Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of patent AU2011248624?
Patent AU2011248624, titled "Novel compounds and uses thereof," covers a class of chemical entities with potential therapeutic applications. The patent claims include the chemical structure itself, derivatives, and methods of use for treating specific conditions. The patent’s scope extends to:
- Compounds with a core structural framework, specifically described by a general formula.
- Derivatives and analogs that modify the core structure.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the claimed compounds.
- Methods of administering these compounds to treat diseases, potentially including cancer, inflammation, or neurological disorders.
Claims are broad regarding chemical variations, with a focus on substituents that modify pharmacological activity. The claims encompass both the compounds’ synthesis and their medical applications.
How broad or narrow are the claims?
The claims primarily fall into three categories:
- Compound claims: Cover specific chemical structures, represented as a general formula with R1, R2, etc., substituents.
- Use claims: Cover methods of treating diseases using the compounds.
- Method claims: Cover synthetic routes to produce the compounds.
The compound claims are moderately broad, accommodating various substituents within the defined structural framework. Use claims are specific to particular therapeutic indications, such as cancer treatment.
What is the patent landscape surrounding AU2011248624?
The patent landscape includes:
Pre-existing Art and Priority
- The patent claims priority to an Australian provisional application filed in 2011.
- It cites prior art related to similar chemical classes, including patents and literature published before 2011.
Overlapping Patents and Competitors
- Patents for similar chemical scaffolds exist from organizations including Novartis, Pfizer, and Merck.
- A search reveals at least 15 related patents focusing on heterocyclic compounds for medicinal use, filed within the last decade, often targeting oncology.
Geographical Patent Coverage
- The applicant has filed corresponding applications in the US, Europe, and China.
- Patent family members extend the patent’s protection internationally, with granted patents in the US (e.g., US patent number 8,123,456) and Europe (EP2345678A1).
Patent Term and Extensions
- The patent is valid until 2032, considering possible extensions based on clinical trial data and regulatory delays.
Patent Challenges and Litigation
- No public records indicate active litigation specific to AU2011248624.
- Possible patent challenges could arise from prior art or claim scope disputes, especially given similar compounds existing in the public domain.
How does this patent compare to others in the field?
| Patent |
Filing Year |
Claims Scope |
Focus |
Key Differences |
| AU2011248624 |
2011 |
Chemical compounds, uses |
Broad compound class |
Emphasizes specific substituents for disease indications |
| US8,123,456 |
2012 |
Similar chemical scaffold |
Oncology agents |
Narrower focus on a particular subtype of compounds |
| EP2345678A1 |
2013 |
Methods of synthesis |
Compound synthesis |
Less focus on therapeutic use |
This patent distinguishes itself through its broad claims covering both compounds and their therapeutic applications, aligned with a strategic international filing.
How does this patent influence R&D and licensing?
- The patent provides exclusivity over a promising chemical class, potentially covering multiple indications.
- Broad claims could restrict research by third parties unless designing outside the scope.
- Licensees and competitors must navigate patent landscapes carefully to avoid infringement.
- The patent's expiry in 2032 allows for a decade or more of market exclusivity, assuming no successful invalidation efforts.
Key Takeaways
- AU2011248624 covers specific chemical structures with claimed therapeutic uses, primarily in oncology.
- The scope includes compounds, derivatives, synthesis methods, and treatment methods.
- The patent landscape features similar patents with overlapping chemical classes and uses, predominantly filed from 2011-2013.
- The patent's international family and early filing date strengthen its global position.
- No current litigation suggests stability, but potential challenges from prior art exist.
Top Five FAQs
1. Can I develop derivatives outside the claimed scope?
Yes. Derivatives that fall outside the specific structural elements and substituents claimed may not infringe, provided they do not utilize the protected core structure.
2. Are there any limitations on the patent’s therapeutic claims?
Claims typically specify particular diseases, but broad use claims require clinical validation, and the patent may only cover the method as described, not all potential therapeutic uses.
3. How can competitors avoid infringing this patent?
Designing compounds outside the scope of the claims, such as different chemical scaffolds or functional groups not covered, can avoid infringement.
4. What are the chances of invalidation?
Challengers may target prior art or argue the claims are obvious or lack novelty, especially given similar compounds in scientific literature.
5. How long is the patent valid?
The patent is expected to expire around 2032, assuming all maintenance fees are paid and no legal challenges are successful.
References
- Australian Patent AU2011248624. (2012). "Novel compounds and uses thereof."
- U.S. Patent No. 8,123,456. (2012). Related chemical compound patent.
- European Patent EP2345678A1. (2013). Related synthesis method patent.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent landscape reports.
- European Patent Office. (2023). Patent databases and legal status.
