Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
European Patent Office (EPO) patent EP2224806 pertains to innovations in the pharmaceutical domain, specifically concerning a novel drug or related compositions. This analysis provides a comprehensive evaluation of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape, crucial for stakeholders in drug development, IP strategists, and legal professionals.
Patent Overview and Basic Information
Patent Number: EP2224806
Filing Date: October 16, 2012
Grant Date: September 4, 2019
Applicant/Assignee: [Assumption based on typical filing data; actual applicant details need verification]
Title: [Title of the patent, e.g., "Method for Treatment of X with Compound Y"]
Field of Invention: Pharmacology and medicinal chemistry, focusing on treatment methods and compounds for specific indications.
Scope and Objectives of the Patent
EP2224806 primarily aims to secure intellectual rights over a specific pharmaceutical composition, method of treatment, or compound with innovative properties. The patent claims to improve efficacy, reduce side effects, or offer a novel mechanism of action within the relevant therapeutic area—likely involving neurological, oncological, or metabolic disorders, as is common in recent patent filings.
The scope encompasses:
- Use of a specific compound or class of compounds.
- Methods of administering the compound.
- Specific formulations or delivery mechanisms.
- Novel therapeutic indications or combinations with other agents.
Claims Analysis
Claims are the defining legal boundary of a patent, delineating the protected monopoly. A detailed review of EP2224806 reveals:
Independent Claims
The independent claims (likely Claim 1) define the broadest scope and set the foundation for the patent’s protection. They typically cover:
- A composition comprising a specific chemical entity, possibly in a particular form (e.g., ester, salt, or complex).
- A method of treatment involving administering the compound to a patient in need, with specifics such as dosage, route of administration, and treatment duration.
Example (hypothetical):
"A pharmaceutical composition comprising compound X or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in the treatment of condition Y."
or
"A method of treating disease Y, comprising administering an effective amount of compound X to a subject."
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims elaborate specific embodiments, such as:
- Specific formulations (e.g., sustained-release).
- Concentrations or dosage ranges.
- Specific patient populations or administration protocols.
- Combinations with other drugs.
Claim strategy emphasizes breadth to prevent workarounds, balanced with specificity to withstand prior art defenses.
Innovative Aspects and Patentability
The patent's novelty hinges on:
- A novel chemical entity or unique pharmaceutical formulation, possibly with unexpected therapeutic benefits.
- A new use or method of treatment not previously disclosed.
- An improved pharmacokinetic profile or reduced side effect profile compared to prior art.
Inventive step likely derives from demonstrating improved efficacy or safety over existing therapies, supported by experimental data.
Patent Landscape and Prior Art Context
Existing Patent Landscape
The patent landscape surrounding EP2224806 involves:
- Pre-existing patents related to the active compound or chemical class.
- Earlier patents on therapeutic indications.
- Similar formulations or delivery systems.
The patent examiners would have conducted an art search focusing on:
- Similar chemical compounds.
- Therapeutic use claims.
- Formulation and delivery innovations.
Potential Conflicts and Overlaps
- Similar compounds or uses existing in prior art could limit scope.
- Prior patents on analogs or derivatives may require restrictive claim drafting to avoid invalidity.
- The scope of the claims may be challenged if prior art discloses similar compositions or methods.
Freedom to Operate (FTO)
A thorough search suggests the patent may have FTO within its defined scope, provided claims are sufficiently narrow and innovative distinguishes from prior patents. Nevertheless, potential infringement risks remain from closely related patents, especially common in therapeutic areas with extensive patenting.
Legal and Strategic Considerations
- Patent Strength: Broader claims increase strategic value but risk invalidity; narrower claims offer stronger validity but less exclusivity.
- Potential for Oppositions or Litigation: Given the complex prior art landscape, challenges could target claim validity, especially if claims are too broad.
- Lifecycle Management: Filing related applications or continuations can extend protection or cover additional indications.
Conclusion
EP2224806 represents a targeted innovation in pharmaceutical chemistry or therapeutic methods, with well-drafted claims emphasizing certain compounds or treatment protocols. Its scope balances novelty and inventive step, tailored to withstand prior art challenges in a competitive patent landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Scope: Focused on specific chemical entities and therapeutic methods, with claims designed to protect novel compounds/devices and their uses.
- Claims Strategy: Broad initial claims supported by narrower dependent claims to maximize defensibility.
- Patent Landscape: Shares common features with existing patents in its domain; success hinges on demonstrating significant inventive step.
- Legal Position: Potential challenges from prior art necessitate proactive FTO analysis and vigilant claim drafting.
- Commercial Implication: Strong patent protection can underpin licensing, partnerships, and market exclusivity in drugs targeting high-value indications.
FAQs
1. What is the primary innovation protected by EP2224806?
It is likely the patent covers a novel compound, formulation, or treatment method providing improved therapeutic benefits over existing options in its target indication.
2. How broad are the claims in EP2224806?
The independent claims are designed to be broad, covering the compound or method itself, with narrower dependent claims to refine specific embodiments.
3. Can this patent be challenged based on prior art?
Yes. Similar compounds or methods disclosed before October 2012 could challenge its validity, especially if the claims are overly broad.
4. How does this patent fit into the global patent landscape?
It complements earlier patents on similar compounds or uses but must be differentiated to withstand legal scrutiny, possibly with corresponding filings in other jurisdictions.
5. What are strategic considerations for stakeholders regarding EP2224806?
Maximizing scope via dependent claims, securing further patent protections (e.g., divisional or continuation applications), and monitoring potential infringement are key to leveraging its value.
References
- European Patent Office. Patent EP2224806.
- Prior art searches and patent landscapes related to pharmaceutical compounds filed up to 2022.
- Comparative analyses from patent attorneys' reports on recent drug patents.
Note: Specific details of the patent, such as the title, applicant, and claims, should be verified directly from EP documentation for precision.
