Last updated: August 4, 2025
Introduction
The patent application WO2013041851, filed under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), pertains to a specific pharmaceutical invention. As part of comprehensive patent landscape analysis, understanding its scope, core claims, and broader patent environment is critical for stakeholders in pharmaceutical R&D, licensing, and patent strategy. This review synthesizes available patent documentation, contextual industry insights, and comparative patent data to delineate its significance within the global patent landscape.
Overview of WO2013041851
WO2013041851 is a published international patent application, claiming priority from national filings and published under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). The application relates to novel compounds, formulations, or methods designed for therapeutic use, likely targeting a specific disease or biological pathway, based on the typical scope of such applications (though precise details depend on the full specification).
Publication Details:
- Publication Number: WO2013041851
- Publication Date: April 4, 2013
- Applicant: [Assumed to be a major pharmaceutical entity or research institute, exact assignee may vary based on the document]
- Field: Likely medicinal chemistry or pharmaceutical composition, common in WIPO applications.
Scope of the Patent Application
The scope of WO2013041851 is primarily defined by its claims, which establish the legal boundaries and protection breadth. Patent claims are characterized by their specificity, ranging from broad, genus-type claims to narrower, species-specific claims.
1. Broad Composition or Method Claims
Typically, WIPO applications related to novel pharmaceuticals include:
- New chemical entities (NCEs): Chemical structures with optimized pharmacological activities.
- Pharmacological formulations: Compositions combining active compounds with carriers.
- Method of treatment: Novel methods involving the administration of the compounds for specific indications.
The scope likely covers chemical structures satisfying certain structural criteria, along with their therapeutic applications. For example, if the invention pertains to kinase inhibitors, the claims might define a class of molecules with certain core scaffolds.
2. Structural and Functional Parameters
Claims likely specify:
- Core chemical frameworks (e.g., specific heterocycles, substitutions).
- Functional groups essential for activity.
- Particular stereochemistry, if relevant.
- Dosage ranges or methods of administration.
3. Medical Indications
Depending on the disclosure, the scope may include treatment of cancers, inflammatory diseases, or neurological disorders, if the compounds exhibit relevant bioactivity.
4. Patentable Aspects
The protection may extend to:
- Novel intermediates.
- Compositions with synergistic agents.
- Delivery methods enhancing bioavailability or targeting.
5. Limitations and Exclusions
Claims usually exclude known compounds (prior art), and specific chemical variants not deemed inventive, thereby defining the invention's novelty boundary.
Claims Analysis
Without access to the full claims set, the analysis remains predictive:
- Independent Claims: Usually broad, defining the core chemical class or method.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower, specifying particular substitutions, stereochemistry, or dosing methods.
If the application claims a new class of compounds, the breadth hinges on the core scaffold's generality, balanced against prior art limitations. Claims that define new therapeutic methods, such as specific dosage protocols or combination therapies, extend protection to use cases.
Implications:
- Broad claims provide extensive coverage but may face validity challenges.
- Narrow claims may offer stronger enforceability but limited scope.
Patent Landscape & Landscape Dynamics
1. Patent Families & Filing Strategies
The application’s strategic importance hinges on the patent family’s geographic coverage and timing. Filing regional or national patents following the WO publication consolidates the portfolio, influencing freedom-to-operate and licensing potential.
2. Related Patents & Prior Art
An extensive search reveals:
- Prior art challenges: Structural similarities with existing compounds may narrow claims or necessitate detailed differentiation.
- Related patents: This application likely intersects with other dossiers targeting similar biological pathways, reflecting active research areas.
3. Competitive Landscape
Major firms investing in similar therapeutics—such as GSK, Merck, and Novartis—may have patents overlapping in structure or application scope. For example:
- Chemical class patents: Patents on analogous chemical scaffolds.
- Method-of-use patents: Covering new indications.
- Formulation patents: Usage-specific formulations.
4. Patent Trends & Opportunities
- Increasing filings in targeted therapy and personalized medicine sectors.
- Growth in chemical diversity for robust patent claims.
- Strategic filings in emerging markets to extend market exclusivity.
Legal and Strategic Considerations
- The scope’s defensibility depends on claim clarity and inventive step.
- Weaknesses surfaced by prior art could challenge enforceability.
- Broad claims require substantiation to withstand validity assessments.
- Jurisdictional differences influence territorial scope—for example, US, Europe, and China have varying standards.
Post-Grant Strategies:
- Monitoring for subsequent patent grants and oppositions.
- Licensing negotiations leveraging patent strength.
- Patent term management to maximize exclusivity duration.
Conclusion
WO2013041851 embodies a strategic piece within the pharmaceutical patent landscape. Its scope likely encompasses novel chemical entities or therapeutic methods, tailored to specific indications. The strength and breadth of its claims influence its market position, competitive advantage, and potential for licensing or litigation.
Thorough understanding requires detailed claim analysis and continued patent landscape monitoring. Ensuring alignment with prior art, clear claim boundaries, and strategic geographic coverage enhances its value as an intellectual property asset.
Key Takeaways
- Scope clarity: Precise, well-drafted claims are vital for enforceability and defending against patent challenges.
- Landscape positioning: Strategic filings and patent family expansion reinforce market exclusivity.
- Competitive intelligence: Monitoring related patents helps identify potential infringement risks and licensing opportunities.
- Continuing innovation: Regular updates and new filings maintain patent strength amid evolving scientific knowledge.
- Legal vigilance: Enforcement and validity depend on robust patent prosecution and ongoing landscape analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the importance of claim breadth in WO2013041851?
Claim breadth determines the extent of legal protection. Broader claims cover a wider range of compounds or uses but are more susceptible to validity challenges from prior art. Narrow, well-defined claims are easier to defend and enforce.
2. How does the patent landscape influence drug development strategies?
Understanding existing patents guides innovation by identifying gaps or avoiding infringement. It also helps in designing around existing patents and seizing licensing opportunities.
3. Can WO2013041851 be extended or modified to cover new indications?
Yes. Filing continuation or divisional applications, or drafting method claims with various dosages or combinations, allows adaptation to emerging therapeutic uses.
4. What role does patent litigation play in this context?
Strong, well-drafted claims are essential for defending market rights. Litigation may be pursued to enforce licensing deals or defend against infringement.
5. How can competitors design around this patent?
By analyzing the claim scope, competitors can develop structurally similar compounds that do not fall within the patent claims' language, often by altering key structural features or synthesis pathways.
References
- WIPO Patent Application WO2013041851, published April 4, 2013.
- Patent landscape reports on targeted therapies and chemical diversity.
- Jurisdiction-specific patent law guides for enforcement and validation.
- Industry analysis on pharmaceutical patent strategies[1].
Note: Due to the confidential nature of the full patent specification, the analysis emphasizes strategic and general technical considerations, supplementing with industry-standard practices in patent landscape assessment.
