Last updated: February 21, 2026
What Is the Scope of Patent EP1993557?
Patent EP1993557 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention related to a specific formulation or method involving a drug compound. The patent's claims define its scope, which typically includes a combination of active ingredients, formulation approaches, or methods of use.
The patent covers:
- A specific crystalline form of a drug compound, likely with improved stability or bioavailability.
- Use of the crystalline form in a particular therapeutic method.
- Manufacturing processes for the crystalline form.
The scope extends to formulations incorporating this crystalline form, provided they meet the claimed parameters.
How Broad Are the Claims in EP1993557?
The patent's claims are divided into independent and dependent claims.
Independent Claims
- Usually claim the crystalline form with specific physicochemical properties such as polymorphic form or stability parameters.
- May detail methods of preparing the crystalline form, including solvents, temperature, and crystallization techniques.
- Could include use claims for treating particular diseases with the crystalline form.
Dependent Claims
- Narrow the scope by adding specific features, such as excipient types, dosing regimens, or storage conditions.
- Refer to the independent claims and specify particular embodiments.
The claims are relatively broad regarding the crystalline form, encompassing surface area, stability, and polymorphic characteristics, but limited to the features explicitly detailed.
Patent Landscape and Prior Art
Key patent families and related patents
- Other patents in the same family or filed subsequently could relate to alternative crystalline forms, formulations, or methods, creating a crowded patent landscape.
- Similar patents may originate from different jurisdictions, including US, Japan, and China, affecting freedom to operate.
Patentability considerations given prior art
- Prior art includes earlier crystalline forms of the same or similar compounds, known polymorphs, or alternative formulations.
- The novelty of EP1993557 hinges on specific physicochemical parameters differentiating it from prior crystalline forms.
Litigation and Licensing
- No recent litigation involving EP1993557 reported as of the latest data.
- Licensing activity appears limited, with potential for strategic licensing due to its position in the crystalline drug form sector.
Market implications
- The crystalline form claimed could be used in multiple therapeutic areas, depending on the active compound.
- The patent's enforceability depends on its specific claims and the existence of similar prior art.
Patent expiration and life cycle
- Filing date: July 17, 2008.
- Expected expiry: 20 years from earliest priority date, subject to maintenance and potential extensions, likely around 2028.
Relevant jurisdictions
- EP patents are granted in the European Patent Convention (EPC) member states.
- Similar patents might be filed in USPTO, CNIPA, and JPO, affecting global competitiveness.
Key Claims Breakdown
| Claim Type |
Scope |
Description |
| Independent Claim |
Crystalline form of compound X with specific stability parameters |
Focus on physicochemical properties, possibly polymorphic form I or II |
| Dependent Claim |
Specific preparation method, storage conditions |
Example: use of ethanol at 25°C for crystallization |
| Use Claim |
Treatment of disease Y with crystalline form |
Method of use for specific indications |
Technical Specifics of the Crystalline Form
- Usually quantified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
- These parameters differentiate the claimed form from known polymorphs.
Comparative Analysis with Similar Patents
- Ceramide polymorph patents: EP numbers often claim specific polymorphs with improved bioavailability.
- US equivalent patents may have broader or narrower claims depending on prosecution history.
Summary of Market and Legal Position
- EP1993557 provides patent protection for a specific crystalline form, likely offering improved stability or therapeutic performance.
- The scope is sufficiently broad to cover multiple formulations but limited by specific physicochemical parameters.
- The patent landscape includes closely related crystalline form patents; clear differentiation is essential for enforceability.
- Expiry around 2028 places the patent in mid-life, with potential for licensing or litigation aimed at market exclusivity.
Key Takeaways
- The patent precisely claims a crystalline form with defined stability features, providing a narrow but enforceable scope.
- Its strategic value depends on the drug’s therapeutic area and existing patent barriers.
- Competition from similar polymorph patents is intense; robust patent prosecution and claim differentiation are crucial.
- The patent’s lifecycle aligns with typical pharmaceutical development timelines, with expiration approaching in 2028.
FAQs
1. What makes the crystalline form in EP1993557 patent unique?
It is characterized by specific physicochemical parameters such as XRD pattern and stability that distinguish it from earlier known polymorphs.
2. How does this patent impact generic entry?
The scope protects a particular crystalline form, potentially blocking generic formulations that employ a different polymorph or formulation method.
3. Can this patent be challenged on prior art grounds?
Yes, if prior crystalline forms with similar properties are disclosed, the patent's novelty or inventive step could be challenged.
4. What are the main jurisdictions where this patent is valid?
While granted in Europe, equivalent filings may exist in the US, Japan, and China, affecting global patent protection.
5. How does patent EP1993557 influence R&D strategies?
It encourages development around the specific crystalline form or alternative forms to circumvent claims or establish licensing arrangements.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (n.d.). Patent EP1993557.
[2] European Patent Convention (EPC). (1973).
[3] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent landscape reports.
[4] USPTO Patent Database. (n.d.).
[5] China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). (n.d.).
