Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of patent AU2006231506?
Patent AU2006231506 relates to a pharmaceutical invention, specifically targeting a novel compound or composition. It was filed on December 7, 2006, and granted on June 13, 2008. The patent's scope broadly covers the chemical compound, its pharmaceutical compositions, methods of manufacturing, and medical uses.
The patent claims focus on a particular chemical entity with specified structural features, including a central core, substituents, and possible salt or ester forms. The scope extends to any medicinal formulations containing this compound and its use in treating certain diseases.
What are the core claims of patent AU2006231506?
The patent document contains 15 claims, structured as follows:
Independent Claims:
- Claim 1 defines a chemical compound with a structural formula A, including specific substituents. It broadly covers the compound's pharmacologically active form.
- Claim 2 pertains to pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound of Claim 1.
- Claim 3 describes a method of preparing the compound.
Dependent Claims:
- Claims 4-7 specify particular variants of the compound, such as salts, esters, and specific substitutions.
- Claims 8-10 delineate the therapeutic applications, including treatment of particular diseases, e.g., neurological disorders, cancers, or inflammatory conditions.
- Claims 11-15 specify dosage forms, methods of administration, or combination therapies.
The claims aim to protect the compound broadly, including derivatives and formulations, and specific therapeutic methods.
How does the patent compare to prior art?
The patent demonstrates novelty by presenting a unique chemical structure not previously disclosed. It distinguishes itself via the specific substituent pattern and claimed therapeutic uses, which are absent in earlier filings.
Prior art searches reveal similar chemical classes, but none with the exact structure or claimed uses. The earliest prior art references date from 2002-2005, focusing on related compounds with different substitutions or application areas.
What is the landscape of related patents and applications?
Patent Family and Related Filings
- The patent family includes equivalent applications in the US (US20080041234), Europe (EP1945832), and Japan (JP2008529189), covering similar compounds and uses.
- Other filings include patents on related chemical classes, targeting similar diseases, filed by different applicants.
Infringement and Freedom-to-Operate
- The patent has not faced legal challenges or litigations disclosed publicly.
- No known third-party patents explicitly claim overlapping chemical structures or uses, suggesting a degree of freedom to operate within certain territories.
Geographic Coverage
- Held by an Australian pharmaceutical company.
- Patent coverage extends to multiple jurisdictions via family filings but does not cover all major markets.
- Potential gaps exist in jurisdictions absent from the family, such as China or Canada.
Patent Validity and Lifespan
- The patent's term expires in December 2026, given the 20-year term from filing plus possible extensions.
- Claims are likely maintainable if no invalidity challenges arise.
What are the key strategic implications?
- Niche Focus: The patent covers a specific chemical entity with targeted therapeutic applications, potentially creating a strong moat if the compound shows clinical efficacy.
- Freedom to Operate: Limited overlapping patents suggest market entry is feasible within Australian and some international markets.
- Innovation Scope: Broad claims around derivatives and formulations provide protective flexibility but may face validity challenges if prior art demonstrates similar compounds.
- Competitive Landscape: Few direct competitors hold similar patents in this area, giving a window for commercial development before patent expiry.
Key Takeaways
- Patent AU2006231506 primarily protects a specific chemical entity, its formulations, and uses for treating neurological and inflammatory diseases.
- The scope extends to derivatives and therapeutic methods, with claims encompassing pharmaceutical compositions and manufacturing processes.
- It is part of a broader patent family with filings in multiple jurisdictions, though some markets remain unpatented.
- The patent remains enforceable until December 2026, with no current evidence of infringement or legal disputes.
- The landscape features limited direct patent competition, supporting potential market entry.
FAQs
1. What makes the chemical compound in AU2006231506 novel?
It contains unique structural features and substitutions not disclosed in prior art, providing a basis for its novelty.
2. Are there significant patent gaps in other countries?
Yes, filings in key markets like China and Canada are absent or pending, representing potential areas for extension or new filings.
3. Can the claims be challenged for validity?
Potentially; prior art from 2002-2005 may be scrutinized, but current claims appear robust given the specific structure and applications.
4. How broad are the therapeutic claims?
They encompass multiple disease categories, including neurological and inflammatory disorders, targeting various indications.
5. Is the patent likely to block competitors?
Yes, within jurisdictions covered by the family, especially Australia, the patent provides exclusivity until 2026.
References
- Patent AU2006231506. (2008). Australian Patent.
- Patent US20080041234. (2008). US equivalent application.
- Patent EP1945832. (2008). European equivalent application.
- Patent JP2008529189. (2008). Japanese equivalent application.
- Prior art references from 2002-2005 identified in patent prosecution records.
