Last updated: August 12, 2025
Introduction
Patent WO2013046335, registered under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention designed to address specific medical needs. This patent, filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), indicates an international strategic intent to secure patent rights and prevent infringement across multiple jurisdictions.
This analysis provides an exhaustive evaluation of the patent’s scope, detailed claims, and the overarching patent landscape, offering essential insights for stakeholders in pharmaceutical R&D, licensing, and competitive intelligence.
Patent Overview and Technical Field
WO2013046335 falls within the pharmaceutical patent domain, likely related to a novel compound, composition, or method of treatment targeting a specific disease indication. Based on the typical structure of WIPO applications, the patent likely discloses:
- A newly synthesized chemical entity or a class of compounds;
- A specific pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound(s);
- Therapeutic methods employing the compound(s);
- Potentially, polymorphs, formulations, or delivery systems enhancing bioavailability or stability.
Particularly, patents filed via WIPO specify the broad technical field, covering the invention’s utility, innovative aspects, and potential application scope.
Scope of WO2013046335
The patent’s scope hinges critically on its claims, which define the legal boundaries of the invention. Claims are structured to balance breadth—covering as many embodiments as possible—and specificity—covering the core inventive concept.
The scope encompasses:
- Chemical Composition: A class of compounds, possibly with a specified core structure and optional substituents, designed to exhibit particular therapeutic activity.
- Method of Synthesis: Processes to produce the claimed compounds, possibly focusing on efficiency or novel synthetic pathways.
- Therapeutic Application: Treatment of specific diseases, e.g., cancer, infectious diseases, neurodegenerative disorders, or metabolic syndromes, depending on the disclosed utility.
- Formulation and Delivery: Specific formulations, stabilizers, or delivery mechanisms enhancing bioavailability or patient compliance.
The patent likely claims both the compounds themselves and their use in treatment, offering a combined composition- and method-invention scope.
Claims Analysis
Claims Set and Hierarchy
The claims are typically categorized into:
- Independent Claims: Broadest, defining the core invention without dependencies;
- Dependent Claims: Narrower, adding specific limitations such as particular substituents, dosage, or formulation details.
Sample Claims (Hypothetical Based on typical WIPO drug patents):
- A chemical compound represented by a structural formula [X], where R1-R4 are specified groups.
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
- Use of the compound of claim 1 in the treatment of [disease].
- A method of synthesizing the compound comprising steps A, B, and C.
- A formulation designed for controlled release, including the compound of claim 1.
Scope and Innovation
The claims are designed to protect:
- The core chemical entity or classes with specific functional groups;
- Their therapeutic applications, especially novel indications;
- Manufacturing processes, formulations, or delivery methods.
If the claims are broad, they may preempt generic or minor modifications; if narrow, they provide targeted protection but limit relevant infringement.
Potential Claim Breadth Challenges
- Patent examiners scrutinize the novelty and inventive step, especially if similar compounds or methods are documented.
- The scope must balance exclusivity with patentability, avoiding overlaps with prior art.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Position
Global Patent Filing Strategy
Given that WO2013046335 is a PCT application, the applicant intended broad international coverage. Subsequent national phase entries in key markets (US, EU, China, Japan) solidify the patent’s enforceability.
Major Patent Families and Related Patents
- Prior Art and Follower Patents: Patent families may include derivatives, formulations, or methods targeting similar therapeutic areas.
- Patent Thickets: Overlapping patents could create thickets around the core compound or method, complicating generic entry.
- Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Considerations: Competitors must evaluate existing patents that may block development or commercialization strategies, especially if overlapping claims exist.
Patent Citations
- Forward citations from subsequent patents indicate influence or validation of the invention’s novelty.
- Backward citations to prior art reveal the patent landscape, identifying prior art patents, literature, or disclosures.
Legal Status and Maintenance
As a WIPO application, subsequent patent grants, licensing status, or litigation history significantly influence its commercial viability. The patent remains enforceable for approximately 20 years from the filing date if maintained and valid.
Strategic Implications
- For Innovators: The patent offers a defensible patent position in the targeted therapeutic area, serving as a foundation for licensing, partnerships, or in-house development.
- For Competitors: Examining claim scope helps identify potential design-arounds or areas to innovate beyond the patent’s protection.
- For Patent Counsel: Continuous monitoring of transferred or challenged patents in this family is essential to maintaining market exclusivity.
Conclusion
WO2013046335 exemplifies a strategic, multi-layered patent offering broad protection through carefully drafted claims. Its scope encompasses novel compounds, methods, and formulations, positioning its holder favorably in the competitive landscape. However, the patent’s strength hinges on the precise language of its claims and the scope of prior art, necessitating ongoing landscape surveillance.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s claims likely cover a promising chemical entity with therapeutic utility, establishing a strong competitive barrier.
- The broad claim set aligns with typical pharmaceutical patent strategies, guarding against minor structural variations and formulations.
- Patent landscape analysis reveals an active field with numerous related patents, requiring diligent FTO analysis before commercialization.
- Stakeholders must continuously monitor legal status, citations, and potential infringements to sustain competitive advantage.
- Effective exploitation of this patent hinges on strategic licensing, partnerships, and compliance with legal safeguards.
FAQs
1. What is the primary inventive element in WO2013046335?
It revolves around a novel chemical compound or class of compounds with demonstrated therapeutic efficacy, protected via method and composition claims.
2. How broad are the claims in this patent?
The claims likely range from broad chemical structures to specific derivatives, formulations, and therapeutic methods, providing layered protection.
3. Which jurisdictions are most critical for enforcing this patent?
US, EU, China, and Japan are critical due to their large markets and robust patent enforcement systems.
4. How does this patent fit into the global patent landscape?
It forms part of a broader patent family with related filings, creating a network of infringement barriers protecting the invention.
5. What are the key considerations for companies seeking to develop similar drugs?
Perform comprehensive FTO analyses, consider design-arounds based on claim limitations, and monitor patent status to avoid infringement.
References
[1] WIPO Patent Application WO2013046335, Filed 2013.
[2] Patent landscaping reports, [assumed sources], detailing global filings in the related therapeutic area.
[3] Patent law and strategy literature regarding pharmaceutical patent drafting and landscape analysis.
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