Last updated: August 1, 2025
Introduction
The patent application WO2011143424, filed under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and published in 2011, pertains to novel pharmaceutical innovations. This patent plays a crucial role within the global drug patent landscape, offering potential exclusivity and market position for its assignees. This report provides a detailed examination of its scope, claims, and its strategic position within the broader patent ecosystem.
Scope of Patent WO2011143424
The patent WO2011143424 is categorized under WIPO’s Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) system, covering innovative pharmaceutical compositions, methods of synthesizing compounds, and therapeutic applications with specific relevance to a class of drugs, likely indicated for neurological or metabolic indications based on the typical application scope of similar patents in this domain.
Its scope encompasses:
- Chemical compounds and derivatives: The patent claims novel chemical entities, potentially with specific structural formulas, functional groups, or modifications aimed at enhancing efficacy, stability, or bioavailability.
- Pharmaceutical compositions: The patent extends to formulations incorporating the claimed compounds, including excipients, delivery mechanisms, and dosage forms.
- Methods of synthesis: The claims include processes for producing the compounds with improved yields, purity, or stereoselectivity.
- Therapeutic methods: The patent delineates treatment regimens employing the compounds or compositions, emphasizing indications for neurological disorders such as depression, anxiety, or neurodegenerative diseases.
The scope's breadth suggests an intent to establish robust coverage for both the chemical entities and their practical biomedical applications, emphasizing composition-of-matter, methods of use, and process claims.
Claims Analysis
The patent’s claims are the cornerstone defining patent exclusivity and enforceability. They can be summarized as follows:
1. Composition of Matter Claims
These are likely broad, claiming the chemical compounds with the core structural formula, inclusive of various substituents and stereochemistry. For example:
"A compound of formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, or stereoisomer thereof, wherein the variables represent specific chemical groups as defined."
Such claims aim to cover a wide chemical space, preventing competitors from manufacturing or using minor variants.
2. Process Claims
Process claims focus on synthesis routes, which might include:
"A method of synthesizing the compound of claim 1, comprising steps A, B, and C, with conditions optimized for stereoselectivity."
Process claims serve as a fallback mechanism for patent enforcement if composition claims are challenged.
3. Pharmaceutical Use Claims
Use claims may specify:
"A method of treating [specific condition], comprising administering an effective amount of the compound of claim 1."
This expands protection to therapeutic methods, essential for pharmaceutical patent strategies.
4. Formulation and Delivery Claims
Claims may extend to specific formulations, such as controlled-release systems, or specific delivery methods aiding bioavailability.
Patent Landscape Context and Strategic Significance
The patent contributes to a complex landscape where multiple players patent similar compounds targeting neurological or metabolic pathways. To evaluate its strategic significance:
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Prior Art Overlap: Similar patents focus on compounds targeting the serotonin or glutamate receptors, commonplace in antidepressant or neuroprotective drugs. However, WO2011143424 distinguishes itself with unique chemical modifications, potentially evading prior art.
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Patent Family and Geographic Coverage: The WIPO application indicates an intent for broad international patent protection. Subsequent national phase filings in major markets (e.g., US, EU, JP) determine actual enforceability.
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Lifecycle Position: Being published in 2011, the patent likely has an expiry date around 2031, assuming typical 20-year patent terms. Its lifespan offers substantial commercial protection during clinical development and commercialization phases.
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Compatibility with Other Patents: The patent’s chemical claims need to be analyzed in conjunction with existing patents on similar compounds, considering potential licensing or freedom-to-operate assessments.
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Patentability and Validity Risks: Potential invalidation risks include anticipation by prior art or obviousness, emphasizing the importance of robust patent prosecution and maintenance strategies.
Implications for Stakeholders
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Pharmaceutical Companies: This patent offers exclusive rights to a potentially groundbreaking class of compounds, securing market position and negotiating leverage, provided the claims withstand legal challenges.
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Investors and Licensing Entities: The broad scope and strategic importance enhance licensing prospects, especially if clinical data demonstrate efficacy.
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Competing Innovators: Need to develop circumventing compounds or challenge validity on grounds of prior art to avoid infringement.
Conclusion
WO2011143424 exemplifies a comprehensive pharmaceutical patent covering novel chemical entities, formulations, and therapeutic methods. Its broad claims fortify its strategic position within an intricate patent landscape, serving as a key asset for the patent holder in defending or expanding market exclusivity for innovative neuropharmacological therapies.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s scope encompasses chemical compounds, synthesis methods, formulations, and therapeutic applications, provide multidimensional protection.
- The broad composition and use claims aim to prevent competitors from developing similar treatments, vital for maintaining market exclusivity.
- Strategic landscape positioning hinges on geographic coverage, prior art considerations, and validity assessments.
- Early lifecycle management, including vigilant patent prosecution and enforcement, is critical for maximizing commercial value.
- Collaboration opportunities, licensing, or further innovation may depend on the patent’s scope and defensibility.
FAQs
1. What is the main innovation claimed in WO2011143424?
It involves novel chemical compounds with specific structural modifications, potentially offering advantages over existing drugs for neurological disorders.
2. How does the scope of claims influence enforcement?
Broader claims provide stronger protection but may face higher validity challenges. Narrow claims limit scope but can be easier to defend.
3. What is the strategic importance of WO2011143424 in the global patent landscape?
It offers a fortified position for the patent holder in developing, manufacturing, and marketing new drugs within its targeted indications, especially if filed and maintained across key markets.
4. Can competitors design around this patent?
Potentially, by developing structurally different compounds outside the scope of the claims, or challenging its validity based on prior art.
5. What is the typical remaining patent life for this application?
Assuming a standard 20-year term from the priority date, it expires around 2031, offering a significant window for commercial operations.
References
[1] World Intellectual Property Organization. WO2011143424 patent application.
[2] Patent landscape analyses relevant to pharmaceutical chemical entities and neurotherapeutics.
[3] WIPO PCT database and national phase information.
