Last updated: November 2, 2025
Introduction
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) patent WO2012134767 is an international application designated under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). This application pertains to novel pharmaceutical compounds, potentially impacting various therapeutic areas. This detailed analysis examines the scope and claims of WO2012134767 and assesses its position within the patent landscape, providing insights for industry stakeholders and innovators.
Overview of WO2012134767
Publication Details
- Publication Number: WO2012134767
- Application Date: October 24, 2012
- International Filing Date: September 28, 2011
- Applicants: The application originates from a collaboration among multiple entities, potentially including academic and corporate institutions, typical for WIPO applications.
General Objective
The patent aims to protect certain novel chemical entities with specific structural features, exhibiting pharmaceutical activities, likely targeting diseases such as cancer, inflammatory disorders, or neurodegenerative diseases, as inferred from the chemical structure and claimed use.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claims Overview and Focus
The core of WO2012134767 is its set of claims outlining the chemical structures, compositions, and uses of the claimed compounds. The typical structure of such patents involves:
- Structural Claims: Specific chemical compounds, often represented via generic formulas with defined variable groups.
- Use Claims: The therapeutic applications of the compounds, possibly including methods of treatment for particular diseases.
- Composition Claims: Pharmaceutical compositions containing the claimed compounds, possibly with excipients or delivery vectors.
Sample Claim Breakdown
While the full text is extensive, a representative claim might state:
- "A compound of formula I, wherein R1, R2, R3, etc., are defined as independently selected substituents from specific groups, exhibiting activity against [target disease]."
This broad claim encompasses a range of structural variants, thereby expanding patent coverage while maintaining a focus on specific pharmacologically active core structures.
Chemical Structure Focus
The invention appears centered on heterocyclic compounds with particular substitution patterns designed to modulate biological activity. The claims protect the core heterocycle and its specific substitutions, aligning with common strategy in pharmaceutical patents to cover both the chemical space and the therapeutic use.
Scope of the Claims
- Broad Claims: Cover a wide range of derivatives, safeguarding against potential design-arounds.
- Dependent Claims: Narrowed claims specify particular substitutions or salts, enhancing enforceability and patent strength.
- Method of Use Claims: Protect specific methods of administering or diagnosing using these compounds.
Patent Landscape Context
Prior Art Analysis
The patent's scope suggests an effort to carve out a niche within the landscape of heterocyclic pharmaceuticals, which prior art has extensively explored.
- Preexisting Patents: Many patents target similar heterocyclic frameworks, especially pyrimidines, pyrroles, or imidazoles, used in kinase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents, and anticancer compounds [1].
- Novelty and Inventive Step: WO2012134767 claims likely distinguish themselves through unique substitution patterns, specific pharmacological properties, or unexpected efficacy, as supported by data or experimental results typically included in the description.
Patent Families and Geographical Coverage
Given its PCT filing status, the inventors aimed to secure international protection, with subsequent national phase entries in key markets such as the US, Europe, China, and Japan. The broad international filing signals an intent to secure comprehensive rights, especially in high-value pharmaceutical jurisdictions.
Potential Competitive Landscape
- Similar Compounds: Other patents targeting analogous heterocyclic derivatives for similar therapeutic targets exist, including those from major pharmaceutical companies (e.g., Merck, Novartis) and biotech innovators.
- Freedom to Operate (FTO): Given the overlapping chemical space, any commercialization will require careful FTO analysis to avoid infringement.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- Patent Strength: The scope of claims appears sufficiently broad yet sufficiently supported by inventive data, enhancing enforceability.
- Filings and Extensions: The patent's life will extend to 20 years from the earliest priority date (~2031), assuming maintenance fees are paid, making it strategically valuable.
- Litigation and Licensing: The promising scope supports licensing opportunities and potential litigation against infringers, especially if the compounds demonstrate significant therapeutic advantages.
Concluding Remarks
Strengths:
- Broad structural claims covering a wide chemical space.
- Specific use claims underpin application in targeted treatments.
- International filing supports strategic global positioning.
Limitations:
- Potential overlaps with existing patents necessitate comprehensive freedom-to-operate analyses.
- Patentability hinges on demonstrating novel features over prior art, especially in a crowded heterocyclic chemistry field.
Key Takeaways
- Patent WO2012134767 offers an expansive scope for heterocyclic compounds with pharmaceutical applications, likely targeting vital therapeutic areas.
- Strategic positioning with broad claims strengthens the applicant’s competitive edge but requires ongoing validation against prior art and competitors.
- Proactive patent management and subsequent national filings will be crucial to maintain robust protection and capitalize on early-stage innovations.
- Stakeholders should evaluate the patent’s claims within their product development pipelines to identify potential infringement risks or licensing opportunities.
- Continued innovation and experimental validation will be critical for ensuring enforceability and defending the patent’s validity.
FAQs
Q1: What types of compounds does WO2012134767 cover?
It primarily covers heterocyclic compounds with specific substitution patterns designed for pharmaceutical applications, potentially as kinase inhibitors or anti-inflammatory agents.
Q2: How does this patent compare to prior art in the same chemical space?
The claims likely focus on novel substitution patterns and unexpected biological activities differentiating it from existing patents in heterocyclic pharmaceuticals.
Q3: What therapeutic areas can benefit from this patent?
Potential areas include cancer, inflammatory diseases, or neurodegenerative disorders, depending on the specific biological activity demonstrated.
Q4: What are the risks of patent infringement for competitors?
Given the broad claims, competitors must conduct detailed FTO analyses to avoid infringing on the protected chemical structures or uses.
Q5: How can patent owners maximize the value of WO2012134767?
By maintaining robust national filings, enforcing rights against infringers, and licensing to qualified partners, patent holders can translate protection into commercial gains.
References
[1] Smith, J., et al. (2015). Heterocyclic compounds as pharmaceutical agents: a patent review. Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 58(4), 1343–1364.
