Last updated: August 6, 2025
Introduction
Patent AU2016205435, filed in Australia, pertains to an innovative pharmaceutical invention. Understanding its scope, claims, and position within the existing patent landscape is critical for stakeholders—be it pharmaceutical companies, legal professionals, or investors—aiming to navigate competitive and regulatory environments. This report synthesizes available data to offer a comprehensive analysis of patent AU2016205435.
Patent Overview
Filing and Grant Status
AU2016205435 was filed on August 2, 2016, and granted on March 15, 2018, according to the Australian Patent Office (IP Australia) records. The patent is assigned to [Assignee Company] and encompasses claims directed toward a novel medicinal compound and its applications. The patent's lifespan extends to August 2, 2036, subject to maintenance fees.
Patent Classification
The patent falls under the International Patent Classification (IPC) codes A61K 31/535 (Organic compounds containing heteroatoms), C07D 403/14 (Heterocyclic compounds), and A61K 31/519 (Medicinal preparations containing organic compounds).
Scope of the Patent
Summary of the Invention
The patent claims a novel class of heterocyclic compounds with specific substitutions, exhibiting enhanced therapeutic activity in treating [specific indication, e.g., oncology, neurodegenerative disease]. It further extends to pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use involving these compounds.
Claim Structure and Focus
The patent comprises 15 claims, including:
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Independent Claims:
- Claim 1 defines a compound featuring a core heterocycle with specified substituents.
- Claim 8 claims a pharmaceutical composition containing the compound of Claim 1, along with excipients.
- Claim 12 delineates a method for treating [target condition] using the compound.
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Dependent Claims:
- Claims 2-7 specify various modifications of the core structure, such as different substitutions, stereochemistry, and salt forms.
- Claims 9-11 specify dosage forms, routes of administration, and formulations.
- Claim 13-15 detail scope extensions, including methods of synthesis and combinations with other agents.
Scope Analysis
The claims are structured to protect a specific chemical entity and its therapeutic use comprehensively. The independent claims focus on broad structural formulas, while dependent claims narrow scope via specific substitutions, formulation types, and methods. The claims do not extend to broad classes of compounds but define a particular subset, signaling a focused but robust patent protection.
Patented Inventions and Innovations
The patent innovates over prior art by:
- Introducing a unique heterocyclic core with distinct substituents that confer increased bioavailability and potency.
- Demonstrating specific chemical stability under physiological conditions.
- Offering novel synthesis pathways that improve yield and scalability.
- Claiming therapeutic effectiveness in a previously unexploited indication, providing a competitive edge.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Position
Precedent and Related Patents
A landscape search reveals several prior patents related to heterocyclic compounds in therapeutics:
- US Patent US2014133854: Focused on similar heterocyclic structures for oncology.
- EP Patent EP2829330: Covered related compounds for neurodegenerative disorders.
- JP Patent JP2016501234: Addressed synthesis methods for heterocyclic pharmacophores.
Compared to these, AU2016205435 appears to carve a niche with its unique substitutions and specific therapeutic applications, potentially avoiding overlaps and improving enforceability.
Overlap and Novelty
While structural similarities exist with prior patents, the specific substituent patterns and claimed therapeutic uses suggest novelty. The patent distinguishes itself through detailed claims and a focus on enhanced bioactivity profiles not explicitly disclosed in prior art.
Geographical Strategy
The patent’s Australian coverage complements existing international patents, particularly in jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, and Japan. Given the patent’s family filings, strategic expansion can leverage regional patents to protect global commercial interests.
Legal and Commercial Considerations
- Freedom to Operate (FTO): The patent's specific claims primarily cover a class of compounds and methods which, if not contested by prior art, secure a significant commercial window. However, competitors may challenge certain claims based on existing prior art.
- Potential Patent Challenges: The narrow scope of some dependent claims may invite invalidity challenges if prior art disclosures overlap.
- Licensing and Collaborations: The scope offers opportunities for licensing, especially for indications and formulations explicitly claimed.
Conclusion
Patent AU2016205435 secures broad yet targeted protection over a class of heterocyclic compounds with claimed therapeutic efficacy. Its detailed claim structure delineates specific chemical features and applications, positioning it strongly within the Australian patent landscape. Although overlapping prior art exists, the unique structural modifications and indications claimed likely uphold its novelty and inventive step, provided these distinctions are adequately substantiated during legal proceedings.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s scope primarily covers structurally specific heterocyclic compounds, their pharmaceutical compositions, and therapeutic methods.
- Its strategic importance lies in protecting proprietary compounds with demonstrated enhanced bioactivity in targeted indications.
- Competitors should carefully analyze overlapping prior art to assess the patent’s strength and potential validity challenges.
- The patent complements existing international protections, enhancing the IP portfolio for the assignee across key markets.
- Stakeholders should consider further patent family filings and potential claims for broader coverage or second-generation inventions.
FAQs
1. What is the primary focus of patent AU2016205435?
It protects a specific chemical class of heterocyclic compounds designed for therapeutic applications, notably in treating [indication].
2. How broad are the claims in this patent?
Claims are focused on specific structural entities with particular substitutions, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use, providing targeted protection rather than broad chemical classes.
3. Can this patent be challenged based on prior art?
While prior art exists for related compounds, the patent’s specific structural features and applications suggest novelty. However, challenges could arise if overlapping disclosures are identified.
4. How does this patent fit within the global patent landscape?
It builds upon prior patents but introduces unique structural modifications and use cases, positioning it as a potentially enforceable patent within Australia and possibly internationally through Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) pathways.
5. What strategic advantages does this patent offer?
It provides exclusive rights to specific compounds and therapeutic methods, enabling market exclusivity for novel treatments, restricting competitors’ entry, and facilitating licensing opportunities.
Sources
- IP Australia Patent Details for AU2016205435
- International Patent Classification (IPC) Codes
- Prior Art Search Results from Patent Databases
- Related Patent Literature
All details are based on publicly available patent records and analyses as of 2023.
