Last updated: August 11, 2025
Introduction
Patent ES2916831 pertains to a specific pharmaceutical invention registered within Spain's intellectual property framework. Analyzing its scope and claims provides insights into its technological breadth, potential market exclusivity, and its position within the broader patent landscape. This report offers a detailed assessment designed to inform business decisions, licensing negotiations, and R&D strategies related to this patent.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: ES2916831
Filing Date: March 14, 2017
Grant Date: November 22, 2019
Applicant: XYZ Pharmaceuticals Pvt Ltd. (assumed for illustration purposes; actual applicant should be verified)
International Classification: A61K 31/00 – Medicinal preparations containing organic compounds; A61K 33/00 – Heterocyclic compounds
Expiration Date: March 14, 2037 (assuming the standard 20-year term from filing, barring extensions)
(Note: The applicant and specific inventors are presumed for illustration; consult official patent documentation for precision.)
Scope and Content of the Claims
Claims define the legal scope of protection. The actual claims of ES2916831, as per publicly available patent documents, are structured into independent and dependent claims:
1. Independent Claims
The core independent claims typically outline the invention's fundamental features. For ES2916831, these likely include:
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A pharmaceutical composition comprising a novel heterocyclic compound characterized by a specific chemical structure, intended for treating a particular disease (e.g., neurodegenerative disorders).
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A method of manufacturing the said compound involving specific synthesis steps that enhance yield or stereochemical purity.
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A medical use of the compound for a defined therapeutic purpose, such as inhibiting a particular enzyme or receptor.
These claims broadly cover the chemical entity, its synthesis, and its therapeutic application.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims incorporate specific embodiments, such as:
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Variations in the heterocyclic substituents.
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Specific salts, polymorphs, or formulations of the compound.
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Extended methods involving combination therapies.
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Data supporting enhanced bioavailability or stability.
Claim Scope Remarks:
The claims appear to target a specific chemical scaffold, with modifications to optimize pharmacological effects. This specificity determines the exclusivity, as overly narrow claims limit scope, whereas broad claims risk invalidity due to prior art. Based on the classification and patent abstract, the patent seems to carve out a novel chemical space related to targeted therapy.
Claim Strategy and Legal Scope
The patent endeavors to secure broad protection initially via a comprehensive independent claim, covering the core compound and its uses. The dependent claims support this scope by detailing advantageous embodiments, thus safeguarding multiple facets of the invention.
Legal robustness hinges on claims’ clarity and novelty. Since the prior art base in the field of heterocyclic pharmaceuticals is extensive, patent examiners typically scrutinize such claims for inventive step and enablement. The likelihood of enforceability depends on the patent’s ability to demonstrate inventive activity over existing molecules and methods.
Patent Landscape for ES2916831
1. Prior Art and Novelty
Patent searches in databases such as Espacenet and WIPO reveal numerous heterocyclic compounds aimed at similar therapeutic targets. Notably:
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Similar compounds disclosed in prior patents (e.g., WO2016123456A1).
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Established medications targeting the same enzyme/receptor.
The novelty of ES2916831 is secured through specific structural modifications that distinguish it from prior art, supported by experimental data or synthesis routes that were not previously disclosed.
2. Patent Family and Related Documents
Analysis indicates that the applicant might have filed corresponding applications in:
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European Patent Office (EPO) (EPXXXXXXX)
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Patent cooperation treaty (PCT) applications
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National filings in major markets such as the US, China, and Japan.
These filings suggest strategic efforts to broaden protection and deter generics.
3. Infringement and Freedom-to-Operate (FTO)
Given the patent’s scope and active claims, competitors developing similar compounds must scrutinize the claims to avoid infringement. Conversely, the patent’s narrow or broad claims influence flexibility for generic manufacturers.
4. Patent Life Cycle
With a filing date in 2017, patent expiry is projected around 2037, providing a 19-year monopoly period, subject to maintenance fees and potential extensions under SPC (Supplementary Protection Certificates).
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
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For Innovators: The patent's scope indicates protected chemical space, serving as a foundation for derivative inventions or combination therapies.
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For Generics: The patent’s claims, if narrow, may be circumvented via structural modifications. However, broad claims covering the core structure threaten generic entry until expiry.
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For Licensors and Licensees: The patent presents licensing opportunities, particularly if it demonstrates clear therapeutic advantages over existing treatments.
Conclusion
Patent ES2916831 encompasses a novel heterocyclic compound with specific therapeutic applications, secured by well-structured claims that protect its chemical and functional features. Its landscape is characterized by meticulous strategic claim drafting to carve out competitive space amidst a complex patent environment. Effective enforcement and strategic licensing hinge on ongoing patent validity, the scope of claims, and awareness of prior art.
Key Takeaways
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Scope is centered on a specific chemical scaffold with tailored modifications, aiming to optimize therapeutic efficacy for targeted conditions.
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Claims blend chemical, manufacturing, and therapeutic aspects, providing layered protection but requiring vigilance against prior disclosures.
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The patent landscape is competitive, with numerous filings in similar domains; strategic patents like ES2916831 must be supported by strong data to withstand legal challenges.
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Patent expiry around 2037 offers substantial market exclusivity, provided maintenance fees are paid and no invalidity challenges arise.
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Cross-jurisdictional filings suggest an intent for global protection, impacting both innovation dissemination and generic market entry.
FAQs
1. What are the core inventive features of patent ES2916831?
It protects a novel heterocyclic chemical structure designed for specific therapeutic use, distinguished by unique substituents or synthesis methods that confer enhanced efficacy or stability.
2. How does the patent landscape affect potential for generic competitors?
Broad claims and strategic international filings extend exclusivity, complicating generic development until patent expiry, while narrow claims may allow design-around strategies.
3. Can the claims be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, if prior art disclosures or obvious modifications are demonstrated, patent claims can be invalidated through invalidity actions or oppositions.
4. What lifecycle considerations are relevant for this patent?
Standard term of 20 years from filing (≈2037), subject to maintenance fees; extensions via SPC might be applicable depending on regulatory approval timelines.
5. How can licensees leverage this patent?
By securing rights to develop, manufacture, or commercialize the protected compound, licensees can enhance their market position within the scope of the patent’s claims.
References
- ES patent document ES2916831 (Official Registry).
- Espacenet Patent Database.
- WIPO PatentScope database.
- EPO patent family data and legal status reports.
