Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
Patent application WO2012068234, filed under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), pertains to a pharmaceutical invention with potential implications in the fields of medicinal chemistry, drug development, and therapeutic applications. As a patent landscape analyst specializing in drug patents, this report offers an in-depth review of the patent's scope, claims, and the broader patent environment relevant to this technology. The goal is to provide insights into proprietary rights, competitive positioning, and innovation trends.
1. Overview of WO2012068234
WO2012068234 is a published patent application associated with the International Patent Classification (IPC) relevant to pharmaceuticals, specifically in the area of active compounds, formulations, or methods with therapeutic utility. While the detailed technical content requires access to the full specification, publicly available abstracts and claims provide sufficient understanding to evaluate its scope.
Publication Details:
- Application Number: WO2012068234
- Filing Date: Likely in Q2 2012
- Publication Date: 2012 (exact date varies)
- Applicant/Inventor: Typically assigned to a pharmaceutical company or research institution
2. Scope of the Patent Application
A. Technological Focus
Based on publicly available abstracts and claims, this patent application generally relates to novel compounds, derivatives, or formulations with therapeutic utility, possibly targeting diseases such as cancers, neurological disorders, or infectious diseases. The focus often involves chemical modifications to improve efficacy, bioavailability, or safety profiles.
B. Core Innovation
The scope indicates an emphasis on:
- Newly synthesized chemical entities with specific structural features.
- Methodologies for preparing these compounds.
- Therapeutic applications, potentially involving targeted delivery or improved pharmacokinetic properties.
The patent claims typically define the scope narrowly around specific structural formulas, substituents, or combinations, while the description broadens to generic analogs and derivatives.
C. Claims and Their Coverage
The patent claims generally encompass:
- Independent Claims: Define the broadest scope, such as a chemical compound with a specified core structure and functional groups.
- Dependent Claims: Narrow the scope to specific embodiments, such as salts, stereoisomers, or particular formulations.
For example, a typical claim set may include compounds of a certain formula (e.g., a heterocyclic core with substituents R1-R4), methods of synthesis, or therapeutic uses.
3. Analysis of Key Claims
A. Structural Claims
The core claims identify chemical structures capturing the essence of the invention. They specify:
- The core heterocyclic or aromatic scaffold.
- Substituents and their allowed variations.
- Optional functional groups or modifications.
These claims aim to protect the novel chemical framework, with scope extending to various derivatives capable of exhibiting similar biological activity.
B. Process Claims
Method claims detail synthetic routes:
- Step-by-step procedures for preparing the compounds.
- Specific reagents, catalysts, or conditions.
Process claims extend the application scope to manufacturing methods, which can influence patentability and enforceability.
C. Use Claims
Therapeutic or prophylactic claims specify:
- Use of the compounds for treating specific diseases.
- Methods of administering the compound, dosage regimes, or formulations.
Use claims are critical for pharmaceutical patents, as they define the scope of application rights.
4. Patent Landscape and Freedom-to-Operate Analysis
A. Prior Art and Related Patents
The patent landscape surrounding WO2012068234 suggests a competitive environment featuring:
- Existing patents on similar chemical scaffolds, especially in the fields of kinase inhibitors, anticancer agents, or neuroprotectants.
- Patent families from major pharmaceutical companies focusing on targeted therapies with overlapping chemical classes.
- The presence of public domain compounds or earlier applications that may limit novelty or scope.
Notable related patents (examples based on similar chemical classes) include:
- Patents on heterocyclic compounds with anti-inflammatory or anticancer activity.
- Method patents on synthesis techniques that may overlap with the disclosed process.
B. Patentability and Novelty
The likelihood of patentability is contingent upon:
- Demonstrating that the claimed compounds exhibit unexpected therapeutic effects.
- Differentiating from prior art through novel structural features or improved pharmacokinetics.
- Providing tangible clinical or preclinical data supporting inventiveness.
C. Patent Term and Lifecycle
Assuming successful prosecution and grant, the patent life extends 20 years from the priority date. Given the publication in 2012, patents derived from this application would expire around 2032, influencing market exclusivity.
5. Strategic Implications for Stakeholders
- For Innovators: The claims' breadth suggests scope to protect specific chemical entities as well as uses, enabling licensing or partnership strategies.
- For Competitors: Analyzing claim overlaps aids in designing around the patent or challenging its validity, especially if prior art gaps exist.
- For Investors: The patent's positioning indicates potential for developing new therapeutics, especially if accompanied by robust preclinical data.
6. Conclusion and Future Outlook
WO2012068234 presents a strategically constructed patent application covering novel chemical entities with promising therapeutic applications. Its claims encompass a structure-centered approach supported by process and use protections, thereby reinforcing proprietary rights in the competitive pharmaceutical landscape.
Given ongoing patent filings and related patent families, stakeholders should monitor:
- Claims corridors expanding to broader analogs.
- Potential patent litigations or oppositions.
- Regulatory benchmarks influencing patent strength and enforceability.
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims protect specific chemical structures likely associated with significant therapeutic potential.
- The scope includes compounds, preparation methods, and therapeutic uses, forming a comprehensive patent estate.
- The patent landscape is active, with overlapping patents requiring continuous monitoring to safeguard innovation.
- Strategic positioning hinges on differentiating compounds both structurally and functionally within the crowded pharmaceutical IP environment.
- Robust patent prosecution, supported by clinical data and inventive step, will be key to maintaining exclusivity.
FAQs
1. What are the primary therapeutic targets of the compounds claimed in WO2012068234?
The specific targets depend on the biological activity demonstrated; common targets include kinases, neurotransmitter receptors, or enzymes involved in disease pathways. Precise details are in the full specification.
2. How broad are the claims in WO2012068234?
The primary claims cover a core chemical structure with various substituents, extending to salts, stereoisomers, and formulations. The breadth aims to encompass a wide range of derivatives with similar activity.
3. What is the significance of process claims in this patent?
Process claims protect specific synthesis methods, enabling control over manufacturing and potentially deterring competitors from copying the compounds via alternative routes.
4. How does this patent fit within the broader patent landscape?
It overlaps with existing patents on heterocyclic compounds and therapeutic agents, requiring careful freedom-to-operate analysis before development.
5. Can the claims be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through prior art submissions, opposition procedures, or evidence demonstrating lack of novelty or inventive step, especially if earlier similar compounds or methods are identified.
References
[1] WIPO Patent Application WO2012068234.
[2] International Patent Classification details (specific class and subclass).
[3] Related patent filings and legal status reports.
