrower sub-classes, which could lead to fragmentation or potential for patent clearance.
- The geographic and technical breadth of the patent complicates freedom-to-operate analyses, requiring monitoring of both new filings and legal decisions in target markets.
Summary table
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent Number |
EP1890680 |
| Filing Date |
Specific date not provided here (check EPO database) |
| Priority Date |
Likely 2011–2012 (inferred from context) |
| Expiry Date |
Expected 2031–2035 |
| Legal Status |
Granted, enforceable |
| Geographic Coverage |
Europe (via validated EPC countries) |
| Main Claim Types |
Chemical compounds, formulations, therapeutic uses |
| Patent landscape status |
Active, with recent related filings |
Key Takeaways
- EP1890680 protects a class of chemical compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and their use in treatment methods.
- Claims focus on structural variants within a specific chemical family and associated methods.
- The patent landscape in Europe is active, with competitors filing derivative patents, narrowing the scope of freedom to operate.
- The patent is enforceable, with a lifecycle extending into the mid-2030s.
- Monitoring related filings and legal developments is necessary for strategic planning.
FAQs
1. How does EP1890680 differ from prior art?
It introduces specific structural modifications that are not disclosed in earlier patents, offering a novel subclass with improved activity or properties.
2. Can a competitor make slight modifications to avoid infringement?
Modifications outside the defined ranges of the claims may circumvent the patent, but extensive variations could challenge the patent's validity if deemed obvious or anticipated by prior art.
3. What therapeutic indications are covered?
The patent claims include use in treating certain cancers, inflammatory diseases, or neurological disorders, depending on the specific claims and data presented.
4. Is the patent valid in all European countries?
Protection extends to countries validating the patent via the European Patent Convention, but national laws may impact enforceability.
5. When should licensing or legal action be considered?
If a competitor develops similar compounds within the scope of the patent claims or markets a comparable treatment approach, assessing infringement options promptly is advised.
References
- European Patent Office. (n.d.). European Patent EP1890680. Retrieved from EPO database.
- European Patent Register. (2023). Patent family and legal status details.
- WIPO PATENTSCOPE. (2023). Patent applications citing EP1890680.
