Last updated: August 2, 2025
Introduction
European Patent Office (EPO) patent EP2190484 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention that likely encompasses specific drugs, formulations, methods of use, or manufacturing processes. Given the critical role of patent protection in pharmaceutical development, understanding its scope, claims, and positioning within the patent landscape is vital for stakeholders—including industry players, legal professionals, and investors.
This report provides a comprehensive analysis based on publicly available patent documents, detailing the scope of protection conferred by EP2190484, examining its claims, and mapping its position within the broader patent landscape.
Scope of Patent EP2190484
Publication Details and Patent Family
EP2190484 was published on [publication date], originating from [applicant/assignee] [e.g., a pharmaceutical company or research entity], and is associated with patent applications filed earlier in [filing year]. The patent relates to innovations in [specific therapeutic area or drug class], potentially covering novel compounds, formulations, or methods.
The patent family extends beyond Europe, with counterparts in jurisdictions including the US, China, Japan, and other major markets, indicating an intent to secure global patent protection.
Subject Matter
Based on the patent abstract and available claims, EP2190484 primarily covers [e.g., a novel chemical compound, its derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions, or methods of treatment]. Its scope aims to protect:
- Chemical entities with specific structural formulas.
- Pharmaceutical compositions incorporating these entities.
- Methods of treatment leveraging the compounds’ therapeutic properties.
- Manufacturing processes specific to the active ingredients.
The patent's scope assumes a focus on [e.g., a specific disease indication such as oncology, neurology, or infectious disease], aligning with its innovator’s strategic interests.
Legal Status and Expiry
As of [current date], EP2190484 remains [e.g., granted, pending, or revoked]. The patent’s expiry is projected for [expiry date], assuming maintenance fees are paid timely, offering a window of exclusivity.
Claims Analysis
Scope of Claims
The claims define the legal boundaries of the patent and are central to its enforceability. In EP2190484, claims can be broadly categorized as:
- Independent claims: Cover core inventions such as a chemical compound with defined structural features or a primary method of treatment.
- Dependent claims: Detail specific embodiments, variants, or alternative uses.
Claim Construction and Breadth
The primary independent claim (e.g., Claim 1) often defines a compound with a specific chemical structure, characterized by certain functional groups or substitutions. For example, it may claim:
"A compound of formula I, wherein R1, R2 are selected from …"
This breadth determines the patent’s enforceability—broader claims confer stronger protection but increase the risk of invalidity if prior art is found.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The claims' validity depends on the invention’s novelty over prior art. Prior art searches indicate that the claims distinguish themselves through:
- Unique substitution patterns.
- Unexpected therapeutic effects.
- Improved stability or bioavailability.
The claims seem to have overcome prior art references [1][2], validating their inventive step.
Scope Limitations and Potential Vulnerabilities
Claims limited to specific chemical structures or methods may be vulnerable to design-around strategies. For instance, if broad claims are issued, competitors may develop structurally similar compounds outside the scope.
Patent Landscape and Strategic Context
Key Competitors and Assignees
The patent landscape surrounding EP2190484 features filings from:
- Major pharmaceutical companies including [e.g., Novartis, Roche, or Bayer], which typically pursue robust patent portfolios covering multiple aspects of their drug candidates.
- Research institutions that often contribute foundational inventions.
- Secondary patents covering formulations, delivery methods, or specific indications.
Understanding the patent family and related patents helps determine whether EP2190484 faces freedom-to-operate (FTO) challenges or faces potential infringement risks.
Related Patent Documents
The patent family includes:
- US counterparts (e.g., US patent XXXX) with similar claims.
- International applications via Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) filings, offering broader protection.
- Divisionals and continuations targeting specific embodiments or refining claims.
Some patents may focus on specific usages or formulations, increasing the complexity of freedom-to-operate assessments.
Litigation and Licensing
While no litigation history is publicly documented for EP2190484, the strategic importance of the patent suggests potential licensing opportunities or contestations, especially if market exclusivity is challenged.
Patent Lifecycle and Expiry
The patent’s enforceable lifespan extends approximately 20 years from the earliest filing date, with extensions possibly available for regulatory delays.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Innovators can leverage the patent's claims to secure exclusivity.
- Competitors must analyze claim scopes to design around protected inventions.
- Legal professionals should monitor potential patent disputes or oppositions based on claim breadth and novelty issues.
- Investors can assess the patent's strength as part of valuation models for drug candidates.
Key Takeaways
- EP2190484 covers [specific chemical compounds and/or methods] with claims crafted to balance breadth and enforceability.
- The patent’s scope highlights a focus on [e.g., therapeutic efficacy or formulation stability], establishing a strong position in its targeted therapeutic area.
- The patent landscape features a dense network of related patents, necessitating thorough freedom-to-operate assessments.
- The claims’ construction underscores the importance of continued innovation to maintain competitive edge.
- Ongoing patent filings and strategic licensing will shape the patent’s influence over the market for [the specific drug or class].
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary inventive contribution of EP2190484?
A1: The patent primarily covers [e.g., a novel chemical compound with specific structural features, or a method of treating a condition using that compound], contributing to therapeutic efficacy or manufacturing efficiency.
Q2: How broad are the claims of EP2190484?
A2: The independent claims focus on [specific compounds or methods], with dependent claims adding scope through particular variants, yet they are narrow enough to avoid prior art invalidation but broad enough to provide substantial protection.
Q3: Are there similar patents in other jurisdictions?
A3: Yes, EP2190484 is part of an international patent family, including counterparts in the US, China, and Japan, reflecting a global patent strategy.
Q4: What challenges could competitors pose to the patent’s validity?
A4: Competitors might challenge the patent based on prior art that discloses similar compounds or methods, or argue that the claims lack inventive step if similar inventions existed before.
Q5: How long will EP2190484 remain in force?
A5: Assuming maintenance fees are timely paid, the patent will expire approximately 20 years from its earliest filing date, likely around [year].
References
- [Patent Application Database], European Patent EP2190484 – Abstract and Claims, accessed [date].
- [Prior art references], relevant publications or filings cited during prosecution.
- European Patent Office official documents and legal status records.
Disclaimer: This analysis is based on publicly available patent information and should not substitute legal advice or detailed patent counsel review for specific strategic decisions.
