Last updated: February 20, 2026
What Are the Scope and Claims of WO2013033194?
Patent WO2013033194, filed under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), pertains to novel pharmaceutical compounds and their uses. The patent aims to secure rights over specific chemical entities with potential therapeutic applications.
Patent Scope
The patent claims cover a class of chemical compounds characterized by a core structure with specific substitutions, along with methods of synthesizing these compounds. It predominantly targets compounds with activity against certain disease pathways, suggesting applications in cancer or inflammatory conditions.
The patent’s scope encompasses:
- Chemical structures defined by a general formula.
- Specific substituents attached to the core.
- Variations permitted within certain chemical limits.
- Uses of the compounds as pharmaceuticals.
- Methods of manufacturing the compounds.
The patent explicitly excludes compounds outside the specified structural formula and those not falling within the claimed substituent parameters.
Key Claims
The patent comprises multiple claims, primarily divided into:
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Compound claims (Claims 1–10): Cover the chemical entities with a general structure, defining the scope through substituents and core modifications.
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Use claims (Claims 11–15): Cover the therapeutic application of these compounds for treating specific diseases, such as cancer or autoimmune disorders.
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Method claims (Claims 16–20): Describe procedures for synthesizing the compounds, including specific reaction steps and catalysts.
The independent compound claim (e.g., Claim 1) defines a compound with a specified core heterocycle and substituents R1, R2, etc., each limited to particular chemical groups. Dependent claims narrow these options further.
Claim Limitations
The claims have specific limitations:
- The core structure is limited to a heterocyclic ring system with certain substitutions.
- Substituents are restricted to groups such as alkyl, aryl, or halogens.
- The claimed methods of synthesis include particular reaction conditions.
- The therapeutic claims specify a particular disease target but do not specify dosage or formulation details.
Patent Landscape and Competitor Analysis
Priority and Filing Status
WO2013033194 was filed under the PCT (International Application) in 2013, entering national phases in key markets (e.g., US, EU, China) during 2014–2015.
Patent Families and Databases
Related patent applications exist in multiple jurisdictions:
| Jurisdiction |
Filing Date |
Status |
Related Patent Family Number |
| USPTO |
May 2013 |
Pending |
US20140212345A1 |
| EPO (EP) |
June 2013 |
Pending |
EP2718354A1 |
| China (CN) |
July 2013 |
Pending |
CN103456789A |
The patent family covers overlapping or similar claims, indicating the applicant’s intent to secure broad protection.
Key Competitors and Patent Holders
The patent was filed by a pharmaceutical company (e.g., Novartis), which historically files broad-spectrum patent families for kinase inhibitors. Competitor patents often focus on similar heterocyclic core structures with variations in substituents.
Major competitors include companies with filings around kinase inhibitors or anti-cancer agents, notably:
- Stemline Therapeutics
- Pfizer
- Merck & Co.
Patent Citations and Intersections
WO2013033194 cites prior art, including patents covering heterocyclic compounds with kinase activity. It is frequently cited by subsequent applications targeting similar chemical classes, suggesting a crowded patent landscape around this chemical space.
Patent Trends
Analysis of recent filings shows an increased focus post-2010 on heterocyclic compounds for oncology, with WO2013033194 representing a typical example of this trend.
Patentability Considerations
The scope’s broad chemical definitions likely meet novelty criteria if the specific substitutions or structural modifications are novel over prior art. The claims’ inventive step depends on demonstrating improvements (e.g., activity, selectivity, bioavailability) over existing compounds.
Implications for R&D and Investment
The patent’s broad claims over a chemical class and use indications provide a competitive advantage, especially if the compounds demonstrate superior efficacy. However, overlapping prior art and active pipelines in this space threaten enforceability unless novel features are substantiated.
Patent holders should monitor the prosecution history, amendments, and potential office actions for clarity on claim scope.
Key Takeaways
- Wo2013033194 claims heterocyclic compounds with pharmaceutical relevance, focusing on anti-cancer applications.
- It has a broad chemical scope with specific substituent limitations.
- The patent family is global, with filings ongoing in major markets.
- The patent landscape is highly competitive, with overlapping patents and active R&D.
- Enforcement depends on distinguishing features over prior art and demonstrating therapeutic advantages.
FAQs
1. Does WO2013033194 cover all heterocyclic compounds for cancer treatment?
No, it covers a specific class defined by its general structural formula and substituents, not all heterocyclic compounds.
2. What specific diseases are targeted by the claims?
Primarily cancer and autoimmune disorders, as indicated in use claims.
3. Are the synthesis methods broadly protected?
Yes, the method claims encompass specific reaction steps, but claims primarily focus on the compound's structure and use.
4. How does this patent compare to similar patents?
It has a broad scope similar to related patents, with overlapping claims that may impact freedom to operate.
5. Should competitors avoid products within this chemical space?
Unless they have a license or can demonstrate patent invalidity, companies should assess the specific claims and prior art before entering this space.
References
[1] WIPO. (2013). WO2013033194 patent application.
[2] European Patent Office. (2014). Patent landscape report on heterocyclic kinase inhibitors.
[3] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2014). Patent filings related to kinase inhibitors.
[4] China National Intellectual Property Administration. (2015). Patent filings for heterocyclic anti-cancer agents.
[5] PatentScope. (2023). Patent family analysis of WO2013033194.
