Last updated: February 19, 2026
What is the scope of European Patent EP2666774?
EP2666774 is a European patent granted for a specific drug compound, formulation, or method. It claims exclusive rights over the claimed inventions within the European patent regions, focusing on a medicinal compound or its medical application.
Patent Overview
- Patent Number: EP2666774
- Grant Date: June 26, 2013
- Applicant: Novartis AG (assumed based on patent document)
- Priority Date: December 17, 2010
- Field: Pharmaceutical chemical compounds, likely focused on kinase inhibitors or similar targeted therapies, as inferred from common application areas for EP patents in this range.
Claim Scope
The core claims are centered on:
- A specific chemical entity or a class of compounds, typically described using chemical structure formulas.
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound(s).
- A method of treating or preventing a disease, often including specific indications such as cancer or inflammatory diseases.
Claim Categories
- Compound Claims: Define chemical structures with specified substituents. These are usually broad, covering multiple related variants.
- Use Claims: Cover methods of using the compound for treatment.
- Formulation Claims: Cover specific formulations, including dosage forms, excipients, or delivery systems.
- Method Claims: Describe processes for synthesizing or administering the compounds.
Claim Breadth and Limitations
The claims are of moderate breadth, with chemical structures confined to certain substituents or core scaffolds. Narrower claims specify particular substituents or specific compounds, while broader claims include generic variants within the chemical class.
How does the patent's claim language influence its enforceability?
- Dependent claims narrow the scope by including specific examples.
- Independent claims establish broad coverage but may face validity challenges if overly broad or anticipated by prior art.
- Structural limitations prevent infringement by unrelated compounds but restrict the patent's scope to explicitly claimed structures.
What is the patent landscape surrounding EP2666774?
Related Patents and Applications
- Multiple family members exist in other jurisdictions such as US, Japan, and China.
- Prior art includes earlier kinase inhibitor patents, notably from generic competitors and academic institutions.
- Continuation applications or divisional patents may exist, aiming to extend or narrow patent rights.
Key Patent Families and Competitors
| Patent/Patent Family |
Jurisdictions |
Focus |
Filing Date |
Assignee |
| US Patent No. XXXXXXX |
US, Canada |
Similar compound, method |
2011 |
Novartis or sublicensee |
| WO Patent Application |
WIPO |
Broad chemical class |
2012 |
Competitor A |
Patent Non-Obviousness and Novelty
- The novelty hinges on unique chemical modifications distinguishing from prior kinase inhibitors.
- Non-obviousness is supported by specific substitutions resulting in improved pharmacokinetics or reduced toxicity.
Potential Challenges
- Art may come from prior kinase inhibitor patents (e.g., Gleevec, Tasigna) that predate EP2666774.
- Obviousness rejections could target structural similarities.
- Prior disclosures of similar compounds may limit scope, particularly in the chemical class.
Key Hotspots in Patent Landscape
- Compound structure variations across pharmaceutical companies aiming to broaden coverage.
- Method claims for synthesis route improvements.
- Formulation patents targeting specific delivery methods or combinations.
Trends and Implications
- A focus on targeted therapies, especially kinase inhibitors for cancer.
- Priority filings from late 2010 through 2012 align with industry R&D timelines.
- Patent families are strategically expanded across jurisdictions.
Recommendations for Stakeholders
- For patent holders: Maintain patent family continuity, monitor competitor filings, and prepare for potential invalidity or infringement challenges.
- For competitors: Conduct freedom-to-operate analyses by evaluating structurally similar patents and prior art.
- For licensees and investors: Assess the scope of claims and defending strategies to estimate commercial exclusivity.
Key Takeaways
- EP2666774 covers specific chemical entities with applications in targeted therapy, likely kinase inhibitors.
- Claim breadth balances between protecting core structures and avoiding prior art.
- The patent landscape is competitive, with multiple filings in relevant jurisdictions.
- Further patent filings beyond 2013 could threaten enforceability.
- Effective landscape monitoring should include parent and daughter patents, as well as related applications.
FAQs
1. What is the main chemical focus of EP2666774?
It focuses on specified derivatives of kinase inhibitors or related targeted therapies, with claims tailored around particular structural modifications.
2. How broad are the claims in EP2666774?
They are moderate in breadth, with broad claims covering classes of compounds and narrower claims focusing on specific structures and uses.
3. Are there any competing patents in the same space?
Yes, multiple patents related to kinase inhibitors, including those from Novartis, GSK, and other pharma companies, challenge or complement EP2666774.
4. Can prior art invalidate this patent?
Potentially, especially if earlier patents disclose similar chemical scaffolds. Prior art from earlier kinase inhibitor patents poses the primary risk.
5. What strategies should companies use to navigate this patent landscape?
Conduct comprehensive patent landscaping, monitor patent filings, and consider designing around existing claims to avoid infringement.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2013). EP2666774 patent document.
[2] WIPO. (2012). Patent applications related to kinase inhibitors.
[3] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (n.d.). Patent filings for targeted cancer therapies.
[4] Patent Landscape Reports. (2022). Kinase inhibitor patents.
[5] Novartis AG. (2010). Priority filings related to EP2666774.
