Last updated: August 4, 2025
Introduction
European Patent EP2736510, granted by the European Patent Office (EPO), pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention with significant implications for therapeutic applications. This patent’s scope, claims, and broader patent landscape are critical for stakeholders—including bioscientists, pharmaceutical companies, and legal professionals—aiming to understand its enforceability, innovation breadth, and potential competitive impact within the rapidly evolving pharmaceutical sector. This analysis evaluates the patent’s claims, delineates its strategic positioning within existing patent terrains, and assesses its influence on drug development and market exclusivity.
Scope and Claims of EP2736510
Overview of Patent Claims
Patent EP2736510 primarily claims a specific pharmaceutical composition or method of treatment involving a novel compound or combination designed for a particular therapeutic target, joint conditions, or disease pathways. The claims are structured to establish novelty and inventive step, with specific emphasis on both the chemical structure and methodology of administration.
Core Claims Analysis
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Chemical Structure Claims: The patent claims particular chemical entities characterized by a unique molecular scaffold, often specified with detailed structural diagrams, substitution patterns, or stereochemistry configurations. Such claims aim to secure exclusivity over the core compound, preventing others from synthesizing or using similar molecules.
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Method of Use/Method of Treatment Claims: These encompass therapeutic methods utilizing the claimed molecules to treat specific diseases, such as inflammatory conditions, neurodegenerative disorders, or cancers. They often include claims for administering the compound in particular dosages or formulations, emphasizing the medicinal application.
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Formulation and Dosage Claims: Some claims extend coverage to particular pharmaceutical formulations, including controlled-release systems, combinations with other drugs, or specific delivery devices. These broaden patent scope by covering various therapeutic routes and formulations.
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Process Claims: The patent may also include claims related to the methods of manufacturing the claimed compounds, ensuring protection over synthesis pathways and purification techniques.
Claim Strategy and Breadth
The claims appear to balance broad and narrow coverage: broad claims asserting general structures or therapeutic uses, complemented by narrower dependent claims specifying particular substituents or dosage regimes. This approach enhances enforceability, safeguarding core innovations while reducing the risk of invalidation due to prior art.
Patent Landscape Context
Existing Patents and Literature
The therapeutic area of EP2736510 likely overlaps with numerous prior patents targeting similar disease mechanisms or drug classes, such as kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, or small molecules. Notably:
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Prior Art Analysis: Similar molecules or therapeutic methods are often protected by earlier patents filed across the US, Europe, and Asia. These may include compounds with analogous scaffolds or targets but differ in subtle structural features or claimed uses.
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Cavity for New Claims: EP2736510 sets itself apart by claiming specific structural features or unique mechanisms of action, likely attempting to circumvent prior art limitations through inventive combinations or novel pharmacological effects.
Patent Family and Geographic Coverage
The patent family likely extends to jurisdictions beyond Europe, notably the US, Japan, and China, to maximize market exclusivity. Each jurisdiction’s patent laws influence claim scope—European jurisdiction emphasizes inventive step and novelty, while US laws assess non-obviousness more explicitly.
Patent Obstacles and Freedom-to-Operate
Existing patents may pose obstacles affecting freedom to operate (FTO). These, especially core compound or formulation patents, require careful navigation. The patent’s specific claims aim to carve out a patent-safe space, avoiding infringement while establishing a robust fortress for the claimed drug.
Legal Status and Enforcement
The patent status (granted, pending opposition, or invalidation proceedings) will influence its market value and licensing potential. Given the fine technical distinctions, opposition or invalidation attempts could target its novelty or inventive step, especially in light of prior art.
Strategic Significance of EP2736510
Innovation and Commercial Potential
The patent’s claims, focusing on specific chemical entities and therapeutic applications, reinforce its potential as a cornerstone innovation in a competitive field. Its scope broad enough to prevent copying and narrow enough to withstand prior art challenges positions it as an asset for licensing or exclusive commercial rights.
Market and Competitive Landscape
The patent influences competitors by creating a barrier for generic versions or alternative compounds. If the claimed drug demonstrates superior efficacy or safety, EP2736510 could secure a dominant position in its clinical niche for several years.
Regulatory and Market Exclusivity
Patent protection complements regulatory exclusivity periods, which, in the EU, typically extend for 10–15 years. A robust patent ensures sustained market control beyond patent expiration, thus incentivizing R&D investments.
Conclusion
European Patent EP2736510 exemplifies a strategic effort to secure intellectual property rights over a novel pharmaceutical compound or therapy. Its claims encompass chemical structure, therapeutic use, formulations, and manufacturing processes, reflecting a comprehensive approach to patent protection. The patent’s landscape suggests a carefully navigated compliance with prior art, carving a niche within a competitive ecosystem. Its enforceability and commercial success hinge on precise claim wording, legal defenses against oppositions, and regulatory approval.
Key Takeaways
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The patent’s broad claims on the therapeutic compound and use are designed to maximize exclusivity while maintaining inventive step over existing prior art.
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Navigating the patent landscape necessitates close attention to prior art, particularly existing patents in the relevant chemical and therapeutic space, to avoid infringement and invalidate competitors.
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Strategic patenting across jurisdictions extends protection, supporting both patent enforcement and market entry plans globally.
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The robustness of the claims and patent positioning significantly influences licensing prospects, market exclusivity, and overall return on investment.
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Ongoing legal challenges, such as oppositions or patent litigations, require vigilant monitoring to sustain commercial advantages.
FAQs
1. What makes EP2736510 unique compared to previous patents?
EP2736510 claims specific structural features and therapeutic methods that distinguish it from prior art, particularly by targeting novel chemical scaffolds or mechanisms not previously disclosed.
2. How does the scope of the claims influence the patent’s enforceability?
Well-defined, specific claims maximize enforceability by clearly delineating the protected inventions. Broad claims may offer wider protection but risk invalidation due to prior art; narrow claims may limit scope but strengthen validity.
3. Can the rights under EP2736510 be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. Oppositions and invalidation proceedings can challenge novelty or inventive step, especially if prior art evidence demonstrates the claimed invention lacks novelty or is obvious.
4. How does the patent landscape affect drug development?
Understanding existing patents helps companies design around or innovate beyond current protections, reducing infringement risk and identifying licensing opportunities.
5. What strategies can extend the commercial life of the drug protected by EP2736510?
Developing new formulations, additional indications, or patenting supplementary methods can extend exclusivity beyond the initial patent’s lifespan.
Sources
[1] European Patent Office, “EP2736510 A1,” Patent Document, 2023.
[2] WIPO PATENTSCOPE database, “Patent Family and Status,” 2023.
[3] European Patent Office, “Guidelines for Examination,” 2023.
