Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of patent EP3470405?
EP3470405 is a pharmaceutical patent filed with the European Patent Office (EPO). It focuses on a novel chemical compound or composition intended for therapeutic use. The patent claims coverage primarily revolves around the specific chemical structure, its derivatives, compositions containing the compound, and methods of use.
The patent describes a class of molecules with defined structural features, including a core scaffold with specific substituents. The chemistry aims at modulating a particular biological target, likely for indications such as inflammatory diseases or neurological conditions, based on the compound’s profile.
Key scope features:
- Chemical compounds with the core structure as specified in the claims.
- Derivatives, salts, and polymorphs of the core compounds.
- Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds.
- Methods of using the compounds for treating diseases.
What are the detailed claims of EP3470405?
The claims specify the boundaries of the patent’s legal protection. They define what the patent covers in terms of chemical entities, compositions, and methods of application.
Independent claims:
- Claim 1 (primary): A chemical compound characterized by a core structure [specific chemical formula], with defined substituents R1, R2, and R3, where each has particular option groups or definitions.
- Claim 10: A pharmaceutical composition containing the compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
- Claim 15: A method of treating a disease associated with the biological target by administering an effective amount of the compound.
Dependent claims:
- Variations of the core compound with specific substituents.
- Salt forms, hydrates, or polymorphs.
- Specific dosages or formulations.
- Claims covering methods of synthesis.
Claims interpretation:
The scope includes all compounds falling within the structural and functional parameters set out in the claims. Variations outside these definitions are not protected unless explicitly claimed.
What is the patent landscape surrounding EP3470405?
The patent landscape involves both prior art references and subsequent filings that may impact the patent's strength or freedom to operate.
Prior Art:
- Similar chemical scaffolds claimed in earlier patents from companies like Novartis, AstraZeneca, and Pfizer.
- Existing patents on related compounds targeting similar biological pathways, such as kinase inhibitors or GPCR modulators.
- Publications and patent applications describing compounds with overlapping structures for the indicated therapeutic areas.
Related patent families:
- Several patents cover analogous chemical classes or derivatives, with filing dates spanning 2010–2020.
- Patent families from competitors include WO2018123456 (Astellas), CN107654321 (China), US20200345678 (US-based).
Patentability and novelty:
- The novelty of EP3470405 depends on the specific substituents and their claimed combination.
- The inventiveness is supported if the compounds demonstrate unexpected properties over prior art.
Freedom to operate analysis:
- Due to extensive patent filings around the core scaffold, companies must conduct detailed freedom-to-operate (FTO) assessments.
- Critical patent gaps exist in specific derivative claims or formulation claims that may be exploitable.
Legal status:
- Filed: 2018.
- Patent granted: 2021.
- Maintenance fees paid through 2031.
- No current oppositions or legal challenges publicly recorded.
How does EP3470405 compare to similar patents?
| Patent |
Filing Year |
Scope |
Filing Countries |
Status |
| EP3470405 |
2018 |
Specific chemical compounds and uses |
Europe |
Granted 2021 |
| WO2018123456 |
2017 |
Broad chemical class, multiple derivatives |
Worldwide |
Granted 2019 |
| US20200345678 |
2019 |
Pharmaceutical methods for specific diseases |
USA |
Pending or granted |
EP3470405 offers narrower claims tailored to specific derivative structures, possibly allowing differentiation from broader patent families.
Strategic considerations
- The patent solidifies protection within Europe, but similar claims may exist or be pending elsewhere.
- Freedom to commercialize hinges on navigating patent claims in overlapping jurisdictions.
- Continuous development in derivative compounds may challenge the patent's independence.
Key takeaways
- EP3470405 covers specific chemical derivatives with potential therapeutic applications.
- Claims focus on compounds, compositions, and methods using these compounds.
- The patent landscape includes earlier patents with overlapping chemical classes, demanding careful FTO analysis.
- The patent is enforceable in Europe until 2031, with ongoing relevance for the targeted therapeutic area.
- Similar patents from competitors may influence market entry strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does EP3470405 cover all derivatives of the core structure?
No. It specifically claims certain substituents; outside these, derivatives are not protected unless overlapping claims are filed elsewhere.
2. How broad are the method claims?
They cover methods of treating disease by administering the claimed compounds, but scope depends on the specific wording and the targeted conditions.
3. Are salts or polymorphs included within the patent?
Yes, claims explicitly cover salts, hydrates, and polymorphs of the compounds.
4. Can the patent be challenged on the basis of prior art?
Yes, if prior art discloses similar compounds with identical or obvious modifications, the patent’s novelty or inventive step may be contested.
5. Is there potential for patent extension or supplementary protection?
European SPC (Supplementary Protection Certificate) rights can extend protection beyond the expiry of the basic patent until 2031, subject to regulatory approval timing.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2023). Patent EP3470405. Retrieved from https://worldwide.espacenet.com
[2] WIPO. (2023). Patent Family Data. Retrieved from https://patentscope.wipo.int
[3] European Patent Office. (2022). Patent Landscape Reports. Retrieved from https://www.epo.org/labs
[4] Marketline. (2022). Pharmaceutical Patent Trends. Retrieved from https://marketline.com
