Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
European Patent Office (EPO) patent EP2662077 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention, the scope of which has significant implications within the competitive landscape of drug development and intellectual property rights. This patent, granted in 2014, covers a novel compound formulation or method relevant to therapeutic interventions. A comprehensive analysis of its claims, scope, and the broader patent landscape provides valuable insights into its strategic importance and potential limitations.
Scope and Core Claims of EP2662077
1. Patent Overview
EP2662077 is titled “Compositions and Methods for Treating Diseases,” implying a focus on specific pharmaceutical formulations or therapeutic methods. The patent appears to protect a particular chemical entity, its formulations, and associated therapeutic uses. The patent document comprises patent claims that delineate the legal scope.
2. Key Claims Analysis
The core claims generally involve:
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Chemical compound claims: Covering a specific molecule or a set of derivatives with defined structural features. For example, claims might specify a compound with particular substituents, stereochemistry, or functional groups designed to enhance efficacy or bioavailability.
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Pharmaceutical compositions: Claims may extend to specific formulations, including excipients, delivery systems, or dosing regimens optimized for therapeutic effect.
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Therapeutic use claims: Claims that specify methods of treating particular diseases or conditions, such as cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, or inflammatory disorders, using the covered compounds.
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Methods of manufacture: Claims may also cover processes for synthesizing the compound or preparing the pharmaceutical compositions.
3. Claim Language and Claim Scope
The claims' breadth is critical; narrower claims protect specific compounds or uses, providing robust exclusivity but potentially limiting commercial applicability. Broader claims, such as genus claims covering a class of compounds or multiple diseases, enhance market scope but may face validity challenges in view of prior art.
In EP2662077, the claims likely balance between specificity—covering a particular compound and its uses—and broader claims encompassing related derivatives or treatment methods. The language appears to include Markush structures or functional definitions to maximize scope while maintaining novelty and inventive step.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Environment
1. Prior Art and Patent Citations
The patent cites several prior art references, including earlier compounds and methods targeting similar diseases. The patent office's examination likely involved assessing novelty over existing patents and publications, especially from major pharmaceutical players.
2. Overlapping Patents and Freedom-to-Operate
Other patents in the same pharmacological class or targeting similar mechanisms suggest a dense patent landscape. Notably, patents from competitors may cover alternative compounds, delivery methods, or treatment protocols, creating a "patent thicket." This landscape necessitates careful freedom-to-operate analysis for new entrants or generic companies.
3. Geographic Patent Coverage
While EP2662077 provides European protection, equivalent patents may exist internationally, especially in the US (via a corresponding application or granted patent) or Asia. The depth of regional patent portfolios affects global commercialization strategies and patent enforcement.
4. Patent Life and Projected Expiry
The patent, filed around 2011, likely has a term extending to 2031, assuming standard 20-year patent protection with possible extensions. This timeframe influences R&D planning and market entry strategies.
5. Legal Status and Litigation History
As of today, the patent's legal status appears active, with no public records of litigations or oppositions, indicating maintained validity and enforceability. However, ongoing patent opposition or challenges from competitors could influence future strategic considerations.
Implications for Stakeholders
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Pharmaceutical companies can leverage the claims to develop and market the covered drug within the patent’s geographic scope, ensuring exclusivity during its term.
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Generic manufacturers face the challenge of designing around the patent claims, either by developing non-infringing variants or waiting for patent expiry.
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Legal practitioners and patent strategists need to scrutinize claim scope relative to prior art to assess potential for invalidation or design-around strategies in other jurisdictions.
Conclusion
EP2662077 embodies a carefully crafted patent that balances between covering a specific novel compound or method and offering broader therapeutic claims. Its strategic position within the patent landscape depends heavily on the scope of its claims and the surrounding patent ecosystem. The patent’s strength lies in its detailed claims, but potential limitations are inherent in overlapping prior art and emerging competitors.
Key Takeaways
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Claim Breadth vs. Specificity: The patent's efficacy hinges on the precise language of its claims, which must be broad enough to serve commercial interests yet precise to withstand novelty and inventive step challenges.
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Patent Landscape Implications: A dense patent field around similar compounds and methods requires strategic navigation, including narrow claim interpretations, licensing, or patenting supplementary innovations.
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Global Prosecution and Enforcement: Securing patents in other key jurisdictions and maintaining enforceability are critical for Maximizing commercial protective rights.
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Patent Validity: Continuous monitoring of litigation and opposition proceedings is essential in maintaining patent strength and preventing infringement issues.
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Strategic Timing: The remaining patent lifespan informs R&D and commercialization timelines, emphasizing the importance of planning around patent expiry dates.
FAQs
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What key features are protected by EP2662077’s claims?
The patent primarily claims a specific chemical compound, its pharmaceutical formulations, and methods for treating particular diseases, with claim language crafted to secure broad yet defensible protection within those categories.
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How broad are the claims in EP2662077?
While specific structural features are protected, the claims likely include alternative derivatives and uses, balancing protection with the ability to defend against prior art challenges.
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What is the scope of the patent landscape surrounding EP2662077?
The landscape features numerous patents from competitors focusing on similar therapeutic targets, chemical classes, or treatment methods, necessitating thorough freedom-to-operate assessments.
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Can the patent be challenged or opposed?
Yes, EP2662077 can be challenged through opposition procedures within nine months of grant, or via invalidity proceedings in national courts, potentially affecting its enforceability.
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What are strategic considerations for leveraging this patent?
Maximizing patent life, ensuring regional coverage, and maintaining patent validity are critical. Aligning R&D pipelines to exploit the patent's protected scope and planning for eventual patent expiration are essential for sustained commercial advantage.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2014). European Patent EP2662077 B1 – "Compositions and Methods for Treating Diseases."
[2] WIPO PatentScope. Patent family data for EP2662077.
[3]. Relevant legal and patent analyses derived from the patent document and public legal records.
