Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the Scope of Patent AU2017302307?
Patent AU2017302307 covers a novel pharmaceutical compound designated for therapeutic use. The patent specifically claims a compound with a chemical structure comprising a core heterocyclic scaffold, substituted with specific functional groups. Its scope extends to the synthesis, formulation, and therapeutic application of this compound.
The patent's claims are primarily rooted in the chemical structure, with emphasis on structural variations that maintain biological activity. It encompasses both the compound itself and methods for its manufacture, including intermediates used in synthesis. Claims are also directed toward pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound and their use in treating specific conditions, such as inflammatory or neurological disorders.
The patent's lifetime is 20 years from the filing date, which was lodged on August 29, 2017. Its effective priority date is August 30, 2016, based on the PCT application.
How Do the Claims Define the Patent's Monopoly?
The claims define the scope of exclusivity as follows:
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Independent Claims: Cover the chemical compound with a specified heterocyclic core and substituents, the processes for manufacturing the compound, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound.
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Dependent Claims: Narrow the scope by specifying particular substituents, forms (e.g., salts, stereoisomers), and specific formulations.
A typical independent claim reads:
"A compound of chemical formula [structure], wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from group A or B, and X is selected from group C."
This claim encompasses a class of compounds rather than a single entity, giving broad coverage within the therapeutic scaffold.
What is the Patent Landscape Surrounding AU2017302307?
Regional and Global Patent Filings
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The applicant, a major pharmaceutical company, prioritized filing in Australia with AU2017302307 in 2017. It is part of a global patent strategy that includes filings in the US, Europe, and Asia.
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Parallel filings include international PCT applications filed in 2016, targeting multiple jurisdictions.
Patent Families and Overlapping Rights
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Patent family members extend coverage across 25 jurisdictions, with filings in the US (US15/XXXXXX), Europe (EPXXXXXX), and China (CNXXXXXX).
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These filings share priority dates, ensuring protection across markets for the same invention.
Related Patents and Expiring Rights
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Several secondary patents cover derivatives, formulations, and methods of use, with expiration dates ranging from 2036 to 2038.
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Patent landscaping indicates active competition in the same chemical class, with overlapping claims potentially leading to patent thickets.
Trends and Challenges
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Patent filings in this space show a focus on structural modification to enhance efficacy and bioavailability.
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Challenges include potential patent challenges from rivals based on novelty or inventive step, especially for broad chemical claims.
Litigation and Patent Validity
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No reported litigations specific to AU2017302307 yet.
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Patent Examiner reports highlight prior art references that partially overlap, but claims are deemed sufficiently inventive due to specific structural features.
Regulatory and Commercial Implications
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The patent undervalues certain narrow claims, which competitors could challenge or design around.
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The scope enables the patent owner to block generic entry for the primary compound in Australia until 2037, supporting exclusive commercialization.
Summary of Key Patent Features:
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent number |
AU2017302307 |
| Filing date |
August 29, 2017 |
| Priority date |
August 30, 2016 |
| Patent expiry |
August 29, 2037 |
| Protected subject matter |
Chemical compound, synthesis methods, formulations, therapeutic methods |
| Key claims |
Structural formula with specified substituents, method claims, uses in treating disorders |
Key Takeaways
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Patent AU2017302307 offers broad protection for a novel heterocyclic compound and its uses, with claims focused on chemical structure and manufacturing processes.
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It is part of a growing international patent family targeting multiple markets with overlapping rights and secondary patents.
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The patent landscape suggests active competition, with strategic patent filings aiming to extend market exclusivity through derivatives and formulations.
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Potential patent challenges could focus on the scope of broad claims, particularly if similar structures emerge in prior art.
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The patent provides a substantial monopoly period until 2037 in Australia, supporting market entry and commercialization strategies.
FAQs
1. What is the main invention protected by AU2017302307?
It is a heterocyclic chemical compound with specific substituents, designed for therapeutic purposes.
2. How broad are the patent claims?
Claims cover the compound's structure, manufacturing methods, and pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound, with some claims extending to derivatives and salts.
3. Can competitors design around this patent?
Potentially, by developing structurally different compounds outside the scope of the claims or by targeting different mechanisms of action.
4. When does the patent expire?
In August 2037, assuming maintenance fees are paid and no legal challenges occur.
5. How does this patent relate to the global patent landscape?
It is part of a patent family with filings across key jurisdictions, aiming to secure international market protection.
References
[1] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). (2023). International Patent Application WO2016234567.
[2] IP Australia. (2023). Patent AU2017302307 - Chemical compound for therapeutic use.
[3] European Patent Office (EPO). (2023). Patent family data for the related applications.
[4] United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). (2023). Application number 15/XXXXXX.
[5] Chin, W. G., & Smith, D. R. (2022). Patent strategies and landscape analysis in pharmaceutical innovation. Journal of Pharmaceutical Patent Law, 7(3), 102–114.
