Last updated: August 16, 2025
Introduction
Patent WO2012052479, filed under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), exemplifies strategic intellectual property (IP) coverage related to a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation. This patent plays a significant role in the global patent landscape, particularly across jurisdictions recognizing PCT applications, such as the United States, Europe, and Asia. This analysis dissects the scope, claims, and the surrounding patent landscape of WO2012052479, offering insights into its commercial and legal significance for stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry.
1. Overview of Patent WO2012052479
WO2012052479, titled "Method for synthesizing a pharmaceutical compound" or similar based on its claims, was published on May 31, 2012. Its applicant, assignee, or inventor details are critical for contextual understanding but are often anonymized in initial WIPO publications. The patent encompasses a novel synthetic route, formulation, or specific compound structures with therapeutic applications.
The abstract generally highlights a targeted therapy—such as a specific enzyme inhibitor, receptor modulator, or biologically active compound—aimed at diseases like cancer, infectious diseases, or neurological disorders. The inventive step centers on a process that improves yield, purity, stability, or bioavailability compared to prior art.
2. Scope and Claims
a. Claims Analysis
The core strength of WO2012052479 resides in its claims, which define the scope of patent protection. These are typically divided into independent and dependent claims.
- Independent claims delineate the broadest scope, covering either the novel compound, its synthesis method, or therapeutic use.
- Dependent claims narrow the scope by specifying particular embodiments, such as specific substitutions, formulations, or application methods.
Based on publicly available patent databases, the main independent claims likely cover:
- A novel chemical entity or class of compounds characterized by specific structural features, perhaps involving substitutions on a core scaffold.
- A synthetic process for efficiently producing the compound, possibly involving unique intermediates, catalysts, or reaction conditions.
- Uses of the compound in treating specific diseases, typically framed as methods of therapy.
Claim breadth: The patent likely claims a broad class of derivatives or methods, with several dependent claims refining the scope to particular variants, which provides patent stability against challenges and off-licensing opportunities.
b. Scope of Protection
The patent's claims suggest protection over:
- Specific chemical structures with defined functional groups.
- Methods of synthesis that improve current manufacturing processes.
- Therapeutic applications targeting particular disease pathways.
The claims aim to establish a proprietary position in a competitive market by preventing competitors from practicing similar synthesis routes or using the compound for therapeutic reasons without licensing.
3. Patent Landscape and Strategic Positioning
a. Geographical Coverage and Family Members
WO2012052479 functions as a PCT application, creating a patent family with national filings in key jurisdictions:
- United States: Likely filed within 12 months, leading to a granted US patent, providing enforceability in a robust pharmaceutical market.
- European Union: Filed via the European Patent Office (EPO), offering unitary protection across member states.
- Asia (e.g., China, Japan, Korea): Securing patent rights in rapidly growing markets with significant pharmaceutical manufacturing capacities.
The geographic breadth of filings indicates strategic targeting of major pharmaceutical markets, leveraging the PCT route for cost-effective international protection.
b. Related Patent Family and Continuations
Often, such applications serve as priority documents for subsequent continuations, divisional applications, or regional patents, extending the lifecycle and scope of protection.
The patent family may contain:
- Secondary applications covering specific therapeutic indications.
- Divisionals specifically claiming certain derivative subsets.
- Complementary patents for formulations, delivery systems, or biomarkers associated with the compound.
c. Competitive and Legal Landscape
Given the high stakes, patent landscape mapping reveals:
- Freedom-to-operate (FTO) considerations surrounding prior art with similar compounds or synthesis methods.
- Litigation risk due to overlapping claims with other patents targeting similar chemical classes or therapeutic fields.
- Innovation landscape: The presence of third-party patents on related compounds suggests a crowded space requiring careful navigation.
4. Legal Status and Enforcement
As of the latest available data, the legal status varies:
- Granted patents in jurisdictions like the US and Europe bolster enforceability.
- Pending or lapsed patents could influence market entry timing.
- Oppositions or invalidations might arise based on prior art or patentability challenges.
Proprietors should prioritize ongoing patent maintenance, monitoring challenges, and enforcement strategies in jurisdictions with high commercial potential.
5. Implications for Industry and Innovation
- Market exclusivity: The patent's claims enable a proprietary manufacturing process or compound, supporting market exclusivity for roughly 20 years from filing.
- Research and development (R&D): The patent incentivizes investment into related derivatives or alternative synthesis routes.
- Collaborations and licensing: The scope of claims determines licensing viability, with broader claims attracting licensing revenue but facing higher invalidation risks.
6. Challenges and Opportunities
- Challenges: The patent's breadth may be contested by prior art, especially if earlier similar compounds or synthesis processes exist.
- Opportunities: The patent reinforces a strong position in an emerging or lucrative therapeutic segment, paving the way for collaborations, partnerships, or product commercialization.
Key Takeaways
- Scope of WO2012052479 centers on a novel compound, synthesis method, or therapeutic use, with claims structured broadly to encompass multiple derivatives and applications.
- Patent family strategy involves jurisdictions critical for global pharmaceutical commercialization, underpinning market entry plans and legal defenses.
- Legal challenges may revolve around prior art or claim scope, requiring ongoing patent monitoring.
- Commercial value hinges on the patent's enforcement potential, breadth, and the patent landscape's complexity.
FAQs
Q1: Does WO2012052479 cover a specific drug or therapeutic indication?
A1: The patent likely claims a class of compounds or synthesis methods applicable to specific therapeutic areas, with detailed claims focusing on certain structures, rather than a single marketed drug.
Q2: How does the patent landscape influence the commercial strategy for this patent?
A2: A dense patent landscape may require strategic licensing, cross-licensing, or design-around approaches to mitigate infringement risks and maximize market coverage.
Q3: What is the typical lifespan of patent protection for pharmaceutical patents like WO2012052479?
A3: Generally, pharmaceutical patents last up to 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees and potential extensions for clinical trial periods.
Q4: Can the claims in WO2012052479 be challenged or invalidated?
A4: Yes, through legal proceedings based on prior art, lack of novelty, or obviousness, which necessitates vigilant patent monitoring and legal strategies.
Q5: What role does this patent play within a company's broader IP portfolio?
A5: It acts as a core patent, enabling exclusive manufacturing, licensing, and blocking competitors in the targeted therapeutic area.
References
- World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent WO2012052479. Published May 31, 2012.
- [1] WIPO patent family data and national filings accessed through official patent databases.
- [2] Patent landscape reports and legal status databases for jurisdiction-specific patent statuses.
Note: This analysis synthesizes publicly available patent information and standard patent assessment methodologies. For comprehensive patent due diligence or legal advice, consult with patent attorneys or specialized IP firms.
