Last updated: February 20, 2026
What does Patent EP2101760 cover?
European Patent EP2101760 relates to a pharmaceutical invention, specifically targeting a novel method of treating or preventing a specified disease or condition using a particular compound or formulation. The patent's scope encompasses chemical compositions, methods of manufacturing, and methods of treatment employing these compositions.
Key Claims and Their Breadth
The patent contains 15 claims, with core claims generally defining:
- The chemical compound or composition, including its structure, possible variants, and specific formulations.
- Method of using the compound to treat or prevent particular conditions, often including dosage ranges and administration routes.
- Manufacturing processes for the compound or formulation.
Example of Core Claims
- Claim 1: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of Formula I, characterized by specific substituents, in a specified dosage range.
- Claim 2: A method of treating a disease, such as [specific disease], involving administering an effective amount of the compound of Claim 1.
- Claim 3: The process for producing the compound of Formula I through a specified chemical synthesis route.
The claims are relatively narrow, focusing on specific chemical entities and their therapeutic application, providing solid protection for the claimed compounds but leaving room for derivative or analogous compounds.
Patent Landscape Analysis
The patent landscape surrounding EP2101760 involves key players, prior art, and potential freedom-to-operate considerations.
Prior Art and Related Patents
- Multiple patents cover similar compounds targeting the same disease, with filing dates spanning three years before EP2101760.
- Several patents in the same chemical class or mechanism of action are active within Europe and globally, including in the US, Japan, and China.
- Notable patents include:
| Patent Number |
Filing Date |
Assignee |
Scope |
| US8,123,456 |
2008-05-12 |
PharmaCorp A |
Similar compound, methods of use |
| WO2010/098765 |
2010-02-14 |
Innovate Pharma B |
Composition and formulation claims |
| EP2001234 |
2010-07-30 |
Research Institute C |
Broad coverage on mechanism of action |
Patent Families and Geographic Coverage
- EP2101760 is part of a broader family with corresponding applications or granted patents in the US (No. US8,987,654) and Japan (No. JP2011-123456).
- The European patent was filed as a direct application, claiming priority from an earlier PCT application.
Duration and Maintenance
- The patent was granted on May 26, 2012.
- It has a standard validity period until May 26, 2029, subject to annual maintenance fees paid in each designated EPC country.
Strategic Considerations
- The claims' narrow scope may allow competitors to develop similar compounds outside the patent's protection.
- The presence of overlapping patents in the same chemical space could restrict freedom to operate.
- The patent's expiration date in 2029 presents a window for market exclusivity for nearly seven more years, assuming timely maintenance.
Implications for R&D and Investment
- Companies developing similar compounds within the claimed chemical structure face patent infringement risks.
- Generics or biosimilar entrants can consider designing around the patent by modifying substituents or mechanisms.
- Licensing opportunities exist if generic manufacturers seek to enter markets protected by EP2101760.
Key Jurisdictional Considerations
- European enforcement limited to member states of the European Patent Convention.
- No data on patent oppositions or litigations; these could affect enforceability.
Key Takeaways
- Patent EP2101760 covers specific chemical compounds and their therapeutic use, with claims focused on particular structures and treatment methods.
- Its scope is narrow, primarily protecting a specific compound class and use, which could be circumvented by designing derivatives.
- The patent landscape features several related patents with overlapping claims; freedom to operate depends on their scope and status.
- Market exclusivity extends until 2029, but competitors can potentially develop alternative compounds or formulations outside the patent scope.
FAQs
Q1: Can similar compounds be developed without infringing EP2101760?
Yes. Designing compounds with different core structures or substituents outside the scope of the claims can avoid infringement.
Q2: Are there known legal challenges or oppositions against EP2101760?
There are no public records of oppositions or litigations; however, future challenges at the EPO or courts are possible.
Q3: How does EP2101760 compare to related patents in the same chemical class?
It has narrower claims focused on specific compounds, whereas related patents often claim broader chemical families or mechanisms, potentially offering wider protection.
Q4: What are the renewal or maintenance obligations for EP2101760?
Annual renewal fees must be paid in each designated EPC country until expiration; failure to do so can lead to patent lapse.
Q5: How does the patent landscape affect licensing opportunities?
Companies interested in commercializing similar compounds may seek licenses from patent holders or negotiate cross-licensing agreements.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2012). European Patent EP2101760. Retrieved from the EPO database.
[2] WIPO. (2010). Patent Family Data for related applications. World Intellectual Property Organization.
[3] European Patent Register. (2012). Patent prosecution and legal status information. European Patent Office.
[4] Rose, M. (2015). Patent Landscapes in Pharmaceutical Innovation. J. of Patent Law, 45(2), 123-156.
