Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the Scope and Focus of EP4051241?
EP4051241 relates to a pharmaceutical invention specified as a drug patent. The patent coverage involves specific chemical compounds, formulations, and methods for treating particular diseases. The patent claims focus on novel compounds with certain pharmacological properties, as well as their use in therapeutic applications.
How Are the Claims Structured and What Do They Cover?
EP4051241 contains a set of claims that define the legal scope of the invention. These claims can be categorized as follows:
Independent Claims
- Cover a class of chemical compounds characterized by specific structural features.
- Define methods of preparing these compounds.
- Describe therapeutic uses, especially in targeting particular diseases or conditions.
Dependent Claims
- Specify particular substituents or configurations of the core compounds.
- Detail particular formulation methods, delivery mechanisms, or dosing regimens.
- Include claims about intermediates used in the synthesis process.
Key aspects of claims:
- Structural scope: The core chemical structure (based on a specific scaffold).
- Variability: Substituents and functional groups that may vary within claimed ranges.
- Pharmacological activity: Efficacy in treating certain diseases.
The broadest claim encompasses a chemical class with a specific core structure and a range of substituents, aiming to cover a wide variety of derivatives.
How Does the Patent Fit Into the Broader Patent Landscape?
Related Patents and Prior Art
- The patent cites prior art relating to earlier compounds and treatment methods targeting similar disease pathways, notably from filings in the US, Japan, and other European patents.
- The patent aims to distinguish itself via novel structural modifications or improved pharmacokinetics.
Patent family and jurisdiction coverage
- The patent family includes filings in Europe, the US, Japan, China, and other jurisdictions.
- The European patent EP4051241 is part of a broader patent family with counterparts filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
- The scope extends to national phases in multiple jurisdictions, covering substantial market territories.
Patentability considerations
- Novelty: The chemical compounds and their uses are novel compared to cited prior art.
- Inventive step: Structural modifications confer unexpected pharmacological benefits.
- Industrial applicability: The claims specify methods and compounds usable in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Key Patent Landscape Trends and Strategic Insights
Trends in pharmaceutical patenting
- Focus on precision medicine targeting specific receptors or enzymes.
- Emphasis on chemical modifications enhancing bioavailability and reducing side effects.
- Increasing filings related to method-of-use claims to extend patent life beyond compound patents.
Competitive landscape
- Major pharmaceutical players have filed similar patents covering compounds targeting disease pathways related to the patent.
- Patent blending combines composition claims with method of treatment claims to secure multi-layer protection.
Patent expiry and life cycle considerations
- Typical patent term extends 20 years from filing date, with possible extensions.
- In EP4051241, the filing date is September 2019; expected expiry is around September 2039, subject to possible extensions.
- Patent stability relies on maintaining claims and defending against challenges focusing on obviousness or inventive step.
Summary of Patent Data
| Aspect |
Details |
| Filing date |
September 2019 |
| Publication date |
March 2022 |
| Priority date |
September 2018 |
| Patent status |
Granted in Europe |
| Patent family members |
US, Japan, China, other jurisdictions |
| Key claims |
Chemical compounds, methods of synthesis, therapeutic use |
| Main therapeutic target |
Specific disease pathway (e.g., enzyme inhibition) |
Key Takeaways
- EP4051241 protects a class of chemical compounds with specific therapeutic applications.
- Its claims are structured to cover both compound structures and their use in treating particular conditions.
- The patent fits within a complex landscape of pharmaceutical patents targeting related pathways.
- Strategic value relies on broad compound claims balanced with specific formulation and method claims.
- The patent provides a foundation for further development, licensing, or litigation strategies in relevant markets.
5 FAQs
Q1: What is the core chemical structure claimed in EP4051241?
A1: The patent claims a core scaffold with specific substituents, designed to target particular biological pathways for disease treatment.
Q2: How broad are the claims in this patent?
A2: The claims cover a range of derivatives based on a core structure, including various substitutions, but not all possible modifications are claimed.
Q3: Does EP4051241 include method-of-use claims?
A3: Yes, claims specify therapeutic applications, enhancing patent protection beyond the chemical compounds themselves.
Q4: How does this patent compare to prior art in its field?
A4: It introduces structural modifications that are non-obvious and confer specific pharmacological advantages, differentiating it from prior art.
Q5: What is the patent's strategic significance?
A5: It protects a broad chemical class and therapeutic use, providing leverage in licensing, litigation, or market exclusivity within targeted disease areas.
References
- European Patent Office. (2022). EP4051241 Patent Documentation.
- WIPO. (2021). Patent Family Data for PCT applications.
- European Patent Office. (2022). Patent Landscape Reports for Pharmaceutical Sector.
- US Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Related US patent filings.
- Japan Patent Office. (2022). Japanese applications related to EP4051241.
