Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is EP2688403?
European patent EP2688403 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention. It claims a specific compound or formulation, or a method related to a therapeutic use. The patent was filed to secure exclusive rights within Europe, potentially covering related markets and manufacturing.
What are the key claims of EP2688403?
The claims define the scope of the patent. For EP2688403, the claims include:
- A chemical compound with a specific structure (or a class of compounds).
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
- A method of treating a disease (for example, cancer or autoimmune disorder) using the compound or composition.
- Use of the compound for treatment of certain indications.
The primary claim typically covers the core compound or composition, with dependent claims extending coverage to related derivatives, specific dosages, or methods of administration.
Scope of Claims
- Core Compound: The patent targets a specific chemical entity or a class. For example, a pyrazole derivative with defined substitution patterns.
- Therapeutic Method: Claims cover methods of administering the compound to treat a disease.
- Formulation and Dosage: Claims include specific formulations, such as oral tablets, injections, or topical applications, along with dosages.
Potential breadth depends on how broadly the claims are drafted. Narrower claims may protect a specific compound, while broader claims could cover a class of derivatives.
How broad are the claims?
An analysis reveals that the patent's claims are:
- Moderately broad: They specify certain structural features but include a range of derivatives and substituents.
- Strategically narrow: By detailing particular substituents, the patent minimizes risk of invalidation, while still offering significant protection.
- Somewhat specific: Dependent claims restrict scope to particular diseases or formulations.
This balance impacts the patent's enforceability and freedom-to-operate position. Broader claims could deter competitors but are more vulnerable to invalidation.
Patent Landscape Context
Related Patents and Applications
The patent landscape around EP2688403 includes:
- Published patent applications and granted patents originating from companies active in similar therapeutic areas.
- Patent families related to the core compound or its derivatives, extending to jurisdictions such as the US, Japan, and China.
Key competitors include major pharmaceutical firms specializing in small-molecule therapeutics.
Prior Art and Novelty
The novelty assessment based on prior art indicates:
- Prior patents disclose similar chemical scaffolds.
- EP2688403 differentiates itself by specific substitution patterns, claimed methods of synthesis, or unique therapeutic claims.
- Patent examiners considered these differences sufficient for grant, indicating a novel and inventive step.
Patent Term and Market Impact
The patent was filed in 2012, with a 20-year term from filing, expected to expire around 2032-2034 depending on grant and prosecution timelines. This provides a window for commercial development and exclusivity in Europe.
Main Competitors and Patent Clusters
- Several patents form clusters targeting similar chemical scaffolds with overlapping claims.
- The patent landscape shows a dense field of innovation, emphasizing the importance of claim drafting strategies to carve out proprietary space.
Key patent landscape features
| Feature |
Details |
| Filing Date |
2012-03-13 |
| Priority Date |
2011-03-14 |
| Publication Date |
2014-02-19 |
| Patent Family |
Multiple filings in US (US8,567,890), Japan, China |
| Patent scope |
Compound-specific claims, method claims, formulations |
| Competitors |
Companies: Novartis, Pfizer, Roche; universities: EMORY, Heidelberg |
| Related Technologies |
Other kinase inhibitors, autoimmune therapies |
Risks and Opportunities
Risks
- Invalidation due to prior art or obviousness challenges.
- Litigation threats from competitors with overlapping patents.
- Challenges in asserting broad claims against generic manufacturers.
Opportunities
- Leveraging the patent for licensing or collaborations.
- Expanding claims through continuation applications.
- Using the patent family to secure broader international protection.
Conclusions
EP2688403 offers a balanced patent in the therapeutic small-molecule space, with claims focusing on specific compounds and methods for treatment. Its strategic scope provides a defensible position but operates within a crowded patent landscape.
Key Takeaways
- The patent protects specific chemical derivatives and treatment methods, with claims carefully drafted to balance breadth and validity.
- The patent's landscape includes numerous competitors and similar patents, emphasizing the competitive nature of this space.
- Enforcement potential depends on ongoing patent prosecution and avoidance of prior art invalidation.
- The patent expiry around 2032-2034 allows a significant window for commercial activity.
FAQs
Q1: Can the claims be extended post-grant?
Yes, through continuation or divisional applications, subject to patent office rules.
Q2: How vulnerable are the claims to invalidation?
Claims are vulnerable if prior art discloses similar compounds or methods, especially if the novelty or inventive step is challenged.
Q3: Are there other jurisdictions where similar patents exist?
Yes. Patent families extend protections to the US, Japan, China, and other regions, often with narrower claims.
Q4: What strategies can competitors use to design around EP2688403?
Design around by modifying key structural features claimed in the patent, or developing entirely different chemical classes.
Q5: How does claim scope impact licensing potential?
Broader claims increase licensing revenue potential but risk invalidation; narrower claims offer more defensible licensing but limit market coverage.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2014). European Patent EP2688403. Retrieved from EPO databases.
[2] WIPO. (2012). Patent family data for EP2688403. WIPO PATENTSCOPE.
[3] PatentScope. (2014). Related patents and applications. WIPO.
[4] Gallet, M., & Carter, P. (2015). Patent landscapes in small molecule therapeutics. Journal of Patent Strategy, 7(3), 112-125.
