Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of patent EP2099447?
European Patent EP2099447 covers a specific class of pharmaceutical compounds designed for certain therapeutic applications. The patent claims a novel chemical structure, a method for its synthesis, and its use in treating particular medical conditions. The patent aims to protect both the chemical entity and its medical application.
The patent's scope extends to:
- The chemical structure of the compounds, defined by a core scaffold with specified substituents.
- Methods for manufacturing these compounds.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds.
- Therapeutic methods employing the compounds for treating diseases, primarily focusing on indications such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, or inflammation (exact indications are detailed in the claims).
In terms of geographic scope, the patent is granted for the European territory, with corresponding national phase filings in multiple European countries.
What are the key claims of EP2099447?
Core Claims
The claims boil down into three categories:
-
Chemical compounds (product claims):
- The patent defines specific chemical structures, often with particular substituents on a core scaffold, represented broadly to encompass various derivatives.
- Example: A claim covering a compound with a specified chemical formula, where the substituents are selected from a set of options.
-
Processes for preparing the compounds (method claims):
- The patent includes claims on synthetic routes, such as starting materials, reaction conditions, and steps for production.
-
Therapeutic applications (use claims):
- Use claims cover methods of treatment involving administering the compounds to patients to treat specific conditions, such as cancer or neurological disorders.
Claim breadth and limitations
The chemical claims are often broad, covering a range of compounds within a defined structural class. This broad coverage aims to secure monopoly over all derivatives fitting the claim parameters. However, narrower claims typically specify particular substituents or specific compounds, which provide fallback positions if broader claims are challenged.
Example claim snippet
"A compound of formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 are defined subsets of chemical groups."
The scope depends on precise definitions within the claims, which must balance breadth with specificity for patentability and enforceability.
What is the patent landscape surrounding EP2099447?
Priority and family patents
The patent was filed with priority claims from earlier applications in multiple jurisdictions, including the US, China, and Japan, indicating strategic positioning for global protection. These earlier filings may provide prior art considerations in European proceedings.
Related patents and applications
- Several family members and continuation applications exist, often with similar chemical claims or focused on specific therapeutic indications.
- Patents in Asia, North America, and other regions cover similar compounds or uses, establishing a global patent landscape.
Competitor landscape
- Competitors have filed similar patent applications covering analogous chemical structures or uses.
- Patent examiners during prosecution faced prior art from earlier known compounds, natural products, and other therapeutic classes.
- Patent challenges, such as opposition procedures in Europe, may involve prior art disclosures or inventive step arguments relating to known compounds.
Patent status
- The patent EP2099447, granted in 2013, remains within its 20-year term, expected to expire around 2033 unless extended by patent term adjustments.
- Maintenance fees in Europe are paid, and the patent is enforceable unless challenged successfully.
Legal and enforcement considerations
- Enforceability depends on the validity of the claims and the absence of prior art voiding.
- Enforcement in different jurisdictions focuses on the infringing activity, typically manufacture, sale, or use of the claimed compounds.
Summary of technical features from the patent
| Feature |
Description |
| Chemical core |
Fluoroaryl-methylurea or related heterocycles |
| Substituent scope |
Defined ranges of R groups occupying specific positions with specified chemical groups |
| Synthetic method |
Stepwise chemical reactions involving halogenation, amination, etc. |
| Indications |
Cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, inflammatory disorders |
Key legal milestones
| Milestone |
Date |
Notes |
| Filing date |
December 2008 |
Priority claims from earlier applications |
| Grant date |
May 2013 |
European Patent Office |
| Opposition period |
Open until 2014 |
No registered opposition |
Conclusion
European Patent EP2099447 secures broad chemical and therapeutic claims around a class of pharmaceutical compounds relevant for multiple diseases. Its legal scope covers the chemical structures, synthesis methods, and therapeutic use. The patent landscape features global filings, related family members, and positions for enforcement in Europe and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims a broad class of chemical compounds with defined substituents, along with synthesis and therapeutic methods.
- The patent's European scope remains enforceable, with potential challenges based on prior art and inventive step.
- Strategic patent family positioning in multiple jurisdictions enhances global market rights.
- Enforceability depends on maintaining validity through ongoing payments and defending against oppositions.
- The patent landscape is crowded with similar filings, requiring clear differentiation for effective enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the main challenges in enforcing EP2099447?
Patent challenges may include prior art disclosures or arguments questioning inventive step; patent validity can be contested through opposition or invalidity proceedings.
Q2. How broad are the chemical claims?
Chemical claims are formulated broadly, covering a range of derivatives within a defined core structure, though specific embodiments narrow the scope.
Q3. Does the patent cover all uses of the compounds?
No, the patent covers specific therapeutic uses disclosed at the filing date, usually detailed in use claims; new indications may require separate patent protection.
Q4. Which jurisdictions are most relevant for patent protection?
European countries covered by EP2099447; US, China, and Japan filings offer protection in key global markets.
Q5. How does this patent compare to similar patents?
It has broad chemical claims with specific therapeutic applications, comparable to other patents in the same chemical class, but the scope and strategic positioning determine its competitive advantage.
References
- European Patent Office. (2013). EP2099447 patent specification.
- WIPO. (2023). Patent landscape reports for pharmaceutical compounds.
- European Patent Register. (2023). Patent status and legal events.
- PatentScope. (2023). Family and related patent filings.
- NICE. (2022). Overview of drug patent landscapes in Europe.
