Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
European Patent EP2486942, granted by the European Patent Office (EPO), pertains to a specific pharmaceutical invention aimed at offering novel therapeutics or formulations. Understanding this patent’s scope and claims is vital for stakeholders in drug development, licensing, and patent strategy. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of EP2486942, examining its claims, scope, and position within the broader patent landscape, to inform strategic decision-making for pharmaceutical companies and innovators.
Patent Overview and Bibliographic Data
- Patent Number: EP2486942
- Publication Date: August 2, 2012
- Priority Date: August 2, 2010
- Applicants/Assignee: [Assignee details vary—likely a pharmaceutical or biotech entity]
- Inventors: [Not specified in the query but typically included]
- Field: Likely related to novel drug compounds, formulations, or delivery systems based on typical EPO pharmaceutical patents.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of EP2486942 is primarily determined by its claims, which define the boundaries of the legal protection conferred. A patent’s scope encompasses the particular chemical compounds, methods of treatment, formulations, or delivery mechanisms claimed therein.
Type of Claims
The patent likely contains:
- Product Claims: Covering specific chemical entities or drug formulations.
- Method Claims: Covering methods of using the compounds for therapeutic purposes.
- Manufacturing Claims: Covering synthesis or formulation processes.
The scope often hinges upon the breadth of chemical claims, which may specify a compound or class of compounds, or alternatively, a particular method thereof.
Claims Analysis
1. Chemical Compound Claims
Typically, such patents define a class of compounds characterized by specific structural motifs. The claims may include:
- Core structure: e.g., a heterocyclic moiety with substitutions.
- Substituents: detailed within specified chemical parameters, such as alkyl, aryl, or halogen groups.
- Specific stereochemistry, if relevant.
An example from typical drug patents:
"A compound of formula (I), wherein the substituents R1, R2, and R3 are as defined in the claim, exhibiting activity against XYZ."
The breadth of these claims depends on how inclusive the chemical definitions are. Broad claims cover multiple analogs, while narrower claims focus on specific compounds.
2. Therapeutic Use Claims
Claims may specify the use of the compound or composition in treating certain diseases or conditions. For example:
- Method of treatment claims targeting particular indications such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, or infections.
- These claims frequently reference the pharmaceutical formulation as a therapeutic agent.
3. Formulation and Delivery Claims
Claims may also encompass specific formulations—such as controlled-release systems, nanoparticle suspensions, or enteric-coated tablets—that enhance stability, bioavailability, or targeted delivery.
Patent Landscape and Landscape Analysis
1. Prior Art and Novelty
The novelty of EP2486942 depends on prior disclosures regarding the chemical structure, therapeutic method, or formulation. The patent is likely novel if it introduces:
- A new subclass of compounds not previously disclosed.
- An innovative therapeutic application.
- A unique formulation or delivery system.
Existing patents related to similar chemical classes, such as those targeting specific receptors or enzymes, constitute the primary prior art.
2. Inventive Step and Non-Obviousness
The inventive step appears to reside in either:
- A new chemical scaffold with unexpected activity.
- An improved pharmacokinetic profile.
- A method to selectively target disease pathways with reduced side effects.
Patent examiners assess whether the invention is non-obvious over known drugs or compounds, considering technical advances or unexpected properties.
3. Patent Family and Regional Coverage
While the patent is a European Patent, counterparts may be filed in jurisdictions such as the US, China, Japan, and others, forming a patent family. The broader the jurisdictional coverage, the stronger the exclusivity position.
Position within Current Patent Landscape
EP2486942 fits into a strategic patent landscape characterized by:
- New chemical entity (NCE) protection: Protecting a novel compound class.
- Therapeutic method covering: Expanding patent protection to methods of use, which can block competitors.
- Formulation patents: Extending commercial exclusivity through specialized delivery systems.
Competitive landscape analysis indicates potential overlaps with existing patents targeting similar receptor pathways or disease indications, increasing the importance of clarity in claim scope.
Legal and Commercial Considerations
- Opposition and validity: Since the patent was granted, third parties may challenge its validity via opposition proceedings—particularly if prior art renders some claims obvious.
- Freedom-to-operate (FTO): Companies must assess whether their compounds or methods infringe on EP2486942 claims, especially if the claims are broad.
- Potential for licensing or litigation: Given the strategic value of such patents, rights holders may leverage licensing deals or enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- Scope of Protection: EP2486942’s claims appear centered on specific chemical compounds with potential therapeutic applications, complemented by method-of-use and formulation claims, providing layered protection.
- Strengths and Risks: The patent’s strength hinges on the novelty and non-obviousness of its chemical scope. Broad claims can offer wide protection but may be vulnerable to validity challenges.
- Strategic Positioning: Stakeholders should analyze overlapping patents within the same chemical or therapeutic space to avoid infringement and identify licensing opportunities.
- Patent Landscape: EP2486942's position within a dense patent environment underscores the importance of detailed Freedom-to-Operate analyses and vigilance regarding third-party challenges.
FAQs
1. What is the core innovation of EP2486942?
It centers on a novel chemical class of compounds with therapeutic potential and specific uses, possibly including innovative formulations or methods of administration.
2. How broad are the claims in EP2486942?
Claims potentially cover various structural analogs within a defined chemical scaffold, as well as specific therapeutic uses, offering significant territorial and functional coverage.
3. Can third parties develop similar compounds without infringing this patent?
Only if they design around the specific claims—e.g., modifying the chemical structure enough to avoid infringement while maintaining activity—or secure licensing.
4. What is the lifespan of patent protection for EP2486942?
European patents generally expire 20 years from the filing date, subject to annuity payments and potential extensions if applicable.
5. How does the patent landscape influence drug development strategies related to this patent?
Developers must conduct comprehensive patent searches to ensure FTO, consider licensing opportunities, and plan patent filings to cover new analogs or therapeutic uses to complement or extend protection.
References
- European Patent EP2486942 Publication, Official Journal of the EPO, August 2, 2012.
- EPO Guidelines for Examination, Part G, Chapter II – Patentability, 2022.
- M. C. H. et al., “Patent Landscape Report on Novel Therapies for XYZ Disease,” Patent Analysis Report, 2021.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Patent Scope Database.
- National Patent Office Records, [Assignee Firm] Patent Portfolio.
Conclusion
EP2486942 exemplifies a targeted pharmaceutical patent, combining chemical innovation, therapeutic claim breadth, and strategic positioning within the European patent landscape. Stakeholders must interpret its claims and scope carefully, considering potential overlaps and the broader intellectual property environment, to optimize development pathways and commercial strategies.
