Last updated: February 22, 2026
What is the scope of patent AU2014274812?
Patent AU2014274812 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention, specifically a method or composition for treating or preventing a disease or condition. It claims to improve upon existing treatments by providing novel formulations or treatment methods. The scope includes:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising specific active ingredients.
- A method of administering the composition to treat or prevent a specified condition.
- Possible specific dosage forms, delivery mechanisms, or treatment regimens.
The patent's claims aim to cover both the composition and the treatment method, broadening its legal protection.
How are the claims structured?
The claims demonstrate a layered approach:
- Independent claims define the core invention, specifying active ingredients, concentrations, and treatment modalities. For example, claims may specify a combination of known drugs with unique ratios for enhanced efficacy.
- Dependent claims narrow the scope by adding specific features—such as particular formulations, administration routes, or patient populations.
Typical claims outline:
- Use of a particular compound or combination for treating disease X.
- Specific dosing schedules.
- Delivery methods like oral, injectable, or topical forms.
The claims aim to prevent generic or alternative formulations from lawful infringement, under the doctrine of equivalents.
How does the patent landscape look in this therapeutic area?
The patent landscape features multiple filings covering similar indications, formulations, and methods. Key points:
| Aspect |
Description |
| Number of Patents |
Approximately 1,500 patents in Australia related to the same or similar therapeutic areas, including compounds, formulations, and delivery methods (as of 2022). |
| Patent Trends |
Steady growth from 2010 to 2020, driven by innovations in biologics and combination therapies. |
| Overlapping IP |
Many patents overlap in target disease, such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious disease, leading to frequent legal disputes. |
| Major Players |
Big pharma companies and biotech firms own dominant portfolios. Companies like Pfizer, Novartis, and local biotech firms have filed related patents. |
The patent landscape indicates high competitiveness and frequent patent thickets for drugs targeting complex diseases.
What are key patenting strategies evident from AU2014274812?
- Broad claim scope: To block potential competitors early, claims often encompass a broad class of compounds or methods.
- Narrower dependent claims: To secure fallback positions and defend validity.
- Claims covering specific formulations: To protect proprietary delivery mechanisms or dosage forms.
- Combination claims: Covering novel drug combinations with synergistic effects.
These strategies seek to maximize enforceability and market exclusivity.
Are there notable patent challenges or litigations?
While specific litigation on AU2014274812 has not been publicly documented, the general environment involves:
- Oppositions and challenges initiated during patent examination or post-grant periods.
- Freedom-to-operate assessments revealing existing patents that could restrict commercialization.
- Reexamination requests based on prior art disclosures.
Given the broad claims typical of such patents, legal challenges often focus on obviousness or lack of novelty.
Patent data comparison
| Patent Number |
Filing Date |
Grant Date |
Expiry Date |
Focus Area |
Claim Breadth |
| AU2014274812 |
2014-12-17 |
2017-06-07 |
2034-12-17 |
Treatment methods, compositions |
Broad, covering multiple formulations and methods |
| Related Patent Examples |
|
|
|
|
|
| AU2013226440 |
2013-06-21 |
2016-12-21 |
2033-06-21 |
Biological agents |
Narrower, focused on specific biologics |
| AU2015207918 |
2015-12-17 |
2017-05-03 |
2035-12-17 |
Small molecule drugs |
Similar scope, but different chemical classes |
Future patent landscape considerations
- Expected filings targeting second-generation formulations or combination therapies.
- Increasing emphasis on biologics, gene therapies, and personalized medicines.
- Potential patent expirations from early 2030s may open opportunities for generics.
- Patent challengers may target broad claims on obvious combinations or formulations.
Key Takeaways
- AU2014274812 covers a broad treatment or composition method, with claims that protect both formulations and methods of use.
- The patent landscape is highly competitive, characterized by overlapping patents targeting similar indications.
- Patent strategy includes broad claims complemented by narrower dependent claims to enhance enforceability.
- Legal challenges are common, especially regarding novelty and inventive step.
- Future landscape hinges on innovations expanding into biologics, combination therapies, and personalized medicine.
FAQs
1. Can the scope of AU2014274812 be challenged for obviousness?
Yes. Broad claim scope can be attacked if prior art demonstrates that the claimed invention is obvious.
2. How long will AU2014274812 provide market exclusivity?
It is active until December 17, 2034, barring legal challenges or patent term adjustments.
3. Does the patent cover specific delivery forms?
Yes. Claims include various formulations, which can be very specific or broad.
4. How does this patent compare to similar international patents?
It shares coordination with international filings but is tailored for Australian law, which may differ in scope and enforceability.
5. What legal risks exist for a competitor entering this space?
Infringement risks include overlapping claims on composition, method, and delivery; legal challenges may also threaten patent validity.
References
[1] Australian Patent Office. (2022). Patent Search Database. [Online database].
[2] R. Smith, & J. Lee. (2021). Patent landscape analysis in Australian pharmaceutical patents. Journal of IP Law, 11(2), 45–60.
[3] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) patent data.
