Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
Patent AU2016204689, titled "Method of preparing a nutraceutical composition," was granted by the Australian Patent Office (IP AU 2016 204689) and pertains to innovations in the formulation of nutraceuticals. This patent plays a significant role within the biologics and dietary supplement sectors, especially with the rising global focus on health and wellness. This analysis provides an in-depth review of its scope, claims, and position within the broader patent landscape, offering insights for industry stakeholders.
Patent Overview
Filing and Grant Timeline
The application was filed on August 31, 2016, and granted on June 21, 2018. Its priority date is August 31, 2015, possibly based on an earlier provisional application, establishing the earliest date of invention.
Inventors and Assignee
The patent lists inventors associated with Australian research institutions or companies specializing in nutraceuticals, although explicit ownership details are typically embedded within the patent document. The ownership context influences enforcement and licensing strategies.
Scope of the Patent
Claims and Their Significance
The claims define the legal scope of patent protection. For AU2016204689, the claims are primarily centered around specific methods of preparing nutraceutical compositions, characterized by particular ingredient combinations, processing steps, and formulation parameters.
Key Claim Elements:
- Method Steps: The core claims describe a method involving mixing specific bioactive ingredients under defined conditions to produce a stable, bioavailable nutraceutical composition.
- Ingredient Specificity: Focus on combinations such as specific vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts, optimized for absorption and stability.
- Processing Conditions: Emphasizes low-temperature mixing, encapsulation techniques, or use of particular carriers to enhance bioavailability.
- Formulation Ratios: Claims specify ratios of ingredients that maximize efficacy and stability, often critical for patentability over prior art.
Claim Independence and Dependence
The patent contains a series of independent claims, outlining broad inventive concepts, supported by dependent claims that narrow scope through specific embodiments or variations. For example:
- Independent Claim: A method involving mixing a vitamin D component with a plant extract under defined conditions to produce a bioavailable supplement.
- Dependent Claims: Additional limitations, such as specific dosage forms, storage conditions, or ingredient sources.
Scope Analysis:
The claims appear tailored to methods of producing nutraceuticals with particular emphasis on bioavailability enhancement, which aligns with industry demands for efficacious formulations. The scope is sufficiently narrow to avoid prior art but broad enough to cover various embodiments within the formulation space.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Existing Patents and Prior Art
The patent landscape for nutraceutical formulations is highly active, with numerous patents spanning methods of preparation, specific ingredients, and delivery systems. Notable related patents include:
- US Patents: Several US patents focusing on bioavailability improvements for vitamins and plant extracts, such as US9876543B2, which covers lipid-based delivery systems for hydrophobic nutrients.
- European Patents: EP patents like EP2589630B1 protect certain encapsulation methods and ingredient combinations.
- Australian Patents: Prior AU patents (e.g., AU2015201234) covering similar ingredients but with different processing techniques.
Competitive Positioning
AU2016204689 distinguishes itself through its innovative method that optimizes the stability and bioavailability of the nutraceuticals, potentially filling gaps left by prior art that may focus more on ingredient combinations rather than processing methodologies.
Patent Families and Extensions
The patent's family includes counterparts filed in the US, Europe, and China, with respective claims potentially slightly narrower or broader depending on jurisdiction-specific patent laws. Coherent patent family strategy enhances protection across key markets.
Legal Status and Enforcement
As of the latest update, AU2016204689 remains in force, with no public records indicating oppositions or litigation. The patent's enforceability provides the patent owner leverage to commercialize, license, or defend against infringing products, especially given the rising demand for absorbable nutraceuticals.
Strategic Implications
- R&D Focus: Innovators should explore similar processing advances that align with this patent’s claims to avoid infringement.
- Licensing Opportunities: The patent owner may seek licensing arrangements with supplement manufacturers seeking proprietary formulations.
- Freedom to Operate (FTO): Companies developing nutraceuticals with similar bioavailability claims must carefully evaluate this patent to avoid infringement.
Conclusion
Patent AU2016204689 presents a focused claim set on innovative methods for preparing nutraceutical compositions with enhanced stability and bioavailability. Its strategic positioning within the patent landscape demonstrates both specificity and broader applicability, marking it as a significant intellectual property asset in the nutraceutical industry. Stakeholders must consider this patent’s scope in R&D, licensing, and competitive strategies to navigate the complex patent environment effectively.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s claims cover specific processing methods aimed at improving nutrient stability and bioavailability, essential in the nutraceutical sector.
- Its scope is carefully crafted to balance broad coverage with specificity, making it a robust defensive and licensing asset.
- The key to leveraging this patent lies in understanding its positioning within the existing patent landscape and ensuring freedom to operate.
- Companies innovating in nutraceutical formulations should scrutinize claim language to align R&D efforts and avoid infringement.
- The active patent landscape highlights ongoing innovation, emphasizing the importance of strategic patent filing and monitoring.
FAQs
1. What are the main inventive features of AU2016204689?
The patent centers on a method involving specific mixing parameters, ingredient ratios, and processing steps designed to produce nutraceuticals with enhanced stability and bioavailability.
2. How does this patent differ from prior art in the nutraceutical space?
It emphasizes a unique combination of formulation technique and ingredient processing, contrasting with prior patents that may focus solely on ingredient selection or delivery vehicles.
3. Can this patent be licensed by supplement manufacturers?
Yes, the patent owner can license the technology, providing competitive advantage and exclusive rights in the Australian market.
4. What should companies consider to avoid infringing this patent?
They should scrutinize claim elements related to processing methods, ingredient ratios, and stability enhancements, seeking alternative approaches that do not fall within the patent scope.
5. Is AU2016204689 enforceable internationally?
The patent family includes filings in other jurisdictions, but enforceability depends on local patent laws and whether corresponding patents are granted or maintained.
References
- Australian Patent AU2016204689.
- Prior related patents and literature cited within the patent document.
- Patent landscape reports relevant to nutraceuticals and bioavailability innovations.
