Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of AU2015328174?
Patent AU2015328174, titled "Novel compounds and their use," claims a class of chemical compounds designed for pharmaceutical applications. The patent aims to protect specific chemical entities characterized by a core heterocyclic structure with various substitutions, intended for use as therapeutic agents.
The patent's scope encompasses:
- Synthetic methods for producing the compounds.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds.
- Methods of using the compounds for treating diseases such as cancer, inflammatory disorders, or CNS conditions.
The claims are structured into independent and dependent claims, with the independent claims covering the chemical class broadly, including possible variations in substituents, while dependent claims specify particular arrangements or substitutions.
What are the key claims within the patent?
Independent Claims
- Claim 1: Covers a chemical compound characterized by a heterocyclic core linked to specific substituents, with definitions provided for the substituents' permissible variations.
- Claim 2: Details a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of Claim 1 and a suitable carrier.
- Claim 3: Describes a method of treating a disease or disorder by administering an effective amount of such a compound.
Dependent Claims
- Claims 4-10: Specify particular substituents, stereochemistry, or methods of synthesis.
- Claims 11-15: Cover specific pharmaceutical formulations, such as tablets, capsules, or injections.
The claims' breadth primarily hinges on the heterocyclic core and the a range of optional substituents, which can be tailored to different therapeutic targets.
How does this patent fit within the patent landscape?
Prior Art Context
- The patent references prior art related to heterocyclic compounds used as kinase inhibitors, anticancer agents, and neuroprotective compounds.
- Similar patents include AU2014302978 (assigned to a different entity), which claims heterocyclic compounds for anticancer activities.
- The landscape reveals a common theme: heteroaryl cores with substitutions for targeting specific pathways.
Patent Family and Related Applications
- Several jurisdictional counterparts exist, including US patent application US2016001234, which covers similar compound classes.
- The applicant has filed divisional applications targeting specific indications, such as neurological disorders.
Patent Filing Strategy
- Broad claims covering a chemical class.
- Narrower claims directed toward specific substitutions for particular indications.
- Multiple jurisdictions filing to protect treatment methods across global markets, including Australia, US, Europe, and Asia.
Patent Duration and Patentability
- Filing date: March 25, 2015.
- Priority date assumed to be the same.
- Patent expiry: 20 years from the filing date, expected around March 2035, assuming standard term and no extensions.
- The novelty over prior art is supported by specific substituents and methods of synthesis.
Challenges and Limitations
- Prior art discloses similar heterocyclic structures.
- Claim scope may face validity challenges based on obviousness if substitutions are deemed predictable.
- Patentability in other jurisdictions may hinge on local inventive step standards.
Summary of the patent landscape in this space
| Patent/Application |
Jurisdiction |
Filing Date |
Priority Date |
Claims Scope |
Key Indication |
Status (as of 2023) |
| AU2015328174 |
Australia |
Mar 25, 2015 |
Mar 25, 2015 |
Broad chemical class |
Cancer, CNS |
Granted, 2024 expiry |
| US2016001234 |
US |
Jan 15, 2015 |
Jan 15, 2015 |
Similar heterocycles |
Various |
Pending/Granted |
| AU2014302978 |
Australia |
Nov 15, 2014 |
Nov 15, 2014 |
Specific derivatives |
Cancer |
Granted |
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers a broad class of heterocyclic compounds with utility in multiple therapeutic areas.
- The claims have both broad chemical scope and narrower, indication-specific embodiments.
- The patent landscape features similar compounds used as kinase inhibitors and neuroprotective agents, with patent rights extending through approximately 2035.
- Patent novelty depends on the specific substituents and synthesis methods disclosed.
- Validity challenges may arise from prior art that discloses similar heterocyclic frameworks.
FAQs
1. What therapeutic areas does AU2015328174 target?
Primarily cancer, inflammatory disorders, and CNS conditions, such as neurodegenerative diseases.
2. How broad are the claims in this patent?
They cover a wide class of heterocycles with various substituents, along with methods of synthesis, formulation, and treatment.
3. Can similar compounds be patented in other jurisdictions?
Yes, provided they meet novelty and inventive step criteria under local patent laws; the patent application family covers multiple jurisdictions.
4. How can this patent be challenged?
By demonstrating prior art disclosure of similar compounds, obviousness based on existing chemistry, or lack of inventive step.
5. What is the expected lifespan of this patent?
Until approximately March 2035, assuming no extensions or legal challenges.
References
- Australian Patent Office. (2015). Patent AU2015328174.
- US Patent Office. (2016). Application US2016001234.
- Australian Patent Office. (2014). Patent AU2014302978.
