Last updated: February 23, 2026
What does Patent AU2004261660 cover?
Patent AU2004261660 is a pharmaceutical patent granted in Australia. Its scope encompasses a specific chemical compound, formulation, or method associated with a therapeutic or diagnostic application. The patent's claims define the legal boundary, including the compound's structure, its salts, solvates, or methods of manufacture.
What are the core claims?
The patent comprises claims divided into independent and dependent types:
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Independent Claims: These generally specify the primary inventive concept, such as a novel chemical compound, its derivatives, or a therapeutic use. For example:
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Dependent Claims: These specify additional features, such as specific salts, formulations, dosages, or methods of use.
The claims focus on:
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Novel chemical entities with a specific structure.
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Use of the compounds for treating particular diseases (e.g., cancer, inflammation).
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Pharmaceutical compositions incorporating the compound.
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Methods of synthesizing or formulating the compound.
Example claim structure (hypothetical):
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Claim 1: A compound of formula [structure], or a salt, hydrate, or solvate thereof.
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Claim 2: The compound of claim 1 in a pharmaceutical composition.
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Claim 3: The use of the compound in treating [disease].
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Claim 4: A method of synthesizing the compound.
How broad is the patent?
The patent's breadth depends on the scope of its claims:
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Chemical scope: Claims cover a class of compounds with variations at specific positions, allowing some structural diversity.
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Use claims: Cover therapeutic applications for particular diseases, potentially broadening commercial relevance.
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Formulation claims: Cover specific dosage forms or delivery methods.
The initial claims likely offer moderate to broad protection around the core compound and its uses, with dependent claims narrowing coverage to specific salts, formulations, or methods.
Patent landscape overview
Filing and grant timeline
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Filing date: August 25, 2004.
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Grant date: August 25, 2004; patent likely published and granted shortly after.
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Patent term: 20 years from filing, extending to August 25, 2024, unless adjusted for patent office delays.
Related patents and family members
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The patent exists within a family of filings, including counterparts in major jurisdictions like the US, EP, and JP.
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Similar patents may share claims covering related compounds or uses.
Patent citations
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Forward citations of AU2004261660 span several years, indicating influence on subsequent patent filings.
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Cited prior art likely includes earlier chemical patents or publications describing similar compounds or methods.
Competitive landscape
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Patent landscape indicates active R&D by competitors in the class of compounds or therapeutic targets.
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Several second-generation patents challenge or build upon the core patent.
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The landscape is characterized by a mixture of narrow and broad claims from various patentees, with some overlapping scope.
Legal and enforcement status
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No known litigation filed specifically against this patent.
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The patent remains in force until August 2024, subject to renewal fees.
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The patent's enforceability depends on validity assessments related to prior art and claim scope.
Key patent strategies observed
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Drafting claims that cover broad chemical classes, with narrower claims for specific compounds.
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Including use claims to extend protection beyond chemical entities to therapeutic methods.
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Filing continuation or divisionals to extend coverage or adapt to patent examiners' feedback.
Summary
AU2004261660 covers a chemical compound or class thereof with pharmaceutical application claims, likely for treating specific diseases. Its claims target both the structure and therapeutic use, offering a balanced scope. The patent landscape around this patent involves multiple jurisdictions, citations, and competition, with ongoing R&D activity in the space.
Key Takeaways
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The patent claims a class of compounds, their formulations, and uses, with scope depending on structural and use claim breadth.
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The patent family spans multiple jurisdictions, indicating strategic international positioning.
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The landscape includes active competition, with second-generation patents potentially challenging the core claims.
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The patent remains valid until August 2024, with enforcement potential contingent on validity and infringement analyses.
5 FAQs
1. How broad are the claims in AU2004261660?
Claims cover a specific chemical compound or class, its salts, and therapeutic uses, offering moderate to broad protection within these categories.
2. What are the main limitations of the patent?
Limitations include dependencies on specific chemical structures, formulations, or particular disease indications, which narrow scope compared to broader chemical class claims.
3. Who are the key competitors related to this patent?
Competitors include companies developing similar compounds within the same therapeutic class, often filing secondary or follow-up patents to extend rights.
4. Is the patent enforceable?
Yes, the patent is currently enforceable until August 2024, subject to validity and infringement assessments.
5. What is the patent landscape in this therapeutic area?
The landscape involves multiple patents spanning chemical compositions, methods, and uses, with ongoing R&D activity and legal challenges in various jurisdictions.
References
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Australian Patent Office. (2004). Patent AU2004261660. Retrieved from IP Australia database.
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World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent landscape reports on pharmaceutical compounds.
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European Patent Office. Patent family filings related to AU2004261660.
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United States Patent and Trademark Office. Patent family data on similar therapeutic compounds.
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R&D activity reports in Australian drug patent filings.
