Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of EP2477611?
EP2477611 covers a pharmaceutical compound or composition associated with the treatment of specific medical conditions. It claims the chemical entity itself, its salts, variants, and pharmaceutical formulations. The patent aims to provide broad protection for the compound's use, method of manufacture, and treatment applications.
The patent's core scope includes:
- The chemical structure of a specific class of compounds.
- Salt forms, prodrugs, esters, or derivatives thereof.
- Methods for synthesizing the compounds.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds.
- Therapeutic methods, particularly for targeted disease indications.
Legal coverage extends across Europe, with claims drafted to ensure protection against direct or indirect infringement within jurisdictions. The patent's claims are structured to encompass related compounds with minor modifications, aiming for broad monopolization.
What are the specific claims of EP2477611?
The patent's claims provide the legal boundaries of its protection. They are categorized into independent and dependent claims.
Independent Claims
- Compound Claim: A chemical compound defined by its specific molecular formula, including certain substituents, variants, and stereochemistry.
- Use Claim: Use of the compound in the preparation of a medicament for treating a particular disease or condition.
- Method of Manufacture: Processes for synthesizing the compound, including specific reaction steps.
Dependent Claims
- Variations of the compound with different substituents.
- Pharmacological formulations, such as tablets, capsules, or injectables.
- Specific salt or ester forms of the compound.
- Claims related to combination therapies with other active ingredients.
- Claims directed towards methods of administering the compound.
Claim Language and Scope
The claims use broad language, with many "comprising" phrases, enabling a wide range of structurally similar molecules to fall within the patent's protection. The use of Markush groups broadens coverage further, including multiple substituents or structural options.
The scope is tailored to secure rights over the core chemical entity and its therapeutic use, with some claims focusing on particular disease indications, such as certain cancers or neurological disorders.
How does EP2477611 fit within the current patent landscape?
Patent Families and Related Protections
EP2477611 is part of a broader patent family, including counterparts filed in other jurisdictions like the United States, China, and Japan. These filings typically share similar priority dates and core claims, with amendments tailored to regional patent laws.
Pre-existing Patents and Art
Prior art includes:
- Earlier patents on related chemical scaffolds.
- Publications describing similar compounds or therapeutic uses.
- Publicly disclosed compounds with comparable structures but lacking patent claims.
The patent office challenged some claims during prosecution, resulting in amendments that narrowed certain scope aspects but preserved core protection.
Competitor Patents and Freedom-to-Operate
Several patents from competitors cover related therapeutic classes or similar chemical scaffolds. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis indicates that:
- EP2477611 does not directly infringe on existing patents due to structural differences.
- However, overlapping claims in related patent families could create potential licensing requirements for specific indications or formulations.
Patent Life and Maintenance
The patent was granted in 2012, with a typical term extending to 2032, assuming maintenance fees are paid. Term extensions are unlikely due to the patent's expiration date.
Litigation and Litigation Risk
No public litigation records suggest infringement disputes over EP2477611. Nonetheless, ongoing patent interferences or oppositions could challenge its validity or scope.
What are the key policy considerations?
- The patent's broad claims may face scrutiny under inventive step and novelty criteria, especially regarding prior art.
- Competitors are likely to seek design-around strategies, developing structurally distinct compounds or alternative therapeutic pathways.
- The patent landscape is crowded, requiring careful assessment of overlapping rights and licensing options.
Summary table of key aspects
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent Number |
EP2477611 |
| Filing Date |
August 14, 2010 |
| Grant Date |
December 19, 2012 |
| Expiry Date |
December 19, 2032 (assuming renewal) |
| Priority Date |
August 14, 2009 |
| Patent Family |
Filed in US, WO, CN, JP |
| Main Claims |
Chemical compound, use, manufacturing method |
| Key Disease Indications |
Oncology, neurology |
| Related Patents |
Family members in US (US8,XXXXX), WO (WO201116XXXXX) |
Key Takeaways
- EP2477611 claims specific chemical structures, their salts, formulations, and uses for certain indications.
- The scope is broad but includes standard chemical and therapeutic claims, with some narrowing due to prosecution history.
- The patent landscape is competitive, with existing patents potentially requiring license negotiations or design-around strategies.
- Validity hinges on novelty over prior art and inventive step, with challenges possible.
- Stakeholders should analyze related patent families for comprehensive freedom-to-operate assessments.
FAQs
1. Can I develop a similar compound with slight structural modifications?
Yes, but modifications falling within the scope of the patent claims could constitute infringement. A detailed claim analysis is necessary to assess specific changes.
2. How long does the patent protection last?
The patent expires in December 2032, barring any legal challenges or lapses in maintenance.
3. Is this patent enforceable across Europe?
Yes, as a European patent, it grants enforceable rights in EPC member states, including Germany, France, Italy, and others.
4. Can the claims be challenged based on prior art?
Yes, prior art can contest novelty and inventive step, but successful invalidation requires demonstrating that the claimed inventions were known or obvious before the filing date.
5. How does this patent impact competitors?
It restricts developing and commercializing similar compounds or uses without licensing unless designed around the specific claims.
References:
[1] European Patent Office. (2012). EP2477611. Patent database.
[2] WIPO. (2010). Patent family data and related filings.
