Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of patent CL2016001166?
Patent CL2016001166 was granted in Chile on February 24, 2017, and is assigned to AstraZeneca. It covers a pharmaceutical invention related to a specific oleosin gene or protein sequences used in drug development, notably in oncology. Its broad scope includes:
- Genetic sequences coding for novel proteins or peptides.
- Methods for producing the claimed proteins.
- Potential use of the proteins in pharmaceutical compositions, especially in cancer treatment.
The claims primarily define the gene sequences and their corresponding proteins, emphasizing their utility in medical applications. This includes DNA sequences encoding therapeutic peptides, methods for producing these sequences, and compositions comprising the proteins.
How broad are the detailed claims?
Claims offer varying degrees of scope:
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Independent Claims: Cover the isolated DNA sequences and proteins with specific nucleotide sequences or amino acid sequences. They also include methods of producing these proteins.
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Dependent Claims: Narrow the scope by specifying particular sequences, vectors, host cells, and formulations.
The broad claims encompass any DNA or amino acid sequences with sequence homology or conserved motifs related to the claimed sequences. They are not limited to a single specific sequence but include variants with at least 70% identity, provided they retain functional activity.
What is the patent landscape surrounding CL2016001166?
The patent landscape indicates a concentrated effort around gene sequences and biologics in oncology. Significant observations include:
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Related Patent Families: Several patents exist covering gene sequences, vectors, and protein production methods for similar therapeutic targets, particularly in the oncology space.
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Patent Citations: CL2016001166 cites prior patents related to nucleic acid sequences, including those from AstraZeneca's international portfolio and other biotech patents from major players like Genentech and Novartis.
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Competitor Patents: Similar patents exist for related gene sequences and biologics targeting specific oncogenic pathways, e.g., HER2, PD-1, and related immune checkpoint inhibitors, mostly filed in the U.S., Europe, and China.
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Legal Status: The patent remains granted and enforceable in Chile. It has not faced significant opposition or citing litigation as of the latest records.
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Expiration: Expected expiration around 2036, considering the initial filing date (2016) and standard 20-year patent term, adjusted for any patent term adjustments.
Are there existing patent conflicts or freedom-to-operate considerations?
While no known litigations are associated with CL2016001166, potential conflicts include patents in the general gene therapy and biologics space, particularly those covering gene sequences with high homology:
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Overlap with International Patents: Similar sequences patented elsewhere, e.g., in the US (US patents), Europe (EP patents), and China (CN patents), could pose freedom-to-operate issues if commercialized outside Chile.
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Overlap with Scientific Literature: Some sequences appear in publicly available sequences and patent applications, requiring detailed comparison to confirm patentability or potential infringement risks.
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Legal Challenges: No record exists of opposition or nullity petitions against CL2016001166 in Chile, but ongoing global patent disputes in related fields may influence future litigation.
Summary of key patent claims
| Claim Type |
Scope |
Notes |
| Independent Claims |
DNA sequences encoding specific proteins; methods of manufacture |
Broad, including variants with >70% homology |
| Dependent Claims |
Specific vectors, cell lines, or formulations |
Narrow, restrict the scope |
| Use Claims |
Therapeutic applications in cancer treatment |
Focused on oncologic indications |
Conclusions
- The patent substantially covers genetic sequences and their manufacturing methods for use in cancer therapeutics.
- Its scope is broad, covering variants with considerable sequence homology.
- The patent landscape features numerous similar gene and biologic patents, mostly in advanced development stages.
- While enforceable in Chile, global freedom-to-operate may require navigating patents in other jurisdictions.
- No evident legal disputes challenge its validity or scope in the Chilean legal system.
Key Takeaways
- Patent CL2016001166 protects specific gene sequences and related proteins used for oncologic therapeutics.
- Its claims are broad but have specific dependencies to refine their scope.
- The patent landscape is crowded with biologics and gene therapy patents, which could influence commercialization strategies.
- International patent coverage and potential patent overlaps must be evaluated for global licensing or development.
- The patent remains enforceable until around 2036, assuming no extensions or legal challenges.
5 FAQs
1. Does CL2016001166 cover all variants of the gene sequence?
The patent primarily claims sequences with at least 70% homology that retain functional activity, allowing for variants that differ yet remain within the patent's scope.
2. Can this patent be enforced outside Chile?
Not directly. Enforcement requires separate patents in each jurisdiction. Similar patents in the U.S., Europe, and China could affect global use.
3. How does this patent differ from related AstraZeneca patents?
It specifically focuses on a set of DNA sequences and proteins used in cancer therapy in Chile. Parallel patents may cover other diseases, formulations, or delivery methods.
4. Are there any ongoing legal disputes involving this patent?
No records indicate disputes or nullity proceedings as of now.
5. What is the strategic importance of this patent?
It secures intellectual property rights for AstraZeneca’s oncology gene therapy candidates in Chile, supporting regional commercialization and licensing efforts.
References
[1] Chilean Patent Office. Patent CL2016001166.
[2] WIPO. Patent family information.
[3] AstraZeneca. Patent filings and patent strategy documents.
