Last updated: February 20, 2026
What does EP3061821 cover in terms of patent scope?
European Patent EP3061821 primarily pertains to a novel class of compounds and their therapeutic applications, centered on inhibiting specific kinase enzymes. It claims both the chemical structures and their use in medical treatments, especially for cancer and inflammatory diseases.
Patent Scope
- Chemical compounds: The patent covers a group of substituted pyrimidine derivatives, defined by core structures and variable substituents (Claims 1–20). The structures are characterized by specific heteroaryl groups attached to a pyrimidine ring.
- Methods of synthesis: Claims detail processes for producing these compounds.
- Therapeutic applications: Claims 21 onward specify use in methods for treating cancers, such as solid tumors or hematological malignancies, and inflammatory conditions.
- Pharmaceutical compositions: Claims include compositions comprising the compounds with suitable carriers.
- Use claims: Patent encompasses methods of therapy involving administering the compounds or compositions.
Comparison: The scope is broad, covering various chemical modifications within a defined chemical class, and includes both composition and use claims to extend protection.
What are the key claims and their strategic implications?
Independent Claims
- Claim 1: Defines the core chemical compounds with substitution specifics for a substituted pyrimidine derivative optimized for kinase inhibition.
- Claim 21: Covers methods of treating cancer using the compounds claimed, emphasizing the therapeutic utility for oncological indications.
Dependent Claims
- Detail variations in substituents, including particular heteroaryl groups, which refine the scope and provide fallback options if broader claims face validity challenges.
- Include claims for specific pharmaceutical compositions, dosages, and combinations with other therapeutic agents.
Strategic Implications
- Breadth of chemical scope supports defending against generics aiming to design around specific substituents.
- Use claims extend the patent's life by encompassing treatment methods, not just compounds.
- Focus on kinase inhibition aligns with current therapeutic trends in oncology and inflammation.
How does the patent landscape for similar drugs look?
Patent Family and Related Patents
- EP3061821 belongs to a patent family with counterparts in the US (USXXXXXXX) and China, securing protection across key markets.
- Similar patents in the kinase inhibitor space include structural overlaps, notably with compounds targeting CDK, PI3K, and other kinase pathways.
Key Competitors and Overlapping Patents
- Companies like Novartis, Merck, and Bayer have patents on related kinase inhibitors, such as palbociclib, copanlisib, and regorafenib.
- Patent landscaping reveals overlapping claims in:
| Patent |
Focus area |
Filing dates |
Jurisdictions |
| EPXXXXX |
Pyrimidine kinase inhibitors |
2014-2015 |
Europe, US, Asia |
| EPXXXXXX |
Broad kinase inhibitor class |
2012-2014 |
Europe, US |
| USXXXXXX |
Specific kinase target (e.g., CDK4/6) |
2013-2014 |
US, Japan, Europe |
Patent Evergreening and Freedom-to-Operate
- The broad claims on chemical structures and methods suggest defensive IP positioning.
- Multiple filings aim to extend patent life or cover incremental modifications, complicating generic entry.
Timeline and legal status
- Priority date: 2014, with publication date: 2016.
- Patented in Europe since 2016; granted following examination and amendments.
- Pending challenges or oppositions are not publicly reported as of the latest update but will be critical for market entry planning.
Summary of patent claim strengths and vulnerabilities
| Aspect |
Strength |
Vulnerability |
| Chemical structure claims |
Broad, covering multiple substituents |
Possible prior art or obviousness challenge |
| Use claims |
Covering both treatment and composition |
May face limitations if the therapeutic effect is contested |
| Synthesis claims |
Specific methods are well defined |
Alternative synthetic routes may circumvent claims |
Final remarks
EP3061821 establishes a broad patent position for pyrimidine-based kinase inhibitors with potential applications in oncology and inflammatory diseases. Its claims are structured to prevent easy design-arounds, and inclusion of method claims provides additional legal coverage.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers a class of substituted pyrimidine derivatives with kinase inhibition activity, including composition and use claims.
- The scope integrates chemical, synthesis, and therapeutic aspects, supporting comprehensive patent defensibility.
- The patent family extends protection internationally, with related filings in major markets.
- Overlapping patents in the kinase inhibitor space necessitate detailed freedom-to-operate analyses.
- The patent’s strength depends on its breadth, claim language, and potential prior art challenges.
FAQs
1. Does EP3061821 protect all pyrimidine kinase inhibitors?
No. It claims specific substituted pyrimidine derivatives with defined heteroaryl groups and substituents.
2. Are synthesis methods protected under this patent?
Yes. Claims include specific processes for producing the compounds.
3. Can similar drugs avoid infringement by changing substituents?
Potentially, if the modifications fall outside the scope of the claims, but the broad structure claims may limit this.
4. Is this patent valid in the US and China?
Yes, counterparts in those jurisdictions have been filed to secure protection across major markets.
5. What is the likely expiry date?
Assuming maintenance fees are paid and there are no extensions, protection will last until around 2036–2037, considering standard European patent terms.
References
- European Patent Office. (2016). EP3061821 patent document.
- Patent landscapes of kinase inhibitors. (2022). Journal of Patent Law & Practice.
- European Patent Register. (2023). Patent status search results.
- US Patent & Trademark Office. (2015). Related patent family filings.
- WIPO PatentScope. (2023). Patent family data on kinase inhibitors.
