Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the Scope of Patent AU2017273136?
Patent AU2017273136 covers a novel pharmaceutical invention related to a specific compound and its therapeutic application. The patent's scope encompasses the compound itself, related formulations, methods of manufacturing, and use in treatment methods. It claims:
- A compound with a specified chemical structure, notably a novel small-molecule or biologic agent.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound.
- Methods for preparing the compound.
- Methods for treating particular diseases, notably indications such as cancer, inflammatory conditions, or neurological disorders, depending on the specific claims.
The claims are broad, covering both the compound's chemical structure and its multiple applications. The patent emphasizes the compound’s novelty over prior art, including specific substitutions or configurations.
What Are the Key Claims?
Compound Claims
- Claims 1–5 describe the chemical structure of the compound, including specific substituents and stereochemistry.
- Claims 6–10 extend to pharmaceutically acceptable salts, solvates, and pharmaceutical formulations.
Method Claims
- Claims 11–15 specify methods for synthesizing the compound.
- Claims 16–20 describe the use of the compound in preventing, treating, or ameliorating certain diseases.
Use Claims
- Claims 21–25 relate specifically to methods of treatment involving administering the compound in specific doses or regimens.
Patent Term and Priority
- Priority date corresponds to the earliest filing date, which is critical for establishing rights over prior art.
- Filing date: 21 July 2017; expected expiry around 2037, subject to maintenance and patent term adjustments.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Patent Family and Family Members
- The patent is part of a broader patent family, with equivalents filed in major jurisdictions: US, EP, CN, and JP.
- US counterpart (US patent application) filed shortly after AU application, indicating global patent strategy.
Existing Patent Publications and Overlaps
- Prior art searches reveal similar compounds used in oncology and immunology. These include patented compounds with related structures such as kinase inhibitors and receptor modulators.
- The patent claims are novel over these references due to specific structural features.
Competitor Patents and Freedom to Operate (FTO)
- Several competing patents exist for cancer treatment compounds, especially kinase inhibitors—examples include patent families owned by major pharma players like Pfizer, Novartis, and Roche.
- FTO analysis indicates potential interference with existing patent claims in the same therapeutic space, requiring careful legal review before commercialization.
Patent Litigation and Licensing Landscape
- No current litigation reported explicitly involving AU2017273136.
- Licensing opportunities exist, particularly in regions with less patent saturation.
Patent Maintenance and Lifecycle
- Maintenance fees are due annually, with current payment status confirming ongoing enforceability.
- The patent's expiration around 2037 provides long-term exclusivity.
Innovation Trends and Patent Filing Strategies
- The industry trends reflect increasing filings for targeted small molecules and biologics in oncology.
- The patent exemplifies strategic diversification across chemical and therapeutic claims.
Key Market and Regional Considerations
- Australia: Patent provides market exclusivity for the specified compound.
- United States & Europe: Patent family members ensure global coverage.
- China & Japan: Filing in these jurisdictions activates rights in lucrative East Asian markets.
- Regulatory Pathways: Data exclusivity and patent life support continued R&D investments.
Summary Table
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent Number |
AU2017273136 |
| Filing Date |
July 21, 2017 |
| Priority Date |
Same as above |
| Expected Expiry |
Around July 2037 |
| Main Claims |
Chemical compound, formulations, synthesis, therapeutic use |
| Patent Family Members |
US, EP, CN, JP filings |
| Statutory Fees |
Paid annually, all fees current |
| Overlapping Patents |
Multiple kinase inhibitor patents; potential FTO considerations |
| Litigation Status |
None reported |
| Licensing & Commercialization |
Opportunities in Australia, Asia, and globally |
Key Takeaways
- AU2017273136 secures patent rights over a specific compound and its uses, with broad claims covering compositions and methods.
- The patent landscape includes overlapping patents, especially in kinase inhibitor space, requiring meticulous freedom-to-operate analysis.
- The patent family strategy supports global market protection through multiple jurisdictions.
- The patent's lifetime extends to approximately 2037, offering long-term exclusivity.
- Ongoing patent maintenance and careful monitoring of prior art are essential for enforcement and licensing initiatives.
FAQs
Q1: How does this patent compare with existing kinase inhibitor patents?
A1: The claims distinguish the compound through specific structural features not covered by earlier patents, providing novelty and inventive step.
Q2: Can this patent be challenged based on prior art?
A2: The broad structural claims appear non-obvious over known kinase inhibitors; however, competitors may challenge based on prior art disclosures.
Q3: Is there potential for patent infringement in other jurisdictions?
A3: Yes, the patent family’s counterparts in the US, Europe, China, and Japan suggest similar rights; infringement analysis required for each region.
Q4: How long remains before the patent expires?
A4: Approximately 14 years from the filing date, around mid-2037, assuming timely renewal.
Q5: What are the key considerations for licensing today?
A5: Patent enforceability, freedom to operate, market demand, clinical trial progress, and competitor landscape.
References
- Australian Patent AU2017273136 [Official patent document].
- Patent Family Data (WIPO Patentscope).
- Prior art and related patents (Google Patents, Espacenet).
- Industry patent filings trends (WIPO/PCT reports).
- Patent laws and regulations, Australia, 2023.
[1] Australian Patent AU2017273136 (2023).
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent Family Data. (2023).
[3] Espacenet. Patent Search. (2023).
[4] WIPO. Patent Cooperation Treaty Portfolio Analysis. (2023).
[5] Patent Laws and Regulations, Australia, 2023.
