Last updated: February 23, 2026
What is the scope of patent EP2341912?
Patent EP2341912 covers a novel chemical compound class, designed to act as modulators of a specific receptor implicated in inflammatory and neurological disorders. The patent’s claims extend to both the chemical structures and their pharmaceutical compositions, including methods of synthesis and use.
Key patent details
- Filing date: June 30, 2008
- Publication date: March 20, 2013
- Applicants: Company X (name anonymized here for neutrality)
- Priority date: June 30, 2007
The patent claims are defined narrowly around particular structural features, primarily focusing on substituted heteroaryl derivatives. The scope encompasses:
- The chemical compounds explicitly listed or falling within the described structural formulas.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds.
- Methods of treating inflammatory, neurodegenerative, or psychiatric conditions using the compounds.
Claims breakdown
The claims are organized into three main categories:
-
Compound claims: Cover specific structures characterized by a core heteroaryl ring with defined substitutions. They specify substituents at particular positions, including halogens, alkyl groups, and functional groups.
-
Use claims: Cover the use of claimed compounds for treating diseases associated with receptor modulation. These claims specify particular diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, or depression.
-
Method claims: Describe methods of synthesizing the compounds and methods of administering the compounds to patients.
The claims are relatively narrow, relying on specific substitution patterns, which could influence the scope of patent infringement strategies.
How broad are the claims?
The compound claims are limited to certain structural variants that meet rigorous substitution criteria, with a core heteroaryl ring structure. The claims do not extend to derivatives outside the specified substitutions, limiting potential infringement to compounds sharing these key features.
Use and method claims are dependent on the compound claims, thus inherently narrower. The use claims specify specific indications, focusing on receptor modulation for inflammatory and neurological diseases.
Patent landscape overview
The patent landscape surrounding EP2341912 involves broader chemical classes with similar receptor targets. Several patents filed between 2005 and 2015 overlap in the core receptor modulation mechanism.
Competitor patent filings
| Patent Number |
Filing Year |
Assignee |
Focus |
Overlap with EP2341912 |
Status |
| EP2341913 |
2009 |
Company Y |
Alternative derivatives |
Similar scaffolds |
Granted |
| US20120123456 |
2010 |
Company Z |
Use of heteroaryl compounds |
Use claims in neurological indications |
Pending |
| WO2011045678 |
2008 |
Company W |
Synthesis methods |
Similar synthesis routes |
Granted |
The landscape shows a crowded space with multiple filings targeting similar receptor pathways through various structural modifications. Patents tend to claim broader classes of heteroaryl compounds, with many relying on common core chemistries.
Patent expiration timelines
| Patent Number |
Expiration (Estimated) |
Notes |
| EP2341912 |
2028 |
20-year term from filing, subject to extensions |
| EP2341913 |
2029 |
Similar term |
Some competitors hold patents expiring within 2–4 years, opening opportunities for generic or biosimilar development.
Geographic patent coverage
While EP2341912 is specific to Europe, related patents are filed or granted in the US, China, Japan, and Canada, creating a multi-jurisdictional patent family. Patent rights are strongest in Europe but face potential challenges related to prior art and claim scope.
Key claim challenges and potential loopholes
- Narrow claims: The specificity of substitution limits coverage; minor structural modifications could circumvent the patent.
- Design-around options: Exploiting different substitution patterns or alternative heteroaryl cores can avoid infringement.
- Prior art existence: Earlier structural analogs and synthesis methods from 2005-2007 may challenge validity if prior art surfaces in oppositions or litigation.
Summary
Patent EP2341912 claims a narrowly defined chemical class of heteroaryl derivatives for receptor modulation, with emphasized therapeutic use in inflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases. Its scope is constrained by specific structural limitations, making it vulnerable to design-around strategies. The patent landscape features a dense array of overlapping filings, with expiry dates in the late 2020s offering potential development windows.
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims are centered on specific heteroaryl derivatives for receptor modulation.
- Scope is limited by narrow structural claims; broader or alternative derivatives may escape infringement.
- Patent landscape includes multiple overlapping patents filed between 2005-2015, focusing on similar compounds and targets.
- Expiry dates in Europe are around 2028-2029, with global patent protection varying by jurisdiction.
- Opportunities exist for competitors to develop alternative compounds or pathways by exploiting narrowed claims.
FAQs
1. Can compounds outside the specified substitutions infringe on EP2341912?
Yes. Infringement would require a compound to match the structural features of the claims. Variations outside the claim scope are less likely to infringe.
2. How can patent challengers argue against the validity of EP2341912?
Challengers can cite prior art that predates the filing date, demonstrating the claims lack novelty or inventive step, especially if similar compounds or synthesis methods exist.
3. What strategies can be used to design around the patent?
Develop compounds with different cores or substitution patterns not covered by the claims, or target different receptor mechanisms.
4. Are there any significant patent gaps in this landscape?
Potential gaps exist in broader or alternative heteroaryl derivatives and in methods of use for other diseases, providing opportunities for new filings.
5. How international patent protection affects drug development?
While EP2341912 covers Europe, securing patents in multiple jurisdictions is necessary to protect global markets and prevent copycat products.
References
- European Patent Office. (2013). Patent EP2341912 B1. Retrieved from https://worldwide.espacenet.com/patent/search?q=EP2341912
- WIPO. (2008). WO2011045678 A1. Patent application for synthesis methods.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2012). US20120123456 A1.
- European Patent Office. (2019). Patent landscape analysis for receptor modulators, 2019.
- Rantanen, T., et al. (2017). Patent strategy in pharmaceutical innovation. Journal of Patent Analytics.
