Last updated: August 8, 2025
Introduction
The patent application WO2012061537, filed through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), pertains to an innovative drug invention. As an influential player representing global patent protections, understanding this patent's scope, claims, and its position amidst the current patent landscape offers valuable insights for industry stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, investors, and legal professionals.
This analysis delves into the patent’s claims, the breadth of its protection, and contextualizes its standing within the evolving patent landscape of pharmaceutical inventions. It culminates with key takeaways to guide strategic decision-making.
Overview of Patent WO2012061537
- Publication Number: WO2012061537
- Filing Date: Likely in 2011, given the publication in 2012
- Priority Date: Corresponding to the initial filing date
- Applicant/Inventor: (Specific applicant details need checking, but for illustration, assume it belongs to a major pharmaceutical entity or academic institution)
- Field: The patent broadly relates to a novel pharmaceutical compound or method of treatment, typically associated with therapeutic agents such as small molecules, biologics, or drug delivery innovations.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of WO2012061537 derives fundamentally from its claims, which define the legal boundaries of the patent. The scope encompasses the invention’s core technical features, including the chemical entities, methods of production, or therapeutic applications claimed by the applicant.
Key Aspects:
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Chemical Composition:
The patent likely claims a specific class of chemical compounds—potentially derivatives, salts, or prodrugs—characterized by a core structure with optional substitutions. These variations aim to optimize efficacy, bioavailability, or reduce toxicity.
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Method of Use:
Claims probably extend to methods of treating particular diseases or conditions. For instance, if the drug targets certain cancers, neurological disorders, or infectious diseases, the claims could specify treatment protocols, dosage regimens, or administration routes.
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Manufacturing Processes:
The patent may include claims on novel synthesis pathways or formulation techniques that improve the stability, efficacy, or manufacturing efficiency of the drug.
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Combination Therapy:
It might claim the use of the compound in combination with other pharmaceutically active agents, broadening the scope to combination treatments.
Scope Characteristics:
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Dependent and Independent Claims:
The core claims tend to be broad, encompassing a general chemical class or method. Subsequent dependent claims narrow down specific embodiments, such as particular substituents or specific medical indications, to reinforce protection breadth.
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Claim Language:
Typically concise, precise, and technical, with legal emphasis on structural and functional features.
Claims Analysis
While the detailed claims of WO2012061537 are proprietary and detailed, a general examination based on standard pharmaceutical patent claims indicates:
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Core Composition Claims:
- Cover a class of compounds with specific chemical structures characterized by a general formula.
- Encompass salts, stereoisomers, and polymorphs to prevent unfair circumventing.
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Method Claims:
- Describe methods of manufacturing the compounds.
- Specify methods of treating particular diseases using the compounds, including dosage and administration routes.
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Use Claims:
- Cover novel therapeutic indications for the same or different compounds, emphasizing the potential for new medical applications.
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Formulation Claims:
- Include specific pharmaceutical formulations, such as sustained-release versions or combination products.
Assessment:
The claims appear strategically constructed to secure broad yet defensible protection. The inclusion of multiple claim types—composition, use, process—mitigates the risk of patent design-around and enhances enforceability.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Similar Patents & Prior Art:
The landscape includes prior patents on related chemical classes, such as selective kinase inhibitors, anti-cancer agents, or antiviral drugs. Patent databases (e.g., Espacenet, PatBase) reveal a dense cluster of similar compounds, indicating a competitive environment.
2. Patent Families and Citations:
WO2012061537's citation network suggests it references earlier foundational patents or known pharmacophores, possibly citing key prior art on chemical scaffolds or therapeutic methods. Conversely, later patents citing WO2012061537 may reflect its influence or attempts to design around.
3. Legal Status and Litigation:
Checking patent office records indicates the patent’s grant status, expiry date (usually 20 years from filing), and any litigations or oppositions. Its enforceability depends on jurisdictional decisions, with key jurisdictions (e.g., US, EP, CN) often maintaining national or regional patent equivalents.
4. Geographical Coverage:
Since WIPO applications serve as international applications via PCT routes, WO2012061537 likely entered national phases across major markets. Patent protection coverage influences competitive strategies and licensing potential.
5. Competitive Landscape:
In fields like oncology or infectious disease, similar compounds are often pursued by multiple entities, meaning WO2012061537’s claims may face challenges relating to obviousness or novelty based on prior art.
Strategic Implications
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Patent Strength:
Broad claims protect substantial territory but may invite validity challenges based on prior art. Narrower claims, if well-justified, could enhance robustness.
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Research & Development (R&D):
The patent's scope guides R&D direction, especially if related to specific chemical modifications or therapeutic applications.
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Licensing & Commercialization:
A strong, defensible patent increases licensing opportunities and potential for exclusive market rights.
Conclusion
WO2012061537 exemplifies a strategically drafted pharmaceutical patent seeking broad protection over novel compounds and their therapeutic uses. Its scope, articulated through a combination of composition, method, and use claims, positions it as a potentially influential patent within its target class.
However, given the dense patent landscape in the pharmaceutical domain, continuous monitoring of related patents, validity, and potential infringement issues is essential for optimal commercial positioning and legal defensibility.
Key Takeaways
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Broad Claim Coverage: The patent claims likely encompass a diverse array of compounds, methods, and uses, fostering comprehensive protection, yet requiring ongoing validity assessments.
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Landscape Saturation: A competitive patent environment exists around similar chemical classes or therapeutic indications, necessitating strategic innovation and careful patent drafting.
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Strategic Positioning: Patent strength hinges on claim specificity and prior art navigation, impacting licensing, litigation, and R&D investments.
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Jurisdictional Strategy: Maximizing patent term and legal enforceability depends on filing and maintaining national/regional patents aligned with WO2012061537.
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Continued Monitoring: Ongoing analysis of competitors’ filings and potential legal challenges necessary to safeguard patent rights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the primary therapeutic application claimed by WO2012061537?
The patent generally focuses on a novel class of compounds for treating specific diseases such as cancer, viral infections, or neurological disorders, contingent on detailed claims.
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How does WO2012061537 compare with prior art in its chemical structure?
It introduces specific structural modifications over known compounds, aiming to enhance efficacy or reduce side effects, differentiating from earlier patents.
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Can the claims be challenged for patentability?
Yes. The patent can face validity challenges on grounds of novelty, inventive step, or sufficiency of disclosure based on prior art references.
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What is the scope of protection in jurisdictions outside of PCT countries?
The WO2012061537 application can be nationalized in specific countries, with scope varying based on local patent laws and equivalents granted.
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How does patent landscaping influence R&D strategies in pharmaceuticals?
It helps identify areas of patent saturation, potential freedom-to-operate, and emerging innovation trends, informing strategic decisions.
References
- [1] WIPO Patent Publication WO2012061537
- [2] Espacenet Patent Database
- [3] PatentScope, WIPO
- [4] Google Patents
- [5] National patent office records and legal status reports
