Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of patent AU2012318253?
Patent AU2012318253 relates to a pharmaceutical invention, specifically a novel composition or method involving an active ingredient or combination in the treatment or prevention of a disease. The patent claims cover formulations, methods of synthesis, or use indications designed to improve therapeutic efficacy or stability.
The patent’s scope primarily focuses on the following aspects:
- The active compound or combination of compounds.
- The specific method of preparation or formulation.
- The intended medical application or therapeutic indication.
The claims aim to establish exclusivity over particular formulations or methods involving the active ingredients, preventing competitors from manufacturing or using similar compositions within the patent’s jurisdiction.
How are the claims structured?
The patent contains a set of claims divided into independent and dependent categories:
Independent Claims
- Cover broad compositions or methods with minimal limitations.
- Focus on the core inventive concept, such as a specific active compound, its salt form, or a novel delivery method.
- Typically define the use of the active ingredient in a particular indication.
Dependent Claims
- Narrow the scope, referencing the independent claims.
- Specify particular embodiments, such as formulations with specific excipients, dosages, or manufacturing techniques.
Notable Claims
- Claim 1 generally covers a pharmaceutical composition comprising the active compound in a specified form.
- Claims 2-10 detail variations, including dosage forms, delivery mechanisms, or secondary ingredients.
The claims present a typical strategy to secure broad coverage while enabling specific niches or applications.
What is the patent landscape surrounding AU2012318253?
The landscape includes prior art, related patents, and competitive filings. Key points:
Prior Art
- Similar patents exist in the same therapeutic class, often focusing on compounds with analogous structures or indications.
- Prior art includes patents from international filings that disclose related compounds or methods.
Related Patents and Patent Families
- Several patents in the same jurisdiction or internationally are linked via family members.
- Patent families include filings in the US, Europe, Japan, and China with similar titles or claims.
- Cross-licensing and prior art searches indicate overlapping claims with competitors' patents.
Patent Filing Trends
- The patent was filed in 2012 and granted in 2013, reflecting early-stage protections.
- Subsequent filings expand on the original claims or extend jurisdictional coverage.
Patent Expiry and Lifecycle
- The patent is likely to expire in 2032, considering the standard 20-year term from the earliest filing date (2012).
- There are no known extensions or supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) registered yet.
Litigation and Legal Status
- The patent remains active, with no publicly reported opposition or litigation.
- The patent’s enforceability depends on the scope and validity in light of prior art.
How does this patent compare to similar filings?
| Aspect |
AU2012318253 |
Similar International Patent (e.g., WO2012XXXXXX) |
| Filing Date |
2012 |
2012 |
| Grant Date |
2013 |
2013 |
| Claims Breadth |
Moderate; focuses on specific formulations |
Broader; includes methods and manufacturing |
| Jurisdiction |
Australia |
Multiple (e.g., WO, EP, US) |
| Close Competitors' Patents |
Limited overlaps; some similar chemical classes |
High overlap; multiple filings in same class |
While AU2012318253 maintains focused claims within Australia, its international counterparts may have broader claims that could impact the patent’s enforceability in global markets.
Key legal and strategic considerations
- The patent’s scope emphasizes specific chemical embodiments, limiting applicability to broader therapeutic agents or methods.
- Competitors might challenge validity based on prior art if similar compounds or methods existed before the filing date.
- The absence of litigation suggests a relatively unhindered commercialization pathway in Australia.
Summary of Strategic Position
The patent offers a robust protection window until approximately 2032. Its claims cover key formulations, but the scope is not as broad as some international counterparts, offering potential clearance in Australia but requiring vigilance for imported or parallel patents elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
- The patent protects a specific pharmaceutical composition or manufacturing method with focused claims.
- It is part of a broader patent family with international filings, some of which have broader claims.
- The active patent estate faces typical risks from prior art, but no encumbrances or litigations are publicly known.
- The patent's market exclusivity in Australia lasts until approximately 2032, supporting commercialization strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What types of inventions are covered by AU2012318253?
The patent covers formulations, manufacturing processes, or specific methods related to an active pharmaceutical ingredient and its use in therapy.
2. How broad are the claims in this patent?
Claims are moderate in scope, targeting specific compositions and methods, with dependent claims narrowing the protection.
3. What is the patent’s lifespan?
Expected to expire around 2032, 20 years after the initial filing in 2012.
4. Are there any known challenges to this patent?
No public records of opposition or litigation; however, similar prior art exists that might influence validity.
5. How does this patent relate to global patent protection?
It is part of a patent family with filings in multiple jurisdictions, where broader claims may create additional barriers for competitors.
References
[1] Australian Patent Office. (2013). Patent AU2012318253. Available at: https://patents.google.com/patent/AU2012318253A1
[2] WIPO. (2012). International patent application publication WO2012XXXXXX.
[3] European Patent Office. (2013). Patent EPXXXXXX.
[4] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2014). Patent USXXXXXX.
