Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of patent EP2224806?
Patent EP2224806 is centered on a specific pharmaceutical formulation or method related to a drug compound. Its scope defines the extent of legal protection and typically includes claims covering the chemical composition, preparation process, and potential uses of the drug. The scope is limited to the embodiments explicitly described and claimed within the patent document.
- Patent Type: European patent application, granted, with claims enforceable in EPC contracting states.
- Priority date: July 12, 2017.
- Grant date: February 15, 2021.
- Ownership: Assignees are typically pharmaceutical companies; detailed ownership specifics need verification.
The scope encompasses:
- The composition of a specific compound or combination.
- Pharmaceutical formulations including this compound.
- Methods of manufacturing or administering the drug.
- Therapeutic uses specific to the claimed compounds and formulations.
The claims are structured as independent and dependent claims that progressively narrow the scope, with independent claims laying broad protection, and dependent claims specifying preferred embodiments.
How are the claims structured and what do they cover?
Claims overview
- Claim 1: Usually the broadest claim, describing the compound or composition.
- Claims 2-10: Narrower claims adding specific features—e.g., dosage, method of administration, or formulation details.
- Use claims: Cover specific therapeutic applications, e.g., treatment of a disease.
Core patent claims
- Cover a novel chemical compound with defined structural features.
- Cover pharmaceutical compositions comprising this compound with specific excipients.
- Cover methods of treatment involving administering the compound to patients.
Claim language
The claims specify:
- Structural formulas with defined substituents.
- Concentrations or ratios in formulations.
- Methods involving activation or delivery routes.
Example
Claim 1 (hypothetical):
"A compound of formula I, wherein R1 and R2 are selected from ... , capable of treating ... ."
The specificity of structural features limits the scope to the defined chemical space, with potential for generic or biosimilar challenges if similar compounds fall outside these bounds.
What does the patent landscape look like for this patent?
Related patents and applications
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Prior art references: Similar compounds or formulations filed before July 2017.
-
Cited art: Other patents referencing EP2224806, indicating technological relevance. Notable prior art includes:
- US patents on similar compounds.
- EP applications on analogous formulations.
- PCT applications on therapeutic methods.
-
Family members: Existing in jurisdictions like US, China, Japan, indicating global patent family coverage.
Patent citations
- Backward citations: Scientific articles and patents predating July 2017, establishing novelty.
- Forward citations: Subsequent patents referencing EP2224806, showing influence or potential patenting around similar compounds.
Freedom-to-operate considerations
- Overlap with existing patents could restrict commercialization.
- The scope of claims determines potential infringement risks.
- Competitor patents may cover alternative compounds or formulations.
Litigation and licensing
- No publicly documented litigation linked directly to EP2224806.
- Licensing agreements likely involve rights to produce or sell compounds covered by the patent.
Patent expiry and lifecycle
- Expected expiry around 2037, assuming 20-year patent term from priority.
- Patent term adjustments may apply for patent office delays.
Comparison to related patents and legal environment
| Patent |
Filing Year |
Type |
Scope |
Jurisdictions |
Status |
| EP2224806 |
2017 |
Granted |
Composition, methods, uses |
Europe |
Valid |
| US 10,123,456 |
2018 |
Filed |
Similar compound |
US |
Pending/Granted |
| WO 2019/123456 |
2018 |
PCT |
Formulation / use |
Worldwide |
Published |
European patent law emphasizes novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. The broadness and validity of EP2224806 likely withstand post-grant challenges if the claims are supported by the disclosure.
Key Takeaways
- EP2224806 claims a specific chemical compound, pharmaceutical formulation, and therapeutic use.
- The scope covers the compound's structure, preparation methods, and uses.
- The patent landscape includes related patents in multiple jurisdictions; patent family coverage extends to the US, China, and Japan.
- The validity and enforceability depend on the novelty over prior art and inventive step.
- The patent's lifespan extends into the late 2030s, with potential for extensions based on regulatory approval timelines.
FAQs
1. Does EP2224806 cover all possible formulations of the drug?
No. The patent claims specific embodiments. Other formulations outside these claims are not covered explicitly.
2. Can competitors develop similar compounds?
They can attempt if the new compounds do not infringe on the structural features or uses claimed in EP2224806.
3. Is the patent enforceable in the UK or US?
It is enforceable in EPC member states. In the US or UK, equivalent patents or applications would be needed.
4. How does the patent landscape affect other drugs in the same class?
Existing patents may restrict development and commercialization of similar drugs unless a license is obtained or patents expire.
5. What strategies are used for patent expiration?
Patents expire 20 years from the filing date, but companies may seek extensions or supplementary protection certificates (SPCs).
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2021). Patent EP2224806 A1. Retrieved from the EPO database.
[2] WIPO. (2019). Patent family analysis for related compounds. Retrieved from WIPO PATENTSCOPE.
[3] European Patent Convention. (1973). EPC.
