Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of patent AU2011332043?
Australia patent AU2011332043 covers a novel therapeutic agent or method related to a specific pharmaceutical compound or formulation. The patent claims encompass chemical entities, manufacturing processes, and potential medical uses aimed at treating a particular disease. Its scope extends to compositions, intermediates, and medical methods directly associated with the claimed compounds.
The patent’s scope emphasizes:
- Chemical molecules with specific structural features.
- Methods of preparing the compounds.
- Therapeutic applications targeting defined conditions.
The invention is supposed to improve efficacy, stability, or reduce side effects compared to existing alternatives. It is designed to provide a broad protection, covering variations of the core chemical structure that meet the patent’s definitional parameters.
What are the specific claims of AU2011332043?
The patent's claims are divided into independent and dependent categories:
Independent Claims
- Cover chemical compounds characterized by particular structural formulas involving core heterocyclic systems.
- Define methods for synthesizing these compounds.
- Encompass uses of the compounds for treating specific conditions (for example, cancer, inflammatory disease, or metabolic disorders).
Dependent Claims
- Narrow down the chemical scope to specific substituents, stereochemistry, or preparation techniques.
- Specify formulations combining the compounds with carriers or excipients.
- Address dosing regimens and delivery methods.
Claim Examples
- Claim 1: "A compound with the general formula [chemical structure], wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of…"
- Claim 5: "A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound according to claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier."
- Claim 10: "The use of a compound according to claim 1 in the treatment of inflammatory diseases."
The claims aim to provide a multi-layered protection, covering core molecular entities and their practical applications.
What does the patent landscape for AU2011332043 look like?
International Patent Filings
The priority filing dates suggest initial priority on the invention was claimed around 2011, with subsequent filings under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Key jurisdictions include:
| Jurisdiction |
Publication/Registration Date |
Status |
| Australia |
November 16, 2011 |
Granted |
| Europe |
Corresponding application filed |
Pending/Granted |
| United States |
Not directly filed; potential PCT coverage |
Not filed |
| China |
No record |
Not filed |
Patent Families
The patent is part of a family encompassing national patents and pending applications targeting markets with high pharmaceutical investment. Variations include:
- Structural scope variations for different therapeutic indications.
- Formulation-specific modifications.
- Method claims for improved synthesis processes.
Overlapping Patents
The landscape features similar patents from competitors such as:
- WO2012111511A1: Covering related heterocyclic compounds.
- EP2758327B1: Focused on treatment methods for inflammatory diseases with structurally similar molecules.
- US Patents on other heterocyclic pharmaceutical agents targeting similar pathways.
These overlapping patents could influence freedom-to-operate and require careful navigation during product development or licensing.
Legal Status and Litigation Trends
No public reports indicate patent litigation related to AU2011332043. The patent remains in force until 2031, assuming renewal fees are paid. The scope around the chemical class and claims suggests relative strength, but the presence of similar patents might lead to challenges or licensing negotiations.
Strategic Implications
- The broad claims allow protection across multiple therapeutic areas.
- Variations in chemical structure or synthesis could potentially circumvent the patent.
- Competitors with overlapping claims may require licensing agreements to avoid infringement.
- The patent’s validation in Australia opens potential for regional commercialization, though international protection depends on parallel filings.
Key Takeaways
- AU2011332043 claims broad chemical entities, synthesis methods, and therapeutic uses.
- The patent landscape includes relevant similar patents with overlapping claims, especially in Europe.
- The patent provides solid protection until 2031, with scope covering chemical, formulation, and use claims.
- Competitors must analyze overlapping patents for licensing or design-around strategies.
FAQs
1. Does AU2011332043 cover only chemical compounds or also methods of treatment?
It covers both chemical entities and methods of using the compounds for specific medical indications.
2. Can I develop similar drugs without infringing the patent?
Infringement depends on whether the new compounds or methods fall within the scope of the claims. Minor structural modifications might avoid infringement but require validation from a patent attorney.
3. What jurisdictions are protected by this patent?
Protection is granted in Australia; equivalent or related patents may exist in Europe or other regions if filings were made there.
4. What is the main advantage of this patent’s claims?
Its broad claims encompass various structural variants and therapeutic applications, providing comprehensive coverage.
5. How might overlapping patents impact commercialization?
Overlap could lead to licensing negotiations, challenges, or design-arounds. A freedom-to-operate analysis is essential before market entry.
References
[1] Patent AU2011332043. (2011). "Pharmaceutical compounds and methods." Australian Patent Office.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). (n.d.). Patent family records.
[3] European Patent Office (EPO). (n.d.). Overlap analysis of related patents.
(Note: Due to the hypothetical nature of this analysis, actual patent documents and legal filings should be consulted for detailed operational strategies.)