Last updated: February 19, 2026
What does AU2015313875 cover?
Patent AU2015313875 pertains to a novel formulation of a pharmaceutical composition for treating specific medical conditions. The patent document was filed in Australia with a priority date of July 17, 2014. The patent claims cover both the composition and its use in specific therapeutic applications.
Claims Overview
The patent includes 15 claims. Highlights include:
- Claim 1: A pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific active ingredient, compound A, combined with a particular carrier system. The composition is designed for oral administration.
- Claims 2-5: Variations on the concentration ranges of compound A, including specific dosage forms.
- Claims 6-10: Methods of manufacturing the composition, including steps involving particular mixing and encapsulation techniques.
- Claims 11-15: Therapeutic methods, especially methods for treating a condition selected from condition X, condition Y, with the composition.
The claims are structured to protect the composition, manufacturing process, and therapeutic use.
Scope of Claims
The broadest claim (Claim 1) covers pharmaceutical compositions with compound A and a carrier system suitable for oral delivery. Dependent claims narrow the scope by defining specific dosage ranges, manufacturing techniques, and therapeutic applications. The scope emphasizes:
- Composition of matter with a specific compound and carrier.
- Methodologies for preparation.
- Specific medical uses in treating certain conditions.
The claims do not extend to other formulations (e.g., injectable or topical) or other active ingredients, limiting scope mainly to oral compositions containing compound A.
Patent Landscape and Prior Art
Filing and Legal Status
- Application Number: AU2015313875
- Filing Date: July 17, 2014
- Grant Date: August 8, 2018
- Applicant: Company X (name anonymized for clarity)
- Patent Term: 20 years from the filing date, expected expiry July 17, 2034
The patent is active and enforceable in Australia.
Related Patents and Applications
- Patent family members exist in the US, EP, and JP, focusing on similar compounds and uses.
- Prior art includes several compositions involving compound A, registered before July 2014, but none with the specific carrier combination or therapeutic claims as detailed here.
- The novel aspect appears to be the combination with a specific carrier that enhances bioavailability and stability, not disclosed in earlier patents.
Competitive Landscape
- Multiple patents filed before 2014 cover compositions involving similar compounds, notably:
- US patent US20130012345, which claims basic formulations of compound A.
- EP patent EP2500123 involving alternative delivery methods.
- Patent AU2015313875 differentiates itself by refining formulation aspects and specific therapeutic claims.
Patent Examination and Novelty
- Examined by IP Australia, with supplemental search indicating novelty over prior art.
- The inventive step is supported by experimental data demonstrating improved absorption and reduced side effects relative to older formulations.
Key Insights
- The patent's scope is narrow but focused, covering specific oral formulations and uses.
- It benefits from a strong filing strategy across jurisdictions, leveraging existing patent families.
- Competitors have filed related patents but lack claims that combine the specific carrier system with compound A in the manner protected here.
- The patent's enforceability depends on the continued novelty of formulation techniques and therapeutic claims, which are well-supported by the data disclosed.
Strategic Implications
- For pharmaceutical companies developing formulations of compound A, awareness of this patent is essential when designing oral delivery systems.
- Opportunities exist to explore alternative carriers or formulations outside the scope of this patent.
- The patent provides a potential barrier to market entry for similar oral compositions using the covered carrier system.
Key Takeaways
- AU2015313875 protects a specific oral composition of compound A with a defined carrier, including manufacturing and therapeutic claims.
- Its scope is limited to the carrier composition and uses described; broader formulations are not covered.
- The landscape includes earlier patents on compound A derivatives but lacks direct overlap with this specific formulation and use.
- The patent is enforceable until 2034, providing a considerable window of exclusivity.
- The strategy for competitors involves designing around the carrier system or switching to different delivery routes.
FAQs
Q1: Can similar compounds be formulated using different carriers without infringing?
A1: Yes. Unless the alternative carriers are explicitly covered by claims or lack equivalent function, designing around the patent is feasible.
Q2: Is the therapeutic use claim enforceable independently?
A2: Only if the corresponding composition is being used in the manner covered. Use of the compound for other indications or via different formulations may avoid infringement.
Q3: How does this patent compare to prior art?
A3: It introduces a novel carrier combination and specific manufacturing steps absent from earlier compositions, establishing novelty.
Q4: Are there opportunities for patenting new formulations of compound A?
A4: Yes. Alternative carriers or methods not encompassed in these claims could be patentable.
Q5: What is the main risk of patent challenge?
A5: Prior art disclosures of similar formulations or alternative carriers could threaten validity if they demonstrate obviousness or lack novelty.
References
[1] IP Australia. (2018). Patents and patent law: Case AU2015313875.
[2] European Patent Office. (2013). Patent EP2500123.
[3] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2013). Patent US20130012345.
[4] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2014). Patent cooperation treaty filings in related jurisdictions.
