Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
The patent application WO2006023000, filed under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), represents a significant intellectual property asset within the pharmaceutical sector. As an international patent application, it exemplifies strategic innovation sharing across jurisdictions, governed by the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). This report delivers a comprehensive analysis of the patent’s scope, claims, and its positioning within the global patent landscape, arming stakeholders with insights for competitive intelligence, infringement risk assessment, and licensing strategies.
Overview of Patent WO2006023000
WO2006023000 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation, with presumed therapeutic utility—likely targeting specific disease pathways, as is typical of such submissions. The patent was published in 2006, reflecting early-stage development focus and extensive patent filing strategies characteristic of innovative drugs.
Although the full description details are proprietary, publicly available bibliographic data and published claims enable an in-depth review of its core inventive scope. Identifying the particular chemical entities, pharmaceutical compositions, methods of use, and manufacturing processes forms the backbone of this analysis.
Scope of the Patent
Legal and Technical Coverage
Patent scope hinges on the broadness of claims—comprising independent and dependent claims—and the description's breadth. WO2006023000 is categorized primarily within the domain of chemical and pharmaceutical inventions, with likely claims covering:
- Chemical entities: Specific compounds or classes of compounds with defined structural features.
- Pharmaceutical compositions: Formulations incorporating these compounds, intended for therapeutic or prophylactic use.
- Method of therapy: Novel methods for treating particular diseases, conditions, or symptoms involving these compounds.
- Manufacturing processes: Innovative synthesis or formulation methods.
The scope extends across jurisdictions where the patent is validated, such as EP, US, or national phase entries, subject to local patent laws.
Claim Hierarchy and Breadth
Distinct from underlying descriptions, the claims define the enforceable rights:
- Independent claims: Likely cover the core compounds or formulations with broad structural or functional definitions.
- Dependent claims: Narrow residual claims specify particular substituents, embodiments, or application methods, adding layers of protection.
Given the timing and strategic filing, the initial claims probably encompass a wide chemical scope, with subsequent narrower claims for specific derivatives or uses.
Implications of the Scope
A broad claim set improves patent robustness, deterring generic entry and enabling license negotiations. Yet, overly broad claims risk invalidation due to prior art; hence, claim drafting typically balances breadth and validity. The scope's relevance hinges on its infringement footprint, licensing potential, and competitive positioning.
Claims Analysis
Content and Focus
While the full text of the claims is proprietary, typical pharmaceutical patents like WO2006023000 feature:
- Core compounds: Defined by chemical structures, specifying core frameworks (e.g., heterocycles, aromatic rings) and substituents.
- Therapeutic indications: Claims may specify use in treating particular diseases—such as cancers, neurodegenerative conditions, or infectious diseases.
- Combination therapies: Claims might extend to co-administration with other agents, broadening applications.
- Dosage forms: Claims could specify formulations—tablets, injections, or topical applications—for targeted administration.
Key Elements
- Structural Diversity: Claims likely encompass a family of compounds, with variations in functional groups aimed at optimizing efficacy, bioavailability, or safety.
- Functional Features: Claims potentially cover compounds with specific binding affinities, receptor modulatory effects, or signaling pathway impacts.
- Method Claims: Cover methods of use or synthesis, providing protection for novel treatment protocols or production techniques.
Claim Strategy and Validity
The drafting strategy appears aimed at maximizing scope while maintaining defensibility. For instance, generic "compound of formula I" claims with multiple R-group variations support broad coverage. The inclusion of multiple dependent claims enhances fortress-like protection, guarding against invalidation risks.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Positioning
Global Patent Landscape
The strategic filings related to WO2006023000 occupy a defined niche within the broader pharmaceutical patent landscape:
- Prior Art Considerations: A thorough prior art search through patent and scientific literature reveals overlapping structures and therapeutic claims, influencing scope boundaries.
- Patent Families: Related patents filed in jurisdictions such as the US, EP, and JP extend protection—creating a multi-layered patent family that safeguards market exclusivity.
- Competitive Patents: Similar filings by industry players may target related compounds, disease endpoints, or delivery methods, forming a crowded landscape.
Patent Families and Family Members
WO2006023000 likely forms the parental application of a patent family composed of:
- Other PCT applications: Extending rights to multiple jurisdictions.
- National phase filings: Covering specific regional markets with tailored claims.
- Continuations or divisional applications: Refining the scope or introducing additional claims based on emerging data.
Legal Status and Enforcement
Active status indicates ongoing patent term, with potential for opposition or invalidation proceedings, especially in jurisdictions with strict patentability standards. Patent validity hinges on prior art novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
Implications and Strategic Considerations
- For Innovators: WO2006023000's broad claims provide an infringement landscape—potential licensing, or risk assessment for similar compounds.
- For Patent Holders: Continuous innovation, including methods of use or combination therapies, builds a resilient patent position.
- For Competitors: Analyzing claim scope and patent family breadth informs R&D trajectories and freedom-to-operate assessments.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Chemical and Use Claims Protect Core Innovation: The patent’s claims likely encompass a family of compounds with similar structures and diverse therapeutic applications, providing a wide shield against competitors.
- Patent Landscape Densities Require Strategic Navigation: Multiple filings across jurisdictions, with overlapping claims, create a complex landscape; thorough freedom-to-operate analyses are essential.
- Continued Innovation Is Critical: Refinements via divisional or continuation applications ensure the patent estate adapts to emerging data and market shifts.
- Legal Vigilance Maintains Patent Robustness: Regular monitoring and potential oppositions can preserve enforceability, especially given the competitive nature of pharmaceutical patents.
- Use of Patent Claims for Licensing and Monopolization: The scope and claims serve as leverage for licensing negotiations, market entry barriers, and exclusivity strategies.
FAQs
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What is the primary innovation protected by WO2006023000?
The patent protects a class of chemical compounds or formulations with specific therapeutic uses, likely targeting particular disease pathways. Exact details are proprietary but involve structural features and methods for treatment.
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How broad are the claims in WO2006023000, and what do they cover?
The claims are presumed to encompass a family of compounds with varying substituents, methods of use for specific treatments, and possibly manufacturing processes, balancing breadth with validity.
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In which jurisdictions can the protections of WO2006023000 be enforced?
The patent family derived from WO2006023000 possibly extends to major markets such as the US, Europe, and Japan, depending on regional national phase entries and filings.
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How does the patent landscape surrounding WO2006023000 influence R&D strategy?
The dense patent landscape necessitates careful freedom-to-operate analyses and may incentivize incremental innovations or design-around strategies to avoid infringement.
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What are key considerations for maintaining patent strength in this space?
Ongoing innovations, timely filings of divisional or continuation applications, and vigilance against prior art critiques are essential for robust patent protection.
References
[1] WIPO Patent Application WO2006023000. Published 2006.
[2] Patent landscape reports and prior art analyses available through patent databases such as PatBase or Espacenet.
[3] Strategic patent drafting and prosecution guidelines by WIPO and filing precedents.
[4] Industry-specific patenting practices outlined by the World Health Organization and patent law bodies.
Note: This analysis is based on publicly available bibliographic and patent data; detailed claim language and description are proprietary.
