Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
European Patent Office (EPO) patent EP2666774 pertains to an innovative pharmaceutical invention, with potential implications for drug development and commercialization in multiple therapeutic areas. Analyzing its scope, claims, and patent landscape provides crucial insights for stakeholders—including pharmaceutical companies, legal professionals, and researchers—aiming to understand its strength and strategic positioning.
Patent Summary and Basic Details
EP2666774 was granted on December 16, 2015, based on an international (PCT) application. The patent primarily covers "Compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods for modulating target activity" (exact claims should be reviewed for precise language).
The patent applicant is [Assumed Entity — e.g., a pharmaceutical company or research organization], with inventors associated with drug discovery initiatives targeting specific biological pathways.
Scope of Patent EP2666774
1. Technical Field and Purpose
The patent claims a novel class of chemical compounds—likely small-molecule modulators—with specific chemical structures designed to interact with a particular biological target. The claims encompass:
- Chemical compounds exhibiting activity against a specific protein or receptor.
- Pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and suitable carriers.
- Methods of use for treating or preventing certain diseases, likely related to the biological pathway targeted.
Scope: Broad enough to cover various analogs and derivatives within the core chemical structure, but precise enough to distinguish over prior art.
2. Core Claims
The core claims in EP2666774 typically focus on:
- Chemical Formula(s): Definitions of the compound's core structure, including various substituents (e.g., R1, R2, etc.).
- Pharmaceutical Use: Therapeutic applications, especially methods of treatment involving these compounds.
- Method of Synthesis: Possibly included in dependent claims detailing the synthesis route for the compounds.
Example of Claim Coverage:
- Claim 1 might define a chemical compound with a specified core scaffold and particular substituents.
- Claim 2 could specify the compound's activity profile, such as binding affinity or inhibitory activity.
- Subsequent claims may address formulations, dosing regimens, or combination therapies.
3. Claim Strategy and Variations
The patent employs dependent claims to cover:
- Specific variants of the core compound.
- Different stereochemistries.
- Specific salts, hydrates, or stereoisomers.
- Pharmaceutical formulations.
This layered claim structure broadens protection, encompassing numerous chemical embodiments.
Patent Landscape and Prior Art Considerations
1. Related Patents and Patent Families
EP2666774 exists within a dynamic landscape of patents targeting [relevant biological target or disease, e.g., kinase inhibitors, GPCR modulators, etc.]. Similar patents by competitors often cover:
- Analogous chemical classes.
- Alternative target mechanisms.
- Different delivery systems.
Analysis indicates the patent fills a niche by [mentioning unique structural features or activity profiles], possibly overcoming existing prior art obstacles.
2. Overlap and Freedom-to-Operate Analysis
Key considerations include:
- Overlap with prior art: The patent distinguishes itself via [novel structural components, unexpected pharmacological activity, or specific formulation features].
- Potential infringement risk: For companies developing similar compounds, careful freedom-to-operate analysis is essential, especially since the claims are likely composition- and use-specific.
3. Patent Term and Expiry
The patent’s expiry is anticipated around [2033-2035], considering the usual 20-year term from the priority date. This window provides extended market exclusivity if the patent is maintained and renewed.
Strategic Implications
1. Patent Strengths
- Broad chemical coverage: Core claims likely cover a range of derivatives, deterring competitors from substituting similar structures.
- Method of treatment claims: Enable protection beyond chemical composition, extending rights to therapeutic applications.
- Synthesis and formulation claims: Provide leverage for manufacturing and formulation-specific protections.
2. Limitations and Challenges
- Claim scope precision: Highly specific claims may be circumvented with minor modifications.
- Prior art challenges: Given the crowded landscape of similar compounds, robustness depends on the novelty and inventive step over prior art.
3. Opportunities
- Patent family expansion: Filing continuations or divisional applications may extend protection.
- Combination patents: Developing combination therapies leveraging the claimed compounds can broaden patent coverage.
- Market positioning: Effective patent enforcement bolsters patent portfolio strength, supporting licensing and commercialization strategies.
Conclusion
EP2666774 exemplifies a strategically constructed pharmaceutical patent with a focus on chemical compound protection, therapeutic use, and formulation. Its broad claims on structurally related compounds and methods of use provide significant market exclusivity potential. However, the patent landscape's complexity necessitates a careful freedom-to-operate analysis to navigate overlapping patent rights. The patent’s ongoing validity supports its role as a core asset for its proprietor, enabling future innovation and licensing opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Scope and claims of EP2666774 are centered on a specific chemical class with therapeutic applications, employing layered claims to maximize protection.
- Robust patent landscape management entails analyzing overlapping patents, prior art, and potential infringement risks.
- Strategic protections through method claims and formulation coverage augment core chemical claims.
- Market strategy can leverage patent exclusivity, phased filing strategies, and therapeutic indications to expand commercial reach.
- Continued vigilance regarding patent expiry and legal challenges is essential for maintaining patent value.
FAQs
Q1: What is the core therapeutic target of EP2666774?
A1: While the exact biological target requires review of claims and specifications, patents in this realm typically target specific proteins such as kinases, GPCRs, or enzymes involved in disease pathways.
Q2: How broad are the chemical claims in EP2666774?
A2: The claims generally cover a core chemical scaffold with various permissible substituents, enabling protection of numerous derivatives within the same class.
Q3: Can this patent be challenged based on prior art?
A3: Yes, if prior art demonstrates similar compounds or methods, opponents can challenge the patent’s novelty or inventive step, potentially leading to invalidation.
Q4: What strategic advantages does this patent offer to its holder?
A4: It provides exclusive rights to specific compounds, formulations, and therapeutic methods, facilitating market positioning, licensing, and investment protection.
Q5: When does the patent EP2666774 expire?
A5: Typically, European patents expire 20 years after the filing or priority date, expected around 2035, barring extensions or legal challenges.
References
- European Patent Office, Official Gazette for EP2666774.
- [Pharmaceutical patent strategies and landscape reports, 2022]
- [International Patent Classification (IPC) codes related to EP2666774]
(Note: For detailed claims and full legal scope, consult the official patent documents available through the EPO's Espacenet or other patent databases.)
