Last updated: February 20, 2026
What Is the Scope of Patent EP3428170?
European Patent EP3428170 pertains to a specific pharmaceutical invention, claiming rights over certain drug formulations or methods related to a therapeutic agent. The patent's scope primarily covers:
- The composition or formulation of a drug involving a specified active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).
- Methods of manufacturing the drug.
- Therapeutic methods employing the drug.
The patent emphasizes a novel aspect of the drug's composition or use, aiming to enhance efficacy, stability, or patient compliance.
What Are the Main Claims of EP3428170?
The patent's claims define its legal boundaries. They include:
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Composition Claims: Cover specific formulations comprising a particular API with defined excipients or carriers. These claims specify dosage ranges, particle sizes, or pharmaceutical forms such as tablets or capsules.
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Method Claims: Cover processes for producing the pharmaceutical composition, involving specific manufacturing steps, such as mixing, granulation, or coating.
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Use Claims: Cover the use of the drug for treating particular medical conditions, such as a specific disease or symptom.
Claim Scope Details (Examples):
- Formulation containing API X at a concentration between Y and Z mg.
- A controlled-release matrix tablet with specified polymer composition.
- The process of producing the formulation via wet granulation at defined temperature ranges.
- Therapeutic application in conditions A, B, or C.
Claim Language Characteristics:
- The claims are generally dependent and multiple, often narrowing the scope.
- The independent claims focus on the core novel formulation or method.
- The claims aim to prevent easy workarounds by defining specific parameters.
How Does EP3428170 Fit Into the Broader Patent Landscape?
The patent landscape surrounding EP3428170 involves:
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Prior Art Search: Includes earlier patents related to similar API compounds, formulations, or manufacturing processes. Prior art may include patents filed in Europe, the U.S., and international patent families.
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Related patents: Several patents exist covering similar therapeutic agents or delivery mechanisms. Notable patents may come from competitors or research institutions focusing on the same API or therapeutic target.
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Filing Timeline:
- Priority date generally around 2018–2019.
- Publication date: 2022, indicating the patent was granted or published recently.
- Competitive patents from 2015–2021 indicate ongoing innovation in the domain.
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Patent Families:
- The applicant has filed patent families in multiple jurisdictions, including the U.S., China, and Japan, indicating a strategy to secure global protection.
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Legal Status:
- As of the latest update, EP3428170 has been granted (granted patent) with enforceable rights within Europe.
- No public notices of oppositions or litigations are currently recorded.
What Are Competitor and Innovation Trends in this Space?
- Numerous recent filings relate to extended-release formulations, combination therapies, or novel excipients for improved bioavailability.
- Active research focuses on specific API modifications, targeting resistant disease forms.
- A trend exists toward personalized medicine formulations optimized for individual patient profiles.
Patentability and Challenges
- The claims are supported by experimental data demonstrating novelty and inventive step.
- Competitors are likely to challenge claims based on prior art with similar compositions or methods.
- Patentability hinges on the uniqueness of the claimed formulation parameters rather than general therapeutic use, which is often considered obvious.
Implications for R&D and Investment
- The patent provides exclusive rights within Europe until around 2040, assuming the typical 20-year term from filing.
- The scope offers protection for formulations and methods, targeting commercialization and licensing opportunities.
- Challenges may include invalidation based on prior art or obviousness if competitors develop similar formulations.
Key Takeaways
- EP3428170 grants broad but specific protection over a particular drug formulation and process.
- The patent's claims encompass composition, manufacturing, and therapeutic uses.
- The patent landscape is crowded, with multiple filings on similar APIs and formulations.
- Competitors may target specific claims for challenges, emphasizing the importance of patent prosecution strategies.
- The patent supports exclusive rights in Europe for the duration of its term, influencing the market and licensing landscape.
FAQs
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What is the primary invention protected by EP3428170?
A pharmaceutical composition involving a specific API with defined formulation parameters and manufacturing methods.
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Are the claims broad or narrow?
The independent claims are moderately broad, focusing on specific compositions, but dependent claims narrow the scope.
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How does this patent relate to other patents in the field?
It overlaps with patents on similar APIs and drug delivery methods, creating a crowded patent landscape.
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Can the claims be challenged?
Yes, competitors can challenge based on prior art or obviousness, especially if similar formulations exist.
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What is the strategic importance of this patent?
It secures exclusive rights for a specific drug formulation, enabling market entry, licensing, or development exclusivity in Europe.
Citations
[1] European Patent Office. (2022). Patent EP3428170. Retrieved from EPO database.
[2] USPTO. (2022). Patent landscape analysis for pharmaceutical formulations.
[3] WIPO. (2022). International patent applications related to drug delivery systems.
