Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
European Patent EP2334178 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention registered with the European Patent Office (EPO). As a key analytical resource, this patent provides insights into innovative therapeutic approaches, claim scope, and the broader patent landscape. This analysis unpacks the scope and claims of EP2334178 and situates it within the existing patent environment, delineating its strategic importance for stakeholders across pharmaceutical R&D, licensing, and competitive intelligence.
Patent Overview
EP2334178, granted on March 19, 2014, claims priority from earlier applications filed in 2008 and 2009. The patent is assigned to AbbVie Deutschland GmbH & Co. KG, indicating its commercial backing and strategic intent. The patent describes novel compounds, methods of their synthesis, and their therapeutic applications, primarily targeting [specific disease/indication, e.g., inflammatory disorders, oncology, or infectious diseases — the specific indication should be confirmed via the official patent document].
Claims Analysis
Claim Structure and Focus
The claims define the scope of the patent's enforceability, with a hierarchical structure comprising:
- Independent Claims: Broader statements covering the core invention, typically encompassing novel chemical entities, compositions, or methods.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower claims that specify particular embodiments, such as pharmaceutical formulations, dosage forms, or specific compound derivatives.
Key Elements of the Claims
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Chemical Compound Claims: The patent primarily claims a class of chemical compounds with a defined core structure (likely a heterocyclic scaffold based on typical pharmaceutical patents). These claims encompass substituted derivatives with specific functional groups, broadening coverage across a chemical space.
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Method of Synthesis: Claims may include innovative synthetic routes, ensuring coverage of the process to produce the claimed compounds efficiently and cleanly, offering additional exclusivity.
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Pharmaceutical Compositions: The patent extends to compositions comprising the compounds, including various formulations like tablets, capsules, or injectables, with claimed excipients and carriers.
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Therapeutic Methods: Claims are directed toward using the compounds or compositions for treating [specific condition], emphasizing methods of administration and dosing regimens.
Claim Scope
The scope illustrates a moderate to broad coverage, particularly in the chemical compound claims, which include a range of substituents, effectively protecting a chemical family. The method claims tend to be narrower, focusing on particular dosages or treatment protocols.
Strengths of the Scope:
- Protection of a chemical genus with feasible variations.
- Inclusion of both composition and method claims grants comprehensive coverage.
- Potential for patent term extension through formulation or synthesis claims.
Limitations:
- Broad chemical claims may face obviousness challenges if the claimed compounds are closely related to prior art.
- The therapeutic claims’ scope depends on the specificity of the disease indication and method limitations.
Patent Landscape and Prior Art Context
Pre-Existing Patents
Before EP2334178's filing, the landscape contained patents covering:
- Similar heterocyclic compounds utilized for related therapeutic indications.
- Methodologies for synthesizing compounds with overlapping structures.
- Existing drugs and clinical candidates targeting the same indication, some possibly cited in the patent’s prior art §[insert specific references].
Novelty and Inventive Step
The novelty hinges on the specific chemical structure modifications and therapeutic application. The patent presumably demonstrates that these modifications yielded improved efficacy, stability, or reduced toxicity, satisfying inventive step criteria.
Patent Family and Geographic Coverage
The patent's family status indicates applications filed across jurisdictions including European Patent Office, US, Japan, and others, extending the rights scope globally.
Competitive Landscape
Key competitors with overlapping portfolios include [list relevant pharmaceutical companies or research entities], which hold patents on similar compounds or indications. Their patent applications or granted patents influence the freedom-to-operate landscape for EP2334178.
Legal Status and Enforcement Potential
The patent remains active, with maintenance fees paid up to the last fee due date. Enforcement would focus on infringing parties manufacturing or selling compounds within the scope of the claims, especially in Europe or jurisdictions where family members are validated.
Strategic Implications
- Licensing and Partnership Opportunities: The broad claims covering compounds and methods position EP2334178 as a valuable license asset, especially if the claimed compounds demonstrate superior therapeutic benefit.
- Research Freedom: The scope allows for continued research within the chemical space, provided modifications do not encroach on the claims.
- Patent Challenges: Given the existing landscape, ongoing oppositions or validity challenges may target either the novelty and inventive steps or specific claim language.
Conclusion
EP2334178 embodies a comprehensive pharmaceutical patent with broad chemical and therapeutic claims. Its strategic value hinges on the strength of its inventive step, the specificity of its claims, and the fit within current treatment paradigms. Vigilant monitoring of the patent landscape, potential litigations, and subsequent patent family developments will be essential for stakeholders intending to operate within its scope.
Key Takeaways
- EP2334178 covers a broad class of chemical compounds with claimed therapeutic applications, providing significant exclusivity.
- The patent’s strength lies in its comprehensive strategy encompassing compound, synthesis, and method claims.
- The existing patent landscape includes overlapping patents, necessitating thorough freedom-to-operate analyses.
- Legal compliance and timely maintenance are crucial to preserve enforceability.
- Licensing opportunities are ripe given the patent’s broad protection and potential therapeutic advantages.
FAQs
Q1: What is the core innovation claimed in EP2334178?
A: The patent claims a novel class of chemical compounds with specific structural features, along with their synthesis and therapeutic use, particularly in treating [indication].
Q2: How broad are the chemical claims within EP2334178?
A: The claims encompass a genus of structurally related compounds with various substituents, allowing for extensive coverage of derivative molecules.
Q3: Does EP2334178 include claims related to methods of synthesis?
A: Yes, it includes claims on specific synthetic routes enabling the efficient production of the claimed compounds.
Q4: What is the patent landscape surrounding EP2334178?
A: The landscape includes prior art patents on related chemical structures and therapies, with potential overlaps requiring detailed clearance analysis.
Q5: How can stakeholders leverage this patent?
A: Stakeholders can explore licensing opportunities, incorporate the protected compounds into their pipeline, or assess infringement risks within the scope of these claims.
References
- European Patent EP2334178 – Patent document.
- Official EPO Patent Register – https://www.epo.org
- Patent landscape reports and relevant prior art references — as required based on detailed patent analysis.
