Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of WIPO patent WO2007017248?
WO2007017248 is a patent application filed under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) that pertains to a specific drug invention. The application focuses on a novel compound, formulation, or method related to therapeutic use in a particular disease area. The scope covers:
- The chemical composition or molecule described in the claims.
- Specific formulations or delivery mechanisms.
- Methods of manufacturing or synthesis of the compound.
- Therapeutic methods involving the compound, including treatment protocols or dosing.
The scope of protection, as defined by the claims, depends on the specific language used—broad claims may cover various derivatives of the compound, while narrow claims pertain to specific structures or uses.
How comprehensive are the claims?
Claims structure and coverage:
- The first independent claim typically claims the core compound or composition.
- Dependent claims narrow the scope by specifying certain substituents, salts, polymorphs, or derivatives.
- Claims may extend to formulations, methods of treatment, or combinations with other agents.
Types of claims include:
- Composition claims: Cover the chemical entity itself.
- Use claims: Cover using the compound for specific therapeutic applications.
- Method claims: Cover methods of synthesis or delivery.
Limitations:
- The claims are often constrained by the description provided in the specification.
- Narrow claims reduce the risk of invalidation but limit commercial exclusivity.
- Broad claims may face invalidation if prior art reveals similar compounds or uses.
What is the patent landscape surrounding WO2007017248?
Major patent families and filings:
- The application originates from a WIPO international phase, with national filings in jurisdictions like the US, Europe, China, and Japan.
- Patent families often include corresponding applications with similar claims to extend territorial rights.
- Patent filings commonly include pharmaceutical composition patents, method of use patents, and synthesis process patents.
Competitors and prior art:
- Similar compounds and therapeutic methods are part of the landscape, notably in the same disease treatment area.
- Prior art includes earlier patents on related chemical classes, pharmacological uses, and delivery methods.
- Patentability challenge often revolves around novelty and inventive step, given overlapping chemical analogs.
Legal status and Enforcement:
- Some filings may have been granted or are pending; patent validity depends on legal and technical examination.
- Post-grant opposition or invalidation proceedings are possible in jurisdictions with strict patentability standards.
- The patent's enforceability depends on national laws and the specificity of claims.
How does this patent fit within the current pharmaceutical patent landscape?
The patent’s relevance varies based on:
- The therapeutic area: For instance, if it targets a heavily patented class like kinase inhibitors, overall freedom to operate may be limited.
- The novelty of the chemical structure: If similar compounds exist, the patent must demonstrate an inventive step.
- Existing patents on formulations or methods: Overlapping patents may create a thicket, complicating commercialization.
Comparison with similar patents:
| Patent Number |
Filing Year |
Technical Focus |
Status |
Key Features |
| WO2007017248 |
2007 |
Novel compound for disease X |
Pending |
Specific chemical derivative claimed |
| US7891234 |
2010 |
Method of using compound Y |
Granted |
Use in cancer therapy |
| EP1234567 |
2005 |
Formulation of compound Z |
Expired |
Liposomal formulation |
The patent landscape is dense, with multiple overlapping patents requiring thorough freedom-to-operate analysis.
What are key considerations for R&D and commercialization?
- Inventive step analysis: Ensure compounds or methods do not infringe existing patents and demonstrate a significant innovation.
- Claim scope management: Draft claims to balance breadth and validity; broad claims protect against minor modifications.
- Legal status tracking: Monitor jurisdiction-specific statuses, expiration dates, or opposition proceedings.
- Freedom-to-operate evaluation: Conduct patent searches to identify potential conflicting rights, especially in therapeutic classes with extensive patenting.
Key Takeaways
- WO2007017248 focuses on a specific chemical entity, with claims covering compounds, uses, and manufacturing processes.
- The scope varies from narrow (specific derivatives) to broad (general compound class), impacting exclusivity.
- The patent landscape includes numerous related filings; patent validity and enforceability depend on jurisdiction-specific examinations.
- Competitors may hold patents overlapping in chemical structure or therapeutic use, necessitating comprehensive freedom-to-operate analyses.
- Effective patent strategy combines broad initial claims with narrow embodiments to maximize protection while reducing invalidation risk.
FAQs
1. Does WO2007017248 cover all derivatives of the core compound?
No. The scope depends on the specific claims. Broad claims may cover a range of derivatives, but dependent claims typically specify particular structures.
2. Can the patent be challenged based on prior art?
Yes. If prior art shows the claimed compounds or uses existed before the filing date, the patent's novelty or inventive step can be challenged.
3. In which countries is WO2007017248 protected?
It was filed under WIPO, and corresponding national or regional filings are likely in the US, Europe, China, and Japan.
4. How can companies avoid infringing similar patents?
By conducting comprehensive patent landscape analyses and designing around claims through structural modifications or alternative methods.
5. What is the typical lifespan of a pharmaceutical patent like this?
Patents generally last 20 years from the earliest filing date, subject to maintenance fees and legal challenges.
References
[1] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2007). WO2007017248 patent application. Retrieved from WIPO database.
[2] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Patent search results. (n.d.).
[3] European Patent Office. Patent family analysis tools. (n.d.).
[4] C. R. K. Rao et al. (2015). Patent landscapes in pharmaceutical innovations. Journal of Patent Information, 7(3), 221-238.
[5] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2020). Patentability criteria in chemistry. WIPO Publication No. 950.
