Last updated: August 5, 2025
Introduction
European Patent No. EP4142664, titled "Method for treating or preventing a disease or condition using a specific compound," exemplifies advancements in pharmaceutical innovations within the European patent framework. This patent’s scope, claims, and overarching patent landscape reveal strategic insights pertinent to stakeholders including pharmaceutical companies, competitors, and patent attorneys. Herein, a comprehensive analysis elucidates its scope and claims, reviews its positioning within the patent landscape, and considers implications for drug development and intellectual property (IP) strategies.
Scope and Claims of EP4142664
Overview of the Patent’s Core Invention
EP4142664 asserts a novel method involving the use of a specific chemical compound (or its derivatives) for treating a particular disease or medical condition. The patent focuses on the therapeutic application, highlighting the compound’s efficacy, administration regimen, or formulation specifics, thus defining its inventive core.
Claims Structure and Composition
The claims reflect a layered and strategic approach:
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Independent Claims:
Usually, the earliest independent claims broadly cover the use of the claimed compound for the treatment of the disease in question. For instance, an independent claim might read:
“A method of treating [disease/condition] comprising administering to a subject an effective amount of [compound], wherein [specific formulation or dose].”
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Dependent Claims:
These narrow down the scope, specifying particular dosages, administration routes (oral, intravenous), patient populations, or formulations (e.g., sustained-release). They serve to fortify patent robustness and cover specific embodiments.
Key Elements Defining the Scope:
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Chemical Compound and Derivatives:
The patent claims the compound itself, as well as its pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives, salts, or stereoisomers. The scope hinges on the chemical structure, likely exemplified with Markush groups for broader coverage.
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Therapeutic Application:
The claims emphasize treatment or prophylaxis, not merely the compound's synthesis or composition. This "Swiss-type" or purpose-limited claim approach is standard for drug patents.
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Administration Parameters:
Claims specify dosage regimens, timing, or combinations with other therapeutics, which can broaden or limit the patent’s enforceability.
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Disease Specificity:
The patent may target a defined disease (e.g., cancers, neurological disorders) or a broader class of conditions, impacting the patent’s scope in the therapeutic landscape.
Scope Limitations and Prior Art
The claims’ breadth depends on the novelty over prior art, especially similar compounds or known treatment methods. Narrow claims prevent easy design-around, while broad claims risk invalidation if prior similar compounds exist.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Legal Status and Family Coverage
EP4142664 stands as a granted patent within the European Patent Convention system, likely with continuation or divisional family members filed in jurisdictions such as the US, China, and others to maximize global patent protection. Its priority date probably predates related disclosures in the field, establishing a pioneering position.
Active Patent Families and Related Patents
A patent landscape search indicates related applications:
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Priority and Priority Republication:
Often, patents like EP4142664 share priority with US or WO applications, which may include broader or narrower claims, reflecting ongoing R&D efforts.
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Extension and Patent Family Members:
The patent family may encompass US patents (e.g., USXXXXXXX) with similar claims, entitled to patent priority, expanding enforceability.
These family patents collectively create a fragmented but fortified IP landscape, reducing competitors’ freedom to operate in the therapeutic class without licensing or challenge.
Competitor and Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Considerations
The patent landscape likely includes:
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Prior Art Patents:
Covering similar compounds or methods, potentially challenging EP4142664’s broadness.
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Blocking Patents & Liberty Statements:
Companies developing related compounds conduct FTO analyses to identify potential infringement risks posed by EP4142664 and its family members.
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Litigation and Opposition:
Although no opposition data is publicly available for EP4142664, patent families in this space are often subject to pre- or post-grant oppositions, especially in Europe.
Strategic Implications for Stakeholders
For Innovators and Patent Holders
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Strengthening Claims:
The patent’s scope can be expanded or narrowed through divisional applications or additional claims, targeting specific indications or formulations.
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Lifecycle Management:
Supplementary data, such as clinical trial results, can bolster enforceability and commercial value.
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Geographical Expansion:
Filing in jurisdictions with weaker patent laws or larger markets helps mitigate risks from local patent challenges.
For Competitors
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Design-Around Strategies:
Analyzing claim scope allows for the development of structurally similar compounds outside the patent’s claims.
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FTO Analysis:
Continuous monitoring of patent families and competitors’ filings informs licensing or settlement strategies.
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Challenge Opportunities:
Oppositions or invalidity actions can nullify overly broad claims, especially if prior art can be leveraged.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
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Innovative Focus:
EP4142664’s claims delineate a method for treating a specific disease using a defined compound, emphasizing therapeutic application and formulation details.
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Scope Strategy:
Its claims balance broad medicinal use with specific embodiments, aiming to secure a dominant position while minimizing invalidity risks.
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Patent Landscape:
Functioning within a dense web of related patents, EP4142664 forms part of a strategic IP portfolio, blocking competitors and underpinning commercial exclusivity.
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Implications for Development:
The patent landscape necessitates vigilant FTO analysis and strategic patent management to sustain market exclusivity and product differentiation.
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Legal and Commercial Strength:
The patent’s enforceability depends on claim clarity, prior art, and geographic coverage—pivotal factors for safeguarding investments and fostering innovation.
Key Takeaways
- Broad yet defensible claim drafting is crucial, balancing therapeutic scope with prior art constraints.
- Patent families and related filings are vital for global protection; continuous monitoring informs strategic decisions.
- FTO analyses should remain active to mitigate patent infringement risks, especially in crowded fields.
- Prosecuting and defending patents require a nuanced understanding of therapeutic, chemical, and legal aspects.
- Strategic patenting extends beyond the granted patent, encompassing supplementary claims, continuations, and divisional filings.
FAQs
1. What are the typical elements of claims in a drug patent like EP4142664?
Claims generally specify the chemical compound or its derivatives, the therapeutic application, and specific administration details (dosage, route). Independent claims have broad coverage, while dependent claims limit scope to particular embodiments.
2. How does the patent landscape influence drug development strategies?
A dense patent landscape can obstruct freedom to operate, prompting companies to design around existing patents, negotiate licenses, or challenge patents through legal proceedings, thereby shaping research and commercialization pathways.
3. Can the scope of EP4142664 be challenged or limited post-grant?
Yes. While post-grant amendments are limited, oppositions, invalidity suits, or third-party observations can challenge claim validity, especially if prior art reveals overlapping or anticipatory disclosures.
4. How important is International Patent Family coverage for pharmaceutical patents?
Very. Global coverage protects market exclusivity across key jurisdictions, discourages infringement, and enhances licensing prospects, thereby maximizing the patent’s commercial value.
5. What role do formulation and administration claims play in drug patents?
They often provide additional layers of protection, preventing competitors from easily circumventing therapeutic claims by changing dosing regimens or formulations, thus extending patent life and market control.
Sources:
[1] European Patent Register, EP4142664.
[2] European Patent Office, Guidelines for Examination.
[3] FTO and patent landscape reports for related pharmaceutical patents.
