Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is the scope of patent WO2004019904?
Patent WO2004019904, filed via the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), primarily covers a class of compounds intended for pharmaceutical use. The patent claims relate to novel chemical entities with specific structural features providing targeted therapeutic activity, likely in the realm of central nervous system (CNS) disorders or other specific disease areas, as inferred from the structural motifs.
The patent documents disclose:
- Chemical Composition: Particular heterocyclic compounds with defined substituents.
- Pharmaceutical Use: Methods of treating or preventing diseases characterized by modulation of specific biological pathways.
- Preparation Methods: Synthesis routes for the claimed compounds to facilitate manufacturing.
The patent’s coverage encompasses compounds with claimed structural variations designed to optimize activity, selectivity, and pharmacokinetic properties, focusing on utility as therapeutic agents.
How broad are the claims?
The claims are divided into three primary categories—composition, use, and process claims—with structural scope as follows:
Composition claims
- Cover a set of compounds characterized by a core scaffold with variable substituents.
- Typically include a genus of compounds with specific chemical formulae, limiting variations to certain positions.
- Example: The core heterocyclic ring with substitutions at certain positions (e.g., R1, R2, R3) defining the scope.
Use claims
- Claim methods of using the compounds for treating diseases.
- These include specific indications, likely related to neurodegenerative or psychiatric conditions.
- Claims specify administration modalities, dosage, and treatment regimens.
Process claims
- Describe synthetic pathways enabling the production of the compounds.
- Include steps such as intermediate chemical reactions, purification methods, and specific reagents.
Claim breadth considerations
- The structural claims aim to cover both specific compounds and closely related analogs.
- Use of Markush structures enables broad protection over multiple substituted derivatives.
- The scope extends to isomers and salts of the claimed compounds.
Patent landscape for WO2004019904
Patent family status
- Filed in multiple jurisdictions: PCT application WO2004019904, with national phase entries in the US, Europe, Japan, and others.
- Claim priority from an initial application filed in a jurisdiction such as the US or Europe.
Related patents
- Family members include granted patents and applications with similar core claims but different scope adjustments or claim dependencies.
- Some jurisdictions feature narrower claims to satisfy local patentability requirements.
Competitive landscape
- The patent landscape reveals multiple filings by entities active in CNS or psychiatric drug development.
- Several competitors have filed patent applications citing WO2004019904 or related compounds, indicating prior art considerations and potential licensing opportunities.
- There are patents covering similar chemical classes with overlapping claims, suggesting a crowded patent space.
Patent validity and freedom-to-operate
- Claims are challenged by prior art references disclosing similar heterocyclic structures.
- The completeness of the patent’s novelty and inventive step depends on the specific substituents and methods claimed.
- Patent term expiration is likely around 2024–2025, assuming standard 20-year terms from priority dates.
Key patent citations and references
- The patent cites prior art in heterocyclic and CNS drug patent literature, including WO patents and US patents from leading pharmaceutical research entities.
- Several related patents focus on serotonin receptor modulators or dopamine antagonists, suggesting therapeutic overlap.
Regulatory and licensing considerations
- The patent’s scope influences licensing strategies—broad claims may attract licensors interested in CNS therapeutics or other indications.
- Narrower claims may require freedom-to-operate analysis by competitors or researchers.
Summary
| Aspect |
Details |
| Scope |
Chemical compounds with heterocyclic cores for therapeutic use |
| Claim breadth |
Includes generically claimed structural classes and specific uses |
| Patent family |
Filed in multiple jurisdictions, with related patents and applications |
| Competitive environment |
Multiple filings from pharmaceutical companies targeting similar structures |
| Validity threats |
Prior art challenging novelty and non-obviousness |
| Patent expiration |
Likely between 2024–2025 |
Key Takeaways
- Patent WO2004019904 provides broad structural claims within a defined chemical class, centered on heterocyclic compounds for therapeutic purposes.
- The scope encompasses composition, method of use, and synthesis process claims.
- The patent landscape shows overlap with other CNS-targeted patents, increasing the importance of detailed freedom-to-operate analysis.
- Patent validity depends on ongoing prior art evaluations; early expiration is imminent.
- Strategic licensing or development efforts should consider the patent’s broad claims and competitive filings.
FAQs
-
Which therapeutic indications are primarily covered by WO2004019904?
The patent likely targets CNS disorders, including neurodegenerative or psychiatric conditions, based on chemical class and claimed uses.
-
What is the significance of the chemical scaffold in the patent?
The heterocyclic core and variable substituents define the scope and potential breadth of protection, covering multiple derivatives.
-
Can competitors develop similar compounds without infringing?
Only if they avoid the specific structures, substitutions, and uses claimed—however, patent claims may be broad enough to impact related analogs.
-
What are the main patent limitations?
Prior art references challenging novelty, specific structural limitations, and geographic jurisdictional constraints.
-
When will the patent likely expire?
Based on US and international filing dates, expiration is around 2024-2025 unless extended due to patent term adjustments or disputes.
References
[1] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2004). WO2004019904 patent publication.
[2] European Patent Office. (2022). Patent landscape analysis of heterocyclic CNS agents.
[3] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Patent data on heterocyclic compounds for CNS.
[4] WIPO. (2001). PCT Application WO2004019904.
