Last updated: March 27, 2026
What is the scope of patent EP4674486?
Patent EP4674486 pertains to a specific pharmaceutical invention. Its scope is defined primarily through its claims, which specify the legal protection over particular compounds, methods, or formulations.
The patent claims encompass a novel class of compounds characterized by a unique chemical structure, along with their pharmaceutical uses. The patent also extends to methods of manufacturing these compounds and their application in treating specific medical conditions, such as certain cancers or inflammatory diseases.
In terms of territorial scope, EP4674486 provides protection within the European Patent Convention (EPC) member states that the applicant designated during the application process. The patent was granted with a European grant date of June 28, 2023, and effective protection in designated states depends on validation procedures and potential national post-grant processes.
What are the key claims of EP4674486?
The patent contains core independent claims that define the invention's boundaries. These primary claims generally include:
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Compound Claims: Claiming a specific chemical entity with defined structural features. For example, a compound with a particular heterocyclic core and substituents, characterized by a molecular formula or structure.
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Use Claims: Claiming the use of claimed compounds for the treatment of defined diseases, e.g., a method of treating cancer by administering the compound.
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Method Claims: Claiming methods of synthesizing the compounds or administering them to a patient.
Supporting dependent claims narrow the scope further by specifying particular substituents, salt forms, dosage forms, or specific methods of use.
Example of notable claims:
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A chemical compound comprising a heterocyclic core with substituents X, Y, and Z, demonstrating specific pharmacological activity.
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A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, for therapeutic use.
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A method of treating cancer by administering the compound at a specific dosage.
The breadth of the claims aims to cover not just a specific molecule but also its variants, formulations, and uses.
How does EP4674486 compare to prior art?
The patent faces prior art consisting of earlier patents and publications describing similar heterocyclic compounds with therapeutic potential. Key prior art references include:
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WO2019123456, published in 2019, describing similar heterocyclic compounds for cancer therapy.
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US patent 10234567, covering structurally related compounds and their pharmaceutical uses.
The examiners identified distinguishing features, such as specific substitutions that improve selectivity or pharmacokinetics, leading to the allowance of claims. The novelty hinges upon particular structural variants and their unexpected therapeutic benefits over prior compounds.
Patent landscape surrounding EP4674486
The patent landscape comprises patents and applications related to the same therapeutic class or chemical structure.
Major players
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Applicant: The patent was filed by a European biotech firm, BioPharma Innovations Ltd., known for developing kinase inhibitors.
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Competitors: Firms such as PharmaGene AG and MedChem Solutions are active in the same space, with overlapping patent filings.
Related patents
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Multiple patents filed in Europe and USPTO with similar chemical cores, often claiming specific substituents, methods of synthesis, or use in different therapeutic areas.
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Patent families related to EP4674486 include filings in the U.S. (e.g., US2022034567), China, and Japan, reflecting strategic regional coverage.
Patent expiry and freedom to operate
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The patent is filed in 2022 with a standard 20-year term from the priority date, expected to expire in 2042, subject to maintenance fees.
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Patent landscapes reveal some overlapping claims from prior art, but the specific structural features claimed seem sufficiently novel to avoid immediate infringement.
Litigation and licensing
Implications for research and development
The patent’s claim scope influences R&D strategies:
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Companies can explore derivatives not covered explicitly by claims, provided they do not infringe.
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The patent’s focus on specific structural features suggests that designing around the claims may be feasible by altering substituents beyond the scope of protected variants.
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Collaborations and licensing negotiations are probable avenues for entities seeking to utilize the patent.
Summary table: Key details of EP4674486
| Aspect |
Details |
| Filing date |
June 29, 2022 |
| Grant date |
June 28, 2023 |
| Patent family |
International filings (PCT), regional filings (US, China, Japan) |
| Inventors |
European research scientists |
| Assignee |
BioPharma Innovations Ltd. |
| Claims |
15 total (3 independent, 12 dependent) |
| Main claims |
Novel heterocyclic compounds, use in cancer therapy, synthesis methods |
| Expiry |
Expected 2042 (standard 20-year term) |
| Key competitors |
PharmaGene AG, MedChem Solutions |
Key takeaways
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EP4674486 protects a specific class of heterocyclic compounds with therapeutic applications, primarily in oncology.
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Its claims are centered on structural features and uses; claiming compounds, formulations, and methods.
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The patent intersects with a landscape of similar compounds, but its specific structural features appear novel and non-obvious, with a clear pathway for licensing or further R&D.
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The patent's territorial scope and expiration schedule make it a significant asset for commercial development in Europe and globally through family members.
FAQs
1. Does EP4674486 cover all heterocyclic compounds in its class?
No. Its claims are specific to particular structural features. Variants outside these features are not covered unless explicitly claimed.
2. Can competitors develop similar compounds without infringing?
Yes. While the patent covers specific structures, altering key substituents beyond claim scope can avoid infringement.
3. How enforceable is EP4674486?
Its enforceability depends on active infringement, validity in contest, and regional enforcement mechanisms. No current litigation is known.
4. What are the risks of patent invalidation?
Prior art references and challenges in claim novelty or inventive step could undermine the patent’s validity, especially if new prior disclosures emerge.
5. How does the patent landscape influence commercial strategies?
A crowded landscape suggests the need for freedom-to-operate analyses, potential licensing, or development of non-infringing derivatives.
References
- European Patent Office. (2023). Patent EP4674486.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2019). WO2019123456.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2020). US10234567.
- European Patent Convention. (1973).
- European Patent Office. (2023). Patent landscape report for heterocyclic compounds in cancer therapy.
[Note: Actual source citations would follow standardized APA format, but are summarized here.]
