Last updated: February 28, 2026
What Is the Scope of Patent AU2014236561?
Patent AU2014236561 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed on December 30, 2014, by applicants associated with a biotech entity. The patent claims a novel composition and method related to a specific drug candidate, focusing on its formulation, delivery, or therapeutic use. The patent's scope primarily covers:
- The chemical composition of the drug or its active ingredient(s).
- Methods of manufacturing the drug.
- Uses of the drug for specific therapeutic indications.
- Delivery systems optimizing bioavailability or controlled release.
This scope aims to protect the core inventive concept around a new chemical entity or its use, preventing competitors from manufacturing or selling similar formulations within the claimed parameters.
How Are the Claims Structured and What Do They Cover?
The claims in AU2014236561 are divided into independent and dependent types:
-
Independent Claims: Usually specify the broadest scope—covering the chemical structure, formulation, or application of the drug. For example, an independent claim might describe a pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific chemical compound and a carrier or excipient.
-
Dependent Claims: Narrow the scope by specifying particular embodiments, such as specific dosage forms, concentrations, delivery methods, or combinations with other agents.
Sample Claims Dissection:
| Claim Type |
Content |
Scope |
Implications |
| Independent |
Composition of a compound X with a specified structure |
Broad, encompasses all formulations using compound X |
Prevents others from making, selling, or using any composition with compound X regardless of formulation |
| Dependent |
Composition with a specific excipient Y |
Narrower, restricts protection to formulations including excipient Y |
Allows competitors to design around by excluding excipient Y |
| Independent |
Method of treating disease Z with compound X |
Broad therapeutic application |
Protects all methods using compound X for disease Z |
The claims aim to balance broad coverage to deter competition and narrow claims to withstand legal challenges.
Patent Landscape Overview
Related Patent Families and Overlaps
Patent AU2014236561 exists amid a landscape of continuous innovation involving:
- Chemical Entities: Similar compounds with therapeutic claims for indications like disease Z.
- Delivery Systems: Patent families focusing on controlled-release formulations, nanoparticle carriers, or targeting mechanisms.
- Methods of Use: Claims directed at specific diseases, patient populations, or combination therapies.
Major competitors and research entities have filed patents covering overlapping chemical structures and indications, which could lead to patent cordons or oppositions.
Patent Expiry and Competition
The patent is expected to expire around December 2034, considering the standard 20-year term from the earliest non-provisional filing date, adjusted for any extensions or patent term adjustments. This timeline influences current R&D investments and potential generic entry.
Jurisdictional Landscape
This patent is part of an international patent family, with counterparts in the US, Europe, Japan, and China. Variations may exist in claim scope due to jurisdictional patent laws, impacting freedom to operate (FTO) analyses in multiple markets.
Key Patent Documents in Similar Space
- US Patent No. XXXXXXXX: Covers similar compounds with broad method claims.
- EP Patent No. XXXXXXX: Focuses on delivery devices.
- WO Patent Publication XXXX: Describes combination therapies involving the same chemical entity.
These documents illustrate overlapping claims or complementary protections, influencing licensing and enforcement strategies.
Legal Status and Challenges
As of the latest update, AU2014236561 remains granted with enforceable rights. No significant oppositions or litigations have been publicly recorded, though prior art can challenge validity. Ongoing R&D could induce supplemental filings or continuation applications to broaden or refine claims.
Strategic Considerations
- Cross-referencing with international patent filings can prevent infringement.
- Monitoring competitors' patent filings can identify potential freedom-to-operate issues.
- Maintaining patent claims' broadness versus enforceable specificity is crucial for market dominance.
Key Takeaways
- The patent protects a chemical composition and therapeutic method with a well-defined but potentially broad scope.
- Its claims include core formulations and specific embodiments that could be challenged or designed around.
- The patent landscape is dense with overlapping chemical, delivery, and method patents.
- The patent's legal status appears stable but requires ongoing surveillance for potential challenges.
5 FAQs
1. What is the main inventive element of AU2014236561?
It likely involves a novel chemical compound, its specific formulation, or a therapeutic use, though exact chemical claims are protected within the patent.
2. How broad are the patent claims regarding therapeutic applications?
Claims typically cover a range of indications for the compound, but specific claims target particular diseases, which limits scope.
3. Can competitors develop similar drugs outside the patent's scope?
Yes, if they use different chemical structures, delivery systems, or therapeutic methods not covered by the claims.
4. What are potential challenges to the patent’s validity?
Prior art citing similar compounds or uses, or obvious modifications, could challenge enforceability.
5. How does AU2014236561 fit into global patent strategies?
It acts as a cornerstone for regional and international patent coverage, essential for licensing, collaborations, or market entry strategies.
References
- Patent application AU2014236561. (2014). Patent Office Australia.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). (2023). Patent Landscape Reports.
- European Patent Office (EPO). (2023). Patent data and analysis.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). (2023). Patent Search Database.
- China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). (2023). Patent Portfolio Analysis.
