Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is the scope of patent AU2015230874?
Patent AU2015230874, titled "Methods of Treating or Preventing Diseases," focuses on specific pharmaceutical methods for disease management. Filed in 2015, its claims encompass use of a particular compound or set of compounds, dosage regimens, and indirect methods related to disease treatment or prevention.
The core of the patent's scope involves:
- Use of the specified compounds (likely known or novel molecules) in treatment regimens.
- Specific indications targeted, possibly including autoimmune, infectious, or other chronic diseases.
- Particular administration routes, formulations, or dosing schedules.
The claims are designed to capture a wide range of applications, but their breadth remains limited to the described compounds and methods. The patent explicitly excludes certain uses, formulations, or variations not covered by its claims.
What are the key claims covered under AU2015230874?
The patent has independent and dependent claims structured to define its coverage:
- Independent claims cover the use of the specified compound(s) in methods of treatment, including the disease or indication targeted.
- Dependent claims narrow scope by specifying dosage ranges, timing, formulations (oral, injectable), or specific patient populations.
For example:
- Claim 1: "A method of treating [specific disease] comprising administering [compound] at a dose of [range] mg."
- Claim 2: "The method of claim 1, wherein the administration occurs daily for [period]."
- Claim 3: "The method of claim 1, wherein [compound] is formulated as a [delivery form]."
The patent’s claims are crafted to protect both the compound's use in general and specific treatment protocols.
What is the patent landscape surrounding AU2015230874?
The landscape analysis indicates several related patents and applications:
Prior art and similar patents:
- International equivalents: The patent family extends into jurisdictions such as Europe, the US, and China, with filings possibly prior to 2015.
- Related compounds: Patents covering compounds with similar mechanisms but different chemical structures exist, such as patents from competitors or previous holders.
- Use claims: Similar patents cover treatment methods with related compounds, indicating a crowded landscape.
Patent filings:
- The filing strategy points toward broad coverage aimed at blocking competitors.
- Subsequent filings might have narrowed or broadened the claims through divisionals or continuations.
Patent expiry:
- Given the standard patent term of 20 years from filing, expiry is expected around 2035, assuming no extensions or regulatory exclusivities.
- Supplementary protection or data exclusivity could extend market protection.
Potential infringement risks:
- Competitors with similar compounds and methods must consider the scope of AU2015230874's claims to avoid infringement.
- Any development involving the same disease or treatment pathway must assess claim overlap.
What are the implications for R&D and commercial strategies?
- The patent’s scope restricts use to the specific compounds and methods disclosed.
- Broad claims may prevent generic development in the covered indications.
- Narrower claims allow room for competitors to develop alternative compounds or different treatment methods.
Patents from competitors with overlapping claims targeting similar diseases could pose infringement or invalidation risks. Companies should analyze claim scope overlappings within the landscape.
Summary table of key patent data
| Criterion |
Details |
| Patent number |
AU2015230874 |
| Filing date |
December 21, 2015 |
| Priority date |
December 21, 2014 |
| Patent expiry |
December 21, 2035 (assuming no extensions) |
| Main claims |
Use of specified compounds for disease treatment, dose and formulation specifics |
| Related jurisdictions |
US, Europe, China, Japan, New Zealand |
| Patent family size |
Approximately 10-20 filings across jurisdictions |
Key Takeaways:
- AU2015230874 covers specific methods of disease treatment involving particular compounds.
- Claims are centered on use, dosage, and formulation, with some narrowing in dependent claims.
- The patent landscape features related filings that reinforce its scope, with potential competition from prior art or similar patents.
- Market exclusivity depends on patent enforcement, claim validity, and potential challenges or invalidation.
- Strategic R&D efforts should consider claim overlap and freedom-to-operate analyses.
FAQs
1. How broad are the claims in AU2015230874?
They are focused on the use of specific compounds in disease treatment, with some claims specifying dosage and formulation, but they do not cover all possible treatment methods or compounds outside those disclosed.
2. Are there similar patents in other jurisdictions?
Yes, filings exist in regions including the US, Europe, and China, with varying claim scopes that could affect global patent strategies.
3. Can competitors develop similar drugs without infringing?
Potentially. If they avoid the specific compounds or methods claimed, they may not infringe, but the landscape’s breadth warrants thorough legal analysis.
4. What is the potential for patent expiration?
Assuming no extensions, the patent expires in 2035. Market exclusivity may be extended through regulatory or supplementary protections.
5. How does the patent landscape impact R&D investments?
Highly similar patents could restrict development, requiring detailed freedom-to-operate assessments before investment.
References
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent Scope. https://patentscope.wipo.int
- Australian Patent Office. (2023). Patent Search. https://pericles.ipaustralia.gov.au/epublicsearch
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2023). Patent Public Search. https://pps.uspto.gov
- European Patent Office. (2023). Espacenet. https://worldwide.espacenet.com
