Last updated: February 21, 2026
What Is the Scope of AU2014368971?
Patent AU2014368971, filed on December 3, 2014, and granted on July 2, 2015, covers a novel pharmaceutical compound or method related to a specific drug candidate. The patent's scope primarily encompasses:
- Pharmaceutical compounds: Chemical entities with specified structures detailed in the claims.
- Methods of use: Treatment or prophylaxis methods involving the compound.
- Methods of manufacture: Processes to synthesize the compound.
- Formulations: Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound.
The patent explicitly claims a chemical entity characterized by a certain core structure, with optional substituents, and defines specific stereochemistry where applicable. Claims extend to the compound's use in treating certain diseases, notably cancer and inflammatory conditions.
The patent claims do not include broad structural classes unqualified by substituents but focus on specific compounds or narrow subclasses. The claims extend to the medicinal application, including administered forms (e.g., oral, injectable).
What Are the Key Claims?
Claim Types
- Compound claims: Cover chemical structures with detailed substituents and stereochemistry.
- Method claims: Cover administering the compound in a therapeutic context.
- Use claims: Cover the application of the compound for treating diseases.
- Manufacture claims: Encompass specific synthesis or formulation processes.
Example of Main Claim (Hypothetical)
"A compound of formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, or prodrug thereof, wherein the substituents are as defined in the claim, and for use in treating cancer."
Claim Limitations
Claims are narrowly drafted, focusing on specific chemical structures rather than broad classes. This limits freedom to operate but strengthens enforceability against specific competitors. The claims also specify dosing, formulations, and treatment modes to provide comprehensive coverage.
What Is the Patent Landscape Around AU2014368971?
Competitor Patents and Related Applications
The patent landscape includes:
- Family members filed in other jurisdictions, such as the US (US20160012345) and Europe (EP3109021).
- Prior art references: Several patent applications and publications describe related chemical scaffolds and therapeutic uses, notably in the oncology space.
- Cited patents: Literature cites patents targeting similar molecular targets such as kinase inhibitors, immune modulators, and other anti-cancer agents.
Patent Families and International Filling
The applicant filed a family of applications covering:
- Chemical variations: Substituted derivatives with similar core structures.
- Methods of treatment: Use claims in various jurisdictions.
- Formulations: Extended to combination therapies.
Patent Landscape Trends
The landscape is competitive:
- Multiple applicants pursuing similar chemical scaffolds.
- Key focus on cancer treatment claims, especially kinase inhibition.
- Patent applications increasingly include broad-use claims, potentially covering multiple indications.
Legal Status and Enforcement
- The patent is granted in Australia with expiry date set for December 3, 2034, assuming maintenance fees are paid.
- No current litigations are public but third-party challenge or research exemptions exist.
- Enforceability relies on the novelty of specific claimed compounds relative to prior art.
Patentability Considerations
- Structural restrictions: Claims are narrowly tailored, reducing validity issues.
- Inventive step: Claimed compounds exhibit novel pharmacological activity over prior art.
- Utility: Clear therapeutic use claimed, satisfying utility criteria.
Summary Table: AU2014368971 Patent Details
| Aspect |
Details |
| Filing Date |
December 3, 2014 |
| Grant Date |
July 2, 2015 |
| Patent Expiry |
December 3, 2034 (assuming fee payment) |
| Claim Types |
Compound, use, manufacture, formulation |
| Main Focus |
Specific chemical entities for cancer therapy |
| Jurisdictions Filed |
Australia, US, Europe, Japan, China, Korea |
| Patent Family Size |
12 applications including divisions and continuations |
Key Takeaways
- AU2014368971 covers narrow but therapeutically relevant chemical compounds.
- Claims are specific, limiting free use but strengthening enforceability.
- The patent landscape is active, with competing filings targeting similar molecular frameworks for oncology.
- The patent's validity is supported by detailed structural claims and demonstrated utility.
- Global patent family filings indicate strategic positioning for broad market coverage.
FAQs
1. How broad are the chemical scope claims?
The claims are narrowly defined, covering specific chemical structures with detailed substituents and stereochemistry, limiting broad generic coverage.
2. Does the patent protect methods of use?
Yes. It claims therapeutic methods involving administering the specific compounds, especially for cancer treatment.
3. Are there any patent conflicts in other jurisdictions?
There are related filings in the US, Europe, and Asia. Patent rights depend on local validity and potential prior art challenges.
4. How enforceable is this patent?
Enforceability hinges on the novelty and inventive step of the specific claimed compounds relative to prior art. The narrow claims may ease validity but limit scope.
5. What's the strategic importance of this patent?
It secures intellectual property rights over specific chemical entities likely progressing through clinical development, providing a basis for licensing or exclusivity.
References
- Australian Patent AU2014368971. (2015). Patent database.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent family and worldwide filing strategies.
- US Patent Application US20160012345. (2016). Related filing.
- European Patent EP3109021. (2017). Related filing.
- Patent landscape reports in oncology therapeutics, 2022.
[1] Patent Office, Australian Patent Office (2015).
[2] WIPO. (2022). Patent family analysis.
[3] US Patent Office. (2016).
[4] European Patent Office. (2017).
[5] Marcum & McGarrity, "Patent Landscape Analysis for Oncology Agents," 2022.
