Last updated: August 4, 2025
Introduction
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) patent application WO2006070781 exemplifies an innovative approach within the pharmaceutical technological sphere. This application, published on July 13, 2006, discloses a novel drug formulation or method associated with a specific therapeutic compound or technology. An in-depth understanding of its scope, claims, and patent landscape is critical for evaluating its potential impact, patentability, freedom-to-operate, and competitive positioning within the pharmaceutical patent ecosystem.
Scope of WO2006070781
WO2006070781 primarily aims to secure patent rights related to a particular drug compound, formulation, or therapeutic method. The scope encompasses the following dimensions:
- Chemical Composition/Compound: The patent likely covers specific chemical entities, derivatives, or analogs with pharmacological activity, possibly including salts, esters, or prodrugs derived therefrom.
- Manufacturing Processes: Claims may extend to engineered processes for synthesizing these compounds with enhanced purity, stability, or bioavailability.
- Pharmaceutical Formulations: The scope could encompass formulations such as sustained-release, topical, or injectable forms, along with associated excipients or delivery systems.
- Therapeutic Use: Use claims targeting particular diseases, conditions, or treatment regimens, including indications such as oncological, neurological, or infectious diseases.
- Biological and Diagnostic Methods: If relevant, claims may also include biological markers or diagnostic methods enabling personalized therapy.
The patent claims more than just a molecule—potentially covering a broad inventive concept underpinning multiple applications, illustrating strategic breadth.
Claims Analysis
1. Core Compound Claims:
The patent likely opens with independent claims covering the main chemical entity(s). These tend to be broad, establishing ownership over the precise chemical structure(s) with characteristic pharmacological activity. The claims possibly specify:
- Specific substituents or modifications to a known scaffold.
- Stereochemistry considerations ensuring enantiomeric purity.
- Variations in the molecular backbone that retain bioactivity.
2. Formulation and Delivery Claims:
Secondary claims may relate to particular formulations, such as sustained-release tablets, liposomal encapsulations, or topical gels, aimed at optimizing pharmacokinetics or patient compliance.
3. Method of Manufacturing:
Process claims probably involve synthetic pathways with particular reagents, catalysts, or intermediate steps that simplify or enhance production efficiency.
4. Therapeutic Use Claims:
Use claims typically define methods of treating specific diseases or conditions, effectively broadening the patent coverage into method-of-treatment territory.
5. Specific Combinations:
Claims may also encompass combinations with other agents, such as adjuvants or synergistic compounds, opening avenues for combination therapies.
Claim Breadth and Validity:
While broad claims bolster competitive scope, they face scrutiny for inventive step and novelty, especially if similar compounds or methods exist. A thorough prior art search reveals whether scope overlaps with existing patents or literature, influencing enforceability.
Patent Landscape and Related Patents
1. Prior Art and Novelty:
At the time of filing, the applicant strategically distinguishes the invention from existing patents covering related compounds. Prior art searches reveal prior disclosures of similar chemical scaffolds, but WO2006070781 likely introduces novel substitutions, unique formulations, or therapeutic indications.
2. Patent Family and International Filings:
The application’s family members may include national patents in key jurisdictions such as the US, EU, Japan, and emerging markets, providing territorial protection. WIPO's PCT applications often serve as a prelude to national phase entries, extending protection.
3. Competitor Landscape:
Major pharmaceutical players with compounds targeting similar indications threaten inhibiting or designing around the patent. Patent landscape analyses reveal active patent filings from competitors, with overlapping claims on chemical structures, formulations, or methods, leading to potential freedom-to-operate challenges or licensing opportunities.
4. Patent Term and Supplementary Protection:
Given the 2006 publication date, the patent's enforceability window extends into the mid-2020s, possibly later with patent term extensions or supplementary protection certificates (SPCs). This duration influences market exclusivity strategies and R&D planning.
5. Landscape Trends:
The broader landscape in 2006 showed significant patent activity around kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and personalized medicine. WO2006070781 might align with these trends or carve out a niche within specific therapeutic areas.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical Innovators: The breadth of claims may necessitate design-around strategies. Evaluating existing patent conflicts is essential for R&D progression.
- Legal and IP Professionals: Vigilance in monitoring patent equivalents and potential infringement suits around similar compounds is critical.
- Licensing and Commercialization: Broad claims can create licensing opportunities, especially if the patent covers a key compound or delivery method.
Conclusion
WO2006070781 exemplifies a strategic patent application aiming to establish wide-ranging protection over a novel therapeutic compound or method. Its claims likely span chemical, formulation, and therapeutic domains, making it a potentially influential asset within its patent landscape. Successful navigation of its scope requires analyzing both its technological breadth and the surrounding patent environment—balancing protecting innovation with mitigating infringement risks.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Patents Require Careful Validation: Always conduct comprehensive freedom-to-operate analyses considering similar compounds, formulations, or methods.
- Claims Breadth Is Strategic but Vulnerable: Broad claims strengthen competitive positioning but may face validity challenges; narrower dependent claims can serve as fallback positions.
- Global Patent Strategy Is Critical: Secure territorial protections across key jurisdictions aligned with the target market and patent landscape.
- Monitoring Is Essential: Continuous surveillance of prior art and competitor activity informs licensing opportunities and infringement risks.
- Innovator’s Edge Comes from Differentiation: Unique chemical structures, formulations, or indications bolster patent robustness and market exclusivity.
FAQs
1. What is the primary objective of WO2006070781?
The patent aims to secure rights over a specific chemical compound, formulation, or therapeutic method related to a pharmaceutical agent, providing protection against competitors manufacturing or selling similar innovations.
2. How does the scope of the claims influence patent enforcement?
A broader scope enhances market exclusivity but increases the risk of validity challenges. Precise, well-supported claims balance enforceability and defensibility.
3. Can WO2006070781 be extended or renewed?
Under standard patent laws, the initial term is 20 years from the filing date, with possible extensions via supplementary protection certificates in certain jurisdictions, depending on regulatory approval timelines.
4. How does this patent fit into the broader patent landscape?
It complements existing patents on similar compounds or treatments. Thorough landscape analysis helps identify potential conflicts or licensing opportunities.
5. What strategies should companies adopt regarding such patents?
Conduct ongoing patent monitoring, consider patent filing for improvements, and explore licensing or partnership opportunities for overlapping or adjacent technologies.
Sources:
[1] WIPO Patent WO2006070781.
[2] Patent landscape reports and strategic IP analyses relevant to pharmaceutical compounds (public industry databases).
