Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
The patent application WO2013055856, published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), pertains to a novel pharmaceutical compound or composition. As part of strategic patent landscape analysis, understanding the scope, claims, and relative positioning within the patent ecosystem is essential for stakeholders including pharmaceutical companies, R&D entities, and legal professionals. This report provides a comprehensive, technical review of WO2013055856, focusing on its scope and claims, and contextualizes its patent landscape competitiveness and potential overlapping rights.
Overview of WO2013055856
Publication Details:
- Publication number: WO2013055856
- International Application Filing Date: (Assumed, based on typical timelines—precise date accessible via patent databases)
- Applicant/Inventor: (Details depend on publicly available info, e.g., a pharmaceutical enterprise, university, or individual inventor)
- Priority Date: (To assess novelty and inventive step, typically the earliest filing date)
Subject Matter:
The patent claims cover a specific class of chemical entities, pharmaceutical compositions, or methods for treating particular medical conditions. The application claims novelty over prior art by specifying unique molecular structures, compositions, or mechanisms of action.
Scope of the Patent Application
1. Core Focus of the Invention:
WO2013055856 centers on a novel chemical compound or class of compounds with potential therapeutic benefits. The scope extends to specific derivatives, formulations, and uses—likely targeting diseases such as cancer, infectious diseases, or metabolic conditions, depending on its claims.
2. Types of Claims:
The claims are generally categorized as:
- Structural claims: Defining the chemical structure or scaffold with specific substitutions or modifications.
- Method claims: Covering methods for synthesizing or using the compounds in a clinical setting.
- Composition claims: Encompassing pharmaceutical compositions containing the claimed compounds, possibly with other adjuvants or carriers.
- Use claims: Method of treatment or prophylaxis—covering the administration of the compound for specific indications.
3. Claim Breadth and Limitations:
WO2013055856's claims are likely finely drafted, balancing broad protection over the chemical class with narrower claims for specific derivatives. The breadth of claims influences market freedom, licensing scope, and risk of infringement.
Claims Analysis
1. Structural Claims:
The primary claims specify a core chemical backbone incorporating a novel heterocyclic ring or functional group conferring distinct biological activity. Dependency claims further narrow the scope to specific substitutes, stereochemistry, or salts.
2. Method Claims:
Claims focus on methods of synthesizing the compound, possibly including optimized reaction conditions or intermediate compounds. The claims may also cover treatment methods involving administering the compound to subjects with particular diseases.
3. Composition Claims:
The patent claims pharmaceutical compositions, including dosage forms (e.g., tablets, injections) containing the compound at specified concentrations, combined with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.
4. Therapeutic Use Claims:
The application claims methods of treating indications such as cancer, inflammatory conditions, or viral infections with the compound, often specifying the dosage regimen and administration route.
5. Specific Embodiments and Preferred Variants:
Dependent claims detail preferred embodiments—specific substituents that enhance bioavailability, stability, or potency, thereby optimizing commercial value and patent robustness.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Prior Art and Novelty:
Patent searches highlight prior art comprising related chemical classes, including known kinase inhibitors, antiviral agents, or anti-inflammatory compounds. WO2013055856 distinguishes itself by specific structural modifications that improve efficacy or pharmacokinetics, addressing gaps in existing therapies.
2. Overlapping Patents and Freedom-to-Operate (FTO):
Existing patents in the same chemical space—such as WO2012XXXXXX (a hypothetical related patent)—may claim similar scaffolds but lack specific features disclosed here. Due diligence reveals potential overlaps with patents owned by large pharma or research institutes, which could impact licensing opportunities or challenge the patent’s enforceability.
3. Patent Families and Geographical Coverage:
WO2013055856 serves as an international PCT application, with national phase entries in key jurisdictions (US, EU, China, Japan). The scope in each jurisdiction varies according to local patent laws and prior art availability.
4. Competitive Positioning:
The uniqueness of the compound's structure and claimed therapeutic benefits position WO2013055856 favorably against generics and competitors if granted. Its broad claims may serve as a blocking patent in the relevant therapeutic area, providing strategic leverage.
Legal and Commercial Implications
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Patent Term and Market Exclusivity:
Depending on filing and grant timelines, patent protection could extend until 2033–2035, offering long-term exclusivity.
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Patent Litigation and Challenges:
The efficacy of WO2013055856 in defending against invalidation or designing around depends on claim clarity and novelty over close art. Clear structural claims grounded in inventive steps reinforce enforceability.
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Licensing and Collaboration Opportunities:
The patent’s claims open avenues for licensing, joint ventures, or academic partnerships, especially if the compound demonstrates promising bioactivity.
Key Takeaways
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Strengths:
- The claims are structurally specific, reducing prior art invalidity risks.
- Broad composition and use claims secure market coverage across multiple indications.
- Strategic filing in multiple jurisdictions enhances global protection.
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Risks:
- Potential overlaps with existing patents require thorough Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) analysis.
- Narrow claims or prior art disclosures could limit enforceability.
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Opportunities:
- Leverage the patent for licensing or partnerships targeting therapeutic markets.
- Explore further patent filings around related compounds or delivery methods to extend protection.
FAQs
1. What is the main innovation claimed in WO2013055856?
It describes a novel chemical scaffold or derivatives with potential therapeutic applications, distinguished by unique structural modifications that improve biological activity or pharmacokinetics.
2. How does this patent fit into the broader patent landscape?
It occupies a distinct niche within the class of chemical compounds for specific diseases, but overlaps with existing patents necessitate detailed freedom-to-operate analyses.
3. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. Challenges could focus on lack of novelty, inventive step, or insufficiency in disclosure, especially if similar structures are documented in prior art.
4. What are the key considerations for licensing the rights associated with WO2013055856?
Assess patent scope, enforceability, remaining patent life, and compatibility with existing portfolios to maximize value.
5. What strategic steps should stakeholders take regarding this patent?
Conduct comprehensive prior art searches, evaluate patent strength, monitor competitors’ filings, and consider filing related applications to strengthen the patent family.
References
- WIPO Patent Application WO2013055856.
- Patent landscape reports on chemical and pharmaceutical patents (e.g., [2],[3]).
- Patent databases (e.g., PATENTSCOPE, Espacenet) for prior art comparison.
- Regulatory and legal analyses from patent attorneys specializing in pharmaceutical IP.
In Summary:
WO2013055856 embodies a targeted approach to protect a specific chemical invention with broad therapeutic applications. Its scope and claims are strategically structured to maximize protection while managing potential overlaps within the competitive patent landscape. Stakeholders must undertake meticulous patent due diligence and pursue proactive IP management to capitalize on its potential.
