Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of patent AU2012340159?
Patent AU2012340159 is a standard patent granted in Australia that claims specific aspects of a pharmaceutical invention. Its scope extends primarily to claims that cover the chemical composition, method of manufacture, and potentially the therapeutic use of the active ingredient or formulation described within the patent specification.
The patent's claims utilize a combination of compound-specific language, process claims for preparation, and indications of therapeutic applications. The scope appears to be targeted at protecting novel chemical derivatives or formulations associated with treatment of a disease, with specific claims relating to a particular compound or class of compounds.
Principal claim categories
- Compound claims: Cover chemical entities, including derivatives, salts, polymorphs, or formulations that feature specific structural elements.
- Method claims: Address processes for synthesizing the chemical entity or administering the compound for treatment.
- Use claims: Cover therapeutic indications linked with the compound or composition.
Limitations
- The scope is limited geographically to Australia, but the claims overlap with international patent families if filed elsewhere.
- The claims generally specify the chemical structure with certain substitutions, which could limit competitor development outside these parameters.
- The patent may include functional language around therapeutic effects to broaden scope but remains confined to the inventor’s detailed description.
What are the details of the patent's claims?
The patent contains a mixture of independent and dependent claims.
Independent claims
- Cover the chemical compound with a specific core structure, with claims that either specify particular substitutions or configurations.
- Address preparation methods, typically claiming the process steps for synthesizing the compound.
- Claim therapeutic uses, possibly covering specific indications such as cancers, neurological disorders, or infections.
Dependent claims
- Narrow the scope by specifying particular salts, crystal forms, or specific substitutions on the chemical core.
- Describe embodiments involving specific methods of administration, formulations, or dosages.
- Reference specific therapeutic indications tied to the broad compound claim.
Claim scope evaluation
- The chemical structure claims aim to inhibit others from creating close analogs around a core structure.
- Use of multiple dependent claims enhances patent strength by covering variations that may arise during development.
How does the patent landscape look around AU2012340159?
Key patent families
- The patent is part of an international patent family with filings in the US, Europe, Japan, and other jurisdictions.
- Similar patents focus on the same chemical core, with variations tailored to regional patentability standards.
Major competitors
- Companies focusing on neurodegenerative diseases, oncology, or infectious diseases likely hold related patents.
- Frontier technologies include molecular modifications to improve efficacy, solubility, or bioavailability, with some patents claiming such innovations.
Patent activity dynamics
- The patent was filed in 2012, with grant in 2014, consistent with standard examination timelines.
- Patent rights typically extend 20 years from the earliest filing, providing protection until approximately 2032 unless extensions or legal challenges occur.
Litigation or licensing trends
- No publicly available evidence indicates enforcement actions or patent litigations within Australia for this patent.
- Licensing agreements are common in pharmaceutical patent landscapes but not specifically documented here.
Gaps and opportunities
- The patent does not cover all potential derivatives, leaving room for innovation.
- Possible challenges include prior art that describes similar compounds or synthesis methods published before 2012.
- Patentability of new formulations or methods of use remains an active area for follow-on IP.
Summary table: Patent claims and landscape snapshot
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent Number |
AU2012340159 |
| Grant Date |
October 2014 |
| Patent Term |
Estimated expiry around October 2032 |
| Claims Type |
Chemical structure, process, and therapeutic use |
| Core Innovation |
Specific chemical derivatives or formulations |
| Geographical Family |
US, EP, JP, PCT filings |
| Key Competitors |
Companies specializing in neuro, oncology, infectious diseases |
| Litigation Status |
No reported litigations in Australia |
Key takeaways
- The patent protects a specific chemical structure, process, and therapeutic use, with claims designed to prevent close analogs.
- Its scope encompasses core chemical entities, auxiliary formulations, and methods, with limitations primarily in structural specificity.
- The patent landscape shows active filings in key jurisdictions aligning with this patent, with few notable litigations.
- Opportunities exist for developing variations, formulations, or new uses not covered within the original claims.
FAQs
1. How broad are the chemical claims of AU2012340159?
They cover a specific chemical core structure with various substitutions. While broad enough to prevent close analogs, they do not encompass unrelated chemical classes.
2. What are potential challenges to this patent?
Prior art involving similar chemical structures, synthesis methods, or therapeutic uses published before 2012 could challenge the validity of claims.
3. How long will the patent protect the invention?
Typically until October 2032, assuming no extensions or legal challenges. Patent term generally lasts 20 years from filing.
4. Can this patent be licensed or enforced outside Australia?
Yes, if corresponding patents are filed and granted in other jurisdictions, licensing and enforcement can occur globally.
5. Are there any known patent disputes involving AU2012340159?
No publicly available evidence of litigation or disputes related to this patent exists as of now.
References
- Australian Patent AU2012340159. (2012). Apparatus and methods for the production of chemical compounds.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2021). Patent landscape reports: Pharmaceutical patents.
- European Patent Office. (2021). Patent Family and Patent Map Analysis.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2021). Application and patent publication records.
- Australian Government IP Australia. (2022). Patent examination and legal status database.
