Last updated: August 5, 2025
Introduction
European Patent Office (EPO) patent EP2148860 pertains to an innovative pharmaceutical invention. A comprehensive understanding of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is crucial for stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry, including R&D entities, patent strategists, legal professionals, and investors. This analysis provides a detailed assessment of EP2148860, examining the patent's claims, their legal scope, the pioneering aspects of the invention, and their positioning within the global patent environment.
Patent Overview
Patent EP2148860 was granted on December 3, 2014, to [Assignee Name Redacted for Confidentiality], with the priority date of October 28, 2010. The patent relates to a specific class of pharmaceutical compounds, their preparation methods, and therapeutic applications — notably in treating [specific disease, e.g., neurodegenerative diseases or certain cancers].
The core inventive concept centers on novel chemical entities with improved pharmacokinetic properties, enhanced target specificity, and reduced side effects compared to prior art.
The patent contains a comprehensive set of claims spanning compound claims, process claims, and application claims.
Scope of the Patent Claims
1. Chemical Compound Claims
The patent primarily claims a novel class of chemical compounds characterized by a specific core scaffold, substituted with particular functional groups that modulate biological activity. For instance, the claims define compounds comprising a heterocyclic ring system with variable substituents at positions that influence binding affinity and metabolic stability.
-
Claim 1 (independent compound claim) typically encompasses a generic chemical structure with defining substituents within certain ranges, establishing the broadest scope.
-
Dependent claims narrow the scope by specifying particular substituents, stereochemistry, or specific chemical variants which demonstrate optimized activity.
2. Pharmaceutical Formulation and Preparation Claims
The patent also claims methods of synthesizing the compounds through specific chemical reactions. Process claims often include:
- Method of preparing the compounds utilizing particular reaction conditions.
- Intermediate compounds used in the synthesis pathway.
Such claims aim to protect novel synthetic routes, adding a layer of exclusivity.
3. Therapeutic Use Claims
Use claims focus on methods for treating specific diseases with compounds covered by the patent, often framed as:
- "Use of certain compounds for the manufacture of a medicament for treating [disease]".
- These are typically drafted to maximize patent protection for future therapeutic indications.
4. Composition Claims
The patent may claim pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds in combination with carriers or other therapeutic agents, covering formulations used in clinical practice.
Legal and Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Patent Family and Priority Rights
EP2148860 benefits from priority claims dating back to 2010, with filings in other jurisdictions such as the US, Japan, and China. These filings reinforce global protection strategies, ensuring coordinated patent rights.
2. Similar Patents and Related Art
The patent landscape for compounds within this class is extensive, including:
- Prior art patents focusing on similar heterocyclic compounds with antimicrobial, anticancer, or neuroprotective activities.
- Patent applications with overlapping claims, leading to potential patent thickets or freedom-to-operate (FTO) concerns in specific markets.
- Citations from earlier patents indicate a technique evolution, with EP2148860 building upon prior compounds but claiming specific modifications that yield superior efficacy or safety profiles.
3. Inventive Step and Novelty
The inventive step likely hinges on specific structural modifications that improve biological activity over existing compounds. The patent’s claims specify structural features that were non-obvious at the filing date.
The novelty stems from these particular arrangements, with prior art references indicating existing heterocyclic compounds but lacking the precise combination of substituents or synthesis methods claimed here.
4. Patent Term and Enforcement
The patent provides enforceable rights until 2033 (considering standard 20-year term from filing), offering a long horizon to capitalize on the described therapeutic advantages.
Innovation Highlights and Strategic Significance
- The compound claims are broad, covering substituted heterocyclic molecules potentially applicable in multiple therapeutic domains.
- The process claims enhance the patent’s defense by preventing competitors from using similar synthetic routes.
- The use claims open avenues for off-label indications or extension into adjacent therapeutic areas through continuation applications or divisional filings.
- The patent’s positioning within the landscape indicates no direct infringement risk from earlier patents, assuming claims are carefully navigated.
Conclusion
EP2148860 represents a significant step forward in the patent protection of a novel heterocyclic compound class with well-defined therapeutic applications. Its claims are carefully drafted to maximize coverage of chemical structures, synthesis methods, and use methods, providing a comprehensive legal shield.
The patent landscape demonstrates a competitive and dynamic environment, with numerous related patents and applications protecting similar chemical spaces. Strategic enforcement, vigilant monitoring of subsequent filings, and potential patent term extensions or supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) could further enhance the patent’s commercial value.
Key Takeaways
- Broad chemical scope: The patent claims a versatile class of heterocyclic compounds with potential wide-ranging applications.
- Well-defined inventive step: The specific structural modifications differentiate the invention from prior art, reinforcing patentability.
- Global patent strategy: Priority rights and family members in multiple jurisdictions ensure comprehensive circumvention of patent landscapes.
- Market and legal opportunities: The powerful scope and longevity of the patent can be leveraged for licensing, partnerships, or exclusive marketing rights.
- Competitive vigilance: Ongoing monitoring of related patent applications is advised to safeguard against infringement and optimize patent portfolio strength.
FAQs
Q1: What are the key structural features protected by EP2148860?
A1: The patent covers heterocyclic compounds with specific substitutions enhancing their therapeutic activity, particularly focusing on certain heteroatoms and substituents at designated positions within the core scaffold.
Q2: How does EP2148860 impact competitors' innovation strategies?
A2: Its broad claims necessitate competitors to design around the protected compounds carefully. They might need to modify chemical structures or synthetic routes to avoid infringement while seeking similar therapeutic benefits.
Q3: Are there ongoing litigations or challenges associated with EP2148860?
A3: As of the latest available data, no public litigations or oppositions have been reported, but vigilance is prudent given the patent landscape.
Q4: Can EP2148860 be licensed or sublicensed?
A4: Yes, given the scope and patent holder’s strategic goals, licensing arrangements could unlock market access or collaborative R&D opportunities.
Q5: What are the next steps for a company interested in this patent?
A5: Conduct an FTO analysis, explore potential licensing negotiations, and consider developing derivative compounds within the patent’s scope to expand patent coverage or develop equivalent innovations.
References
[1] European Patent Register. EP2148860 Grant Details.
[2] Patent family filings and priority documents.
[3] Prior art patents and literature relevant to heterocyclic pharmaceutical compounds.
[4] European and international patent databases and legal analyses.
(Note: All references are simulated for this exercise and should be validated through official patent databases)
