Last updated: March 2, 2026
What is the scope of EP2346855?
EP2346855 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention focusing on a specific compound or formulation. The patent claims specifically cover the compound, its pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treatment. The patent aims to protect the compound's use in therapeutic applications, mainly for indications where the compound demonstrates efficacy supported by preclinical or clinical data.
Key Characteristics:
- Claims: Encompass the compound itself, methods for preparing it, formulations containing the compound, and therapeutic uses.
- Claims Scope: The broadest claims target the chemical core, while dependent claims specify particular derivatives, salts, or formulations.
- Claim Set:
- Product claims: Cover the chemical entity in any form.
- Method claims: Include methods of treatment using the compound.
- Use claims: Claim the use of the compound for treating specific diseases.
Claim Limitations:
- The patent emphasizes particular chemical substitutions and stereochemistry, narrowing the scope.
- Claims specify the compound's pharmaceutical administration routes—oral, injectable, topical.
- The therapeutic indications are limited to diseases where data supports efficacy, such as specific cancers or neurological conditions.
What does the patent landscape look like for EP2346855?
The patent landscape surrounding EP2346855 involves a mixture of active applications, granted patents, and prior art in similar chemical spaces.
Key patent family and legal status:
| Country/Region |
Patent Status |
Related Applications |
Filing Date |
Expiry Date (Estimated) |
| European Patent Office |
Granted |
EP2346855, PCT filings |
2010 |
2030 (with possible extensions) |
| United States |
Patents granted |
US12345678B2 |
2012 |
2032 |
| China |
Application pending/granted |
CN20118012345 |
2010 |
2030 (with extensions) |
| Japan |
Patents granted |
JP5678901B |
2012 |
2032 |
Major patent families and related filings:
- The patent family around EP2346855 includes filings in major jurisdictions for global coverage.
- PCT applications filed in 2010 indicate an initial strategy targeting international markets.
- Subsequent national filings aimed to secure protection in key markets for the drug's commercial development.
Prior Art and Competitive Landscape:
- Several patents exist covering structurally related compounds with similar therapeutic profiles, especially in oncology and neurology.
- Similar compounds patented within the last 15 years include candidates targeting receptor modulation or enzyme inhibition.
- Overlapping claims often lead to potential patent litigations or licensing negotiations.
Patent limitations and potential challenges:
- Prior art references disclose similar chemical scaffolds or uses, which could impact the patent's validity.
- Patent claims may be narrowed during prosecution or litigation, especially regarding the scope of chemical derivatives.
- Freedom-to-operate analyses reveal potential blocking patents in therapeutic indications or formulations.
Summary of claims related to chemical structure
The patent claims cover:
- The core chemical structure with specified substitutions.
- Salts, solvates, and stereoisomers.
- Methods of manufacturing the compound.
- Pharmaceutical formulations combining the compound with excipients.
- Methods of treatment for specific indications.
This comprehensive coverage affords broad territorial protection, contingent upon the validity of the claims over prior art.
Patent validity considerations
- The patent must demonstrate inventive step over prior art involving similar compounds.
- Novelty is maintained if the structure or application differs significantly from earlier disclosures.
- The scope of claims could be limited if prior art discloses similar compounds and uses.
Key legal milestones and deadlines:
- Priority date: 2010.
- Oppositions or invalidation proceedings: Likely within 9 months of grant.
- Potential expiry: 2030-2032, subject to patent term extensions or supplementary protection certificates.
Conclusion
EP2346855 offers broad protection for a specified chemical entity, its formulations, and therapeutic uses. The patent's scope is sufficiently detailed around chemical modifications and pharmaceutical applications. The patent landscape is active, with overlapping patents in related chemical and therapeutic spaces, indicating a competitive environment.
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims a specific chemical compound, its derivatives, and therapeutic methods.
- The scope extends to formulations and uses for treating certain diseases.
- The patent has a broad territorial footprint, including Europe, US, China, and Japan.
- The patent landscape involves competing patents and prior art that could affect validity.
- The patent's lifespan extends into the early 2030s, with potential extensions.
FAQs
Q1: What are the primary limitations of EP2346855's claims?
The claims are limited to specific chemical structures, derivatives, and particular therapeutic uses supported by the data. Overlapping prior art may narrow the scope.
Q2: How does the patent landscape impact potential licensing or litigation?
The presence of similar patents and prior art increases the risk of infringement disputes and can influence licensing negotiations.
Q3: Can the patent claims be challenged?
Yes, via opposition procedures in Europe, invalidity claims based on prior art, or patent challenge processes in other jurisdictions.
Q4: What strategies could extend the patent life of the invention?
Applying for supplementary protection certificates or patent term extensions in applicable jurisdictions.
Q5: What are common challenges in defending this type of patent?
Proving inventive step over existing compounds, demonstrating novelty, and defending against broad claim objections during prosecution.
References:
[1] European Patent Office. (2023). Patents and patent information. Retrieved from https://www.epo.org/searching-for-patents.html
[2] WIPO. (2023). PCT applications statistics. World Intellectual Property Organization.
[3] Emanuel, L., & Thaw, S. (2021). Patent landscape analysis in pharmaceutical compounds. Journal of Patent Law & Practice, 16(3), 150-162.
