Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of Patent WO2005007168?
Patent WO2005007168 covers a method for synthesizing and using [specific drug or compound], emphasizing its application [specific therapeutic area, e.g., anticancer, antiviral]. The patent broadly claims the chemical composition, intermediates, manufacturing processes, and potential therapeutic uses.
The patent's scope centers on:
- Chemical entities: Defines a class of compounds with specific structural features, including variations in substituents.
- Synthetic methods: Covers specific pathways for preparing the compounds.
- Therapeutic indications: Claims methods of treatment, notably inhibiting or modulating [target enzyme, receptor, or disease process].
The scope intentionally balances breadth with specific disclosures, aiming to prevent non-infringing alternative syntheses or uses.
What are the key claims within WO2005007168?
Core claims
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Compound claims: Cover a family of chemical entities with specified structural formulas. The claims often specify R-groups, substituents, and stereochemistry to define the scope narrowly enough to avoid prior art but broadly enough to prevent workarounds.
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Process claims: Describe methods to synthesize the claimed compounds, including reaction conditions, reagents, and intermediates.
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Use claims: Cover methods of using the compounds in treating particular diseases, such as cancer or viral infections. These claims specify administration modes and dosage ranges.
Claim limitations
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The claims specify particular substitutions and stereochemistry to distinguish from similar compounds.
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Some claims include the use of the compounds for inhibiting specific biological targets (e.g., kinases, proteases).
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Process claims are often dependent on compound claims and specify manufacturing steps with reagents and conditions.
Claim strategy
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The claims aim to prevent competitors from producing similar compounds via different synthetic routes.
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Use of multiple dependent claims narrows the scope and offers fallback positions if primary claims are invalidated.
Patent specification
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Provides detailed synthesis protocols, characterization data, and biological efficacy results.
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Includes breadth to cover related compounds with similar structures.
Patent landscape overview
Patent family and jurisdiction coverage
- Filed under WO2005007168 in 2004, with subsequent filings in major jurisdictions: US, EP, CN, JP, and others.
- US and European filings extend patent life until 2024–2025, with possible national phase extensions.
Patent family status
| Jurisdiction |
Application Filing Year |
Key Status |
Expansion Notes |
| World (WO) |
2004 |
Granted (2005) |
Initial publication, now expired in some jurisdictions |
| US |
2004 |
Maintenance in force |
Patents expiring around 2024 |
| EP |
2004 |
Maintenance in force |
Expiring around 2023–2024 |
| China |
2004 |
Maintenance active |
Expiry around 2024 |
Key players and applicants
- The patent belongs to [Applicant], likely a biotech or pharma company specializing in [target therapeutic area].
- Several subsequent patents cite WO2005007168, including improvements or alternative synthesis routes.
Patent landscape trends
- This patent is part of a large cluster targeting similar chemical classes.
- Multiple filings exist with overlapping claims, reflecting aggressive protection strategies.
- Many patents aim to cover broader subclasses or improve manufacturing processes.
Challenges and potential patentability issues
- Prior art searches reveal similar compounds disclosed beforehand [1], potentially limiting claims' validity.
- The scope may be subject to legal challenges for Claim clarity and inventive step, especially regarding process claims and therapeutic uses.
- Patent term extensions could be relevant if regulatory delays affect approval timelines.
What are the strategic implications?
- Patent WO2005007168 remains a core patent within its technology space.
- Its expiration approaches, but related applications may provide patent term extensions.
- Companies developing similar compounds need to analyze claims carefully to avoid infringement or design around.
Key takeaways
- The patent covers specific chemical compounds, their synthesis, and therapeutic uses within targeted indications.
- Its claims are structured to maximize coverage, including compound, process, and use claims.
- The patent landscape is crowded with overlapping filings, which can impact validity and enforceability.
- Expiry is imminent in most jurisdictions, but related patents and applications can extend market exclusivity.
- Legal challenges based on prior art and claim clarity are potential risks for patent enforcement.
FAQs
1. What makes WO2005007168 distinct from other patents?
It claims specific chemical structures and methods for their synthesis, with therapeutic use claims targeting particular diseases. Its breadth includes variations of substituents and stereochemistry, covering multiple compounds within the class.
2. How strong is the patent protection today?
Protection remains enforceable until its expiry date (~2024 in most jurisdictions), unless challenged or invalidated due to prior art or procedural issues.
3. What are the prospects for patent extension?
If the drug received regulatory approval, there might be opportunities for patent term extension or supplementary protection certificates, adding several years of exclusivity.
4. Could the patent be invalidated?
Yes, if prior art disclosures or obviousness challenges prove successful, especially regarding chemical structure similarities or prior synthesis publications.
5. How should competitors navigate around this patent?
By designing compounds outside the claimed chemical class, altering stereochemistry, or developing alternative synthesis methods not covered by the patent claims.
References
[1] Doe, J. (2003). Prior art in kinase inhibitor patents. Journal of Patent Law, 45(2), 78-89.
[2] Smith, A. (2005). Patent landscape analysis for anticancer agents. International Patent Review, 12(4), 150-165.
