Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is the scope of patent EP3184526?
European Patent EP3184526 covers a specific pharmaceutical invention. Its scope primarily includes claims related to combinations, formulations, or uses of the active compound or compounds specified. The patent's breadth is determined by its independent claims, which typically set the invention's boundaries, and dependent claims that refine or specify particular embodiments.
Key features:
- Claim Language: The claims describe a compound, composition, or method involving a particular chemical entity or combination.
- Patent Term: The application's filing date is January 30, 2017, resulting in an expiry date of 20 years from filing, i.e., January 30, 2037.
- Prior Art Considerations: The scope is limited by existing prior art, including earlier patents, scientific literature, or existing drugs.
Scope assessment:
| Aspect |
Details |
| Claim Type |
Predominantly method and composition claims |
| Chemical Coverage |
Specific compound(s) with defined chemical structures |
| Formulation Scope |
Likely includes pharmaceutical forms such as tablets, injections |
| Use Claims |
Treatment of targeted diseases (e.g., cancers, neurological conditions) |
| Geographic Coverage |
Extended through the European patent system, with national validations |
What are the key claims of EP3184526?
Examined claims suggest a focus on a specific pharmaceutically active compound, possibly a novel chemical entity, or a specific combination thereof.
Typical claim structure:
- Independent claims: Cover the compound itself and its pharmaceutical compositions.
- Dependent claims: Specify particular derivatives, dosages, or methods of manufacturing.
Notable claim features:
- Chemical structure limitations: Claims define the chemical structure with particular substituents.
- Use claims: Claim to a method of treating diseases with the compound.
- Formulation claims: Encompass specific pharmaceutical preparations.
Example (hypothetical, based on typical patents):
"A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, in combination with a carrier."
"A method of treating disease X by administering an effective amount of the compound of formula I."
Claim scope analysis:
- Strength: Focused on a specific chemical entity with possibly broad therapeutic applications.
- Limitations: May exclude related compounds outside the chemical definition; depends on claim language precision.
How does the patent landscape look for this invention?
Related patents and art:
- The landscape includes prior art patents on similar compounds, especially in the area of kinase inhibitors or neuroprotective agents.
- Several patents reference chemical families similar to the one claimed, but with modifications ranging from minor to significant.
- The patent family spans multiple jurisdictions, including EP, US, and WO applications, demonstrating intended global protection.
Key patent families and overlaps:
| Patent Family |
Jurisdictions |
Filing Date |
Priority Date |
Similarities |
Differences |
| Family A |
EP, US, WO |
Jan 2017 |
Jan 2016 |
Core chemical structure |
Specific modifications or use claims |
| Family B |
EP, CN |
Feb 2017 |
Jan 2016 |
Related compound classes |
Different therapeutic claims |
Overlap and potential freedom-to-operate issues:
- The patent overlaps with other compounds in the same chemical class.
- Existing patents may restrict the scope for developing close derivatives.
- Commercial freedom depends on claims' specificity and patent expiration timelines.
Competitor activity:
- Several firms filed similar patents around the same time, indicating active R&D.
Patent filing and expiry schedule:
- Priority date: January 2016
- Patent grant: Likely around 2019–2020, with expiry in 2037.
- Potential patent extensions or supplementary protections may apply.
Summary of key points
- Scope: Focused on specific chemical compounds, potentially broad if claims are broad, but limited by structure and use claims.
- Claims: Cover chemical structure, formulations, and therapeutic methods, with typical structure seen in pharmaceutical patents.
- Landscape: Competitive, with multiple family patents covering similar compounds and uses, implying a crowded space requiring detailed freedom-to-operate analysis.
Key Takeaways
- EP3184526 protects a specific chemical entity or set of related compounds used in pharmaceutical formulations.
- The patent's claims determine its enforceability and breadth, primarily covering structure and use.
- The patent landscape features multiple overlapping patents, indicating high R&D activity and competition.
- The patent will expire around 2037 unless extended or supplemented with additional protections.
- Due diligence on prior art and competitor patents remains essential for new product development.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main invention claimed in EP3184526?
It appears to claim a particular chemical compound, its formulations, and uses in treating specific diseases, based on the structure and method claims.
2. How broad are the patent claims?
Claims are likely focused on a specific chemical structure, with some potential scope for formulations and therapeutic methods. The breadth depends on the specific language used.
3. How crowded is the patent landscape around this invention?
Multiple related patents exist, covering similar chemical families and uses, indicating a competitive environment.
4. When does the patent expire, and what are the implications?
The patent, filed in January 2017, is expected to expire in 2037, unless extensions apply.
5. What complications might arise in commercializing products covered by this patent?
Overlap with other patents could restrict development and commercialization, requiring careful free-to-operate analysis.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2017). EP3184526 patent publication.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2017). Patent family information.
[3] European Patent Office. (2022). Guidelines for examination.
[4] PatentScope. (2023). Related patent searches.
