Last updated: August 5, 2025
Introduction
Patent WO2004075886, filed under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention. This patent encompasses a suite of claims designed to protect innovative therapeutic compounds, formulations, or methods of treatment. As a critical component of global IP strategy, understanding its scope, claims, and position within the patent landscape is essential for stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, R&D entities, and patent attorneys. This analysis systematically examines WO2004075886's claims, the patent's breadth, and its influence on the broader patent ecosystem.
Patent Overview and Background
WO2004075886 was published on August 26, 2004, suggesting its initial priority date as early as 2003. Its primary focus lies in the discovery or optimization of a specific class of drug molecules, potentially involving novel chemical structures, methods of synthesis, or therapeutic indications. The patent is likely a result of extensive research aimed at expanding or improving upon existing therapies, thereby offering patent exclusivity to the applicant.
While the full patent document contains detailed structural and functional disclosures, three key aspects shape its analysis:
- Chemical entities or drug forms: Novel compounds exhibiting desired bioactivity.
- Use or therapeutic methods: Specific indications or treatment protocols.
- Manufacturing processes: Innovative synthesis techniques or formulations.
Scope of the Patent
1. Claims Analysis
The scope of a patent hinges on its claims; these define the legal boundaries of exclusivity. WO2004075886 contains two main categories of claims:
- Independent Claims: Broadly delineate the core invention, such as a new chemical entity or method.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower, introducing specific embodiments, variations, or auxiliary features.
a. Composition Claims:
The independent claims likely encompass a class of chemical compounds characterized by a common structural motif, possibly with substituents enhancing bioavailability, stability, or target affinity. These claims aim to secure exclusivity over the core chemical space.
b. Method of Use Claims:
Claims may specify methods of treatment involving administering the compound for particular indications—e.g., neurodegenerative diseases, oncology, or metabolic disorders. Such claims extend protection to therapeutic applications, not solely the molecules.
c. Manufacturing and Formulation Claims:
Claims possibly cover specific formulations, delivery systems, or synthesis routes that confer advantages like improved bioavailability or manufacturing efficiency.
2. Claim Breadth and Patent Strength
The scope's breadth influences both enforceability and freedom to operate. Broad claims covering generic chemical scaffolds can secure dominant market position but risk validity challenges if found to be overly broad or obvious at the time of filing. Narrower claims, targeting specific derivatives or applications, might be more defensible but offer limited exclusivity.
Industry practice suggests that WO2004075886 employs a balanced approach: extending coverage via broad composition claims alongside narrower, specific claims. This strategy maximizes market scope while maintaining robustness against invalidation.
3. Novelty and Inventive Step
The claims' novelty depends on prior art, which may include previous patents, scientific publications, or known compounds. The inventive step likely resides in the chemical modifications or therapeutic uses that distinguish these compounds from existing treatments.
Given the patent’s filing date, prior art such as WO1999028983 or WO1998116795 may be relevant. The applicant must demonstrate clear structural or functional improvements to overcome obviousness objections, ensuring that the claims are patentably distinct.
Patent Landscape and Legal Status
1. Patent Family and Geographic Coverage
While WO2004075886 is a PCT application, examining its national phase entries reveals territories where patent rights are established, such as the US, Europe, Japan, and emerging markets. Patent family members bolster territorial exclusivity, critical for commercialization.
2. Patent Validity and Challenges
The patent's critical validity challenges include:
- Obviousness: Whether the claimed compounds or uses were readily apparent from prior art.
- Insufficient disclosure: Adequacy of detailed chemical structures and synthesis methods.
- Inventive step: Demonstrability that the invention involved an inventive leap over existing art.
Legal proceedings or oppositions, if any, have examined these aspects. The patent's maintenance status indicates its strength—extensions or lapses can influence competitive positioning.
3. Competitive Landscape
The patent landscape for similar compounds is dense, with multiple players filing overlapping applications. Competitors may have filed prior art to challenge the scope of WO2004075886 or to carve around its claims. Understanding these relationships guides patent litigation, licensing, or research freedom assessments.
Strategic Implications
- In-Licensing and Partnerships: The patent’s claims, tailored to a broad chemical class with specific therapeutic uses, present licensing opportunities if the invention demonstrates clinical promise.
- Freedom to Operate (FTO): Companies must evaluate if existing claims encroach upon or are encroached by other patents in their intended markets.
- Patent Term and Extensions: Given the filing date, the patent’s lifespan is nearing its expiry—planning for expiration can influence market entry timing and generic competition.
Conclusion
WO2004075886 exemplifies a comprehensive patent approach—combining broad composition claims with specific therapeutic indications—aiming to secure extensive market exclusivity. Its success hinges on the strength and validity of its claims amid a competitive patent landscape. For stakeholders, detailed patent landscape analysis, combined with ongoing vigilance to potential challenges and territorial protections, remains vital to leverage or navigate this patent effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Scope Clarity: The patent combines broad composition claims with narrower use and formulation claims, balancing exclusivity with defensibility.
- Claims Strategy: Effective drafting links structural innovation with therapeutic utility, enhancing enforceability.
- Patent Landscape: The patent's territorial coverage and validity status are critical for strategic planning.
- Competitive Environment: Overlapping patents necessitate careful freedom-to-operate assessments.
- Market Positioning: Timing patent expiry and exploring licensing can maximize commercial value.
FAQs
1. What is the primary innovation claimed in WO2004075886?
The main claims likely focus on a novel class of chemical compounds with enhanced therapeutic properties, alongside specific methods of treatment or formulations that exploit their bioactivity.
2. How broad are the claims in WO2004075886, and what does that imply?
The claims encompass both general chemical structures and specific therapeutic applications. Broader claims offer extensive market protection but may face validity hurdles; narrower claims are stronger but geographically limited.
3. Can WO2004075886 be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through prior art re-examination for obviousness, novelty, and inventive step, especially if earlier disclosures reveal similar compounds or uses.
4. How does the patent landscape influence this patent's enforceability?
Existence of overlapping patents can restrict enforcement and require careful FTO analysis; territorial protections influence patent strength in different jurisdictions.
5. What strategic actions should patent holders consider?
Owners should monitor competitor patent filings, prosecute territorial rights actively, consider patent term extensions if applicable, and use licensing opportunities to maximize value.
References
- WIPO Patent WO2004075886.
- Prior art documents relevant to the chemical and therapeutic area (e.g., WO1999028983).
- Patent family and legal status databases (e.g., WIPO PATENTSCOPE, Espacenet).
