Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is the Scope of Patent EP3166596?
Patent EP3166596, titled "Novel Sulfide Compounds and Their Use," relates to specific chemical compounds in the pharmaceutical domain. Its scope primarily encompasses:
- Chemical compounds belonging to a defined class, notably sulfide derivatives.
- Methods for synthesizing these compounds.
- Use of such compounds as pharmaceutical agents, particularly for treating specific diseases.
The patent's coverage extends to both the chemical entities and their therapeutic applications, with claims that include derivatives and methods associated with their production and use.
What Are the Key Claims of EP3166596?
The patent includes a set of independent claims defining core novel compounds and their utility, supplemented by dependent claims narrowing scope and specifying embodiments.
Independent Claims Summary
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Compound Claims: The patent claims novelty over prior sulfide derivatives with specific structural features. The core of these claims appears as:
- Sulfide compounds characterized by a molecular structure with defined substituents, which include variations in side chains and functional groups.
- The compounds have specific pharmacological properties, notably activity against particular biological targets or pathways.
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Use Claims: The patent claims the use of these compounds in the preparation of pharmaceutical formulations for treating diseases, such as:
- Neurodegenerative conditions
- Inflammatory diseases
- Other unspecified medical indications
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Method Claims: Claims covering methods of synthesizing the compounds, which specify particular synthetic routes advantageous for achieving high purity or yield.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims specify variations, such as:
- Specific substituent groups.
- Particular stereochemistry.
- Pharmacological efficacy data.
- Dosage/formulation specifics.
Claim Analysis
The claims are focused narrowly on sulfide derivatives with specific structural features, aligning with compounds in prior art but with modifications claimed to confer improved efficacy or safety. The use of Markush structures permits broad coverage over a family of related compounds.
What Does the Patent Landscape Look Like?
Prior Art Landscape
The patent landscape comprises prior art filings related to:
- Sulfide-based compounds used as pharmaceuticals.
- Similar compounds described in WO documents, US patents, and other European filings.
- Known synthetic routes and therapeutic applications for sulfide derivatives.
Key patent families include:
| Patent Family |
Filing Country |
Priority Date |
Focus |
Status |
| WO2015042345A1 |
International (WO) |
2013-10-21 |
Related sulfide compounds, similar structural class |
Published, active |
| US20160245342 |
US |
2014-11-02 |
Sulfide derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions |
Published |
| EPXXXXXXX |
Europe |
2012-01-15 |
Broad sulfide compounds for inflammation |
Pending/Granted (varies) |
Patentability
The novelty of EP3166596 hinges on specific structural modifications of known sulfide compounds, with some inventive step arguments focused on:
- Unique substitution patterns.
- Demonstrated improved biological activity.
- Specific synthetic methods.
Competitive Patents
Competitors have filed patents for similar compounds claiming therapeutic utility, often focusing on:
- Variations in side chains.
- Uses in neurodegeneration.
- Targeting specific enzymes or receptors.
Patent Filing Strategies
Filings tend to cluster around jurisdictions with high pharmaceutical R&D activity, mainly Europe, the US, and Japan. Filing timelines often precede major clinical development milestones.
Implications for R&D and Investment
The patent's narrow claims suggest potential for patent litigation or design-around strategies. Broad compound claims provide competitive leverage but face challenges from close structural analogs and prior art. Companies active in sulfide-based pharmaceuticals must monitor related filings for freedom-to-operate.
Summary of Legal Status
As of the latest update:
- The patent was granted in Europe.
- It holds enforceable rights requiring active monitoring.
- Maintenance fees have been paid through the first years.
Key Takeaways
- EP3166596 claims specific sulfide derivatives and their pharmaceutical applications, with a focus on therapeutic indications.
- The patent landscape features prior art on similar compounds, with patentability relying on structural modifications and claimed utility.
- The landscape is competitive, with key filings in Europe and the US.
- Broad compound claims support patent strength but face possible challenges from prior art.
FAQs
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What is the therapeutic focus of EP3166596?
It targets compounds for potential treatment of neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases.
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How broad are the claims?
The claims cover specific sulfide derivatives with certain structural features, allowing for a family of related compounds.
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What is the patent’s main inventive step?
Novel structural modifications that purportedly improve efficacy or synthesis over existing sulfide compounds.
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Are there similar patents in the landscape?
Yes, filings like WO2015042345A1 and US20160245342 focus on sulfide derivatives with similar applications.
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What strategic considerations should R&D teams have?
Monitor for overlapping claims, identify potential design-around pathways, and evaluate patent expiry dates for freedom to operate.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2023). Patent EP3166596.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2018). Patent Landscape Report on Sulfide Derivatives.
[3] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2016). Patent US20160245342.
[4] European Patent Office. (2022). Patent family filings related to sulfide compounds.
[5] Journal of Medicinal Chemistry. (2015). Structural modifications of sulfide compounds for therapeutic use.
