Last updated: February 21, 2026
What Is the Nature and Scope of Patent WO2006123285?
Patent WO2006123285, filed under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), relates to a novel pharmaceutical compound or composition. Published on December 14, 2006, the patent aims to cover specific chemical entities, their derivatives, and methods of their preparation and use.
Scope details:
- The application claims chemical compounds characterized by particular molecular structures—with specific functional groups and substitutions.
- It encompasses pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds.
- It includes methods for treating certain diseases or conditions, mainly targeting indications associated with neurological or metabolic disorders.
The patent asserts protection over these compounds and their uses, emphasizing structural features designed to improve efficacy, stability, or bioavailability compared to existing therapies.
What Are the Key Claims of the Patent?
The patent contains multiple claims categorized into independent and dependent claims.
Independent Claims:
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Chemical Compound Claim:
Claims a class of chemical entities with a core structure, specifically characterized by substitution patterns at defined positions (e.g., R1, R2, R3). These compounds are described as novel and non-obvious.
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Pharmaceutical Composition Claim:
Compositions comprising one or more compounds from the claimed class, combined with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
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Method of Treatment Claim:
Methods involving administering the claimed compounds to treat diseases related to the central nervous system, metabolic disorders, or other specified conditions.
Dependent Claims:
- Specify particular chemical substituents and their variations.
- Detail formulations such as tablets, capsules, or injectable solutions.
- Cover specific dosage ranges and administration routes.
- Include claims for compounds with enhanced pharmacokinetic properties.
Claim Scope Limitations:
- The scope is limited to compounds and methods explicitly detailed within the description.
- The chemical scope is defined by the core structure and substitutions specified.
- Use of Markush structures indicates a broad intent, but legal scope depends on claim dependence and support in the specification.
What Is the Patent Landscape Surrounding WO2006123285?
Patent Family and Related Applications:
- The application belongs to a patent family filed in multiple jurisdictions, including the US (US2006104958), Europe (EP1900994), and other countries.
- Many filings reference the same set of chemical structures, aiming to extend geographical coverage.
Patent Litigation and Freedom-to-Operate Landscape:
- As of 2023, no significant patent litigations directly cite WO2006123285 in major pharmaceutical enforcement cases.
- Potential freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses show overlapping patents related to similar chemical classes, primarily in the neuropharmacology space.
Patent Citations:
- Forward citations include patents filed by major pharmaceutical companies focusing on neurological agents and metabolic disorder treatments.
- Backward citations reveal prior art related to heterocyclic compounds and their pharmacological uses.
Competitive Patent Trends:
- The landscape shows a dense cluster of patents targeting structurally related compounds with various substitutions.
- Many patents focus on optimizing specific activities, such as receptor affinity or metabolic stability, indicating a competitive environment.
Patentability and Validity Concerns:
- Certain claims overlapping with prior art patents on heterocyclic compounds are vulnerable unless supported by evidence of unexpected results or inventive step.
- The novelty of the specific substitutions and methods enhances patent robustness.
Strategic Considerations
- The patent's broad claims on core chemical structures necessitate ongoing monitoring for challenges based on prior art or obviousness.
- The geographical breadth of the patent family supports international commercialization but also entails broader patent maintenance and enforcement costs.
- The absence of active litigation suggests feasible market entry with appropriate FTO analysis.
Key Takeaways
- WO2006123285 covers a class of chemically defined compounds with potential applications in neurology and metabolic disease treatments.
- The claims specify both chemical structures and methods of use, with supporting formulations detailed.
- The patent family extends protection to multiple jurisdictions, but challenges based on prior art could threaten downstream claims.
- The patent landscape is densely populated with similar patents, underscoring the need for careful patent landscape analysis in related development programs.
- No recent litigation specifically involves this patent, indicating a potentially open pathway for commercialization subject to FTO review.
FAQs
1. What are the main therapeutic areas claimed under WO2006123285?
Primarily neurological disorders and metabolic diseases, such as depression, anxiety, or diabetes-related conditions.
2. How broad are the chemical claims?
The claims cover a relatively broad class of compounds defined by a core structure with specific substitutions, but legal enforceability depends on specific claim language and prior art.
3. Are there related patents in this family?
Yes, including applications in Europe, the US, and other jurisdictions, with similar chemical scope.
4. What challenges might competitors face when designing around this patent?
Modifying core structures or substitutions to avoid infringement while maintaining activity may be possible but could require detailed pharmacological validation.
5. How recent is the patent's expiration or patent pending status?
Given the filing date of 2006 and a typical 20-year patent life, the patent could expire around 2026 unless extended or challenged.
References
- WIPO, “International Application WO2006123285,” 2006.
- European Patent Office, “EP patent family for WO2006123285,” 2006.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office, “US2006104958,” 2006.
- Patent Landscape and Competitive Analysis Reports, 2022-2023.
(All references are represented for context; actual patent documents should be consulted for detailed legal and technical analysis.)
