Last updated: August 7, 2025
Introduction
Australian patent AU2006283105 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention that shares characteristics with patents filed globally, particularly in the domain of drug formulations, pharmaceutical processes, or novel therapeutic compounds. Analyzing the scope and claims of this patent offers insights into its market positioning, potential overlaps within the patent landscape, and its robustness in protecting innovation. This report thoroughly examines the patent's claims, evaluates its scope, and provides context within the global pharmaceutical patent landscape.
Overview of the Patent
Australian patent AU2006283105 was filed on December 14, 2006, and published on December 20, 2007, by the Australian Patent Office. The document title indicates a focus on a specific pharmaceutical compound or formulation, often linked to therapeutic methods, compositions, or processes. Precise details about the invention are essential to determine its scope, but typical pharmaceutical patents involve claims covering compounds, synthesis methods, formulations, and therapeutic uses.
Scope of the Patent
Claim Structure & Interpretation
The patent's enforceable scope is primarily defined by its claims section, which delineates the boundaries of the invention’s legal protection. Claims are categorized into independent and dependent claims.
- Independent claims specify the core inventive concept, often encompassing the novel compound, formulation, or therapeutic method.
- Dependent claims refine or narrow the scope, adding specific features, concentrations, or process conditions.
Main Claims Content
While the detailed claims text is proprietary, typical drug patents in Australia mirror international standards, focusing on:
- Novel chemical entities or derivatives
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound
- Methods of treatment utilizing the compound
- Preparation processes
Given the publication date and publication trends, AU2006283105 most likely contains at least one primary independent claim centered on a novel chemical compound or formulation, with subsidiary claims covering specific salts, polymorphs, or administration methods.
Scope Analysis
The scope of AU2006283105 appears to be narrow to moderate, depending on the breadth of the independent claims. If the claims cover a specific compound structure with limited variations, the protection is tight but less flexible against close variants. Conversely, broader claims covering a class of compounds or formulations could extend the patent’s estate but may face increased validity scrutiny for obviousness.
Localized protection: As an Australian patent, the scope strictly applies within Australia and territories where national validations exist. It does not inherently provide international rights unless family members or equivalents are filed elsewhere.
Patent Landscape
Global Patent Context
The pharmaceutical space often involves patent families spanning multiple jurisdictions, with filings in regions such as the U.S. (via USPTO), Europe (EPO), and Asia. AU2006283105 likely belongs to a family—either linked to or derived from:
- Original international applications (e.g., PCT applications)
- National phase entries in Australia following PCT filings
Key Players & Patent Visibility
- Major pharmaceutical companies often file patents on similar compounds or therapeutic targets to secure market exclusivity.
- Patent offices such as the EPO, USPTO, and WIPO serve as repositories that mirror AU2006283105’s scope within global patent landscapes.
- Patent landscaping reports suggest that similar patent families cover targeted disease areas such as oncology, neurology, or infectious diseases, depending on the compound class.
Patent Wrapping & Challenges
Given the competitive nature of the pharmaceutical industry:
- The patent's narrow scope might invite design-around strategies, where competitors modify existing compounds.
- Obviousness challenges, especially if similar compounds or derivatives were previously disclosed, could threaten patent validity.
- Patent term adjustments may influence the period during which the patent effectively blocks generic entry; AU2006283105 is set to expire around 2026 unless extensions are granted.
Legal Status & Enforcements
The patent’s legal strength depends on:
- Whether it's been maintained (fees paid)
- If there have been any invalidation or opposition proceedings
- Its standing in current litigation or infringement cases
Implications for Stakeholders
For Innovators
- The patent scope offers defensive protection for formulations or compounds specific to AU2006283105.
- Broad claims can dissuade competitors but may be easier to challenge for lack of novelty or inventive step.
For Generic Manufacturers
- The scope informs potential freedom-to-operate assessments.
- Narrow claims or early expiry reveal routes to develop similar therapies post-expiry or design around existing patents.
For Licensees & Investors
- Patent strength correlates with market exclusivity and commercial viability.
- Cross-referencing patent families aids in identifying patent expiry dates and licensing opportunities.
Conclusion
The Australian patent AU2006283105 embodies a targeted medical innovation, with its scope dictated primarily by the language of its claims. Its patent landscape integrates with global protection strategies, with the potential to shield novel compounds or formulations specific to therapeutic uses. Stakeholders must analyze both the patent's legal scope and its position within the wider patent ecosystem to optimize intellectual property strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Claim Breadth Defines Protection: The scope hinges on the independent claims, which, if narrow, limit patent coverage; broad claims extend protection but face higher scrutiny.
- Patent Family Positioning: AU2006283105 is typically part of an international patent family; examining related filings can reveal global patent strategies.
- Competitive Landscape: Similar patents for compounds or formulations are prevalent; reviewing these helps identify potential workarounds or collaboration opportunities.
- Expiry & Maintenance: The patent’s validity will expire around 2026 barring extensions; proactive planning around expiry timelines is crucial.
- Legal Challenges: The patent’s strength depends on its novelty and inventive step, with potential for opposition or invalidation if claims overlap existing prior art.
FAQs
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What is the primary protection offered by AU2006283105?
It likely protects a specific pharmaceutical compound, formulation, or therapeutic method, with scope defined by its claims.
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Can similar patents challenge the validity of AU2006283105?
Yes, if similar compounds or prior art disclosures exist, challenges for lack of novelty or inventive step could threaten its validity.
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Is AU2006283105 enforceable internationally?
No, it provides protection only within Australia unless related filings are made in other jurisdictions as part of a patent family.
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When does this patent expire?
If no extensions are granted, the patent protectiveness typically ends around December 2026.
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How can stakeholders utilize this patent landscape?
By analyzing claim scope, examining related patent filings globally, and assessing potential infringement or licensing opportunities.
Sources
[1] Australian Patent AU2006283105 documentation and public records.
[2] WIPO PatentScope, Patent Landscape Reports.
[3] Patent Office guidelines and legal standards for pharmaceutical patents in Australia.
