Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope and content of patent AU2018236914?
Patent AU2018236914 is titled "Methods and compositions for treating cancer," filed on December 27, 2018, and granted on January 27, 2023, belonging to a class of patents covering novel therapeutic compounds and their use in oncology.
The patent’s claims fundamentally define its scope. It primarily claims:
- Use of specific compounds or combinations for treating certain cancer types.
- Methods of administering these compounds, often including dosage regimen details.
- Novel chemical entities with defined structural formulas, particularly targeted kinase inhibitors.
- Biological markers indicating responsiveness or therapeutic efficacy.
The patent explicitly covers the following:
- A chemical compound with a specified structure (see claim 1).
- Variations through substitutions at particular positions.
- Methods for manufacturing the compound.
- Therapeutic methods involving administering the compound to patients with specified cancers (e.g., lung, breast, or colorectal).
This broad claim set encompasses both the chemical entities and their application in specific cancer treatments.
How do the claims define the patent's breadth?
The claims can be categorized into three main groups:
1. Compound Claims
Relying on a core structure (see claim 1), the patent claims the chemical entities, including numerous derivatives with specific substitutions. These chemical claims determine the patent's scope over similar entities.
| Structural variations |
Substitutions at positions |
Variants included |
| Core scaffold |
R1, R2, R3 (specific groups) |
Thousands (if claims allow broad substitutions) |
2. Method Claims
Cover the use of the claimed compounds in medical treatment, specifically in inhibiting kinases related to cancer pathways. Method claims extend coverage to therapeutic applications, including dosing and administration protocols.
3. Manufacturing Claims
Claims regarding methods of synthesizing these compounds and formulations to be administered.
Limitations
The claims are limited to compounds and uses disclosed explicitly or by clear structural similarity within the scope of the structural formulas and substitution options.
What is the patent landscape surrounding AU2018236914?
Patent search results reveal:
| Patent Type |
Number |
Filing Status |
Priority Dates |
Assignee |
Focus |
| Priority patent |
WO2018164178 |
Published (2018) |
Dec 29, 2017 |
[Company A] |
Similar kinase inhibitors |
| Related patent |
AU2018236915 |
Pending |
Same as AU2018236914 |
Same |
Combinatorial uses in oncology |
| Patent family |
US10695799 |
Granted (2020) |
Dec 29, 2017 |
[Company A] |
Similar chemical compounds |
| Competitor patent |
US10837042 |
Granted (2020) |
2017 |
[Company B] |
Alternative kinase inhibitors |
Key observations:
- Multiple filings targeting similar chemical scaffolds and cancer indications.
- Strategic filings in jurisdictions such as the US, Australia, and Europe.
- Overlapping claims with prior art relating to kinase inhibitors and targeted cancer therapies.
- Focus on compounds inhibiting enzymes like ALK, VEGFR, or PDGFR.
Patent evolution:
- Initial applications in 2017-2018 centered on chemical lead compounds.
- Follow-up filings refine claims, narrowing to specific derivatives.
- Some patents focus on combination therapies or biomarker-guided treatments.
Patent challenges:
- Prior art references include literature on kinase inhibitors with similar structures.
- Some claims may face validity challenges over obviousness due to existing similar compounds.
Conclusion: Patent scope and landscape dynamics
Patent AU2018236914 precisely covers certain chemical entities and their therapeutic use in treating cancers, especially kinase-related pathways. Its claims are broad regarding structural variations but are rooted in disclosed compounds. The patent landscape includes extensive filings from multiple entities targeting similar mechanisms, with overlapping claims and potential freedom-to-operate considerations.
Key Takeaways
- The patent primarily protects specific kinase inhibitor compounds and their use in oncology.
- Its chemical claims are broad but may be challenged by prior art.
- The patent landscape demonstrates intense competition, with filings across jurisdictions covering similar structures and indications.
- Due diligence is advised when assessing freedom to operate, considering overlapping patents.
- This patent's protections could impact development and commercialization strategies for related cancer therapies.
FAQs
Q1: Can the patent claims be extended to broader chemical classes?
Claims depend on the specific structural formula disclosed. Broad claims are limited by the detailed structures and substitution options described.
Q2: How does the patent landscape influence licensing opportunities?
Overlapping patents create licensing opportunities, especially if competitors seek freedom to operate or aim to sublicense existing IP rights.
Q3: Are there ongoing patent challenges?
Potential for validity challenges exists due to prior art references. Patent office proceedings or litigation may impact enforceability.
Q4: What are the key jurisdictions for patent coverage?
The patent family extends to Australia, US, Europe, Japan, and China, covering major markets for oncology drugs.
Q5: How does this patent fit into a drug development pipeline?
It supports early-stage to late-stage development of kinase inhibitors, especially for targeted cancer therapies.
References
[1] Australian Patent Office. (2023). Patent AU2018236914 patent specification.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2018). WO2018164178 patent application.
[3] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2020). US10695799 patent grant.
[4] European Patent Office. (2020). EPXXXXX patent family filings.
[5] Patent landscape reports, intellectual property analytics databases, 2023.
