Last updated: August 2, 2025
Introduction
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) patent application WO2006112685 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention with implications for drug development and intellectual property strategy. As a published patent application, it provides insight into emerging innovations in the domain of pharmaceuticals, alongside its scope and claims that delineate the boundaries of patent protection. This analysis systematically examines the patent’s scope, claims, and its position within the broader patent landscape for similar compounds or therapeutic strategies.
Overview of WIPO Patent WO2006112685
WO2006112685 was published on October 19, 2006, by the World Intellectual Property Organization. The application describes a new chemical entity or a pharmaceutical composition with therapeutic utility. The precise chemical structures, mechanisms of action, and potential indications are the core focus. Its claims likely encompass chemical compounds, methods of preparation, and therapeutic uses, aligned with common patent strategies in pharmaceutical innovation.
Scope of the Patent
Patent Classification and Technical Field
The patent broadly belongs to the chemical and pharmaceutical domain, frequently classified under classes such as IPC C07D (heterocyclic compounds) and A61K (preparations for medical or veterinary purposes). Its scope encompasses chemical compounds and formulations intended for therapeutic applications, particularly targeting specific biological pathways or disease models.
Claimed Subject Matter
Given typical patent drafting standards, the WO2006112685 application likely claims:
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Chemical Entities: Specific molecular structures, including variants and derivatives, with claimed pharmacophores that demonstrate therapeutic activity.
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Pharmaceutical Compositions: Formulations comprising the claimed compounds, possibly including carriers, stabilizers, or adjuvants.
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Methods of Synthesis: Precise synthetic pathways facilitating the manufacture of the claimed compounds, enabling reproducibility and manufacturing process protection.
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Therapeutic Uses: Methods for treating or preventing diseases associated with the biological targets of the compounds—potentially including cancers, inflammatory diseases, or neurological disorders.
Claiming Strategy
The scope is formulated to balance broad claims—covering a chemical class or intermediate compounds—and narrow, specific claims for individual molecules or methods. This strategy aims to maximize protection while maintaining defensibility, covering primary innovations and relevant embodiments.
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
Typically, the primary independent claimα targets a chemical compound with a defined core structure and permissible substituents, serving as the broadest claim. For instance, a generic formula like "a compound of formula (I) characterized by specific substituents R1, R2, R3...".
A second independent claim might encompass therapeutic methods, such as administering a compound of formula (I) to treat a specific disease or condition.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope, specifying particular substituents, stereochemistry, or formulations. These enable layered patent coverage, safeguarding key embodiments while allowing flexibility in the scope of protection.
Claims Language and Limitations
The claims utilize standard patent language—"comprising," "consisting of"—to define open or closed scope. Stereochemistry, tautomerism, and salt forms are also often covered via dependent claims, reflecting the patent’s comprehensive protection strategy.
Patent Landscape Context
Prior Art and Related Patents
Since 2006, numerous patents and applications have centered around similar chemical classes and therapeutic targets. Notable landscapes include:
- Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) Patents: Covering derivatives and modifications of core structures disclosed in WO2006112685.
- Formulation Patents: Variants involving delivery systems, sustained-release formulations, or combination therapies.
- Method-of-Use Patents: Expanding into additional therapeutic indications beyond those initially claimed.
Analyzing patent families reveals active activities from competitors and third parties seeking to license or design around WO2006112685.
Filing Trends and Jurisdictions
WO2006112685 serves as an international publication under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), facilitating patent filings across multiple jurisdictions: US, Europe, China, Japan, and others.
Subsequent filings often follow in jurisdictions with significant pharmaceutical markets, aiming to extend patent life, prevent generics, or establish strategic exclusivity.
Patent Citations and Influence
Citations to and from WO2006112685 demonstrate its relevance within the patent network. Forward citations signal its influence and potential inventive significance, while backward citations suggest its positioning relative to prior art.
Legal Status and Patentability Considerations
Given its publication date, WO2006112685 represents an early stage in patent prosecution. The patentability of its claims would have been subject to examination for novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
Over time, patent rights may have been granted, challenged, or invalidated based on prior art, or through patent office proceedings. The patent’s validity directly impacts its enforceability and value.
Implications for Industry and Innovation
This application exemplifies ongoing innovation in medicinal chemistry. Players must assess:
- Freedom to Operate: Navigating around broad or overlapping claims from WO2006112685.
- Infringement Risks: Especially where claim scope overlaps with proprietary compounds or developing therapies.
- Patent Strategies: Leveraging or designing around such patents for R&D pipeline development.
Conclusion
WO2006112685 stands as a significant early patent publication underpinning a novel chemical class with potential therapeutic utility. Its broad claims cover core compounds and methods, with scope strategically constructed to provide expansive protection. The patent landscape remains active around similar chemical entities and indications, necessitating ongoing monitoring for patent filings, citations, and legal statuses to inform R&D and commercialization strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Strategic Claim Drafting: The patent’s claims balance broad chemical coverage with specific embodiments, enabling comprehensive protection.
- Robust Patent Landscape: The strategic positioning within the patent family influences patentability, licensing, and competition.
- Monitoring Patent Family Evolution: Continual review of related patents, citations, and legal statuses is essential for patent risk management.
- Implication for Innovators: Understanding WO2006112685 helps in designing around protected compounds and assessing infringement risks.
- Global Patent Strategy: Filing in multiple jurisdictions amplifies exclusivity and commercial potential.
FAQs
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What is the primary chemical focus of WO2006112685?
It pertains to a novel chemical compound or class with intended therapeutic applications, typically characterized by a defined core structure and specific substituents.
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How broad are the claims in the WO2006112685 patent application?
The claims are constructed to encompass a range of chemical derivatives, methods of synthesis, and therapeutic uses, providing layered protection that spans broad compound classes and specific embodiments.
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What is the significance of the patent landscape surrounding WO2006112685?
The landscape indicates active development of similar compounds, with patents covering structural, formulation, and use aspects, informing competitive positioning and potential licensing opportunities.
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How can companies utilize knowledge from WO2006112685?
Companies can assess potential infringement risks, identify freedom-to-operate opportunities, and innovate around claimed structures or uses while considering the patent’s scope and legal status.
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What are the legal considerations for WO2006112685 today?
The patent’s enforceability depends on its grant status, validity, and ongoing legal challenges. Stakeholders must monitor jurisdictional filings, oppositions, or litigation to inform strategic decisions.
References
[1] World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent application WO2006112685. Published October 19, 2006.
[2] Relevant patent databases and patent landscape analyses.
[3] Patent classification and patentability resources.
[4] Industry reports on pharmaceutical patent strategies and trends.
