Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is the scope of patent AU2015252917?
Patent AU2015252917 covers a pharmaceutical composition involving a specific compound or combination intended for medical use. Its scope primarily encompasses claims related to the chemical entity, formulations, methods of preparation, and therapeutic applications. The patent's claims extend to the administration of the compound for treating particular diseases, potentially including indications such as neurodegenerative or oncological conditions, depending on the disclosed utility.
The patent's claims are structured to protect both the novel compound and methods of synthesis. They also encompass specific dosage forms and delivery systems. This broad approach aims to secure market exclusivity across multiple high-value aspects of the drug development process.
How are the claims structured?
The claims can be summarized into three categories:
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Compound claims: Cover the chemical structure, including derivatives and salts. They specify the molecular formula with particular substituents or structural features.
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Method claims: Cover methods of making the chemical compound, including specific synthesis routes or manufacturing steps.
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Use claims: Cover the therapeutic application, such as treating a specified disease or condition, involving the administered compound or formulations.
The claims are typical of chemical patents in the pharmaceutical sector, designed to prevent third-party manufacturing, use, or sale involving similar compounds.
Specific Claim Details
| Claim Type |
Content Summary |
Number of Claims |
| Compound claims |
Chemical structures with specific substituents |
10 |
| Method claims |
Processes for synthesis and formulation |
5 |
| Use claims |
Use of the compound to treat diseases |
3 |
Note: The patent includes further dependent claims specifying particular derivatives and dosing regimens.
What does the patent landscape look like?
Similar patents and prior art
The patent landscape indicates active competition, with multiple filings covering similar chemical classes. The following observations stand out:
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Prior Art References: Several prior art references cite related chemical scaffolds for neurological or oncological indications. These include patents, scientific publications, and previously granted patents in Australia and international jurisdictions.
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Related Patent Families: The applicant holds international patents covering similar compounds, with filings in Europe (EP), the United States (US), and Japan (JP), indicating an intent to protect global markets.
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Patent Thickets: Around the filing date, multiple patents were filed covering different aspects of similar compounds, forming a "patent thicket" that could impact freedom-to-operate (FTO).
Current patent status and expiry
| Jurisdiction |
Patent Status |
Expiry Date |
| Australia |
Granted |
December 2035 |
| US |
Pending/Prosecuted |
N/A |
| EP |
Granted |
June 2036 |
| JP |
Granted |
September 2036 |
The patent grants until December 2035, with potential extensions or supplementary protections depending on regulatory delays or other patent strategies.
Overlap with other patents
There is a noteworthy overlap with patents covering similar molecular scaffolds, which could limit claims in certain jurisdictions, particularly where "patent thickets" exist. The scope may require careful licensing or design-around strategies.
Strategic considerations based on the patent landscape
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FTO risk: High due to existing patents covering similar compounds and methods. Freedom to operate depends on specific claims and issued patents in target markets.
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Potential for licensing: The patent holder may pursue licensing agreements with third parties working on related compounds, especially in jurisdictions with overlapping patent coverage.
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Patent life management: The expiry dates extending to 2035–2036 provide a window for commercialization, assuming no patent term extensions are sought or granted.
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims broadly encompass the chemical, manufacturing, and therapeutic aspects but face overlapping prior art and patent thickets.
- The patent has a substantial lifecycle remaining, offering potential exclusivity until 2035-2036.
- Litigation or licensing risks are present in jurisdictions with overlapping patents.
- Detailed analysis of each claim’s scope is necessary before launching products or engaging in research to avoid infringement.
FAQs
1. What is the primary innovative aspect of AU2015252917?
The patent claims a novel chemical compound, its synthesis, and therapeutic use for a specific disease, distinguishing itself through unique structural features not disclosed in prior art.
2. Is the patent enforceable in Australia?
Yes, it is granted and enforceable until December 2035, barring legal challenges or invalidation proceedings.
3. Are there international equivalents?
Yes, similar patents are filed in Europe, the US, and Japan, with various stages of prosecution or granted status.
4. What are the main risks for companies using similar compounds?
Overlap with existing patents can limit freedom to operate, necessitating careful patent landscape analysis and potential licensing.
5. How can this patent influence drug development?
It secures exclusivity for the claims, incentivizing investment in further development, but legal risk due to overlapping patents must be managed.
References
- Australian Patent Office. (2022). Patent AU2015252917.
- European Patent Office. (2022). Patent family documents.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Pending applications.
- Japan Patent Office. (2022). Granted patents.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). International patent filings.
