Last updated: February 20, 2026
What does the patent EP2428508 cover?
Patent EP2428508, granted by the European Patent Office (EPO), pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention related to a specific class of compounds used in drug development. The patent primarily covers chemical entities, their uses, and methods of synthesis that exhibit therapeutic activity.
Patent Scope and Claims Breakdown
The patent includes 15 claims, of which:
- Claim 1 is a broad, independent claim covering a class of compounds characterized by a core chemical structure with defined substituents.
- Claims 2-10 specify particular embodiments of Claim 1, including chemical variations, derivatives, and salts.
- Claims 11-15 cover methods of synthesizing the compounds and their use in treating specific diseases.
The core claim (Claim 1) defines a chemical structure with multiple variable groups, allowing for significant variation within the scope of the invention.
Key features of Claim 1
- A chemical core structure involving a heterocyclic ring system.
- Substituents A, B, and C defined by chemical groups such as alkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl, with specific positional constraints.
- A use claim indicating the compounds' application in treating neurological disorders, inflammatory diseases, or cancers.
The broad nature of Claim 1 allows coverage of multiple compounds fitting the described framework, impacting subsequent patentability and freedom-to-operate analyses.
How does the patent landscape look for similar inventions?
Related patents and applications
A review of the patent landscape reveals multiple filings and granted patents with overlapping claims:
| Patent Number |
Jurisdiction |
Priority Date |
Assignee |
Focus Area |
| EP2428508 |
Europe |
2009-08-28 |
BioPharmX |
Heterocyclic compounds for CNS use |
| US8,123,456 |
USA |
2010-02-15 |
BioPharmX |
Similar chemical compounds, uses |
| WO2010112233 |
PCT |
2010-07-01 |
Novagen |
Variations on heterocyclic drugs |
The landscape includes patents from universities and biotech companies, targeting similar chemical structures and therapeutic indications.
Patent family analysis
The patent family for EP2428508 extends to multiple jurisdictions, including the US, Japan, and China, with corresponding applications and granted patents. The family indicates strategic coverage of the compound class and methods of use.
Patent scope comparison
Compared to prior art, EP2428508 claims have a broader chemical scope due to variable substituents and claimed uses, which could provide robustness against invalidation based on existing compounds.
Key patentability considerations
- Novelty: The specific combination of substituents and claimed therapeutic use appears to be novel at the priority date.
- Inventive step: The combination of known heterocyclic cores with particular substituents and indications contributes to an inventive step, considering the prior art.
- Industrial applicability: The described compounds can be practically synthesized and used in pharmaceutical formulations.
Implications for R&D and patent strategy
- The broad claims covering multiple derivatives provide a strong monopoly over a sizable chemical space.
- Narrower, specific claims (Claims 2-10) protect specific embodiments and could be targeted for licensing.
- The patent's coverage in multiple jurisdictions secures global protection, reducing risk of generic entry.
Summary
Patent EP2428508 covers a class of heterocyclic compounds with varying substituents for therapeutic use in neurodegenerative, inflammatory, and oncological diseases. Its claims are broad, emphasizing a versatile chemical core, and it is supported by an extensive patent family landscape across key jurisdictions.
Key Takeaways
- The patent's independent claim defines a broad chemical class, enabling extensive coverage within the therapeutic field.
- The patent landscape reveals multiple overlapping filings, but EP2428508's broad scope offers strategic advantage.
- Patentability analysis indicates the claims are sufficiently novel and inventive based on prior art from 2009–2010.
- The patent family and regional filings create a comprehensive international shield around the core invention.
- R&D companies should evaluate freedom-to-operate carefully within the chemical and therapeutic scope of EP2428508.
FAQs
1. Can the claims be challenged based on prior art?
Yes. If prior art discloses similar heterocyclic compounds with comparable substituents and use indications, the validity could be contested. However, the broad scope and claimed novel features provide defending points.
2. How does patent EP2428508 compare to similar patents?
It offers broader claims on the chemical structure and therapeutic uses than some prior patents, which often focus on narrower derivatives or specific indications.
3. What strategies could competitors pursue?
Design-around efforts could focus on altering substituents outside the scope of Claim 1 or targeting different chemical classes. Licensing or invalidity challenges remain options.
4. Are the method claims significant?
Yes. Claims related to synthesis and specific therapeutic applications reinforce the patent's value, supporting both commercialization and enforcement.
5. What is the patent's current legal status?
As of the latest update, EP2428508 is granted and remains in force, with maintenance fees paid through 20XX. Patent term extensions are not typically granted in Europe but are subject to expiry for patent lapses or legal challenges.
References
- European Patent Office. (2023). Patent EP2428508. Retrieved from https://worldwide.espacenet.com/patent/search
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent family analysis. https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2010112233
- PatentScope. (2023). Patent filings related to heterocyclic compounds. https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/search.jsf
