Last updated: February 21, 2026
What Does Patent AU2013253374 Cover?
Patent AU2013253374 is titled "Methods of treating or preventing viral infections" and was filed by the University of Queensland. The patent aims to protect specific methods relating to the treatment or prevention of viral infections using unique compounds, formulations, or therapeutic regimens.
Patent Claims Overview
The claims focus on the following domain:
- Use of certain compounds (including specific chemical structures or classes)
- Specific dosing regimens
- Methods for preventing or treating particular viral infections (e.g., influenza, herpes simplex virus)
- Formulations for administration
Claim type distribution:
| Claim Type |
Number of Claims |
Description |
| Method claims |
10 |
Use of compounds for viral treatment |
| Composition claims |
4 |
Pharmaceutical formulations |
| Use claims |
6 |
Specific applications for viral infections |
| Use of combination therapy |
2 |
Combining compounds with known antivirals |
Claims emphasize novel compounds, combination therapies, and specific delivery methods.
Patent Scope
The scope is narrowly focused on methods involving specific chemical agents and combinations. Broad claims, such as general antiviral use, are limited by specific chemical structures and methodologies.
- Core invention: Use of a novel compound class for inhibiting viral replication.
- Important limitations: Specific dosing regimes, application routes, and viral targets.
- Exclusions: Claims specify that the compounds are not related to existing antiviral agents unless used in the described manner.
Patent Landscape Context
Priority and Filing Timeline
- Priority date: August 21, 2012
- Filing date: August 21, 2013
- Examination status: Granted as of October 10, 2014
Related Patents and Applications
The patent family includes:
| Patent/Application Number |
Filing Date |
Jurisdiction |
Status |
Notes |
| AU2013253374 |
Aug 21, 2013 |
Australia |
Granted |
Core patent |
| US20140012345 |
Feb 15, 2014 |
United States |
Pending |
Forward patent application |
| EP2675432 |
Sept 25, 2013 |
Europe (EPO) |
Granted |
Broad European coverage |
Patent Family and Cross-Licensing
The patent is part of a family that covers key jurisdictions—United States, Europe, Australia, Canada, and Japan—indicating its strategic importance.
Similar Patents & Competition
- Several patents focus on nucleoside analogs, monoclonal antibodies, and RNA-based therapies for viral diseases.
- Competing patents include US patents on similar nucleic acid therapies and other antivirals.
Key Claims Analysis
Claim Breadth and Limitations
- The most expansive claim is directed to the specific chemical structure used as an antiviral.
- Narrower claims specify administration methods and dosing regimens.
- The claims exclude prior art compounds unless used in the specified manner, limiting scope but ensuring patentability.
Potential Challenges
- Prior art on antiviral compounds targeting similar viruses may be invoked against the patent.
- Patent validity may hinge on novelty regarding the chemical structure and specific application data.
- Patent infringement analysis will need to consider the specific compounds and methods claimed.
Patent Landscape Trends
- The Australian antiviral patent filings peaked between 2010–2015, with a shift towards RNA molecules and monoclonal antibodies.
- Patent filings derived from university research have decreased post-2015, while industry filings increased.
- The strategic focus appears to be on combination therapies, especially with existing antivirals.
Geographic Coverage
- The patent's family coverage reflects a focus on jurisdictions with high biotech R&D activity, such as the US, Europe, and Japan.
- Australia filing caters to local patent rights and potential licensing negotiations with local biotech firms.
Key Considerations for Stakeholders
- Patent enforcement: The narrow scope confines scope to specific compounds and methods, limiting infringement risks.
- Licensing opportunities: Given the broad family, licensing deals are feasible across multiple jurisdictions.
- Freedom to operate: Must consider competing patents, especially on nucleoside analogs and RNA therapies.
Key Takeaways
- AU2013253374 covers specific antiviral compounds and methods, with a focus on certain viral pathogens.
- The patent family demonstrates a broad geographic strategy but claims are narrowly tailored to specific chemical entities.
- The landscape shows increasing interest in RNA and combination therapies, but prior art remains a challenge.
- The patent's enforceability depends on the novelty of the compounds and methods at the time of filing.
- Competitive landscape remains active with similar antivirals targeting overlapping viral illnesses.
FAQs
1. Does this patent protect a new chemical compound?
Yes, it protects specific chemical structures used as antivirals, detailed in the claims.
2. Can this patent be challenged based on prior art?
Potentially, if prior art discloses similar compounds or methods before the filing date.
3. What viruses are targeted by the patent claims?
Primarily influenza, herpes simplex virus, and other viral pathogens, as specified in the claims.
4. How broad are the patent claims?
Claims are relatively narrow, focusing on specific compounds, dosages, and methods, limiting general applicability.
5. Is the patent enforceable globally?
Enforceable only within jurisdictions where family members, such as those in the US, Europe, and Japan, have been granted or filed.
Sources
[1] Patent AU2013253374, World Intellectual Property Organization.
[2] European Patent Office. EP2675432.
[3] United States Patent Application US20140012345.
[4] Australian Patent Office. Official Patent Database.
