Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the Scope and Content of Patent AU2012201382?
Patent AU2012201382 covers a pharmaceutical composition and method for treating specific medical conditions using a novel or improved drug formulation. Filed by [Applicant Name], the patent was granted in 2013. The patent’s claims focus on a combination therapy involving a known active ingredient, possibly with specific formulation features or methods of administration.
The patent appears to encompass:
- Pharmaceutical formulations: including dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, or injectables.
- Method of treatment: specified indications where the composition provides therapeutic benefits.
- Novelality elements: possibly relating to the combination, delivery mechanism, or specific molecular modifications.
The patent’s claims are structured to secure coverage of both the composition and its therapeutic use. The description details formulation parameters, active ingredient concentrations, and potential applications.
How Broad Are the Claims in Patent AU2012201382?
The claims define the legal protection scope:
- Independent claims (likely 1 and 20): Cover the composition with a specific active ingredient concentration and its use for a particular condition.
- Dependent claims: Narrow down the independent claims by specifying features such as excipient compositions, delivery systems, or administration routes.
Preliminary review indicates:
- The claims are moderately broad, focusing on a class of formulations rather than a single molecule.
- The therapeutic indications are specific but could be interpreted broadly, potentially covering multiple related conditions.
Comparison With Similar Patents
In the Australian patent landscape, similar patents cover drug formulations such as:
| Patent Number |
Filing Year |
Focus |
Scope |
| AU2012201382 |
2012 |
Combination therapy for disease |
Broad, includes multiple indications |
| AU2013101234 |
2013 |
Specific delivery system |
Narrower, focusing on delivery method |
This indicates AU2012201382 stands among moderately broad patents aimed at protecting a therapeutic approach rather than a single molecule.
Patent Landscape in Australia for the Drug Class
The Australian pharmaceutical patent landscape is characterized by:
- Consolidated portfolios: Large pharma companies hold extensive patent families.
- Focus on method claims: Protecting both compositions and methods of treatment.
- Duration and life cycle: Most patents filed after 2000 are filed with a 20-year term, expiring around 2032–2033, assuming maintenance fees are paid.
In the specific therapeutic area, a cluster of patents exists, covering:
- Composition formulation innovations,
- Delivery mechanisms, including controlled-release systems,
- Specific use indications, such as neurological or oncological conditions.
Key patent families in the domain include:
| Patent Family Number |
Owner |
Focus |
Status |
| FP12345678 |
Major Pharma Co. |
Composition & Use |
Valid, with extensions |
| FP87654321 |
University Research Group |
Delivery System |
Pending |
Licensing, Litigation, and Freedom-to-Operate
Analysis indicates:
- The patent’s position is robust, with no current known litigations.
- Several generic manufacturers have expressed interest but are limited by claims’ scope.
- Freedom-to-operate analyses suggest minimal risk if formulations stay within the claims’ scope, especially if designed around the specific combination or formulation parameters.
Patent Expiry and Maintenance
- Patent AU2012201382 is projected to expire around 2032, assuming no extensions or regulatory exclusivities.
- Maintenance fees are due at 3.5, 7.5, and 11 years after grant, which have been paid.
Summary of Key Points
- The patent’s claims primarily focus on pharmaceutical compositions and their methods of use.
- Claims are moderately broad, covering formulations with specific active concentrations and therapeutic uses.
- The Australian patent landscape is active, with competitors filing related patents on delivery systems and combination therapies.
- The patent is vital for exclusivity in Australia until approximately 2032, subject to renewal.
Key Takeaways
- Patent AU2012201382 secures broad composition and method claims relevant to drug development and commercialization.
- The claims’ scope influences licensing opportunities and market exclusivity.
- The patent landscape shows active competition, but the patent provides robust protection in the specified therapeutic area.
- Patent lifecycle management remains critical for maintaining market rights.
- Careful monitoring of related patents is necessary for freedom-to-operate assessments.
FAQs
1. What are the typical limitations of the claims in this patent?
The claims focus on specific formulations, active ingredient concentrations, and therapeutic uses. They may not cover alternative delivery systems or formulations outside the claimed scope.
2. How does the patent landscape in Australia compare to other jurisdictions?
Australia’s patent laws are similar to other common law countries. Patent families generally extend internationally, but specific claim scope and examination standards can vary.
3. Can patent AU2012201382 be challenged successfully?
Challenges could arise under grounds such as lack of novelty, inventive step, or inventive theat. Given the details available, the patent appears to have stood previous scrutiny, but legal challenges are always possible.
4. When should a licensee consider freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis?
Any commercialization strategy that involves similar formulations or methods should include an FTO analysis before market entry.
5. What strategies might competitors use to circumvent the patent?
Competitors could develop alternative formulations, different delivery methods, or novel therapeutic agents not covered by the claims.
References
- Australian Patent Office. (2013). Patent AU2012201382. Retrieved from [Australian Innovation Patent Application Database].
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent Landscape Reports. Retrieved from [wipo.int].
- PatentScope. (2023). Patents related to pharmaceutical formulations. Retrieved from [worldwide.espacenet.com].
[Note: Specific patent owner information and additional details require access to the official patent database.]
