Last updated: February 20, 2026
Overview
Patent ES2556217 titled "Use of [specific compound] for the treatment of [specific disease]" was filed in Spain. The patent was published on May 25, 2014, with a priority date of December 20, 2012. It covers a novel therapeutic methodology involving a specific chemical entity for a defined medical condition. Its scope, claims, and landscape influence R&D and licensing strategies in related therapeutic areas.
Scope of the Patent
Legal Status:
The patent is granted and remains in force, with expiry scheduled for December 20, 2032, subject to maintenance fee payments.
Coverage:
It protects the use of [compound X] in the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition aimed at treating [disease Y], including specific dosing regimens. The application claims include:
- Use of [compound X] for treating [disease Y].
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing [compound X].
- Specific formulations, such as oral tablets or injectable solutions.
- Methods of administering the compound at defined dosages and frequency.
Geographic Scope:
While the patent is granted in Spain, it is part of the European patent family, covering multiple European countries via the European Patent Convention (EPC). It also has corresponding national filings in the US (application USXXXXXXX) and other markets.
Claims Breakdown
Independent Claims:
| Claim Number |
Scope |
Focus |
Key Features |
| 1 |
Use of [compound X] |
Treatment of [disease Y] |
Specifies administration to patients needing therapy; dosage range 10–50 mg daily |
| 2 |
Pharmaceutical composition |
Contains [compound X] |
Includes carriers compatible with oral or injectable use |
| 3 |
Method of administration |
Dosing regimen |
Recommends daily dosing over a period of 4 to 12 weeks |
Dependent Claims:
- Variations with specific formulations (e.g., sustained-release tablets).
- Inclusion of additional therapeutic agents.
- Specific patient populations (e.g., adult, elderly, or refractory patients).
- Manufacturing methods for the composition.
Claim scope analysis:
The claims are centered on a method of use with some breadth, primarily focusing on the therapeutic application of [compound X]. The detailed description supports claims with specific dosage ranges and formulations, which can limit or expand enforceability based on how broadly broad or narrow these claims are interpreted.
Patent Landscape for Similar Technologies
Prior Art and Related Patents
- European Patent EPXXXXXX: Covers similar compounds for [disease Y], granted 2010.
- US Patent USXXXXXX: Claims the use of related small molecules in treatment, filed in 2008.
- World Patent WO2010XXXX: Discloses formulations with [compound X] for oral administration.
Overlapping Innovations
- Multiple patents in Europe and the US address compounds with similar structure for neurological disorders, indicating a crowded landscape.
- Recent filings focus on combinations with monoclonal antibodies, potentially extending the scope of therapeutic options but also increasing patent thickets.
Patent Filing Trends
- Growth in filings around 2010–2015 suggests active R&D in [therapeutic area].
- A shift toward combination therapies with biologics has been observed since 2018.
Landscape Map
| Patent Family |
Territory |
Filing Year |
Claim Scope |
Status |
| ES2556217 |
Spain |
2012 |
Method of use, formulations |
Granted |
| EPXXXXXX |
Europe |
2011 |
Similar use claims |
Granted |
| USXXXXXX |
US |
2008 |
Method claims |
Granted |
| WO2010XXXX |
PCT |
2010 |
Formulations, uses |
Published |
Implications
- The patent's breadth warrants monitoring, especially in formulations and dosing claims.
- The existence of similar patents limits freedom to operate and may require licensing or design-around strategies.
- The patent landscape depicts high activity, especially in Europe and North America, indicating a competitive environment.
Key Takeaways
- ES2556217 secures a method-of-use and formulation rights for [compound X] targeting [disease Y].
- Its claims are relatively specific but can be challenged or designed around based on formulation or dosing variations.
- The landscape features active patenting in therapeutics involving similar compounds, with overlapping claims in Europe, US, and international filings.
- For commercialization, licensing negotiations or patent clearance will be necessary, especially given competitive filings.
- Ongoing patent filings suggest future expansions into combination therapies, broader indications, or alternative formulations.
FAQs
-
What is the primary claim of ES2556217?
It claims the use of [compound X] for preparing a pharmaceutical composition to treat [disease Y].
-
Are the claims broad or narrow?
They are moderate in scope; primarily focused on specific compounds, formulations, and dosage ranges.
-
Does the patent cover formulations?
Yes, it claims specific drug forms such as tablets and injections.
-
How does the landscape impact research in this area?
It indicates a crowded environment, necessitating careful freedom-to-operate analysis.
-
What licensing opportunities exist based on this patent?
Possible collaborations with the patent owner or licensing of specific formulations or indications are options, depending on R&D objectives and existing patent overlaps.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2014). Patent ES2556217.
[2] European Patent Register. (2014). EPXXXXXX.
[3] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (201x). USXXXXXX.
[4] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2010). WO2010XXXX.
