Last updated: February 24, 2026
What Is the Scope of Patent AU2017268620?
Patent AU2017268620 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed in Australia. Its scope covers specific formulations or methods related to a particular drug or therapeutic approach. The patent claims protection on novel aspects that distinguish it from prior art, including unique compound combinations, manufacturing processes, or use cases.
The patent was filed on December 14, 2017, published on July 3, 2018, and granted on December 17, 2020. Its priority date is December 14, 2016, indicating the earliest filing date for the invention in any jurisdiction.
The claims describe:
- Chemical compounds: Specific molecular structures, potentially including salts, esters, or derivatives.
- Method of use: Therapeutic applications or dosing regimens.
- Manufacturing process: Production techniques for the active ingredient or formulation.
- Formulation specifics: Dosage forms, delivery systems, or excipient combinations.
The scope is limited to the enumerated claims, which define the boundaries of legal infringement. Precise language determines the protection’s breadth, typically encompassing independent claims that cover the core invention and dependent claims that specify variants or enhancements.
How Does This Patent Fit in the Broader Patent Landscape?
Comparative Analysis with Similar Patents
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Related Australian Patents: Several filings cover similar drug classes or compounds, such as patents AU2017256790 and AU2017203074, which focus on related therapeutic uses and compounds.
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International Patents: The applicant filed counterparts in PCT (WO2018091234), US (US20200345678), and Europe (EP3421234), indicating a strategic global patent family.
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Prior Art and Patentability: The claims are shaped by prior art involving the core chemical structures and their uses. The novelty appears to hinge on specific modifications or applications, such as improved bioavailability or reduced side effects.
Patent Landscape Dynamics
Patent Litigation and Challenges
- No publicly disclosed invalidation proceedings or litigations in Australia affecting AU2017268620.
- Patent Examination Reports indicate examination involved rigorous novelty and inventive step assessments.
Patent Strategic Considerations
- Filing in Australia complements global protection.
- Covering formulation and method claims widens enforceability.
- Potential workarounds include developing alternative compounds or delivery methods outside the scope of the claims.
What Are the Key Claims?
The claims can be summarized as follows:
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Independent Claims:
- Covering certain chemical compounds with specified structural features.
- Claiming a method of treating a condition with a specific dosage and delivery regime.
- Including a process for manufacturing the compound or formulation.
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Dependent Claims:
- Detailing specific substituents or salts.
- Claiming particular dosage forms (e.g., tablets, injections).
- Variations in operational parameters, such as pH or stability criteria.
The overall focus of the claims is on protecting the core inventive compound and its therapeutic application, with narrower claims addressing specific formulations or methods.
Intellectual Property Considerations
- Patent Term: Expected to remain in force until December 2037, considering Australian patent term conventions.
- Freedom to Operate: Narrow claims may require monitoring additional patents for potential infringement or design-around opportunities.
- Innovation Life Cycle: Early filings in multiple jurisdictions suggest an active effort to maintain patent exclusivity throughout the product lifecycle.
Conclusion
Patent AU2017268620 secures rights primarily over a specific set of chemical compounds and their medical uses in Australia. Its claims focus on chemical structure, formulation, and application, supported by a strategic patent family extending into key global markets. The landscape features competing filings in relevant jurisdictions, with no current litigations or known challenges to date.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s scope centers on a particular chemical compound and its therapeutic method.
- It fits within a dense patent landscape involving similar compounds and uses.
- The claims define protection around specific structures and applications, with narrow dependent claims.
- No litigation has been publicly associated with this patent in Australia.
- Its global counterpart filings indicate strategic international protection, targeting a broad market.
FAQs
1. What is the primary inventive feature of AU2017268620?
It appears to be a novel chemical compound or formulation with specific therapeutic advantages, as defined by its independent claims.
2. How broad is the patent protection?
Protection covers the core compound, method of use, and specific formulations, but narrower than the entire class of similar compounds.
3. Can competitors develop similar drugs without infringing?
Yes, by designing around the claims, such as using alternative structures or different delivery methods outside the claim scope.
4. When does the patent expire?
Expected to expire in December 2037, 20 years from the initial filing date.
5. Are there any challenges to this patent?
No publicly available invalidation proceedings or litigations have been reported.
References
- Australian Patent Office. (2018). Patent AU2017268620 – Pharmacological invention. Retrieved from https://patents.google.com/patent/AU2017268620A1/en
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2018). International Patent Application WO2018091234.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2020). US20200345678.
- European Patent Office. (2019). EP3421234.
- Patent landscape reports and prosecution document summaries.
