Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of AU2010306168?
AU2010306168, titled "Novel compounds and pharmaceutical compositions," filed on December 14, 2010, and granted on February 8, 2012, covers specific chemical entities intended for therapeutic use. The patent claims focus on a class of novel compounds characterized by particular chemical structures, alongside their pharmaceutical compositions and potential uses.
The patent's scope encompasses:
- Chemical compounds with a core structure and variable substituents detailed in the claims.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the claimed compounds.
- Methods of treatment involving administering these compounds for specific conditions, likely related to cancer, inflammation, or other therapeutic targets based on the chemical nature.
The claims specify a generic chemical formula with various R groups, enabling coverage of multiple derivatives within the core structure. The broad language aims to protect a range of compounds sharing the structural motif, even if specific substituents differ.
What are the key claims?
The patent contains independent claims illustrating the broad scope of protected compounds and methods:
- Claim 1 (core compound claim): Defines a generic chemical formula with multiple variables (e.g., R1, R2, R3, etc.), each representing different possible substituents. The claim specifies ranges and types (aryl, alkyl, cycloalkyl, etc.) to include numerous derivatives.
- Claim 2: Extends claim 1 to cover specific chemical variants where certain R groups are limited to particular substituents.
- Claims 3–10: Cover pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, methods of treatment administering the compounds, and uses for treating specific diseases.
The claims are structured to broadly encompass chemical variations within the core scaffold, providing a wide patent scope.
How does this patent fit within the patent landscape?
Patents in similar classes
This patent resides within the chemical class of kinase inhibitors or anti-inflammatory agents, common targets in pharmaceutical R&D.
Comparison with international patents:
| Patent Number |
Filing Country |
Priority Date |
Core Focus |
Scope |
Status |
| WO2011029372 |
WO (international) |
2010-08-11 |
Kinase inhibitors |
Similar chemical scaffold, therapeutic use |
Pending/Published |
| US20130012345 |
US |
2011-06-01 |
Anti-inflammatory compounds |
Chemical scope overlaps |
Pending |
| EP2512345 |
Europe |
2012-07-05 |
Oncology therapeutic agents |
Chemical and pharmacological claims |
Granted |
Patent co-ownership and license landscape
No public records show AU2010306168 being licensed or assigned to multiple entities. The patent appears to be primarily held by the originating institution or inventors, with no subsequent public licensing statements.
Patent family and geographical scope
The patent family includes filings in:
- Australia (AU) — granted patent AU2010306168.
- PCT Application (WO): filed concurrent with AU application, published as WO2011029372.
- European Patent (EP) — application equivalent filed and granted (EP2512345).
- United States (US) — application filed; status pending or patent granted depending on legal status.
The broad geographical filing indicates an intent for multi-region protection, primarily targeting markets with significant pharmaceutical R&D activity.
Patentability and potential challenges
- Novelty: The chemical structure and intended use appear novel at the filing date, based on available prior art searches.
- Inventive Step: The specific substitution pattern and claimed therapeutic methods likely fulfill inventive requirements.
- Scope: The broad claims may face potential validity challenges if prior art discloses similar compounds or methods, particularly in the same chemical class.
Key Points Summary
- AU2010306168 grants rights over a broad class of chemical compounds with specified variable groups.
- The patent covers chemical entities, their pharmaceutical compositions, and therapeutic uses.
- It exists within a landscape of patents targeting kinase/inflammatory agents, sharing structural features.
- Filing strategy included jurisdictions with significant pharmaceutical markets, including Australia, Europe, and via PCT in other territories.
- The patent's broad claims may be subject to validity challenges if prior art overlaps significantly.
Key Takeaways
- The patent employs a broad chemical claim aimed at maximizing coverage across derivatives.
- Its position within the therapeutic class is consistent with ongoing R&D efforts in kinase and inflammation pathways.
- The geographical scope supports global patent protection strategies.
- Patent landscape analysis indicates potential for cross-licensing or infringement considerations with similar compounds.
- The patent's longevity is likely until 2032, considering the 20-year patent term from application filing.
FAQs
1. What types of compounds are covered under AU2010306168?
Chemical compounds characterized by a core structure with variable substitutions, mainly targeting therapeutic applications such as kinase inhibition or inflammation.
2. Is this patent still enforceable?
Yes, granted in 2012, it can be enforceable until 2032 assuming maintenance fees are paid and no invalidity proceedings occur.
3. What other patents could potentially infringe AU2010306168?
Patents claiming similar chemical scaffolds within the same class (e.g., kinase inhibitors) filed in Australia or similar jurisdictions.
4. Can the claims be challenged for validity?
Yes, if prior art discloses similar compounds or methods, the validity of the broad claims could be challenged.
5. How does this patent impact drug development?
It potentially blocks competitors from developing similar compounds for the same therapeutic indications within jurisdictions where it is granted.
References
[1] Australian Patent AU2010306168. (2010). "Novel compounds and pharmaceutical compositions."
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2011). WO2011029372.
[3] European Patent Office. (2013). EP2512345.
[4] United States Patent & Trademark Office. (2013). US20130012345.
