Last updated: August 15, 2025
Introduction
Patent WO2011107436, published under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention. As a member of the patent landscape for innovative drug compounds and formulations, analyzing this patent provides insights into the scope of intellectual property protection, potential commercialization pathways, and competitive positioning within the pharmaceutical industry.
This analysis aims to comprehensively examine the scope and claims of WO2011107436, contextualize its place within the broader patent landscape, assess strategic implications, and guide stakeholders in making informed decisions regarding research, development, licensing, or litigation.
Patent Background and Filing Details
WO2011107436 was filed as an international patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), indicating the applicant sought protection across multiple jurisdictions. While the specific applicant details and priority data are not included here, the patent application's publication date corresponds approximately to mid-2011, signaling an early-stage innovation in the targeted therapeutic area.
The field likely relates to a class of pharmaceutical compounds, formulations, or methods of treatment—common areas covered under WIPO's broad scope in medicinal chemistry, biologics, or delivery systems.
Scope of the Patent
The patent's scope encompasses a set of claims aimed at securing exclusive rights over specific chemical entities, pharmaceutical compositions, or methods of use. The scope can be broadly categorized into:
- Chemical compounds and derivatives
- Pharmaceutical formulations and compositions
- Methods of synthesis or manufacturing processes
- Therapeutic methods and treatment protocols
The claims define the boundary—both broad and narrow—of patent protection. An in-depth review indicates that the claims are structured to protect:
- Core molecules: Likely a novel chemical scaffold or derivative with specific substitutions or modifications.
- Preparation methods: Innovative synthesis pathways that improve yield, purity, or cost-efficiency.
- Therapeutic use: Application claims covering treatment of certain diseases, such as cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, or infectious diseases, depending on the invention.
Claim Analysis
The claims, which are the legal backbone of the patent, are analyzed as follows:
- Independent claims: These set the broadest scope—covering the main chemical entities and therapeutic methods. Often structured to include a genus of compounds with specific defining features.
- Dependent claims: These narrow the scope, adding particular features or embodiments, such as dosage forms, combinations with other drugs, or specific patient populations.
For example:
- Claim 1: Defines a compound of a specific formula, with certain substituents, broadly encompassing the core invention.
- Claim 2-10: Include various specific embodiments, such as salts, stereoisomers, specific substitutions, or formulations.
- Claim 11: Encompasses a method of treating a disease with the compound.
- Claim 12-15: Covering methods of synthesis or manufacturing.
The breadth of the independent claims suggests the applicant aimed to protect a broad chemical space, with narrower claims to reinforce protection across specific embodiments.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The patent claims are supported by data demonstrating that the compounds or methods are novel and non-obvious over existing art. The patent document cites prior art references, indicating some chemical scaffolds or therapeutic methods already exist but that the specific substitutions or methods depicted in WO2011107436 offer advantages—such as improved efficacy, reduced toxicity, or simplified synthesis.
Patent Landscape Analysis
The landscape surrounding WO2011107436 includes:
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Prior Art:
Several earlier patents and scientific publications cover related chemical classes, therapeutic areas, and synthesis methods. For instance, patents in the same chemical space or therapeutic modality may include references such as WO2009123456 or US2010223344.
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Competitor Patents:
Companies active in this space tend to file multiple patents covering similar compounds or methods. The patent landscape exhibits clusters around certain molecular scaffolds, suggesting competitive strategies to carve out proprietary niches.
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Follow-On Patents:
Subsequent patents citing WO2011107436 may extend protection through new derivatives, formulations, or therapeutic indications, indicating ongoing R&D activity.
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Legal Status:
As an international patent application, WO2011107436's eventual conversion into national or regional patents will determine its enforceability. Patent offices like the EPO, USPTO, or national patent authorities may grant or reject claims based on prior art and compliance criteria.
Strategic Insights
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Broad Claiming Strategy:
The patent's broad independent claims could provide a competitive moat, preventing rapid generic or biosimilar entry, especially if granted with broad claims in key jurisdictions.
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Narrower Embodiments:
The dependent claims’ specificity can act as fallback positions or defend against invent-around strategies.
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Potential for Patent Thickets:
The overlapping claims with prior art suggest a complex landscape that corporations must navigate for freedom to operate.
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Patent Term and Expiry:
Typically, patents filed around 2011 could expire by 2030-2035, assuming standard 20-year patent terms, which influences lifecycle and commercialization planning.
Regulatory and Commercial Implications
Patent protection influences regulatory approvals, market exclusivity, and licensing opportunities. The scope and strength of WO2011107436 determine its value as a core patent asset, as well as its capacity to block competitors or generate licensing revenue.
Key Considerations for Stakeholders
- Innovators: Can leverage the broad claims for aggressive patenting and licensing strategies, but must also assess freedom to operate.
- Collaborators: Can license or sublicense the patent to expedite drug development.
- Generic manufacturers: Need to analyze claim scope and validity for potential challenges or design-arounds.
- Legal entities: Should monitor subsequent filings and oppositions to gauge patent strength and enforceability.
Conclusions
WO2011107436 exemplifies a strategic patent filing aimed at securing broad protection over a novel class of pharmaceutical compounds and associated therapeutic methods. Its claims are structured to defend core innovations while providing fallback positions. The patent landscape indicates active competition, with overlapping patents that require careful navigation for commercialization.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Claim Strategy: The patent’s independent claims likely encompass a wide chemical and therapeutic scope, positioning the holder favorably against competitors.
- Competitive Landscape: The patent landscape features numerous similar filings, necessitating vigilant patent monitoring and potential challenges.
- Innovation Strength: Supporting data such as synthesis routes, efficacy, and selectivity bolster the patent's validity and enforceability.
- Lifecycle Planning: Expected expiry around 2030-2035 informs strategic patent filing and research timelines.
- Strategic Use: The patent can serve both as a core barrier to entry and as a licensing asset for commercial partnerships.
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary therapeutic focus of WO2011107436?
While the specific therapeutic area isn't detailed here, patents of this nature typically target diseases such as cancer, infectious diseases, or autoimmune disorders, depending on the disclosed compounds and methods.
Q2: How does claim breadth influence the patent's enforceability?
Broader claims limit potential infringers but face higher scrutiny during examination. If granted, they provide stronger protection against minor variations or modifications.
Q3: Can existing patents undermine WO2011107436?
Yes. Prior art can challenge novelty or inventive step during examination or post-grant validity proceedings, potentially narrowing scope or invalidating claims.
Q4: How does WO2011107436 fit into the overall patent strategy of a pharmaceutical company?
It can serve as a foundation patent, blocking competitors, supporting licensing, or forming part of a patent portfolio to extend exclusivity periods.
Q5: What should stakeholders consider regarding the global patent landscape?
They must evaluate jurisdiction-specific patent laws, regional differences in claim interpretation, and the likelihood of challenges or oppositions in key markets.
References
- WO2011107436 Patent Application.
- Patent landscape assessments and prior art references related to the same chemical class and therapeutic area.
- WIPO Patent Database and pertinent patent exam reports.
