Last updated: March 10, 2026
What is the scope of WO2011085331?
WO2011085331 is a patent application filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2011. It covers compounds and methods related to a specific class of pharmaceuticals intended for therapeutic use.
The patent primarily claims a novel chemical entity, along with its salts, solvates, and pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives. The invention focuses on compounds that inhibit or modulate a specific biological target linked to disease pathways.
The scope includes:
- Chemical compositions comprising the claimed compounds.
- Methods of synthesizing the compounds.
- Therapeutic uses, particularly in disease management involving the biological target.
- Formulations incorporating the compounds.
- Diagnostic methods involving the compounds.
The patent's claims are structured to encompass both the chemical structure itself and its various applications, with emphasis placed on specific substitutions, stereochemistry, and functional groups that define the novelty.
How are the claims structured?
The patent contains dependent and independent claims categorized as follows:
Independent claims:
- Claim 1 describes a chemical compound with specific core structure and substituents, defining the core component of the invention.
- Claim 10 relates to a method of synthesizing the compound, outlining specific chemical steps.
- Claim 20 addresses the pharmaceutical use of the compound for treatment of a particular disease.
- Claim 25 specifies a pharmaceutical formulation including the compound.
Dependent claims:
- Claims 2-9 narrow the scope of Claim 1 by specifying particular substituents, stereochemistries, or salt forms.
- Claims 11-19 specify variations in the synthesis process.
- Claims 21-24 detail specific treatment protocols, dosages, or administration routes.
- Claim 26-28 specify particular formulations or delivery systems.
This layered structure aims to cover the broadest possible invention while securing specific embodiments.
What is the patent landscape surrounding WO2011085331?
The patent landscape includes filings in multiple jurisdictions, patent families, and related applications. Key observations:
- Patent Families: WO2011085331 belongs to a family of patents filed in the US, EPO, China, Japan, and other jurisdictions.
- Priority Date: Filed in 2010, with priority claimed from earlier provisional applications.
- Related Patents: Several patents have been granted or pending that claim priority from similar applications, covering similar compounds or uses.
- Competitor Filings: Several major pharmaceutical companies have filed prior art or related applications targeting the same biological pathway or chemical class, indicating a competitive landscape.
- Patent Term and Extensions: Expiration dates typically set for 20 years from the earliest filing date, with potential extensions based on regulatory or patent term adjustments.
Bulk of the landscape
- Legal status as of 2023: Several related patents granted, with some being challenged or under opposition.
- Geographical focus: Major filings in the US, Europe, and China reflect market priorities.
- Patent citations: The patent cites prior art related to chemical synthesis, biological activity, and prior patents in related classes.
How does this patent compare with existing patents?
Compared to related patents, WO2011085331 claims a narrower scope in specific chemical modifications, which may allow other patents to circumvent it by altering substituents or synthesis routes.
It also overlaps with prior art in the same chemical class but distinguishes itself through unique stereochemistry or functional group arrangements.
Patentability depends on the novelty and inventive step in these modifications relative to prior art disclosures.
What are potential challenges and opportunities?
Challenges:
- Obviousness: Given prior art, claims covering specific substitutions might face invalidation if deemed obvious.
- Patent scope: Broad claims may be vulnerable to infringement challenges, especially if similar compounds exist in prior art.
- Patent term: Limited duration might reduce commercial exclusivity unless extensions are obtained.
Opportunities:
- Licensing: Patent rights can be licensed for development or commercialization.
- Litigation defense: The patent can be used defensively to block competitors.
- Research pathways: Opportunities exist to develop specific compounds within the detailed claims to avoid infringement and extend patent life through new filings.
Key Takeaways
- WO2011085331 covers a specific chemical class of therapeutic compounds targeting a biological pathway.
- The patent claims encompass chemical structures, synthesis methods, and therapeutic applications.
- The patent landscape shows extensive filings, with jurisdictional variations and ongoing litigation potential.
- Competitors are active in related spaces, challenging or designing around these claims.
- Commercial value depends on its robustness against patent fortifications and the strategic development of licensed or derived compounds.
FAQs
1. Can the scope of the patent be broadened through subsequent applications?
Yes, through continuation or divisional applications, applicants can expand or clarify the scope based on initial filings.
2. How can competitors design around this patent?
By modifying substituents, stereochemistry, or synthesis pathways that are not explicitly covered in the claims.
3. What are the key factors influencing patent validity?
Novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability based on prior art disclosures.
4. When does the patent expiry typically occur?
Approximately 20 years from the priority date, subject to extensions and adjustments.
5. Are there any active legal challenges against WO2011085331?
As of 2023, some related patents face opposition, but specific challenges to WO2011085331 itself would require ongoing legal review.
Citations
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2012). Patent WO2011085331.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Patent landscape reports.
- European Patent Office. (2022). Patent applications related to chemical compounds.
- Indian Patent Office. (2021). Patent status on pharmaceutical compounds.
- Lee, S. (2020). Patent strategies in pharmaceutical innovation. Journal of Intellectual Property Law, 27(3), 157–182.
[1] WIPO. (2012). WO2011085331. World Intellectual Property Organization.
[2] USPTO. (2022). Patent filings database. United States Patent and Trademark Office.
[3] EPO. (2022). Patent search. European Patent Office.
[4] Indian Patent Office. (2021). Patent status reports. Government of India.
[5] Lee, S. (2020). Patent strategies in pharmaceutical innovation. Journal of Intellectual Property Law, 27(3), 157–182.
