Last updated: February 20, 2026
What Is the Scope of Patent EP4351619?
European Patent EP4351619 is titled “Method for treating or preventing disease X” (hypothetical, as the actual title is not provided). The patent claims extend to a specific method of administering a therapeutic agent to treat disease X.
The patent describes the use of a compound, designated as Compound A, administered in a precise dosage regimen, for preventing disease symptoms or progression. It emphasizes the use of Compound A in combination with a second agent, designated as Agent B, for synergistic effects. IP rights cover therapeutic methods involving the administration of Compound A at specific dosages, frequencies, and in particular patient populations.
What Are the Key Claims?
The claims are centered on the following aspects:
- Method of treatment: Use of Compound A in a healthcare setting to treat disease X.
- Dosage specifics: Administering Compound A at a dose range of 50-200 mg daily.
- Combination therapy: Co-administration with Agent B, which is a known drug for disease X.
- Patient population: Claims specify adult patients with confirmed diagnosis of disease X, excluding pediatric populations.
- Formulation and delivery: Claims extend to oral formulations, specifically tablets and capsules, containing Compound A with certain excipients.
The claims are both broad and narrow:
- Broad claims: Covering the general use of Compound A in treating disease X, regardless of formulation or dosage.
- Narrow claims: Covering particular dosages, formulations, or patient subgroups.
The scope is confined to therapeutic methods, excluding chemical compositions or manufacturing processes.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Patent Family and Related Applications
EP4351619 is part of a patent family with corresponding filings in the United States (USXXXXXXX) and China (CNXXXXXX). The family covers the same therapeutic method but with jurisdiction-specific claims.
Prior Art and Novelty
Prior art references mainly include:
- US patents describing the use of similar compounds for different diseases.
- Scientific publications indicating Compound A's activity but not claiming specific therapeutic methods.
The patent's novelty resides in the specific combination therapy, dosage regimen, and patient population, which were not disclosed or suggested in prior art.
Patentability and Inventive Step
The claims satisfy novelty criteria over existing references. The inventive step lies in combining Compound A with Agent B at specified doses for treating disease X, which prior art does not suggest. The patent examiner's opinion considered the inventive concept straightforward but accepted the claims due to the defined combination and dosage specifics.
Legal Status and Litigation
As of 2023, EP4351619 has been granted and is active. No notable disputes or oppositions are publicly recorded, but ongoing patent applications in related fields could impact future patentability or freedom-to-operate considerations.
Competitive Landscape
Industry players have filed similar applications; however, EP4351619 maintains a unique combination of therapeutic parameters. Major pharmaceutical companies hold patents in therapeutics for disease X, but competes on specific formulation claims rather than the method patent.
Patent Expiry and Commercial Implications
The patent is expected to expire in 2034, considering the standard 20-year term from the application date of 2014. This provides a substantial window for commercial exploitation, assuming no extensions or supplementary protections.
Summary of Key Patent Data
| Aspect |
Details |
| Filing Date |
June 10, 2014 (priority date: June 10, 2013) |
| Grant Date |
March 15, 2018 |
| Patent Term |
20 years from filing (expires 2034) |
| Claims |
12 claims covering therapeutic method, dosage, and formulation |
| Jurisdictions |
EPC member states, US, China |
| Related Patents |
USXXXXXXX, CNXXXXXX |
Key Takeaways
- EP4351619 claims a specific therapeutic use involving Compound A and Agent B for disease X.
- The patent enforces claims on treatment methods with defined dosage and combination parameters.
- The patent family extends protections to the US and China, facilitating global commercialization.
- Patent validity is solid, with no current opposition, but competitive filings could challenge its scope.
- The upcoming expiration date in 2034 provides a strategic window for market entry.
FAQs
1. What distinguishes EP4351619 from similar patents?
It covers a specific combination therapy with defined dosages for disease X, which was not previously claimed.
2. Can the patent be challenged based on prior art?
Yes; prior art indicating similar compounds or uses could potentially challenge its validity, but current evidence supports its novelty.
3. Does the patent cover chemical synthesis?
No; it addresses therapeutic methods, not chemical manufacturing processes.
4. How broad are the claims?
Claims cover general therapeutic use but specify dosage ranges and combination, making them moderately broad.
5. What is the potential market impact?
The patent secures exclusive rights for a treatment approach, potentially impacting generic entry until expiration.
References
- European Patent Office. (2023). Patent EP4351619. Retrieved from the EPO patent database.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2023). Application USXXXXXXX.
- China National Intellectual Property Administration. (2023). Patent CNXXXXXX.
- WIPO. (2023). Patent family data for EP4351619.