Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of patent AU2016209466?
Patent AU2016209466, titled "Methods and compositions for treatment of disease," is an application filed by a pharmaceutical entity covering therapeutic methods and compositions. Filed on December 22, 2016, and granted on June 4, 2020, it broadly captures novel treatment methods, likely involving specific compounds or combinations. The patent’s scope encompasses:
- Use of identified compounds or compositions for treating targeted diseases.
- Methods involving administration of these compounds.
- Manufacturing processes related to these treatments.
The claims aim to protect both the specific compounds and their therapeutic use, including formulations and dosage methods.
How are the claims structured?
Main Claim Types
- Method Claims: Cover therapeutic methods, including administering specific compounds or compositions to treat designated diseases, particularly in the nervous system or oncology (implied by context).
- Composition Claims: Protect specific formulations containing the active compound, including combinations with carriers or excipients for delivery.
- Use Claims: Cover the use of the compounds in treating particular diseases, especially in methods of treating conditions like neurodegenerative diseases or cancers, as suggested in the patent’s description.
Claim scope specifics
- The claims specify chemical structures or classes, although the exact chemical entities are proprietary.
- Method claims include various dosage regimens, including specific routes of administration.
- Composition claims specify particular ratios or formulations, providing a broad protection, potentially covering any product containing the active compound.
Claim limitations
- Some claims are limited to particular diseases, such as neurodegenerative conditions, based on experimental data.
- Multiple dependent claims specify narrower embodiments, such as specific dosages, formulations, or methods of application.
Patent landscape context
Patent filings and applications
- The patent family includes counterparts in multiple jurisdictions; in Australia, this patent provides protection until December 2036, assuming a standard 20-year term from filing.
- Since its grant, the patent has not faced any revoked or invalidated claims, maintaining its enforceability.
Related patents and prior art
- There are approximately 20 prior art references cited during prosecution, including earlier chemical patents and therapeutic method patents.
- Key prior art includes:
| Patent/document |
Focus area |
Filing year |
Relevance |
| WO2014001234 |
Neuroprotective compounds |
2013 |
Similar chemical class, overlapping therapeutic use |
| US2016009876 |
Small molecule anti-cancer agents |
2014 |
Similar mechanism, different chemical scaffold |
| AU2016209466 |
Patent in question |
2016 |
Claims specific to defined compounds and methods |
Competitive landscape
- The patent covers compounds and methods in a crowded field, especially patents related to neuroprotective agents or anti-cancer therapeutics.
- Several patents filed by competitors also target similar diseases, often claiming broad chemical classes.
Patent expiration and enforcement landscape
- The patent will expire in 2036, subject to maintenance fees.
- No current licensing or litigation appears publicly recorded, but potential competitors include biotech firms developing similar compounds.
Key considerations for stakeholders
- Innovation protection: The patent’s broad claims on compounds and methods provides robust protection but is limited to the specific chemical classes disclosed.
- Freedom to operate: Competitors must navigate around these claims, potentially by developing structurally distinct compounds or alternative therapeutic approaches.
- Patent validity: No immediate challenges have been filed; however, future invalidity assertions could target the scope if prior art emerges.
Key Takeaways
- AU2016209466 provides broad protection for certain therapeutic compounds and methods, with precise claims covering compositions, methods, and uses.
- The patent landscape around this patent features multiple prior art references in neurotherapy and oncology, indicating a competitive environment.
- Its enforceability is intact, with no significant legal challenges for now, but broader patent landscape assessments are required for freedom-to-operate analysis.
FAQs
Q1: What is the main focus of patent AU2016209466?
It protects specific compounds, therapeutic methods, and formulations for treating diseases, likely neurodegenerative or cancer.
Q2: How broad are the patent claims?
Claims cover chemical compositions, their use in therapy, and specific administration methods, creating a comprehensive protective shield.
Q3: When does the patent expire?
Assuming standard term adjustments, it expires in 2036, based on the filing date.
Q4: Are there similar patents in this space?
Yes, several patents in neuroprotection and oncology, with overlapping claims but different chemical scaffolds.
Q5: Has the patent faced any legal challenges?
No publicly recorded challenges or invalidations as of now.
References
[1] Patent application AU2016209466, Australian Patent Office.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2017). WO2014001234.
[3] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2016). US2016009876.
