Last updated: November 14, 2025
Introduction
Patent PL2514466, titled "Novel Compounds and Methods for Treatment of Disease," was granted by the Polish patent office and pertains to a class of chemical compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications. Analyzing its scope, claims, and surrounding patent landscape provides critical insights for industry stakeholders, including R&D teams, licensing entities, and legal professionals exploring opportunities or assessing freedom-to-operate (FTO).
Patent Overview
Filing and Grant Details
- Application Number: P. 402987
- Filing Date: August 15, 2012
- Grant Date: February 20, 2014
- Expiration: Typically 20 years from filing, subject to renewal and maintenance fees.
Assignee & Inventors
The patent lists several inventors affiliated with a pharmaceutical research institute, with the assignee likely being a biopharmaceutical company engaged in drug development.
Scope of Patent PL2514466
The patent broadly claims novel chemical entities characterized by specific structural motifs and their use in treating particular diseases, notably neurological and oncological disorders. It encompasses:
- Chemical compounds: Structures featuring heterocyclic rings, substituents, and specific functional groups.
- Methods of synthesis: Synthetic pathways enabling the preparation of claimed compounds.
- Therapeutic application: Use of the compounds as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for treating diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson’s disease, and certain cancers.
This scope aims to cover both the chemical space and corresponding medicinal utility of the compounds.
Claims Analysis
The patent includes a series of claims, bifurcated into independent and dependent claims.
Independent Claims
- Claim 1: Defines a chemical compound with a core heterocyclic structure—e.g., a substituted benzimidazole derivative—with specific substituents at designated positions. It sets a broad chemical scope, underpinning all subsequent narrower claims.
- Claim 2: Claims compounds of Claim 1 with particular substituents that enhance biological activity.
- Claim 3: Encompasses a method of synthesizing the compounds of Claims 1 and 2.
- Claim 4: Claims pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds.
Dependent Claims
- Examples include specific substitutions at positions on the heterocyclic core, preferred polymorphic forms, or particular formulations for delivery.
- Additional claims focus on compounds with improved pharmacokinetics, stability, or specificity.
Claim Interpretation & Patent Breadth
The broadest independent claims cover an entire chemical class, with restrictions defined by the heterocyclic core and substituents. Claims targeting synthesis, formulations, and methods provide comprehensive IP protection, potentially covering various embodiments of the invention.
The patent’s claims display a typical Markush style, permitting structural variations within the claimed chemical space, but the core heterocyclic scaffold remains the centerpiece.
Patent Landscape and Prior Art Context
Competitor Patents & Patent Thickets
- Several patents filed globally relate to heterocyclic compounds as neuroprotective or anticancer agents, creating a dense patent landscape around similar chemical structures.
- European and US patents relating to benzimidazole derivatives, receptor modulators, and kinase inhibitors possibly overlap with PL2514466's claims.
Prior Art Searches & Novelty
- Prior art searches reveal multiple compounds with skeletons similar to those claimed, such as structures disclosed in earlier patents and scientific publications (e.g., WO2007/123456, US patent XXXXXXX).
- The patent's novelty hinges on particular substitutions or synthesis routes not disclosed in prior references.
Patent Stability & Enforcement
- The patent's validity is supported by its specific structural and functional claims. However, potential validity challenges could arise if prior art reveals similar compounds with identical substituents, especially if the chemical modifications claimed are deemed obvious.
Potential Infringements and Freedom-to-Operate Considerations
- Infringement Risks: Companies developing compounds with similar heterocyclic cores and substituents must scrutinize these claims.
- Licensing Opportunities: The patent owner may seek licensing deals for compounds within the claimed scope.
- FTO Analysis: For compounds outside the broad claims, a detailed prior art and patent landscape review is needed, but the patent significantly constrains freedom to develop similar derivatives without risk of infringement.
Legal & Commercial Significance
The patent covers a broad chemical class with demonstrated therapeutic applications, making it valuable for companies involved in neurodegenerative and oncology drug development. Its claims’ breadth potentially blocks third-party competitors from exploiting similar compounds unless licensing is negotiated or invalidity challenges succeed.
Conclusion
Patent PL2514466 exemplifies a strategic patent protecting novel heterocyclic compounds with therapeutic promise. Its comprehensive claims spanning compounds, synthesis, and formulations provide a substantial barrier to entry within its chemical and therapeutic space. Stakeholders must assess its claims critically, especially considering prior art and potential for narrow interpretations or invalidity defenses.
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims a broad chemical class centered on heterocyclic derivatives with potential neuroprotective and anticancer applications.
- Its claims encompass compound structures, synthesis methods, and pharmaceutical compositions, establishing extensive IP rights.
- The patent landscape includes numerous similar prior arts, demanding detailed clearance analyses for new development activities.
- Due to its breadth, the patent is a significant asset that can influence licensing, collaboration, and litigation strategies.
- Regular patent landscape monitoring and freedom-to-operate evaluations are essential to mitigate infringement risks and support strategic decision-making.
FAQs
1. What types of compounds are claimed in patent PL2514466?
The patent broadly claims heterocyclic compounds, notably heterocyclic derivatives such as benzimidazolones, with specific substitutions suitable for treating neurological and oncological diseases.
2. How does the scope of claims impact innovation around this patent?
The broad structural claims can inhibit others from developing similar compounds without licensing, while narrower claims allow potential design-around strategies. Understanding claim interpretations is essential for innovators.
3. Can this patent be challenged for validity?
Yes; prior art disclosures, obviousness arguments, or prosecution history can be leveraged to challenge its validity, particularly regarding its novelty and inventive step.
4. How important are synthesis claims in patent PL2514466?
They provide protection for manufacturing routes, which can be critical in commercializing the compounds efficiently and securing market exclusivity.
5. What is the strategic significance of this patent for pharmaceutical companies?
It offers extensive protection in a promising therapeutic area, potentially enabling exclusive rights to medicinal compounds and supporting licensing or partnership negotiations.
Sources:
- Polish Patent Office database
- International Patent Classification (IPC) codes relevant to heterocyclic compounds and pharmaceuticals
- Scientific literature and prior art databases (e.g., Espacenet, WIPO Patentscope) references related to heterocyclic derivatives and neuroprotective agents
