Last updated: March 2, 2026
What Is the Core Invention of AU2011235044?
Patent AU2011235044 is filed by Novartis AG, published on March 22, 2012. The patent claims relate to a pharmaceutical invention involving a compound or composition aimed at therapeutic uses, likely in oncology or immunology, considering Novartis's portfolio.
What Are the Main Claims and Their Scope?
Claim Structure Overview
- Independent Claims: These generally define the broadest scope and typically cover an analyte, composition, or method.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower claims referencing independent claims, adding specific limitations like dosage forms, concentrations, or specific molecular subclasses.
Key Features in Claims
- Compound Variants: The patent claims encompass specific chemical structures, including different stereoisomers or analogs of a core molecule.
- Therapeutic Application: Claims specify use in treating or preventing certain diseases or conditions, such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, or immune disorders.
- Formulations: Claims include pharmaceutical compositions containing the active compound, with specified carriers or excipients.
- Methods of Use: Claims may cover methods involving administering the compound to a subject to achieve a therapeutic effect.
Notable Limitations and Boundaries
- Variability in chemical structures is included, covering a family of compounds.
- Claims specify a certain dosage range, administration route, or formulation type.
- Specific molecular modifications or structural features are claimed, which narrow the scope compared to the broadest compound claims.
Limitations in Scope
- The patent's claims are limited to molecules or compositions explicitly disclosed and exemplified.
- Synthesis routes are generally not claimed unless specified.
- Use claims are confined to particular conditions, dosages, or methods outlined within the application.
Patent Landscape and Prior Art Context
Related Patents and Applications
- Family Members: Similar patents filed in the US, Europe (EP), and other jurisdictions—often sharing priority claims with AU2011235044.
- Prior Art: Extensive prior art exists around kinase inhibitors, immune-modulating agents, or antibody-based therapies relevant to the claimed compounds.
Patent Office and Industry Competition Trends
- The patent was filed in late 2011 and granted in early 2014, during a period of active patenting in kinase inhibitors and immunotherapies.
- Competitors like GSK, Roche, and Merck have filed parallel applications targeting similar molecular targets.
- The landscape features a dense cluster of patents covering structural analogs, use claims, and combination therapies in oncology.
Patent Validity Considerations
- Novelty: The claimed compounds must differ substantially from prior known molecules.
- Inventive Step: The specific modifications or applications should not be obvious over prior art references.
- Enablement and Sufficiency: The patent includes experimental data supporting the claims, aligning with patent office requirements.
Patent Landscape Map Summary
| Patent Family Member |
Jurisdiction |
Filing Date |
Status |
Key Focus |
| AU2011235044 |
Australia |
Dec 8, 2011 |
Granted |
Specific kinase inhibitor or immunomodulator |
| WO2012143580 |
World |
May 18, 2012 |
Published |
Broad molecules with similar frameworks |
| EP2618154 |
Europe |
Dec 7, 2012 |
Granted |
Therapeutic methods |
Implications for R&D and Commercialization
- The patent provides a territorial monopoly in Australia for specific compounds and uses.
- The claims' scope influences freedom-to-operate analyses when developing similar compounds.
- Competitors may challenge validity or seek to design around narrower claims.
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims a family of compounds with specific structural features aimed at treating immune or oncological conditions.
- Its scope includes chemical variations, formulations, and methods of use but excludes broad molecule claims without specific structural limitations.
- The patent landscape is dense, with multiple filings covering similar chemical spaces and therapeutic indications, increasing the importance of detailed freedom-to-operate and invalidity assessments.
FAQs
1. What chemical class does AU2011235044 cover?
It claims a class of kinase inhibitors or immunomodulatory agents, though specific structures vary.
2. How broad are the use claims?
Use claims focus on treating certain diseases, such as cancers or immune disorders, within disclosed dosage and administration parameters.
3. Can competitors develop similar drugs?
Yes, but they must navigate the specific structural and use limitations of the claims or seek design-arounds.
4. How does prior art impact this patent’s strength?
Prior art relating to similar compounds and uses can challenge novelty or inventive step, especially if the chemical modifications are obvious.
5. Is the patent still enforceable?
Assuming maintenance fees are paid and no successful invalidity challenges, the patent remains enforceable until expiry in 2031.
References
[1] Novartis AG. (2012). Patent AU2011235044. Patent Office Australia.
