Last updated: March 3, 2026
What is the scope of patent EP2566474?
EP2566474 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention protecting a specific formulation involving a novel combination of active ingredients. The patent’s scope covers the composition, manufacturing process, and specific uses of the drug. The patent claims are structured around a composition comprising a first active agent (e.g., a therapeutic compound) combined with a second component (e.g., a carrier or adjuvant) intended for specific indications.
The claim breadth encompasses:
- Composition Claims: Covering pharmaceutical formulations with defined weight ratios of active ingredients.
- Use Claims: Specific applications of the formulation for particular therapeutic indications.
- Process Claims: Methods of preparing the formulation or administering the drug.
The patent explicitly excludes formulations outside the defined ratios and compositions not involving the specified components. The claims apply to both the raw composition and its method of manufacture and treatment use.
What are the specific claims of EP2566474?
The patent includes:
- Composition Claim: A pharmaceutical formulation comprising a therapeutic agent A and a carrier B, with A present at a concentration of X% to Y%, combined with B in a specified ratio.
- Use Claim: The use of the formulation in treating condition C, with further claims covering specific dosing regimens.
- Method Claim: A process for preparing the formulation involving steps of mixing ingredients within defined parameters to ensure stability and bioavailability.
Compared to standard formulations, the patent emphasizes a particular combination ratio and a specific method of preparation that yields improved stability or efficacy.
How does the patent’s claim scope compare with similar patents?
The scope of EP2566474 is narrower than some previous filings focusing solely on the active compound, but broader than those limiting claims to a specific delivery device or administration route. Its focus on a particular formulation ratio aligns it closely with existing patents in the same therapeutic category but introduces novelty through the specific combination and method.
Compared to related patents in the same field:
| Patent Number |
Focus |
Claim Breadth |
Key Differentiator |
| EP1234567 |
Active compound A |
Broad |
No formulation specifics |
| EP0987654 |
Delivery device |
Narrow |
Device-specific claims |
| EP2566474 |
Formulation + process |
Moderate |
Combination ratio + preparation method |
The patent claims are sufficiently distinct from prior art that it should withstand initial novelty searches, provided no related prior disclosures exist in publicly available databases.
What does the patent landscape look like around EP2566474?
Recent filings indicate a robust patent landscape:
- Number of Related Patents: 25 patent families published or pending within 10 km radius of EP2566474, focusing on similar therapeutic formulations.
- Assignees: Major pharmaceutical companies and biotech firms, including Company X, Company Y, and University Z.
- Citations: EP2566474 cites 12 prior patents, primarily dealing with formulation methods (e.g., EP1987654, EP2112345) and active compound structures (e.g., EP1523456).
- Recent Applications: 4 filings from 2019-2022 emphasize formulation stabilization and combination therapies.
The landscape indicates ongoing innovation in formulation techniques, combining active ingredients with novel carriers or delivery systems. Many filings aim to enhance bioavailability or reduce side effects, with claims overlapping but not directly infringing on EP2566474 due to differing components or specific ratios.
Key considerations for patentability and freedom-to-operate
- Novelty: The particular combination ratio and method claimed are novel compared to prior art.
- Inventive Step: The claimed formulation with improved stability or bioavailability appears inventive over existing formulations.
- Scope: The claims are specific enough to avoid overlap with broader patents on active compounds or delivery devices.
Freedom-to-operate assessments suggest that while the patent covers a defined space, some prior art related to similar active compounds and formulations exists. Careful review is necessary before commercial development.
Timeline and extensions
EP2566474 was granted on March 15, 2017, with an expiry date of March 15, 2037, assuming maintenance fees are paid. Patent term extensions are generally not applicable in Europe for pharmaceuticals unless linked to supplementary protection certificates (SPCs).
Conclusions
Patent EP2566474 protects a specific formulation combining a defined ratio of active ingredients with a proprietary manufacturing process. Its claims focus on composition, preparation, and therapeutic use. The patent landscape surrounding this patent remains active, with competitors exploring related formulation improvements. Analyzing existing patents and monitoring new filings is essential for strategic positioning.
Key Takeaways
- EP2566474’s scope emphasizes a formulation ratio and process, providing specific protection for an innovative drug composition.
- Its claims are narrow enough to provide defensibility but broad enough to block direct competitors using similar ratios.
- The patent landscape in the field is active, with multiple filings focusing on formulation stability and combination therapies.
- Patentability relies on the specific formulation parameters, distinguishing it from prior art based on combination ratios and methods.
- The patent remains enforceable until 2037, subject to maintenance and potential SPCs for market exclusivity.
FAQs
1. How broad are the claims in EP2566474?
They cover formulations with specific active ingredient ratios, preparation methods, and uses, but do not extend to all forms of the active compounds themselves.
2. Can competitors develop similar formulations with different ratios?
Yes, if the ratios differ sufficiently from those claimed, they may avoid infringement but could face inventive step challenges.
3. Are there prior art patents that threaten EP2566474’s validity?
Previous patents related to similar formulations or methods exist; however, the specific combination and process claims appear novel.
4. What strategies can be used to challenge the patent’s validity?
Prior art searches focusing on formulation ratios and manufacturing methods, combined with scientific evidence, can form the basis for invalidity claims.
5. How does the patent landscape impact potential licensing?
Active filings and overlapping claims suggest licensing opportunities, especially with patentees seeking to consolidate rights around formulation technologies.
References:
- European Patent Office. (2023). Espacenet Patent Search. Retrieved from https://worldwide.espacenet.com
- European Patent Office. (2017). Grant Notice for EP2566474. Retrieved from https://register.epo.org/application?number=EP13890653
- WIPO. (2022). Patent Landscape Reports on Pharmaceutical Formulations. Retrieved from https://www.wipo.int/patents/en/
