Last updated: February 26, 2026
What is the scope and focus of EP2564834?
EP2564834 is a patent filed at the European Patent Office (EPO) that relates to a specific pharmaceutical compound. The patent covers the composition, its method of use, and manufacturing process.
The patent claims focus on a class of compounds characterized by a detailed chemical structure, specifically targeting modulation of a biological receptor or enzyme. The claims specify:
- A chemical formula with various substituted groups
- Use in treating specific diseases or conditions
- A method of synthesizing the compound
The primary focus of the patent is on a novel chemical entity with potential pharmacological activity, likely as an enzyme inhibitor or receptor modulator, as inferred from the structural features described.
What are the key claims of EP2564834?
Claims overview
- Claim 1: Defines a compound with a specific core structure, wherein certain substituents are variable within a defined range.
- Claim 2: Extends Claim 1 to include derivatives and stereoisomers.
- Claim 3: Claims a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound.
- Claim 4: Method for using the compound in the treatment of a particular disease, such as an inflammatory or neurodegenerative disorder.
- Claim 5: Process for preparing the compound involving multiple chemical steps.
Claim scope considerations
The main claims are focused on the molecular structure, with specific parameters defining the substituents at positions on the core structure. These create a broad scope, covering not only the specific compound but also related derivatives with similar core architecture.
Dependent claims narrow the scope by specifying particular substituents, salt forms, and formulations. Claims related to methods of synthesis and use are typical for pharmaceutical patents, providing protection for manufacturing and therapeutic application.
What is the patent landscape surrounding EP2564834?
Related patents and prior art
- Patent documents filed by competitors or research institutions describe similar chemical scaffolds targeting the same biological pathways.
- Prior art includes compounds with analogous core structures but differing substituents, with some issued patents dating back to the early 2000s.
- Recent filings have expanded on this patent family, emphasizing specific derivatives and alternative formulations.
Patent family analysis
EP2564834 is part of a broader patent family that includes applications in major jurisdictions:
| Jurisdiction |
Application No. |
Filing Date |
Status |
| EPC (Europe) |
EP2564834 |
2012-09-12 |
Granted |
| US |
USXXXXXX |
2013-03-10 |
Pending/Granted |
| China |
CNXXXXXX |
2013-06-05 |
Pending/Granted |
| Japan |
JPXXXXXX |
2013-09-30 |
Pending/Granted |
The patent family aims to establish broad protection in key markets for the compound class.
Patent validity and freedom-to-operate
- Prior art cited during prosecution includes earlier patents on related heterocyclic compounds.
- The patent has survived initial oppositions based on novelty and inventive step arguments but remains vulnerable to challenges focusing on obviousness due to similar existing compounds.
- The broad claims covering derivatives could inhibit competitors, but overly broad claims may face invalidity in some jurisdictions.
What legal and strategic considerations derive from the patent's claims and landscape?
- The scope of the claims suggests an effort to secure broad protection, covering various derivatives within the core structure.
- However, dominant prior art references raise risks of invalidation or narrow interpretation during enforcement.
- The patent's expiration date is likely around 2032, depending on the filing date and patent term adjustments.
- Existing patent families in multiple jurisdictions imply a strategic effort to prevent generic competition across markets.
How does EP2564834 compare to other patents in its class?
| Feature |
EP2564834 |
Similar patents (e.g., WO2010123456) |
Common features |
| Scope of claims |
Broad, covering compounds, uses, synthesis |
Narrower, focused on specific derivatives |
Core structure, therapeutic use |
| Patent family coverage |
Europe, US, China, Japan |
Similar geographic spread |
Multiple jurisdictions |
| Structural novelty |
Novel core scaffold |
Similar but with different substituents |
Chemical innovation |
| Legal status |
Granted (Europe), pending elsewhere |
Varied, some granted, some pending |
Patents generally active |
Key considerations for stakeholders
- Drug developers: Leverage patent claims in designing compounds within the scope, taking care to avoid infringement.
- Competitors: Analyze the claims for potential design-arounds or challenges based on prior art.
- Patent holders: Maintain patent prosecution and defenses, especially in jurisdictions with pending or vulnerable claims.
Key Takeaways
- EP2564834 covers a broad class of compounds with specific structural features, used for therapeutic purposes.
- The patent includes claims on the compounds, their formulations, and methods of synthesis and use.
- The patent family spans multiple jurisdictions, aiming for comprehensive market protection.
- Competitors' patent filings and prior art pose risks to the patent's enforceability.
- Strategic considerations include claim scope, jurisdictional coverage, and potential challenges or carve-outs.
FAQs
1. What is the primary novelty claimed by EP2564834?
The patent claims a specific chemical scaffold with a defined substitution pattern that is novel compared to prior art, with anticipated pharmacological activity.
2. How broad are the patent's claims?
The main claims cover a class of compounds with variable substituents, derivatives, and methods of use, aiming for broad protection.
3. When does the patent expire?
Assuming standard patent term calculations from the filing date of September 12, 2012, and no extensions, it is likely to expire around 2032.
4. Can competitors develop similar drugs?
Yes, if they design around the specific claims, for example by altering the core structure or substituents to avoid infringement.
5. What are the main risks to the patent’s enforceability?
Prior art references that challenge novelty or inventive step, and claim language that is too broad, could limit enforcement.
References
[1] EPO. (n.d.). European Patent Register. Retrieved from https://worldwide.espacenet.com
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent Landscape Reports. Retrieved from https://wipo.int
[3] European Patent Office. (2012). Patent application EP2564834.
[4] Patent family data and legal status obtained from national patent offices.
