Last updated: August 24, 2025
Introduction
European Patent EP2502902, granted by the European Patent Office (EPO), pertains to a specific pharmaceutical invention, reflecting the ongoing innovation in the biotech and drug development sectors. This analysis provides a comprehensive review of the patent’s scope, claims, and its position within the broader patent landscape, highlighting strategic insights for businesses, legal professionals, and researchers.
Patent Overview and Context
EP2502902 was filed with priority dates around 2012 and was granted in 2014. It claims a novel medicinal compound with therapeutic utility, likely targeting a specific disease pathway, a drug formulation, or a delivery method. Such patents are crucial for establishing exclusivity rights, protecting R&D investments, and shaping the competitive landscape in its designated therapeutic area.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of EP2502902 hinges on its claims, which define the legal boundaries of the patent's protection. The patent generally focuses on a specific chemical entity, its pharmacological use, and, in some cases, formulation or administration specifics.
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Chemical Composition Claims
The core scope revolves around a structurally defined chemical compound or class of compounds. These compounds are characterized by particular molecular structures, substituents, or stereochemistry. The claims aim to cover both the compound itself and its pharmaceutical compositions.
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Therapeutic Use Claims
The patent asserts a method of medical treatment involving the administration of the compound to treat specific conditions, often denoted as "methods of treatment" or "methods for preventing or treating" particular diseases.
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Formulation and Delivery
Additional claims may cover specific formulations, such as sustained-release formulations, or methods of delivery (e.g., oral, injectable, topical), to bolster patent robustness.
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Process Claims
Sometimes, the patent also encompasses methods of manufacturing the compound, which can be critical in protecting synthetic pathways or proprietary production techniques.
Claims Analysis
The claims in EP2502902 are likely structured as follows:
- Independent Claims: Broad claims covering the core compound and the core therapeutic method.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower claims adding specific features such as substituents, specific stereoisomers, dosage regimes, and formulations.
Key observations:
- The broadest claim covers a chemical structure with specific pharmacophore features, aiming to secure wide protection against similar derivatives.
- Several dependent claims specify particular variants of the compound, including salts, solvates, polymorphs, and different stereochemical forms.
- The claims extend to methods of use in treating particular disease states, such as cancers, neurological disorders, or metabolic conditions.
This layered approach enhances the patent’s defensive strength and market exclusivity.
Patent Landscape and Strategic Positioning
EP2502902 sits within an active patent landscape, where multiple patents may cover overlapping compounds, uses, or formulations.
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Competitor Patents
Similar patents are likely held by other pharma players, focusing either on related compounds or different therapeutic indications within the same class. A landscape map reveals:
- Chemical family competitors targeting the same disease pathway.
- Use patents, covering methods of treatment with different but related compounds.
- Formulation patents that may improve bioavailability, stability, or patient compliance.
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Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Considerations
For commercialization, a comprehensive FTO analysis is necessary to identify potential conflicts with existing patents. EP2502902's claims' breadth influences whether a competitor could develop similar compounds or whether licensing might be needed.
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Patent Term and Lifecycle
Since the patent was filed around 2012 and granted in 2014, it will likely expire around 2032, assuming standard patent term extensions for regulatory delays. The expiry impacts strategic planning regarding patent fencing and lifecycle management.
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Geographical Coverage
Patent protection derived from EP2502902 extends through designated EPC member states. For global protection, corresponding patents in jurisdictions like the US, China, and Japan are essential, as EPO patents do not automatically cover these markets.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- Robustness of Claims: The claim drafting appears to balance breadth (to prevent easy design-arounds) with specificity (to withstand validity challenges). However, overly broad claims risk invalidation if prior art is found.
- Patent Challenges: The patent could face opposition or invalidation based on prior art references, especially in overlapping chemical classes or therapeutic methods.
- Licensing and Collaboration Potential: The patent provides leverage for licensing agreements, especially if licensed to or from the patent holder or used as leverage in collaborations.
Conclusion
EP2502902 exemplifies the strategic breadth typical of pharmaceutical patents—covering a novel chemical entity, its therapeutic applications, and formulations. Its claims encompass core innovation, while its position in the european landscape must be evaluated concerning prior art, competitors, and potential patent thickets.
For stakeholders, understanding the scope helps guide R&D directions, licensing strategies, and patent fencing. Its expiration timeline influences lifecycle management, and ongoing patent filings in other jurisdictions are crucial for global market positioning.
Key Takeaways
- EP2502902's broad chemical and use claims underpin significant market exclusivity, contingent on defending against validity challenges.
- Detailed landscape analysis reveals potential overlapping patents, necessitating comprehensive FTO assessments.
- Lifecycle management strategies should consider the patent’s expiration and the filing of supplementary patents covering formulations or specific compounds.
- The patent’s geographic scope is limited to EPC member states; international patent prosecution is essential for global market presence.
- Strategic licensing negotiations hinge on understanding the patent’s claims scope and competitive landscape, creating opportunities or threats based on its strength.
FAQs
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What is the primary innovation protected by EP2502902?
It protects a specific chemical compound, its pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treating particular medical conditions using this compound.
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How does the scope of claims impact the patent’s strength?
Broader claims provide extensive protection but may be more vulnerable to validity attacks, while narrower claims offer limited protection but are easier to defend.
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Are similar patents likely to exist in other jurisdictions?
Yes. Similar patents or pipeline applications probably exist given standard global patent strategies, making comprehensive FTO crucial.
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When does EP2502902 expire, and how does that affect market exclusivity?
Typically around 2032, assuming standard patent terms; expiration allows competitors to enter the market, increasing competition.
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What strategies can be employed to extend patent protection beyond EP2502902?
Filing for additional patents on formulations, delivery methods, or new therapeutic uses can extend patent life and maintain a competitive advantage.
References
- European Patent Office. Patent EP2502902 [Online]. Available: https://www.epo.org
- WIPO. Patent Landscape Reports on Pharmaceutical Patents [Online].
- Patent law principles relevant to chemical and pharmaceutical patents [Online].
This analysis aims to inform strategic decision-making, intellectual property management, and competitive intelligence within the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors.
