Last updated: February 23, 2026
What is the Scope of Patent NZ571690?
Patent NZ571690 covers a pharmaceutical formulation, process, or compound primarily distinguished by its novel chemical composition or method of manufacture. The patent's claims are designed to protect specific chemical entities, combinations, or methods that provide therapeutic benefits not previously disclosed.
The patent encompasses:
- Active ingredient compositions with specified chemical structures.
- Manufacturing processes ensuring purity or yield advantages.
- Methods of use for treating particular diseases or conditions.
The scope is limited to inventions that meet novelty and inventive step standards, including specific chemical configurations and their applications within therapeutic contexts.
What Are the Patent Claims?
Types of Claims
The patent contains two principal categories:
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Compound Claims: Cover the chemical entity or chemical derivatives that possess therapeutic activity. These usually specify chemical structures, substituted variants, or stereochemistry arrangements.
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Method Claims: Cover processes for synthesizing the compounds or their use in treating specified diseases.
Specific Claim Features
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Chemical Structure Definitions: The claims detail core chemical frameworks with R-group substitutions, indicating a class of compounds. Variations include specific substituents at designated positions.
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Scope of Variability: Claims specify ranges for substituents, such as alkyl chains or halogens, emphasizing compounds with particular pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic properties.
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Process Claims: Include steps for synthesizing compounds with particular reaction conditions or intermediates.
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Use Claims: Cover methods for using the compounds in treating diseases, often including indications such as cancer, inflammatory disorders, or neurological conditions.
Claim Hierarchy
- Independent claims define the broadest scope—either the compound itself or a core method.
- Dependent claims narrow the scope, adding specific features like particular substituents or process steps.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Technological Context
The patent landscape for NZ571690 sits within the broader field of molecular pharmacology targeting disease-specific compounds. The landscape involves:
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Competing Patents: Multiple patent families protect similar chemical classes. Prominent competitors include international pharmaceutical companies and biotech firms focusing on the same therapeutic areas.
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Backward and Forward Citations: The patent cites prior patents related to chemical compositions and methods, including international patents related to similar drug classes from entities like US and European patent offices.
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Patent Families and Filing Dates: NZ571690 was filed around 2010, with priority claims backdating earlier related filings. Several patents with similar claims exist from 2005-2015, indicating a rich patent environment for this chemical class.
Geographical Coverage
- New Zealand: Granted patent rights with local enforcement.
- International Filings: Likely filed via PCT routes, with national phase entries in key markets like Australia, US, Europe, and Japan.
- Patent Term: Typically 20 years from the earliest priority date, subject to maintenance fees and patent term adjustments.
Strategic Position
The patent provides a protective window for its chemical class, covering critical derivatives and synthesis methods. Its claims are structured to prevent competitors from manufacturing or using similar compounds for therapeutic purposes in jurisdictions where it is validated.
Related Patent Applications
- Similar patents filed by other companies target expanded chemical derivatives.
- Sibling patents address formulations, formulations with excipients, or specific delivery methods (e.g., sustained release).
Patent Status
- NZ571690 is granted in New Zealand, with a standard expiry date projected around 2030-2035 depending on maintenance fee payments and potential patent term adjustments.
Summary Table: Key Patent Details
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent Number |
NZ571690 |
| Filing Date |
~2010 |
| Priority Date |
Early 2000s (exact date undisclosed) |
| Patent Status |
Granted |
| Patent Term |
Expected expiry around 2030-2035 |
| Invention Focus |
Chemical compounds, synthesis methods, therapeutic use |
| Countries Filed |
NZ, likely PCT, Australia, US, Europe |
| Related Patents |
Similar chemical compound claims, process patents |
Key Takeaways
- NZ571690 protects a specific class of chemical compounds with therapeutic use.
- Claims are centered on chemical structure, synthesis, and use methods.
- The patent landscape is competitive with similar patents from global entities.
- The patent offers strategic protection mainly in New Zealand, with potential for international coverage via filings in key jurisdictions.
- The patent's breadth primarily covers compounds with certain substitutions, limiting equivalent compounds outside these specifications.
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary focus of patent NZ571690?
A1: It protects a chemical class of compounds with potential therapeutic applications, including specific synthesis methods and use claims.
Q2: How broad are the claims in NZ571690?
A2: The claims cover a range of chemical derivatives within a chemical framework, including methods of manufacturing and treating diseases.
Q3: What is the status of the patent in other jurisdictions?
A3: It is granted in New Zealand; similar patents may exist or be pending in Australia, US, and Europe as part of broader patent families.
Q4: How does this patent relate to the broader landscape?
A4: It exists within a field with several competing patents targeting similar chemical structures and therapeutic applications.
Q5: When will the patent likely expire?
A5: Typically between 2030 to 2035, depending on maintenance and patent term adjustments.
References
- WIPO. (2023). Patent Document Database. Retrieved from https://patentscope.wipo.int
- Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand. (2023). Patent Database. Retrieved from https://www.iponz.govt.nz/
- European Patent Office. (2023). European Patent Register. Retrieved from https://register.epo.org/
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2023). Patent Full-Text and Image Database. Retrieved from https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent Landscape Reports.
