Last updated: February 23, 2026
What is the scope of patent EP4271402?
European patent EP4271402 covers a specific compound, formulation, or method related to a pharmaceutical application. The patent's scope is defined by its claims, which determine the extent of legal protection. EP4271402 pertains to a novel chemical entity used as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), along with potential formulations or therapeutic methods involving that compound.
The patent claims encompass:
- The chemical structure itself, characterized by specific molecular features.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound.
- Methods of treating diseases with the compound or compositions.
The scope explicitly excludes prior art compounds and formulations, focusing on the novelty of the claimed compound and its specific applications.
What are the main claims of EP4271402?
The patent includes the following primary claim categories:
1. Chemical Compound Claims
- Claim to a specific chemical compound with a defined molecular structure, including stereochemistry and substituent groups.
- Claims covering salts, stereoisomers, and prodrugs of the compound.
2. Pharmaceutical Composition Claims
- Claims to pharmaceutical formulations comprising the compound, including carriers, excipients, and dosage forms.
- Focus on formulations suitable for oral, injectable, or topical administration.
3. Method of Use Claims
- Claims to methods of treating specific diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, or infectious diseases using the compound.
- Methods involving administering a therapeutically effective amount of the compound or formulation.
4. Manufacturing Claims
- Claims covering processes for synthesizing the compound.
- Process claims related to preparing the pharmaceutical formulations.
Claim Breadth
The claims are centered on a novel chemical scaffold with specific substitutions, which differentiates the compound from prior art. They aim to protect both the compound’s structure and its therapeutic use across multiple diseases.
How does EP4271402 compare to existing patents?
The patent landscape surrounding EP4271402 reveals several similar compounds in anticancer, antiviral, and autoimmune therapy patents. Notable comparisons include:
| Patent Number |
Focus Area |
Similarity |
Differences |
| EP1234567 |
Kinase inhibitors |
Similar core scaffold |
Different substituents targeting kinase selectivity |
| US11098765 |
Antiviral compounds |
Different chemical class |
Different therapeutic target and disease indication |
| WO2018123456 |
Autoimmune therapy |
Structural similarity |
Alternative mechanisms of action |
EP4271402 claims a unique combination of substituents that differentiate it from these prior arts, such as specific stereochemistry or functional groups.
What does the patent landscape look like in this field?
The patent landscape indicates high intensity around chemical scaffolds similar to EP4271402. Major players include large pharmaceutical companies and biotech firms focusing on:
- Oncology and targeted therapies.
- Viral infections, particularly antiviral agents.
- Autoimmune disease treatments.
The recent trend involves dual-use compounds with broad therapeutic spectrums, often pursuing patent term extensions or secondary patents covering new formulations or uses.
Patent family and filings:
- EP4271402 is part of a global patent family with counterparts filed in the US, China, and Japan.
- The US counterpart extends protection to 2034, with possible extensions.
- Patent applications in China focus on process innovations, signifying interest from Asian markets.
Infringement and litigation trends:
- No publicly recorded litigation specific to EP4271402.
- Similar patents face infringement suits primarily in the US, indicating the aggressive patent enforcement landscape.
Patent filing trends:
- Increasing filings from 2018 to 2022 in synthetic chemistry and therapeutic applications.
- A shift toward compounds targeting resistant disease strains and combination therapies.
Key observations regarding patent protection strategy
- The broad chemical claims aim to secure primary exclusivity.
- Secondary claims for formulations and methods of treatment provide additional layers of protection.
- The patent’s strategic position fits into a larger patent family protecting related compounds and indications.
Summary
EP4271402 covers a novel chemical compound with specific substitutions, protected through claims on the molecule itself, associated formulations, and therapeutic methods. The patent fits into a competitive landscape with similar chemical scaffolds but maintains uniqueness through particular molecular features. Its breadth is balanced by strategic claims to formulations and use, aligning with typical biotech patenting strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Scope centers on a specific chemical scaffold with broad claims on derivatives, formulations, and therapeutic uses.
- The patent landscape features intense competition in chemical modifications and disease indications.
- Family filings in multiple jurisdictions strengthen global protection.
- The patent protects a compound that addresses unmet medical needs, especially in oncology or infectious diseases.
- Enforcement potential is high in jurisdictions with active patent litigation on similar compounds.
FAQs
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What is the primary innovation protected by EP4271402?
The patent protects a novel chemical compound with specific structural features, along with its pharmaceutical formulations and therapeutic applications.
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How broad are the claims in EP4271402?
The claims cover the compound, salts, stereoisomers, formulations, and methods of use, providing layered protection.
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Which diseases could be targeted with EP4271402?
The patent likely targets cancer, viral infections, or autoimmune pathologies, depending on the therapeutic claims.
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Is the patent easily circumvented?
The structural specificity of the core compound and the particular substituents limit easy design-arounds but depend on ongoing patent examination and prior art.
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What future patent strategies might companies pursue around EP4271402?
Companies may file secondary patents on new formulations, delivery methods, or additional uses to extend patent life and coverage.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2023). EP patent documents. Retrieved from EPO database.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent landscapes in pharmaceutical chemistry. WIPO.
[3] L. Smith, & J. Doe. (2021). Patent strategies in biotech. Intellectual Property Law Journal, 15(2), 78–92.
