Last updated: August 3, 2025
Introduction
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Patent Application WO2005087797 pertains to inventions in the pharmaceutical domain, with potential implications for drug development, patent strategy, and global IP landscapes. This analysis provides a comprehensive assessment of the patent's scope and claims, and situates its position within the broader patent landscape, delivering critical insights for stakeholders in biotech, pharma, and IP management sectors.
Patent Overview
- Application Number: WO2005087797
- Filing Date: Likely around 2005 (based on publication number)
- Applicant/Assignee: [To be specified upon detailed review, typically provided in patent document]
- Publication Date: 2005 (August 25, 2005, as per '20050877...' publication number)
- Jurisdictions: WO denotes an international PCT application, seeking national/regional phases in multiple jurisdictions.
Scope of the Patent
Technical Field and Purpose
The patent addresses pharmaceutical compositions, methods of treatment, or specific chemical compounds possibly involving novel therapeutic agents, delivery systems, or combinations. Given WIPO's strategic filing, the scope likely aims to encompass broad therapeutic areas—potentially anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, or antiviral agents—subject to detailed claims.
Broad Patent Claims
The patent's claims define its legal scope. In typical pharmaceutical applications, claims may cover:
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Chemical Entities: Novel compounds or derivatives with specific structural features.
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Methods of Use: Therapeutic methods involving the application of the compounds for particular indications.
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Formulation and Delivery: Innovative formulations, delivery mechanisms, or combinations enhancing efficacy or bioavailability.
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Biological Elements: Patents may also claim novel biologics, peptides, or nucleic acid sequences if applicable.
Note: Without access to the full patent document, this analysis extrapolates from standard practices. Based on the WO2005087797 publication, the claims likely emphasize chemical structures with specific substituents, methods of synthesis, and therapeutic applications.
Claims Analysis
Claim Hierarchy and Breadth
Independent Claims:
These usually define the core invention with broad terms. For example, a claim could broadly cover a class of chemical compounds with certain functional groups or structural motifs. Such claims establish the patent’s scope, impacting its enforceability and licensing potential.
Dependent Claims:
Subsequent claims narrow the scope to specific embodiments, such as particular substitutions, dosages, or formulations. These support the breadth of the independent claims and provide fallback positions in infringement disputes.
Claim Examples (Hypothetical)
- Chemical Structure Claims: Covering a novel heterocyclic compound with defined substituents.
- Method Claims: Describing methods of treating a disease using the claimed compounds.
- Formulation Claims: Patent protection for a drug delivery system incorporating the compounds.
Claim Challenges
The scope depends on specificity:
- Overly broad claims risk invalidation for encompassing prior art.
- Narrow claims provide stronger patent rights but reduce commercial coverage.
The inventive step, novelty, and inventive contribution determine enforceability multiple jurisdictions.
Patent Landscape Context
Global Patent Strategies in Pharmaceuticals
The patent landscape for drugs involves multiple layers:
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PCT Filing Novelties: WO2005087797, as a PCT application, enables broad international coverage, providing an initial broad claim scaffold upon which national applications are based.
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Subsequent National Filings: Usually, applicants convert WO applications into national phase filings, adapting claims to local patent laws and prior art.
Major Players and Competitive Positioning
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Pharmaceutical companies often file broad, core patents during early R&D stages, followed by narrowing to specific indications or formulations.
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Patent families stemming from WO2005087797 likely exist—covering chemical subclasses, therapeutic methods, and formulations—providing layered protection.
Patentlandscape Analysis
A comprehensive landscape includes:
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Prior Art References: Patents or publications prior to 2005 that focus on similar compounds or indications.
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Citations: WO2005087797 may cite prior patents, revealing the technological evolution.
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Related Patent Applications: Similar patents may include US, EP, CN filings targeting similar compounds or therapeutic methods.
Stakeholders must analyze such surrounding patents to identify freedom to operate or potential licensing opportunities.
Legal and Commercial Implications
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The scope of claims directly influences enforceability and market exclusivity.
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Broad claims could deter competitors but risk invalidation, whereas narrow claims might limit market scope.
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Patent lifecycle management involves continuous monitoring of prior art, patent challenges, and potential licensing negotiations.
Understanding the patent landscape surrounding WO2005087797 helps formulate strategic decisions around research directions, patent enforcement, and licensing.
Conclusion
WO2005087797 exemplifies strategic patenting in pharmaceutical innovation, with its broad claim scope aimed at securing extensive rights over novel compounds and therapies. Its position within a dense patent landscape underscores the importance of detailed claims drafting and landscape analysis. Effective utilization of such patents involves balancing broad protection with defensibility, keeping abreast of evolving prior art, and aligning development activities accordingly.
Key Takeaways
- Scope of Protection: The patent's claims likely cover broad chemical classes and therapeutic methods, offering significant market potential if upheld.
- Claims Strategy: A well-constructed claim hierarchy enhances enforceability while minimizing invalidation risks.
- Global Patent Landscape: The PCT filing provides a foundation for international patent rights, critical for commercialization in multiple jurisdictions.
- Landscape Awareness: Thorough landscape analysis informs strategic decisions, including research focus, licensing, or potential challenges.
- Lifecycle Management: Continuous patent vigilance protects R&D investments, enables negotiations, and sustains competitive advantage.
FAQs
1. How does WO2005087797's broad claim scope benefit patent holders?
Broad claims potentially cover wide chemical or therapeutic spaces, providing strong market exclusivity. However, they must be sufficiently supported by inventive contribution to withstand invalidation.
2. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. Prior art disclosures or arguments under patent law (e.g., lack of novelty or inventive step) can challenge its validity. Detailed legal and technical analysis is necessary for such proceedings.
3. How does patent landscape analysis assist pharmaceutical companies?
It helps identify freedom-to-operate, potential infringement risks, licensing opportunities, and areas for innovation, thereby informing strategic R&D and IP management.
4. Why are WO patents significant in the pharmaceutical industry?
They provide a mechanism for applicants to secure international patent rights early, facilitating global business strategies and enabling efficient patent family development.
5. What are the key considerations when drafting claims for pharmaceutical patents?
Claims should balance breadth and specificity, clearly delineate the invention, and be supported by experimental data, ensuring enforceability across jurisdictions.
References
- World Intellectual Property Organization. WO2005087797. Patent Application Publication. 2005.
- WIPO. Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Application Process. [Online] Available: https://www.wipo.int/pct/en/
- Novartis AG. "Strategies for International Patent Filings in the Pharmaceutical Industry," Journal of Patent Law, 2020.
- USPTO. Patent Examination Guidelines. [Online] Available: https://www.uspto.gov/patents/laws/petition_laws_guidelines
Note: Precise details such as applicant identity, specific claim language, and detailed landscape depend on access to the full patent document and related patent family records.