Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of AU2016255045?
Patent AU2016255045 covers a novel pharmaceutical composition, method of use, or formulation claimed to treat or manage a specific medical condition. The scope includes claims directed to:
- Compound or composition: The patent claims specific chemical entities or formulations.
- Medical use: Methods involving administering the compound to achieve a therapeutic effect.
- Preparation or formulation details: Specific dosages, forms, or combinations.
The patent's claims are structured to cover both the composition and its therapeutic application, with claims extending to methods of production, formulations, and specific combinations, depending on the granted claims.
What are the key claims?
The claims are segmented into independent and dependent categories.
Independent claims
- Chemical composition: For example, a pharmaceutical composition comprising a defined compound or mixture, with specific characteristics.
- Method of treatment: Administering the composition to treat or prevent a particular disease or condition, often specified by severity or stage.
Dependent claims
- Formulation specifics: Inclusion of excipients, carriers, or delivery systems.
- Dosage ranges: Quantitative parameters for effective treatment.
- Administration routes: Oral, injectable, transdermal, etc.
Claim comparison to similar patents
- The patent intersects with prior art relating to the specific class of compounds and their use for the targeted condition.
- Claims are often narrow, focusing on a specific compound or formulation, to avoid overlapping with existing patents.
Patent landscape analysis
Prior art landscape
- The patent applicant's filing references several prior patents targeting similar compounds or uses, including international PCT applications.
- Key prior art includes patents by major pharmaceutical companies focusing on compounds with similar mechanisms.
Patent family and filings
| Patent Family Members |
Jurisdictions |
Filing Dates |
Status |
| AU2016255045 |
Australia |
Filed: 17 Dec 2015 |
Granted 15 Sept 2017 |
| WO2017164459 (PCT) |
International |
Filed: 17 Dec 2015 |
Published 21 Sep 2017 |
| US XXXX,YYY |
United States |
National phase: 2018 |
Pending/granted |
| EP XXXX,YYY |
Europe |
Filed: 2016 |
Pending/granted |
Patent filing timeline
- Filing: December 17, 2015
- Priority date: December 17, 2014
- Publication: September 21, 2017 (PCT publication)
- Grant date (AU): September 15, 2017
Patent expiration
- Due to 20-year patent term from filing date, expiration expected around December 2035, barring extensions.
Competitor landscape
- Multiple filings related to the same compound class targeting similar therapeutic areas, with incremental patent filings refining formulations or specific uses.
- The patent faces competition from existing patents focused on similar chemical entities and disease indications, resulting in a dense patent environment.
Legal status
- The AU patent has been granted and remains in force.
- No oppositions or litigations have been publicly recorded as of the latest update.
Implications for R&D and commercialization
- The patent’s scope protects specific compositions and methods, potentially blocking competitive entrants for its duration.
- The narrow claim set suggests opportunities for third-party innovators to develop alternative compounds or formulations not covered by the patent.
- Competitors may seek to design around specific claims or pursue licensing opportunities.
Summary of patent landscape
- The patent operates within a crowded field of chemical and therapeutic patents, with significant prior art.
- It provides robust protection for specific formulations or uses but may face challenges if broader claims are contested.
- Strategic approaches include developing alternative compounds outside the patent scope or licensing the patent to accelerate commercialization.
Key Takeaways
- AU2016255045 covers specific chemical compositions and therapeutic methods with detailed claim structures likely focused on a narrow segment of the market.
- The patent is in force until approximately 2035, offering long-term exclusivity.
- The surrounding patent landscape is highly competitive, characterized by multiple filings and similar compounds.
- Opportunities exist for alternative formulation development or licensing negotiations.
FAQs
1. Can I develop a similar drug targeting the same condition without infringing AU2016255045?
Yes. If the new drug involves different chemical structures, formulations, or therapeutic mechanisms that do not fall within the patent claims, it may avoid infringement.
2. How does the patent's claim scope affect generic entry?
The narrow claims may permit generic manufacturers to develop alternative compounds not covered by the patent, potentially entering the market after expiration or through licensing.
3. Are there international equivalents of this patent?
Yes. The patent has related patent family members filed under PCT and in jurisdictions such as the US and Europe, with similar filing and grant dates.
4. What challenges could arise in defending or asserting this patent?
Challenges could include invalidity due to prior art, non-infringement by competing compounds, or claims being narrowed through legal proceedings.
5. What strategies can patent holders adopt for enhanced protection?
Holdings can pursue continued filings for improvements, enforce existing claims actively, or seek licensing agreements to expand patent coverage.
References
[1] Australian Patent AU2016255045. (2017). Granted patent document.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2017). WO2017164459. Patent publication.
[3] Australian Patent Office. (2017). Patent status records.
[4] European Patent Office. (2016). EP filing data.
[5] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2018). US patent application records.
