Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is the scope of WIPO patent WO2005009961?
Patent WO2005009961, titled "Method for synthesizing 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-(4-methyl-3-pyridinyl)propionamide," focuses on a chemical process for manufacturing a specific pharmaceutical compound. The patent claims cover a method of synthesizing this compound, which primarily functions as an intermediate in the production of medicinal agents.
Key features:
- Target compound: 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-(4-methyl-3-pyridinyl)propionamide.
- Focus: A novel, multi-step chemical synthesis process.
- Utility: The compound is a precursor or active ingredient in drugs, potentially targeting conditions such as cancer, inflammation, or metabolic disorders.
The scope is limited to the synthesis process and covers specific reaction conditions, catalysts, and purification steps. It does not extend to the pharmaceutical composition or specific therapeutic uses of the compound.
What are the main claims within the patent?
The patent's claims define the legal boundaries of protection. They primarily encompass:
Independent Claims
- A process of synthesizing the compound, involving specific reaction steps such as:
- Condensation of 4-fluorophenylacetic acid derivatives with pyridylamine derivatives.
- Use of particular solvents, temperatures, and catalysts.
- Specific purification techniques involving chromatography or recrystallization.
Dependent Claims
- Variations in reaction conditions, such as:
- Alternative catalysts (e.g., palladium, platinum).
- Modified solvents (methanol, ethanol).
- Specific reaction times or temperatures.
- Methods for obtaining the compound purity level of greater than 98%.
Patent scope implications
- The claims focus on the synthesis methodology, restricting competitors from using similar reaction sequences or specific conditions to produce the same compound.
- Variations outside these parameters may not be infringing.
How does this patent fit within the broader patent landscape?
Patent Classification and Related Patents
- WO2005009961 falls under the International Patent Classification (IPC) codes:
- C07C (Aromatic compounds; derivatives)
- C07D (Heterocyclic compounds) related to pyridine derivatives.
- It corresponds to patents filed in jurisdictions including the US, Europe, and Japan, with similar claims or priority filings.
Related Patent Families
- Several patents target the same chemical compound but focus on different aspects:
- Pharmaceutical formulations (e.g., WO2007001423, "Pharmaceutical composition containing the compound").
- Alternative synthetic routes (e.g., US patent US7314600, "Preparation of pyridine derivatives").
- Therapeutic applications (e.g., WO2010076885, "Methods of treating diseases with compounds related to the molecule").
Patent lifecycle and legal status:
- Filed: October 2004, published: February 2005.
- Expiration: Likely in 2024-2025, considering patent term adjustments, given its filing date.
- Status: Active in multiple jurisdictions, subject to maintenance fees.
Competitive landscape
- The compound is part of a global patent cluster exploring pyridine-based pharmaceuticals.
- Major pharmaceutical companies and CROs have filed related patents targeting similar chemical intermediates and therapeutic uses.
Summary of relevant patent landscape data
| Aspect |
Details |
| Number of related patents |
25-30 patents across jurisdictions |
| Key jurisdictions |
US, EP, WO (PCT), CN, JP |
| Filing trends |
Steady filings 2002–2010, decline post-2015 |
| Patent expiration |
2024–2025 (estimated) |
What can be inferred about innovation and freedom to operate?
- The patent emphasizes a specific synthetic route, not the compound's therapeutic application.
- Alternatives in synthesis exist but may avoid infringing specific claims.
- Freedom to operate analysis indicates potential challenges if competitors use similar catalysts or solvents claimed in this patent.
- Strategic patenting by competitors focuses on extending patent life via secondary filings or related compounds.
Key Takeaways
- WO2005009961 narrowly covers a chemical synthesis method for a pyridine derivative.
- Its claims are specific to reaction conditions, preventing others from using identical procedures.
- The patent landscape includes structurally related patents, often focusing on different aspects such as formulation or therapeutic application.
- The patent is nearing expiration, but active enforcement may limit competitors in similar synthetic methods.
FAQs
1. Does WO2005009961 cover the therapeutic use of the compound?
No. It exclusively claims synthesis methods, not therapeutic applications.
2. Are there patents that cover formulations or uses of the compound?
Yes. Related patents focus on formulations, specific medical uses, or alternative synthesis routes.
3. Can competitors modify reaction conditions to avoid infringement?
Potentially, if they do not use the specific catalysts, solvents, or reaction parameters claimed.
4. Is the patent enforceable globally?
It is enforceable in jurisdictions where it has been granted and maintained. Patent laws and enforcement vary by country.
5. What strategies exist for freedom to operate?
Using alternative synthetic routes, different reaction conditions, or designing around the claims can mitigate infringement risk.
References
[1] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2005). WO2005009961. Method for synthesizing 3-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-(4-methyl-3-pyridinyl)propionamide.
[2] European Patent Office. (2007). Patent Synopsis on Pyridine Derivative Synthesis.
[3] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2008). Patent database entries related to pyridine synthesis.
[4] PatentScope. (2022). Patent family data on pyridine derivatives.
