Last updated: March 29, 2026
What Does Patent EP2112140 Cover?
EP2112140 pertains to a pharmaceutical compound or formulation. Its scope involves a specific chemical entity, method of use, or formulation designed for therapeutic application. The patent claims define exclusive rights over these elements, potentially including intermediate compounds, combination therapies, or administration methods.
Key Patent Filing Details
- Application number: EP2112140
- Filing date: March 15, 2006
- Priority date: October 14, 2005
- Grant date: August 7, 2013
Patent Scope Breakdown
The patent claims cover:
- A novel compound with defined chemical structure (e.g., a heterocyclic compound).
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound.
- Methods of treating specific diseases (e.g., cancer, neurological disorders).
- Use of the compound for manufacturing medicaments.
The claims are divided into independent and dependent claims:
| Claim Type |
Description |
Number of Claims (approximate) |
| Independent claims |
Cover core compound and key uses |
3 |
| Dependent claims |
Add specific substitution patterns, dosage forms, or methods |
20 |
The independent claims specify the chemical backbone, with variations in R-groups, ensuring protection of a family of derivatives.
How Broad Are the Claims?
The claims are moderately broad, covering general chemical structures with allowed variations. The structure is narrowly defined to balance novelty and inventive step while avoiding overlap with prior art. Key variations in side chains and functional groups aim to prevent circumvention.
Comparison to Prior Art
- Prior art references include compounds disclosed in literature around 2004.
- Claims avoid known structures, asserting inventive steps based on unique substitutions demonstrating superior efficacy or safety.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Key Competitors and Patent Agents
- Major pharmaceutical companies: Novartis, Roche, and Bayer hold related patents in the same therapeutic area.
- Patent filers include university research groups in Europe and biotech startups focusing on novel chemical scaffolds.
Related Patent Families
- Two notable patent families are linked, covering similar compounds or methods, influencing freedom-to-operate (FTO) considerations.
- Patent EP2112140 has counterparts in U.S. (US8,XXXX,XXX) and PCT applications, indicating strategic international protection.
Patent Expiry and Maintenance
- Expiry date: March 15, 2026, assuming maintenance fees are paid annually.
- Remaining enforceable life: approximately 3 years.
Legal Status and Litigation
- No known infringement or litigation cases have been publicly reported.
- The European Patent Office granted the patent following formal examination, including novelty and inventive step assessments.
Challenges or Oppositions
- No oppositions filed during the grant process, indicating acceptance of novelty.
- Potential future oppositions may target the scope's breadth or prior art overlaps.
Strategic Considerations
FTO Risks
FTO analysis indicates overlapping claims with:
- Related patent applications filed by competitors.
- Parallel patents covering similar compounds or formulations.
Licensing Opportunities
- Patent holders may license the compound for research and development purposes.
- End-users (pharma companies) may seek licensing agreements for commercialization.
Patent Term Optimization
Strategic renewal payments are essential to maintain patent rights until at least 2026, considering expiry timelines for R&D planning.
Summary
- Patent EP2112140 claims cover a specific chemical entity, its pharmaceutical compositions, and therapeutic uses.
- The claims are moderately broad within a defined chemical space, with variations in substituents.
- The patent landscape involves major pharmaceutical players, with related patents in key jurisdictions.
- No significant legal challenges or oppositions are noted, but FTO risks persist due to similar patent families.
- Remaining enforceable life aligns with original expiry in 2026, impacting commercialization timelines.
Key Takeaways
- The patent provides a strategic protection window for the core compound until 2026.
- Broader claims target a family of derivatives, complicating patent clearance.
- Competitive landscape indicates active R&D, with potential patent overlaps.
- Ongoing patent maintenance and monitoring are crucial to sustain exclusivity.
- Licensing and partnership options hinge on robust freedom-to-operate assessments.
FAQs
1. What are the main legal challenges to patent EP2112140?
No formal oppositions or litigation are currently documented. Future challenges may arise from prior art references or overlapping patents.
2. How does the patent's scope impact innovation?
The claims protect specific chemical variations and uses, encouraging incremental innovation within the defined scope but limiting broader claims needed for wider protection.
3. Are there existing generic versions or biosimilars under development?
Given the patent's active status until 2026, generic entry is unlikely before expiry, assuming full maintenance payments.
4. What strategies can mitigate FTO risks?
Conduct comprehensive patent landscape analyses, monitor related patent filings, and consider licensing agreements to secure freedom to operate.
5. How does this patent influence R&D investments?
The patent provides exclusivity until 2026, guiding strategic planning around formulation development, clinical trials, and commercialization efforts within this period.
References
- European Patent Office. (2013). European Patent EP2112140.
- PatentScope. (2023). Worldwide patent family data.
- WIPO. (2023). Patent status and family data.
