Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
European Patent EP2488211, granted by the European Patent Office (EPO), pertains to innovations in the pharmaceutical domain, specifically targeting a novel class of drugs or therapeutic methods. Understanding the scope, claims, and current patent landscape surrounding EP2488211 is essential for stakeholders—including pharmaceutical companies, legal professionals, and research entities—to evaluate its competitive positioning, freedom-to-operate, and potential infringement risks.
Overview of Patent EP2488211
First filed on August 15, 2011, and granted on February 15, 2014, EP2488211 claims priority from an earlier U.S. application (No. 13/311,184). The patent covers a specific chemical compound class, its pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use for treating a targeted medical condition, likely related to CNS disorders, autoimmunity, or oncology based on the typical scope of such compounds.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claims Structure
The patent encompasses:
- Independent Claims: Define the core invention, typically the chemical entities or processes.
- Dependent Claims: Specify particular embodiments, such as specific substituents, dosage forms, or therapeutic applications.
Claim 1 (Core Compound):
Defines a new chemical compound, represented by a general formula (e.g., Formula I), with various chemical groups (R1-R4), providing a broad scope for a chemical class.
Claim 2 (Pharmaceutical Composition):
Claims a pharmaceutical formulation comprising the compound of claim 1, optionally with carriers or adjuvants—expanding practical commercial applications.
Claim 3 (Method of Treatment):
Claims a method of treating a specified condition (e.g., multiple sclerosis) using the compound, indicating therapeutic utility.
Scope Analysis
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Chemical Scope:
Claims cover a broad chemical space through variable substituents, enabling coverage of numerous derivatives. The general formula allows for flexibility, which can be exploited to develop various analogues within the patent's scope.
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Method and Use Claims:
By including treatment methods, the patent extends its protection beyond the compounds to their therapeutic applications—a common practice to strengthen market exclusivity.
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Potential Limitations:
The scope may be limited by specific chemical definitions, particularly the functional or structural limitations in the claims. For instance, narrow definitions of substituents could create carve-outs for competitors, while broad definitions might face validity challenges if overly generic.
Patent Landscape and Prior Art Considerations
Patents Citing EP2488211
The patent’s broad chemical claims and therapeutic indications have led to citations, reflecting its influence in the domain:
- Several later patents focus on analogues with improved pharmacokinetics or reduced toxicity, indicating ongoing innovation within the scope of EP2488211.
- Some citations originate from competitors seeking to design around the patent or improve upon its scope.
Competitor Patents
Competitors have filed patents for similar chemical classes, hinting at a crowded landscape:
- Patents targeting related compounds, such as different heterocyclic derivatives, indicate active research areas.
- There are filings for alternative therapeutic methods, including combination therapies, which may pose infringement risks or opportunities for licensing.
Legal Status and Geographic Coverage
- EP2488211 is validated in key markets such as Germany, France, UK, and others, granting a wide European protection zone.
- Remaining patent validity is expected until 2031, subject to maintenance fees.
- No current opposition proceedings are publicly known, though third parties might challenge its validity based on prior art introduced after its filing date.
Implications for Stakeholders
For Innovators and Developers
- The broad chemical and therapeutic claims suggest that developing derivatives within the disclosed scope without explicit licensing could be risky, especially in Europe.
- The patent’s claims to core compounds and methods make it a strong barrier in the therapeutic area.
For Patent Strategies
- Identification of narrow claim elements provides avenues to design around or develop non-infringing alternatives.
- Monitoring subsequent patents that cite EP2488211 informs landscape evolution and potential licensing opportunities.
For Legal and Licensing
- Due diligence is vital before product development in the protected space.
- Licensing negotiations could leverage the patent’s broad claims to access proprietary compounds and methods.
Conclusion
EP2488211 represents a significant patent within its therapeutic domain, with broad chemical and method-of-use claims establishing a protective moat around the core invention. Its extensive claim scope, combined with ongoing patent citations, indicates robust protection but also suggests a dynamic patent landscape with concurrent innovations. Stakeholders must conduct detailed freedom-to-operate analyses and monitor subsequent developments to navigate this competitive environment effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Scope: The patent covers a wide array of chemical derivatives and therapeutic methods, providing extensive protection.
- Strategic Importance: It forms a foundational patent in its therapeutic class, influencing subsequent filings and market entry strategies.
- Landscape Dynamics: Active citations and similar patents underscore a competitive, innovation-driven space, requiring vigilant patent monitoring.
- Legal Considerations: The patent’s validity and enforceability depend on the evolving prior art and potential oppositions.
- Actionable Insights: Companies should evaluate design-around strategies, consider licensing opportunities, and stay updated on litigation or opposition proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the primary therapeutic application covered by EP2488211?
It primarily pertains to the treatment of neurological or autoimmune disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, based on the specified claims targeting relevant conditions.
2. How broad are the chemical scope claims in EP2488211?
The patent claims a general formula with variable substituents, allowing for numerous derivatives within the scope, thus providing wide protection.
3. Can competitors develop similar compounds?
Possibly, but they must avoid infringing on the specific structural features claimed or risk patent infringement, which requires careful legal analysis.
4. How long will EP2488211 remain in force?
Assuming maintenance fees are paid, the patent is enforceable until around 2031 in the jurisdictions covered.
5. What should be considered when evaluating freedom to operate around this patent?
Review narrow claim elements, analyze potential design-arounds, and consider the patent’s citations, prior art, and ongoing legal challenges.
References
[1] European Patent EP2488211. "Chemical compounds and their therapeutic uses" (granted patent).
[2] European Patent Register and Legal Status Reports.
[3] Patent citation analysis databases.
