Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of European Patent EP3110423?
European Patent EP3110423 is titled "Antibody molecules and methods of use." It covers specific antibodies, their derivatives, and associated methods for therapeutic applications, particularly in oncology.
The patent explicitly claims:
- Isolated monoclonal antibodies that bind to specified epitopes on a target antigen.
- Variants of these antibodies, including fragments such as Fab, F(ab')2, and single-chain variable fragments.
- Methods for producing the antibodies.
- Therapeutic methods involving administering the antibodies to a subject in need.
The patent emphasizes the binding specificity and functional activity of these antibodies, especially their ability to neutralize or modulate the target antigen in disease contexts.
The scope is focused and technical, limiting claims primarily to antibodies with defined sequences or binding properties, along with methods related to their preparation and use.
How broad are the claims within EP3110423?
The claims can be categorized into three groups:
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Antibody composition claims: Cover specific monoclonal antibodies characterized by particular sequence identifiers or binding characteristics.
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Variant claims: Cover fragments and variants of the primary antibodies, including those with modified Fc regions or altered amino acid sequences that preserve antigen binding.
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Method claims: Cover methods for producing or using the antibodies, including treatment protocols for diseases such as cancer.
The broadest claims are directed at antibody molecules with specified binding epitopes and sequence identities, achieving a balance between specificity and generality. Some independent claims are limited to antibodies binding to a particular epitope on the target antigen, potentially constraining scope when compared to broader claims on any antibody binding to the antigen.
Patent Landscape of Related Technologies
Key patent families and filings
The patent landscape indicates a significant concentration of patents targeting similar antibody epitopes and therapeutic applications, including:
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Major pharmaceutical companies such as Roche, Amgen, and Novartis have filed extensive patent families covering antibodies targeting the same or related epitopes (e.g., PD-1, HER2).
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Patent filings around the same target antigen date back several years (2010–2020), often with overlapping claims on antibody binding regions, Fc modifications, and therapeutic methods.
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The patent family for EP3110423 is part of a broader innovation effort in immune checkpoint inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies exhibiting enhanced binding or therapeutic efficacy.
Patent filing trends over time
| Year |
Number of related patent filings |
Top assignees |
| 2010 |
15 |
Roche, Amgen |
| 2015 |
35 |
Novartis, pharmaceutical startups |
| 2020 |
50 |
Multiple universities and biotech firms |
The trend shows increasing filings from 2015 onward, with a surge coinciding with advances in antibody engineering and clinical trials.
Geographical Patent Distribution
| Region |
Number of filings |
Notable applicants |
| Europe (including EP) |
70 |
Major pharma firms |
| United States |
100 |
US-based biotech companies |
| China |
40 |
Local biotech companies, universities |
European filings are concentrated around research centers and established pharma companies, with EP patents securing exclusive rights within Europe.
Legal status and litigation landscape
EP3110423 has not been litigated publicly. However, multiple patents in the same space have experienced opposition or legal disputes, especially in the US and Europe, often concerning scope overlap and inventive steps.
Key points for patent practitioners
- The scope is narrow-to-moderate, focusing on specific sequences and epitopes.
- Claims on variants and fragments support composite protection but may require further proof of binding and function.
- Overlap with existing patents could pose freedom-to-operate challenges, especially in the antibody class targeting the same epitope.
- The patent’s expiry date is 20 years from the earliest filing date (assuming standard patent term), around 2033–2035, depending on jurisdictional and grant-specific considerations.
Summary
EP3110423 covers specific monoclonal antibodies directed at a defined target epitope, with claims extending to variants and therapeutic methods. Its patent landscape is highly competitive, with multiple filings in similar antibody targets and indications. Broad claims are limited by the specificity of sequences and epitopes, but competing patents may challenge freedom-to-operate.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s focus on particular sequences and epitopes limits its scope but aligns with industry standards for antibody patents.
- The patent landscape features intense competition, with key players securing overlapping rights on similar targets.
- Strategic licensing or licensing negotiations may be necessary to navigate the crowded patent environment.
- The patent’s expiration is approximately in the early-to-mid 2030s, influencing development timelines.
- For competitive positioning, comprehensive freedom-to-operate analyses are recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What specific antibodies are claimed in EP3110423?
A1: The patent claims isolated monoclonal antibodies binding to a particular epitope on the target antigen, with sequence identifiers or binding characteristics specified in the claims.
Q2: How does the patent compare to similar antibody patents?
A2: It offers narrower claims focused on certain epitopes and sequences, whereas broader patents may claim any antibody binding to the same antigen.
Q3: What is the geographical enforcement of EP3110423?
A3: The patent is enforceable within EPC member states; enforceability outside Europe depends on filing strategies in other jurisdictions.
Q4: What are the main challenges in designing around this patent?
A4: Developing antibodies targeting different epitopes or using distinct binding sites can circumvent claims, but detailed sequence and binding data are necessary.
Q5: How might this patent evolve?
A5: Future amendments or divisional applications could broaden or narrow claims, especially if new antibody variants or methods are developed.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2023). Patent EP3110423.
[2] WIPO. (2023). Patent Landscape Report on Therapeutic Antibodies.
[3] European Patent Office. (2022). Patent Opposition and Litigation Trends.
