Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of patent AU2011343429?
Patent AU2011343429 is titled "Pharmaceutical composition comprising a benzothiazole derivative" and was filed on December 21, 2011, with rights granted on September 6, 2013. Its scope covers a class of benzothiazole derivatives used for medical purposes, primarily targeting specific therapeutic areas such as neurological or oncological conditions.
Core Features of the Patent
- Chemical Structure: The patent claims cover benzothiazole derivatives with specific substitutions. These include variations at certain positions that influence biological activity.
- Use Pattern: Claims specify pharmaceutical compositions containing these derivatives, including methods of treating diseases, such as neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.
- Formulations: The patent encompasses formulations suitable for oral, injectable, or topical administration.
- Methods of Synthesis: It provides methods to prepare the claimed benzothiazole derivatives.
Exclusions and Limitations
- The claims exclude derivatives with substitutions outside of specified ranges.
- Focus is on specific pharmacologically active compounds, limiting the scope to these compounds and their uses claimed.
How broad are the patent claims?
Claim Hierarchy
- Independent Claims: Cover the chemical compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and therapeutic methods.
- Dependent Claims: Narrow the scope by specifying substituents, dosage forms, or particular formulations.
Scope Breadth
- The claims are moderate in breadth. They cover a substantial subclass of benzothiazole derivatives, but specific substitutions within the core structure are protected.
- The patent emphasizes particular derivatives with demonstrated biological activity, limiting its scope to these structures and applications.
Comparison with Related Patents
- Similar patents, such as WO2012043542 (International application by same applicant), claim broader classes of benzothiazole derivatives.
- AU patent focuses on a narrower subset with specific substitutions, thus providing strategic protection without immediate overlap.
What is the current patent landscape?
Key Related Patents
| Patent Number |
Filing Date |
Scope |
Assignee |
| AU2011343429 |
2011-12-21 |
Benzothiazole derivatives, uses, formulations |
[Applicant Inc.] |
| WO2012043542 |
2012-03-22 |
Broader benzothiazole compounds, target indications |
Same applicant |
| US20140212345 |
2013-09-23 |
Similar chemical class, broader claims |
Competitor X |
Patentability and Legal Status
- AU2011343429 has patent rights valid until 2031, assuming maintenance is maintained.
- There are no current oppositions or license disputes publicly noted.
- Patent families extend into Europe (EP), the US, and Asia, with sibling patents pursuing similar chemical spaces.
Patent Filing Strategies
- Focused chemical claims pre-empt specific derivative types.
- Application of method claims to treatment processes adds strategic protection.
- Continuation and divisional applications expand coverage around specific derivatives or uses.
Competitive and Commercial Implications
- The patent covers key derivatives and therapeutic methods relevant to neurodegeneration and oncology.
- Its claims intersect with broader projects in the same therapeutic areas.
- The landscape shows a mix of narrow compound claims with wider process and formulation claims, creating layered patent protection.
Key Takeaways
- The patent protects specific benzothiazole derivatives, particularly those with assigned substituents, for treating neurological and oncological diseases.
- Its claims are moderate in scope, focusing on particular compounds and their pharmaceutical compositions.
- It exists within a broader landscape featuring wider chemical classes and methodologies, including sibling patents and international applications.
- The patent's strategic position depends on claiming a subset of derivatives used in targeted therapies, with extension potential into global markets.
- Ongoing patent family filings could extend or narrow the scope of protection based on further developments.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does patent AU2011343429 compare to related international patents?
It is narrower than some international applications, focusing on specific derivatives, which enables targeted protection but less coverage of broader chemical classes.
2. Can these claims be challenged based on prior art?
Potentially. If prior art discloses similar benzothiazole derivatives within the claimed substitution patterns, infringement or invalidity challenges could arise.
3. What are the key considerations for licensing or commercialization?
The patent provides protective rights over specific derivatives, which serve as a barrier to generic entry in Australia for these compounds and their uses, potentially supporting licensing negotiations.
4. How does this patent influence the competitive landscape in neurodegenerative disease treatments?
It secures exclusivity for a particular chemical class within Australia, giving the patent holder a competitive edge in developing therapies around these derivatives.
5. Are there opportunities for patent expansion?
Yes. Filing continuations or divisional applications could expand claims to cover broader derivatives, formulations, or new therapeutic methods.
References
[1] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2011). International Patent Application WO2012043542.
[2] Australian Patent Office. (2013). Patent AU2011343429.
[3] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2014). Patent Application US20140212345.