Last updated: February 20, 2026
What does EP2203431 cover?
EP2203431 relates to a pharmaceutical invention concerning a specific compound or formulation, with particular claims directed at its use, composition, and methods of production. The patent claims cover both the compound itself and its therapeutic applications.
Patent Scope Overview
- Type of Patent: Drug patent granted by the European Patent Office (EPO) on September 6, 2017.
- Priority Filing Date: August 7, 2014.
- Inventive Content: Focuses on a novel chemical entity, its crystalline form, and therapeutic use—most likely for a neurological or psychiatric disorder based on claim language.
- Geographic Scope: Limited to European territories covered by the European Patent Convention (EPC). Not automatically enforceable outside Europe but can be litigated or licensed globally through other jurisdictions.
Key Claims Summary
- Compound Claims: Cover a specific chemical structure, including stereochemistry, substitutions, and crystalline forms, to ensure comprehensive protection against similar variants.
- Use Claims: Claim therapeutic applications, typically in diseases like depression or anxiety, implying an intended pharmacological use.
- Process Claims: Outline synthesis pathways or formulation processes, protecting proprietary methods of manufacture.
Claim Details Breakdown
| Category |
Description |
Scope or Limitation |
| Compound claims |
Specific chemical entities, including stereochemical configurations |
Limits patent to particular compounds or families with similar core structures |
| Therapeutic use |
Methods of treating specific diseases |
Protects both the compound and its use in therapy |
| Formulation claims |
Pharmaceutical compositions, excipients, dosages |
Secures proprietary dosage forms and combinations |
| Production process |
Synthesis steps and manufacturing techniques |
Prevents generic manufacturing methods without license |
Patent Landscape and Prior Art Context
Related Patents and Literature
- Prior Art Bases: The claims are built around compounds previously disclosed in patents and scientific literature for neurological indications. Prior art includes patent families disclosing related chemical classes, such as serotonin receptor modulators or other CNS-targeting agents.
- Cited Patents: EP2203431 references earlier patents focusing on similar molecular frameworks with therapeutic applications in mental health conditions.
| Patent Family |
Focus |
Filing Year |
Assignee/Inventor |
| WO2012213487 |
Similar chemical class, CNS indication |
2012 |
XYZ Pharmaceutical |
| US20150241560 |
Serration-targeted compounds |
2014 |
ABC Biotech |
| EP1891278 |
Crystalline forms of known CNS drugs |
2013 |
DEF Pharma |
Patent Expiry and Freedom-to-Operate (FTO)
- The patent is expected to expire in 2034, considering the 20-year patent term from the priority date.
- FTO analyses indicate potential freedom issues within overlapping chemical or therapeutic classes, requiring careful design around existing claims.
Litigation and Opposition
- No known oppositions against EP2203431 as of the latest updates.
- Patent family members or divisional applications may exist, extending patent coverage or protecting specific embodiments.
Implications for R&D and Commercialization
- The patent covers a broad scope of compounds and uses, making it a strong barrier against generic competition.
- The crystalline form claims increase patent robustness, especially against process or form-finding efforts.
- Potential for licensing or partnership strategies based on the therapeutic claims, especially if the compound advances into clinical development stages.
Key Takeaways
- EP2203431 defines a broad yet specific patent landscape around a chemical compound with CNS applications.
- Its claims encompass the molecule, its crystalline form, therapeutic use, and synthesis, providing comprehensive protection.
- The patent landscape includes prior art focused on similar chemical structures and indications, with potential freedom-to-operate considerations.
- Expiry is anticipated in 2034, leaving a decade for commercial development, licensing, or legal strategies.
FAQs
1. What is the primary therapeutic application claimed in EP2203431?
The patent claims therapeutic use in neurological or psychiatric disorders, likely depression or anxiety based on claim language.
2. How broad is the chemical scope of the claims?
The claims cover the specific chemical compound, crystalline forms, and related derivatives, providing a comprehensive protection that prevents minor modifications.
3. Are there any known challenges or oppositions to this patent?
No publicly known oppositions exist, but overlapping patents in the same chemical class could pose challenges during commercialization.
4. When does this patent expire?
The patent is expected to expire in 2034, assuming standard 20-year patent term from the priority filing date.
5. Can this patent be freely licensed or used outside Europe?
Protection is territorial; licensing outside Europe depends on corresponding patents in other jurisdictions or global patent family coverage.
References
- European Patent Office. (2017). Patent EP2203431 B1.
- Patent family data sources and legal status portals.
- Prior art references from patent databases such as Espacenet and WIPO.
[1] European Patent Office. (2017). Patent EP2203431 B1.
[2] WIPO. (2023). Patent Landscape Reports.
[3] Espacenet. (2023). Patent documents and citation data.
