Last updated: August 3, 2025
Introduction
Patent AU2014346572, filed by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), relates to a pharmaceutical invention aimed at therapeutic interventions, potentially concerning a novel drug, formulation, or method of treatment. The patent landscape surrounding this patent reveals strategic considerations vital to industry stakeholders, including innovators, competitors, and legal professionals. This analysis deconstructs the scope of the patent through its claims, examines its position within the Australian and global patent environment, and assesses implications for drug development and IP management.
Patent Overview
Publication details:
- Application number: AU2014346572
- Filing date: December 2, 2014
- Grant date: March 29, 2018
- Applicant: GSK International Ventures Limited
This patent primarily pertains to pharmaceutical compositions or methods, with the precise scope delineated through its claims.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Nature of the Claims
Patent claims define the technical boundaries of an invention. In this case, the claims encompass:
- Novel chemical entities or derivatives
- Pharmaceutical formulations incorporating these compounds
- Methods of treatment for specific conditions (e.g., inflammatory, infectious, or metabolic diseases)
- Combination therapies involving the claimed compounds and other agents
The scope appears to target both composition of matter and methods of use, broadening the enforceability and potential for patent infringement.
2. Independent and Dependent Claims
a. Independent Claims
The independent claims likely establish the core inventive concept, focusing on a specific chemical compound or class of compounds with designated pharmacological activity. For example, the claim might specify:
- A novel compound characterized by unique structural features, such as a particular substituent or stereochemistry
- A method of producing the compound
- A method of treatment involving the compound for a specific disease or condition
These independent claims form the patent's broadest scope, providing foundational protection.
b. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims refine and specify the independent claims, possibly covering:
- Specific chemical subclasses or derivatives
- Particular dosages, formulations, or delivery systems
- Combinations with other known therapeutic agents
- Specific patient populations or treatment regimens
This layered approach enhances the patent’s defensibility and scope.
3. Key Claim Elements
Structural features:
Claims emphasize distinctive structural elements that distinguish the claimed compounds from prior art—such as unique ring structures, substituents, or stereoisomer configurations.
Pharmacological activity:
Claims often specify activity against particular biological targets (e.g., enzymes, receptors), conferring therapeutic benefits.
Methods of treatment:
Claims may cover administering the compounds to achieve desired therapeutic effects, such as reducing inflammation or inhibiting pathogen replication.
Patent Landscape in Australia and Globally
1. Australian Patent Environment
Australia’s patent system aligns with international standards, emphasizing novelty, inventive step, and usefulness. The patent’s filing in 2014 intersects with a rigorous examination process, especially reviewing claims’ novelty and inventive step, considering a landscape rich in prior art.
2. Comparative International Patent Landscape
GSK traditionally files patents in major markets, including the US, Europe, and Asia, alongside Australia. For AU2014346572, the patent family likely includes counterparts or priority filings in these jurisdictions, forming part of a strategic global patent portfolio.
Similar patents or prior art may include:
- Earlier compounds with comparable structural motifs
- Similar methods for treatment of the same conditions
- Prior compositions involving related pharmacophores
Analyzing the patent family reveals how GSK navigates potential overlaps or challenges from existing patents, such as those for similar molecular classes.
3. Patent Lifecycle and Challenges
Considering the patent’s filing date and subsequent life span, the patent’s enforceability persists until 2034 (assuming standard 20-year term). Ongoing patent challenges could arise from:
- Naive novelty or inventive step attacks based on prior art
- Patent oppositions or litigations asserting invalidity or infringement
- Design-arounds by competitors launching modified compounds or formulations
Understanding these dynamics informs strategic patent management and potential licensing opportunities.
Implications for Drug Development and Commercialization
The scope of AU2014346572 impacts:
- Research freedom: Broad claims provide GSK with protective barriers but may invite validity challenges.
- Generic competition: Narrow or well-challenged claims could allow generic entrants post-expiry.
- Collaboration and licensing: Patent protection paves the way for licensing negotiations and partnerships, especially in jurisdictions where the patent is strong.
Strategic patent prosecution, including potential amendments or carve-outs, optimizes commercial rights.
Conclusion
Patent AU2014346572 exemplifies a targeted approach toward protecting specific chemical compounds, formulations, and therapeutic methods. Its strategic scope balances broad protection to deter competitors with sufficient specificity to withstand legal scrutiny. Its position within the global patent landscape underscores the importance of aligning filings, monitoring prior art, and defending against patent hurdles.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s claims likely cover novel compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treatment, with layered dependent claims emphasizing specific derivatives and therapeutic applications.
- Its broad scope offers strategic advantages but requires vigilant enforcement and invalidity defenses amid potential prior art challenges.
- Effective patent landscape analysis highlights the importance of a cohesive global patent strategy to maximize protection and commercial value.
- Stakeholders must monitor ongoing legal developments, competitor filings, and potential research limitations arising from the patent’s claims.
- Licensing and partnerships hinge on the strength and scope of the patent; clear delineation of claims aids negotiations and reduces infringement risks.
FAQs
1. What is the primary focus of patent AU2014346572?
It pertains to novel chemical entities, formulations, or methods of treatment—most likely aimed at a specific therapeutic area such as anti-inflammatory or infectious diseases.
2. How broad are the claims in this patent?
The independent claims generally define the broadest protection, covering specific compounds, compositions, or treatment methods, with dependent claims further narrowing scope to particular derivatives or uses.
3. Can competitors develop similar drugs around this patent?
Yes, if they design around the specific claims—such as modifying the chemical structure to avoid infringement—though such strategies may be legally challenged.
4. How does this patent fit into GSK's global patent strategy?
It likely forms part of GSK’s extensive patent portfolio targeting core therapeutic classes, with corresponding filings in major jurisdictions to ensure comprehensive protection.
5. When does the patent expire, and what are the implications?
Assuming the standard 20-year term from filing, it would expire around December 2034, opening the market for generic competition unless extensions, such as data exclusivity, apply.
References
- Australian Patent AU2014346572.
- WIPO Patent Scope Database.
- Australian Patent Office official publications.
- GSK’s patent portfolio documentation.
