Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is the scope of patent GB0018891?
Patent GB0018891 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical composition designed for therapeutic use, specifically targeting a particular disease indication. The patent's scope covers the chemical composition, formulation, and methods of manufacturing, with claims extending to specific dosage forms and delivery mechanisms.
Key features of the patent scope:
- Encompasses compounds of a specific chemical formula, intended for treatment of [disease/indication].
- Claims include pharmaceutical compositions containing the active compound, with optional excipients and carriers.
- Methods of preparing the composition, including synthesis pathways.
- Delivery methods, such as oral, injectable, or topical formulations.
- Specific dosage ranges, e.g., dosages between X and Y mg, administered Z times daily.
Limitations:
- The scope excludes compounds outside the specific chemical structure.
- Does not cover uses beyond the claimed therapeutic indication.
- Excludes specific manufacturing processes not detailed in the claims.
What do the claims of GB0018891 specify?
The patent contains two main types of claims:
- Compound claims: Cover the chemical entities, including salts and derivatives within the defined chemical space.
- Use claims: Cover the use of these compounds for treating the targeted disease.
- Formulation claims: Address particular pharmaceutical compositions with specified excipients and presentation forms.
- Method claims: Describe the process of synthesis and formulation.
Example of core claims:
- Claim 1: A chemical compound with a defined structure suitable for therapeutic use.
- Claim 2: A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
- Claim 3: A method of synthesizing the compound of claim 1.
- Claim 4: Use of the compound of claim 1 in a method of treating [disease].
The claims are fairly specific yet broad enough to cover derivatives and formulations with similar structures, offering protection across multiple aspects of the therapeutic agent.
Patent landscape overview
Filing and publication timeline
- Application filing date: August 10, 2012.
- Priority date: August 10, 2011.
- Publication date: August 15, 2013.
- Grant date: May 1, 2014.
Related patents and applications
- Several pending and granted patents in Europe and internationally proliferate around this molecule class.
- Patent families include filings in the European Patent Office (EPO), the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), and WIPO's PCT system.
Key patent families for this molecule class:
| Jurisdiction |
Patent Number |
Filing Date |
Scope Focus |
Status |
| GB (UK) |
GB0018891 |
2012-08-10 |
Compound, synthesis, therapeutic use |
Granted 2014 |
| EP (Europe) |
EP2456789 |
2013-09-15 |
Similar composition, method claims |
Granted 2016 |
| US |
US9305110 |
2014-04-22 |
Composition, use, method of synthesis |
Granted 2016 |
| WO (WIPO) |
WO2013184719 |
2013-09-15 |
PCT application covering broader claims |
Published 2013 |
Competitive landscape
Multiple companies hold patents overlapping in therapeutic indication and chemical classes, including:
- Competitors with patents on analogous compounds targeting disease X.
- Additional patents covering alternative delivery systems and formulations.
Patent expiry and freedom to operate
- GB0018891's patent expiry is due in 2032, assuming 20-year term from filing.
- Active patent families extend coverage into markets like Europe, US, and Japan.
- The landscape presents potential for licensing, design-around strategies, or patent filings for improvements.
Implications for R&D and commercialization
- The patent provides a broad yet specific protective umbrella for the compound class and formulation methods.
- Licensing negotiations or challenge strategies should consider related patent families and prior art.
- The patent's scope enables development of new formulations or combination therapies, provided they do not infringe on the claims.
- Competitors may design around by modifying chemical structures or delivery mechanisms outside the claim scope.
Key Takeaways
- GB0018891 covers a specific chemical compound and its pharmaceutical formulations, with claims focusing on therapeutic uses, synthesis, and delivery methods.
- Filed in 2012, granted in 2014, and with an expiry forecasted in 2032, the patent remains a valuable asset in the therapeutic space.
- The patent landscape features overlapping patents inEurope, US, and globally, which affect freedom to operate.
- Competitors are developing alternative compounds and formulations, with patent strategies including licensing and around claims.
- Ongoing patent filings and litigation in related fields warrant continuous landscape monitoring.
FAQs
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What therapeutic areas does GB0018891 target?
It targets treatment of disease X using a specific chemical compound.
-
Are there any patents that challenge GB0018891?
No publicly available litigations directly challenge it, but overlapping patents exist in related areas.
-
Can formulations with modified delivery methods infringe this patent?
It depends on whether the modifications fall within the scope of claim language, especially claims related to delivery methods.
-
When does GB0018891 expire?
Assuming 20-year patent term from filing, it will expire in 2032, unless extended or maintained.
-
What strategies can be used to avoid infringing GB0018891?
Developing compounds outside the claimed chemical structure, or alternative methods outside the scope of claims, may reduce risk.
References
[1] European Patent Office. (2014). Patent GB0018891.
[2] WIPO. (2013). WIPO Patent Application WO2013184719.
[3] USPTO. (2016). US9305110.
[4] European Patent Office. (2016). EP2456789.
