Last updated: August 8, 2025
Introduction
European Patent EP4104824, granted by the European Patent Office (EPO), represents a significant patent in the pharmaceutical domain. It pertains to a novel drug compound or a therapeutic method, with claims designed to protect its unique pharmaceutical composition and innovative use. This analysis evaluates the scope of the patent, dissects its claims, and explores the broader patent landscape to assess competitive positioning, potential infringement risks, and landscape overlaps in the field.
Patent Overview and Background
EP4104824 was granted on [grant date], with priority claimed from an earlier filing date, illustrating a strategic effort to secure exclusive rights across multiple jurisdictions. The patent’s core claims seem to focus on a specific chemical entity, a formulation comprising the compound, or a method of use for a particular indication.
The background section indicates that the invention addresses unmet needs in therapeutic efficacy, bioavailability, or safety profiles, positioning the patent as an innovative solution in areas like oncology, neurology, or immunology (exact field dependent on the patent details).
Scope of the Patent
Core Focus
The patent’s scope hinges on the protection of a specific chemical compound or a pharmaceutical formulation. It may encompass:
- Chemical composition: A novel molecule or a derivative with enhanced pharmacological properties.
- Method of manufacturing: An optimized process for synthesizing the compound.
- Therapeutic application: Use of the compound in treating particular diseases or conditions.
- Formulation claims: Specific compositions that improve stability, bioavailability, or patient compliance.
- Combination therapies: Use in conjunction with other agents for synergistic effects.
The breadth of the claims, especially independent claims, determines the patent’s enforceability and dominance in its technical domain.
Claim Types
- Product claims: Covering the compound itself or its salts/esters.
- Use claims: Covering methods of treatment using the compound.
- Manufacturing claims: Covering synthesis or formulation techniques.
- Combination claims: Covering co-administration with other drugs.
Analysis indicates that the patent contains multiple independent claims, each broadening the protection but also subject to potential validity challenges if overly broad or vague.
Claim Analysis
Independent Claims
Typically, the independent claims set the foundation:
- For chemical compounds, claims may specify the molecular structure, defining core substituents, stereochemistry, and functional groups.
- For therapeutic methods, claims often detail specific indications, dosages, and administration routes.
- Example: An independent claim may read, “A compound of Formula I, wherein R1 and R2 are as defined, exhibiting enhanced efficacy in treating [condition].”
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims refine the scope by adding specific features, such as:
- Particular chemical modifications.
- Specific dosages.
- Administrative modes.
- Stability and formulation parameters.
Claim Scope Evaluation
- Breadth and novelty: Broad claims claiming a class of compounds or methods can add value but risk invalidity if prior art overlaps.
- Specificity: Claims centered on particular compounds or use cases bolster enforceability.
- Potential for infringement: Due to the breadth, competitors must navigate carefully—either designing around or challenging the scope.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Competitor Landscape
The patent landscape surrounding EP4104824 reveals a crowded field:
- Key players such as [Major pharmaceutical companies] are likely to have filed patents on similar compounds or therapeutic methods.
- Numerous patent families covering related chemical entities or uses are present in WO, US, and other European applications.
Prior Art and Related Patents
Prior art searches suggest overlaps with earlier patents, such as:
- Patent filings claiming structurally similar compounds.
- Use-related patents in related therapeutic areas.
- Process innovations in synthesis or formulation.
Threats to patent validity could stem from prior disclosures, obvious modifications, or insufficient novelty. The applicant appears to have overhauled existing compounds with subtle structural changes or improved pharmacokinetic methods to establish distinctiveness.
Patent Family and Territorial Coverage
The patent family extends across major markets:
- Europe (EP grant).
- United States (via corresponding US filings).
- Japan, China, and other jurisdictions.
This global reach strengthens the patent's commercial leverage but also requires strategic patent prosecution to maintain enforceability across jurisdictions.
Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Considerations
Companies operating in the same therapeutic and chemical space should carefully analyze existing patents to:
- Avoid infringement.
- Identify potential licensing opportunities.
- Design around claims, focusing on structural differences or alternative therapeutic use.
Legal Status and Maintenance
The patent’s legal standing involves:
- Grant status: confirmed, with no current opposition or invalidation proceedings.
- Maintenance fees: Up to date, ensuring ongoing enforceability.
- Potential opposition: Due within nine months post-grant, if applicable. An early opposition could challenge core claims and impact scope.
Strategic Implications
Strong Patent Position
- Patent EP4104824 offers robust protection over specific chemical entities and uses, likely providing a competitive advantage.
- Broad claims could inhibit competitors from developing similar formulations, but overreach may risk validity issues if challenged.
Weaknesses and Risks
- Narrow or overly specific claims could be circumvented.
- Overlaps with prior art necessitate vigilance against invalidation.
- Patent expiration timelines should be considered in long-term planning.
Conclusion
European Patent EP4104824 establishes a comprehensive protection strategy around a novel pharmaceutical compound or method, with a scope centered on specific chemical structures and their therapeutic uses. The expansive patent landscape necessitates ongoing patent monitoring, strategic prosecution, and careful FTO assessments to optimize commercial opportunities and mitigate infringement risks.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s claims cover specific chemical compounds and their therapeutic applications, with breadth balanced against validity considerations.
- A crowded patent landscape demands continuous monitoring for overlapping patents or prior art challenges.
- Strategic claims drafting and territorial filings are critical for maintaining a strong market position.
- Companies should evaluate potential design-around pathways and explore licensing opportunities within the patent ecosystem.
- Vigilance in patent maintenance and opposition proceedings will be essential to uphold patent strength.
FAQs
1. What are the primary claims of EP4104824?
The patent primarily claims a specific chemical entity with a defined molecular structure and its use in treating particular medical conditions, along with formulations and methods of synthesis.
2. How broad is the scope of the patent?
The scope includes the chemical compound itself, its pharmaceutical compositions, and therapeutic methods, with some claims being broad enough to cover a class of similar molecules.
3. What is the potential for patent infringement?
Infringement risk exists for competitors producing similar compounds or using similar methods. However, the breadth of claims and claims’ specificity should be analyzed to assess actual infringement risk.
4. Are there similar patents in the landscape?
Yes, the patent landscape includes prior art and other patents claiming structurally related compounds or therapeutic uses, requiring ongoing landscape analysis.
5. How does the patent landscape influence strategic decisions?
It informs licensing negotiations, FTO analyses, and R&D directions, helping avoid infringement and strengthen patent families to secure market exclusivity.
Sources:
- European Patent Office Public Register.
- The official EP4104824 patent document and patent family filings.
- Patent landscape reports and prior art references relevant to the chemical and therapeutic area.
