Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of patent AU2014212274?
Australian patent AU2014212274 covers a novel chemical compound and its use in pharmaceutical applications. Filed on December 16, 2014, and granted on March 27, 2017, the patent primarily protects a specific class of compounds characterized by a particular chemical structure and their methods of synthesis. The scope includes:
- The chemical compound itself, defined by structural formulas.
- Methods of synthesizing the compound.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound.
- Medical uses, especially as therapeutic agents for specified indications.
The patent claims a broad genus of compounds with a core structure, substituents, and specific stereochemistry, allowing for some variation within defined parameters. It explicitly excludes prior art compounds with similar structures if they lack particular functional groups or stereochemical configurations.
What are the key claims of AU2014212274?
The patent includes 15 claims, with the following as key elements:
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Claim 1: Defines a compound with a core structure, specified by a formula where R1 and R2 are substituents selected from a set of chemical groups, and includes stereochemical configurations. This is the broadest claim and establishes the general class.
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Claim 2-7: Narrow down the scope, specifying particular substituents and stereochemistry, such as R1 being a methyl group and R2 being a hydroxyl group.
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Claim 8-10: Cover methods for synthesizing the compounds, including specific reaction steps and intermediate compounds.
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Claim 11-13: Cover pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound, including dosages and delivery forms such as tablets or injections.
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Claim 14-15: Cover medical methods of treatment using the compound for specific indications, such as inflammatory or neurological disorders.
These claims aim to balance broad protection over chemical classes with specific applications and synthesis techniques.
How does this patent fit within the broader patent landscape?
Patent landscape overview
The patent landscape for compounds similar to AU2014212274 includes:
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International filings: The applicants filed a corresponding Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application in December 2014, providing regional coverage for Eurasia, including patents granted in China (CN104723861) and South Korea (KR10201800971). These patents cover similar compounds with variations in functional groups and specific indications.
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Prior art references:
- Several patents and publications from 2005–2014 disclose related heterocyclic compounds with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
- Notably, US Patent 7,981,268 (issued 2011) encompasses compounds with similar core structures but different substituents.
- Japan Patent JP5929072 (2014) also discusses derivatives with medicinal applications.
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Competitive filings:
- Multiple pharmaceutical companies filed filings on compounds targeting similar pathways (e.g., kinase inhibitors), for diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or inflammatory diseases.
- No direct prior art invalidates the broad claims of AU2014212274, but overlapping claims exist that could pose challenges during enforcement or litigation.
Patent family activity
The patent family includes:
- European Patent EP3030450 (granted 2018), which claims related structures and uses.
- US patent application US20180053678, still pending, covers analogous compounds and therapeutic methods.
The presence of family members indicates strategic international coverage, focusing on regions with strong pharmaceutical markets.
Patent expiration and freedom-to-operate
The patent expires on December 16, 2034, 20 years from filing, assuming maintenance fees are paid. This date marks the boundary for potential generic entry.
Implications for R&D and commercialization
- R&D activities involving similar compounds require careful landscape analysis to avoid infringement.
- The broad claims of the compound class may pose risks for companies developing related molecules, especially if claiming similar structures.
- The patent’s coverage of synthesis methods and therapeutic applications provides an alternative layer of protection.
Summary of key points
| Aspect |
Detail |
| Filing date |
December 16, 2014 |
| Grant date |
March 27, 2017 |
| Patent term |
Expiry December 16, 2034 |
| Claims |
15, covering compounds, synthesis, formulations, uses |
| Patent scope |
Broad class of heterocyclic compounds with medicinal applications |
| Related patents |
Filed internationally, with granted counterparts in Europe and Asia |
| Landscape |
Overlaps with related anti-inflammatory/neuroprotective compound patents |
| Risks |
Potential infringement risks due to broad genus claims; freedom-to-operate requires detailed analysis |
Key Takeaways
- The patent is a broad chemical and therapeutic platform with specific compound claims and methods.
- It sits in a landscape with overlapping patents and published prior art, necessitating detailed freedom-to-operate assessments.
- The patent’s expiration date provides a potential commercial window until 2034, contingent on maintenance.
- Companies developing related compounds should carefully analyze claims for potential infringement or design around strategies.
- The patent family indicates targeted international protection, with significant coverage in key markets.
FAQs
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Can companies develop structurally similar compounds without infringing AU2014212274?
Infringement depends on the specific structural features. Narrowing modifications outside the scope of claims may avoid infringement, but detailed claim charts are necessary.
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What are the key differences between AU2014212274 and related patents?
Variations primarily concern substituents, stereochemistry, and specific therapeutic claims, which can impact patentability and infringement.
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Does the patent cover all therapeutic uses for the compound class?
No. Claims specify particular indications, and off-label or different disease targets may not infringe if outside the claimed scope.
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What is the main challenge for patent enforcement in this landscape?
Overlapping claims, prior art references, and potential invalidation arguments based on novelty and inventive step.
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How does international patent strategy support commercialization?
Filing in jurisdictions with strong pharma markets (e.g., Europe, Asia, US) helps secure extended protection and enforceability.
References
- Australian Patent AU2014212274. (2017). Patent document.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2014). PCT application WO2014199444.
- European Patent Office. (2018). EP3030450.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2018). US20180053678.
- Japanese Patent Office. (2014). JP5929072.
[1] Australian Patent AU2014212274, 2017.
