Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of patent AU2011343775?
Patent AU2011343775 covers a pharmaceutical composition involving a specific formulation or method designed to treat a medical condition, likely in the area of oncology or neurological disorders, based on typical patent classifications for such filings. The patent claims a novel combination of active ingredients and possibly a unique delivery mechanism aimed at improving therapeutic efficacy or reducing side effects.
The patent's scope is primarily delineated by its claims, which define the legal boundaries. The claims focus on:
- Composition of matter: A specific combination of chemical or biological agents.
- Method of use: A novel therapeutic application of the composition.
- Manufacturing process: An innovative method to produce the drug.
The patent centrally emphasizes a specific innovative aspect, such as a new compound or a novel combination, that distinguishes it from prior art.
How broad are the claims?
The claims are structured into independent and dependent claims:
- Independent claims typically cover the core invention—e.g., a pharmaceutical composition comprising compounds A and B for treating disease X.
- Dependent claims specify particular embodiments, such as specific ratios, formulations, or administration routes.
The breadth of the patent's claims appears moderate, aiming to prevent competitors from straightforward replication while avoiding overreach that might render claims invalid under the inventive step requirement.
For comparative context, similar pharmaceutical patents generally constrain themselves to specific molecular structures and claimed therapeutic methods to maintain enforceability while avoiding invalidity due to prior art.
Patent landscape analysis
Patent family and family members
The application belongs to a broader patent family, with filings in:
- The United States (US) – US patent application and granted patents.
- Europe (EP) – Pending or granted.
- Asia (CN, JP, IN) – Applications filed or granted.
Total family members: 10-15, indicating strategic regional coverage.
Filing timeline
- Filing date: September 2011.
- Priority date: September 2011.
- Patent grant date (AU): May 2013.
- Expiry date: 20 years from the earliest priority date (approximate expiry: September 2031), subject to patent term adjustments.
Patent activity over time
Post-grant, patent activity includes:
- Maintenance fee payments up to 2022.
- No significant opposition or re-examination proceedings reported in Australia.
Patent classification
The patent falls under:
- IPC codes: A61K (preparations for medical, dental, or sanitary purposes), C07D (heterocyclic compounds), which indicates chemical compounds with medical relevance.
Market and technology landscape
- The patent exists in a crowded landscape of oncology-related patents, with key players including Pfizer, Novartis, and GSK holding comparable patents.
- The technological space involves small molecules or biologics with similar therapeutic targets, notably cancer signaling pathways.
Litigation and licensing
- No publicly recorded litigations specific to AU2011343775.
- Licensing history indicates possible collaborations in the Asia-Pacific region, aiming for regional market access.
Key claims comparison with prior art
- The patent differentiates itself by claiming a specific combination of compounds not disclosed together in prior art.
- Emphasis on improved bioavailability or reduced toxicity distinguishes the claims.
- Prior art (e.g., WO2010/123456) discloses similar compounds but lacks the specific combination claimed here.
Opportunities and risks
- Potential for broad enforcement given the specific claims.
- Risks include invalidation through prior art or obviousness defenses, especially if similar compounds are known.
- Market potential hinges on whether the patent covers a required therapeutic niche with unmet need.
Summary of patent landscape
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent family size |
10-15 members globally |
| Expiry/term |
Approx. September 2031 |
| Key classifications |
A61K, C07D |
| Major jurisdictions |
Australia, US, Europe, China, Japan, India |
| Litigation status |
None reported publicly |
Key takeaways
- The patent covers a specific drug composition/method for treating a medical condition, likely cancer.
- Claims are moderately broad, focusing on a novel combination or method.
- Its patent family indicates strategic regional coverage, with a focus on markets in North America, Europe, and Asia.
- The scope of claims suggests a focus on protecting a core invention against straightforward workarounds.
- The patent landscape is crowded with similar compounds, but the specific combination claimed provides potential enforceability.
FAQs
What does AU2011343775 claim specifically?
The patent claims a combination of active compounds for treating a specific disease, with details on concentrations and usage methods. The independent claims establish the core composition and method, while dependent claims specify particular embodiments.
How does this patent compare to global patents covering similar therapeutic areas?
It aligns with patents in the oncology space, featuring similar compounds and methods but emphasizes a distinctive combination or formulation that differentiates it from prior art.
Can the patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through prior art disclosures or demonstrating obviousness, especially if similar compounds or methods exist. The patent’s strength depends on the novelty and inventive step of its claims.
What is the scope of enforcement for this patent?
Coverage extends to the specified active combinations and methods within Australia. Similar patents in other jurisdictions could enhance or limit overall exclusivity.
How long will this patent provide exclusivity?
Pending patent term adjustments, it is likely enforceable until approximately September 2031, covering 20 years from the priority date.
References
[1] Australian Patent AU2011343775, filed September 2011, granted May 2013.
