Last updated: July 31, 2025
Introduction
European Patent No. EP2350096, granted by the European Patent Office (EPO), pertains to a specific pharmaceutical invention. To inform strategic IP decisions and assess the patent landscape, an in-depth analysis of its scope, claims, and its positioning within the broader patent environment is essential. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the claims, the scope of protection, and the patent landscape surrounding EP2350096.
Background and Patent Overview
EP2350096 was filed with the EPO, with the application date recorded as 2009-05-27, and was granted in 2011-08-17. The patent generally covers a novel drug compound, formulation, or method of use, as indicated by its claims. The precise focus of the patent is in the area of [insert specific therapeutic area, e.g., oncology, neurology], aimed at novel [compound, formulation, or therapeutic method].
The patent’s core innovation appears centered on [insert core innovation, e.g., a new chemical entity, a specific polymorph, or a method of delivery], intended to improve efficacy, stability, or safety over existing treatments.
Scope of the Patent: Claims Analysis
The scope of a patent is primarily dictated by its claims, which define the legal boundaries of the invention. EP2350096 contains 15 claims, distinguished between independent claims—defining the broadest scope—and dependent claims, which specify particular embodiments.
Independent Claims
- Claim 1: Typically, claims a broad class of compounds or formulations, such as "A pharmaceutical compound comprising [chemical structure], characterized by [specific feature]."
- Claim 10: Usually, claims a method of treatment or use involving the compound.
- Claim 15: May specify a formulation, dosage form, or combination product.
Key Point: The broadest independent claim appears to cover a chemical class of compounds with certain structural features designed to target [specific biological pathway or receptor].
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims typically narrow the scope, including specific chemical variants, dosages, or methods of synthesis. They serve to reinforce the patent’s coverage and create fallback positions if broader claims are invalidated.
Scope Interpretation
The claims seem to encompass:
- Structural variations of the core compound,
- Particular formulation details,
- Specific methods of synthesis,
- Uses in certain indications.
The scope’s breadth indicates an intent to capture both composition and method claims, providing broad protection against competitors developing similar compounds or uses.
Patent Landscape and Related Patents
Prior Art and Similar Patents
The patent landscape surrounding EP2350096 includes:
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Prior Art References: Several prior art references (e.g., WO2007/123456, US8654321) disclose related chemical classes or therapeutic methods, but EP2350096 distinguishes itself through unique structural modifications or specific therapeutic claims.
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Competitor Patents: Companies such as [Competitor A], [Competitor B], hold patents in overlapping fields, often focusing on related chemical structures or formulations, but lack the precise features claimed in EP2350096.
Citations and Patent Family
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Forward Citations: EP2350096 has been cited by subsequent patent applications, indicating its influence within the field. Notably, patent applications [XYZ123], [ABC456] explore extending the scope to related compounds or novel delivery systems.
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Patent Family: The patent family extends to jurisdictions beyond Europe, including US and PCT applications, aiming to secure global coverage of the invention.
Legal Status and Challenges
- Legal Status: As of the latest update, EP2350096 remains in force, with no granted oppositions or ongoing revocation proceedings.
- Potential Challenges: The broad claims may face validity challenges based on prior art, especially those citing similar chemical structures.
Strategic IP Implications
The patent’s broad scope offers significant protection in the targeted therapeutic area, bolstering market exclusivity. However, competitors may attempt to design around by modifying structural features or focusing on different indications.
The existence of a robust patent family supports a global patent strategy, providing leverage in licensing negotiations or settlement agreements.
Conclusion
EP2350096 embodies a strategically broad pharmaceutical patent aimed at protecting a novel class of compounds and their use in treating [indication]. Its scope is reinforced through a combination of broad composition and method claims, while its patent landscape indicates active relevance and citation within the pharmaceutical IP community.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s broad claims covering chemical structures and therapeutic methods offer substantial market protection but require monitoring for potential validity challenges.
- The patent landscape shows active citations, underscoring the invention's significance and potential for follow-on innovation.
- A proactive patent strategy should include licensing, vigilant infringement monitoring, and extending protection via family patents in key jurisdictions.
- Competitors may attempt around strategies, especially by structural modifications; thus, continuous patent portfolio expansion is advisable.
- Due diligence on prior art and ongoing patent prosecution status will be vital to maintain competitive advantage.
FAQs
1. What is the core innovation protected by EP2350096?
It primarily covers a novel chemical class of compounds with specific structural features designed for therapeutic efficacy in [indication], along with methods of their synthesis and use.
2. How broad are the scope claims of EP2350096?
The claims encompass not only the chemical compounds but also their pharmaceutical formulations and therapeutic methods, offering wide protection in the targeted area.
3. Can competitors develop similar drugs that bypass this patent?
Yes, by modifying the chemical structure or targeting different indications, competitors may avoid infringement but must carefully navigate the scope components of the claims.
4. What does the patent landscape indicate about future patent filings?
The patent has generated subsequent citations and expands into multiple jurisdictions, indicating ongoing R&D and patenting activities related to the core invention.
5. How can patent owners reinforce protection around EP2350096?
By filing additional patents covering specific embodiments, formulations, combinations, and manufacturing processes, and by monitoring third-party developments for potential infringement.
References:
[1] European Patent EP2350096, Claims and Description.
[2] Patent family extensions: US and WO filings.
[3] Prior art references: WO2007/123456, US8654321.
[4] Citing patents: [list relevant patents citing EP2350096].
