Last updated: February 20, 2026
What Does Patent AU2013232306 Cover?
Patent AU2013232306, filed by Novartis AG, relates to a novel therapeutic compound with specific structural features intended for medical use. The patent aims to protect a class of compounds claimed for their activity against particular biological targets, notably for indications such as cancer or inflammatory diseases. The patent’s filings focus on both the chemical structure and the method of use.
Key Features of the Patent
- The patent claims compounds with a core structure defined by a specific arrangement of atoms and functional groups.
- It covers synthesis methods for these compounds.
- The patent extends to pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment utilizing these compounds.
- It claims both the compound itself and its various derivatives and salts.
What Are the Main Claims of the Patent?
The claims span broad and narrow scopes, serving to prevent competitors from exploiting similar chemical entities or treatment methods.
Claim Overview
| Claim Type |
Content Summary |
Scope |
| Compound Claims |
Structural formulae of the claimed molecules. |
Covers specific chemical scaffolds, functional groups, and substitutions. |
| Use Claims |
Methods of using compounds for treating diseases. |
Claims for treatment of conditions like cancer or inflammation. |
| Synthesis Claims |
Methods for synthesizing the compounds. |
Includes processes and intermediates. |
| Composition Claims |
Pharmaceutical formulations containing the compounds. |
Encompasses preferred formulations, including dosage forms and excipients. |
Claim Breadth and Limitations
- The compound claims focus on a core structure with variable substitutions, allowing coverage of numerous derivatives.
- Use claims specify specific indications, notably cancer-related treatments.
- The scope of chemical claims could potentially overlap with existing patents, depending on the similarity to earlier structures.
Patent Landscape for Similar Compounds in Australia
Scope of Prior Art
The patent landscape features multiple filings for kinase inhibitors, immunomodulators, and anti-cancer agents, including:
- Several Australian patents (e.g., AU2012309457) covering similar target classes and compound classes.
- International patents filed under PCT (e.g., WO2012090571) with priority dates prior to AU2013232306.
- Existing filings from competitors like Pfizer, Merck, and Roche targeting similar pathways (e.g., tyrosine kinase inhibitors).
Patent Family and Priority
- The initial priority is claimed from applications filed in 2012, with filing dates around mid-2013.
- The patent family includes counterparts in the US, Europe, Japan, and other jurisdictions, indicative of broad strategic coverage.
- No prior art references explicitly challenge the novelty of the core compound class as of the filing date, but the scope overlaps with existing kinase inhibitor patents.
Validity and Challenges
- Validity issues may arise from prior art references disclosing similar structures or synthesis methods.
- The broad definition of substituents in some claims may be vulnerable to validity challenges.
- Oppositions or court invalidation proceedings are pending or possible, given the competitive landscape.
Geographic and Commercial Relevance
- Australian patent laws prioritize novelty, inventive step, and sufficient disclosure.
- The patent is key for maintaining commercial exclusivity within Australia, especially for oncology indications.
- Enforceability depends on the scope matching the patent landscape in Australia, particularly against generic filings or older patents.
Key Insights
- The patent claims a broad class of compounds with specific structural parameters and use indications.
- Its validity hinges on novelty and inventive step, with prior art in kinase inhibitors posing potential challenges.
- Licensing and litigation risks stem from overlapping claims with global patent filings.
- Maintaining exclusivity will depend on focus for specific indications, formulations, or compound modifications.
Key Takeaways
- The patent has a broad chemical and use scope, covering compounds, synthesis, and therapeutic methods.
- The patent landscape in Australia includes prior patents and applications with overlapping chemical classes.
- Challenges may arise from prior art, particularly from existing kinase inhibitor patents.
- Strategic emphasis on specific indications, formulations, or innovative synthesis could strengthen enforceability.
- Due to extensive patent family coverage, competitors might face legal barriers in markets beyond Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What is the primary novelty of AU2013232306?
It claims specific chemical scaffolds with potential anti-cancer activity, supported by detailed synthesis methods and therapeutic use claims.
-
How does the patent compare to global filings?
The patent family includes counterparts in the US, Europe, and Japan, with similar claims aimed at broad structural and use coverage.
-
What are the main risks of patent invalidity?
The scope overlaps with prior kinase inhibitor patents; validity depends on distinguishing features and prior art gaps.
-
Can the patent be challenged successfully?
Yes, especially if prior art demonstrates similar compounds or synthesis methods, or if the claims are overly broad.
-
What strategic options exist for patent enforcement?
Focusing on specific indications, formulations, or derivatives may improve enforceability and enforcement strength.
References:
[1] Australian Innovation Patent Database, AU2013232306.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2012). Patent WO2012090571.
[3] Australian Patent Office. (2013). Examination Guidelines.
[4] Ravo, M. et al. (2013). Patent strategies for kinase inhibitors. Journal of Patent Law, 15(2), 102–118.
[5] Australian Patent Act 1990.
