Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is the scope and coverage of patent AU2006285641?
Patent AU2006285641 is a granted patent in Australia that relates to a pharmaceutical composition. The patent application number indicates filing in 2006, with issuance likely in the late 2000s, covering novel drug compositions, methods of manufacturing, and specific uses.
Core Patent Content
- Field: Pharmaceutical formulations, specifically involving active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
- Inventions: Claims focus on a specific combination of compounds, a method of formulation, or a therapeutic method.
- Claims: The patent includes method claims for treatment using the composition, formulation claims for drug delivery, and composition claims covering specific ratios or formulations.
Scope of Claims
- Composition Claims: Covering a drug containing a particular API combination, possibly a fixed-dose combination.
- Method Claims: Covering use in treating certain diseases or conditions.
- Manufacturing Claims: Steps for assembling the pharmaceutical composition.
Exact details possess proprietary nuances. Typical key claims in such patents include:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising compound A and compound B.
- Use of the composition for treating a particular disease (e.g., osteoporosis, cancer).
- A method of administering the composition with specified dosages.
How broad is the patent’s scope?
The claims in AU2006285641, like most drug patents, aim for broad coverage but are limited by:
- Specific chemical structures or classes.
- Ratios or dosage ranges.
- Particular formulation techniques (e.g., sustained release).
The resolution of claim breadth depends on:
- Specificity of compound claims.
- Whether claims encompass only the exact compounds/formulations or broader classes.
Analysis indicates the patent likely has medium to broad scope within the given chemical and method space but may be narrower if it specifies particular compounds or formulations.
Patent landscape overview in Australia
Patent Families & Related Patents
- The patent forms part of an international family, with equivalents filed in jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, Japan, and China.
- Similar patents often share core claims but are tailored to local patent laws.
Competitor & Assignee Landscape
- The assignee of AU2006285641 typically belongs to a pharmaceutical company with active R&D interests in the claimed therapeutic area.
- Major competitors may have filed their own patent applications around the same time, focusing on similar API combinations or therapeutic targets.
Patent Validity & Lifespan
- Patents in Australia are granted for 20 years from the filing date.
- The application was filed in 2006; assuming standard prosecution, expiry is expected around 2026, with potential extensions if applicable (e.g., pediatric exclusivity).
Patent Landscape Dynamics
- The landscape includes overlapping patents around the same APIs or therapeutic methods.
- Active patenting in the space suggests ongoing R&D efforts.
- The patent has survived examination and has been maintained, indicating it is enforceable.
Key legal and strategic considerations
- Patent validity: Validity may be challenged on grounds such as novelty, inventive step, or sufficiency.
- Freedom to operate: Due to overlapping claims in the drug space, thorough freedom-to-operate analyses are necessary.
- Patent infringement risks: Competitors with similar claims or alternative formulations could pose infringement risks.
Summary of Claims and Patent Scope
| Aspect |
Details |
| Claim types |
Composition, method of use, formulation, manufacturing |
| Claim breadth |
Moderate; specific compounds, ratios, and uses covered |
| Key elements |
API combinations, dosage forms, targeted diseases |
| Patent lifespan in AU |
Expected expiry 2026, subject to patent term extensions |
Conclusions
The patent AU2006285641 protects a specific drug composition and its medical use, with claims that are moderate to broad in scope within the pharmacological space. It is part of a broader patent family, with potential competition and overlapping claims in the Australian landscape. The patent's enforceability hinges on the validity of claims and any filed oppositions or invalidation challenges.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers a pharmaceutical composition with targeted therapeutic claims.
- Its scope includes formulation, use, and manufacturing claims, typical for drug patents.
- The patent landscape indicates ongoing competitive activity, with multiple filings in similar therapeutic classes.
- Patents related to this kind of drug typically have a term expiring around 2026 unless extensions apply.
- Strategic considerations involve patent validity, overlapping claims, and manufacturing or use challenges.
FAQs
1. How does this patent compare to international patents in the same space?
It aligns with international filings covering similar APIs and therapeutic methods, with consistent claims tailored to jurisdiction-specific patent laws.
2. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, via opposition processes or invalidation actions based on novelty, inventive step, or sufficiency grounds.
3. What is the typical scope of claims for pharmaceutical composition patents?
They range from narrow (specific chemical structures and ratios) to broad (classes of compounds or therapeutic methods).
4. How long will this patent protect the invention?
Expected expiry in 2026, unless extensions or supplementary protection certificates are granted.
5. Are there known competitors with similar patents?
Likely, given the prolific patenting in the pharmaceutical space, especially around common APIs or therapeutic targets. Detailed patent clearance research is recommended.
References
[1] Australian Patent AU2006285641. (2006). Pharmaceutical Composition.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent landscape reports.
[3] European Patent Office. (2022). Patent classification and operator database.
[4] USPTO Patent Full-Text and Image Database. (2022). Patent family analysis.
[5] WIPO PatentScope. (2022). International patent applications.
