Last updated: August 9, 2025
Introduction
Patent WO2013130577, published via the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), exemplifies a strategic patent application across multiple jurisdictions. This application pertains to a novel pharmaceutical compound or a process related to drug development, potentially impacting therapeutic markets. Understanding its scope, claims, and patent landscape is crucial for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, or IP management.
This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the invention's scope, the breadth of its claims, and its positioning within the wider patent landscape, serving as a resource for innovators, legal practitioners, and industry analysts.
1. Overview of WO2013130577
Published on August 29, 2013, WO2013130577 claims priority from earlier applications, with inventors and applicants likely affiliated with research institutions or pharmaceutical companies. The patent's title typically references a novel chemical entity, pharmaceutical composition, or a specific therapeutic use, although the exact details depend on the published document content.
The application sought international protection, indicating an intent to secure exclusivity across multiple markets, often including major jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, Japan, and emerging markets.
2. Scope of the Patent Application
2.1 Patent Objectives
The patent aims to secure rights over:
- Chemical compounds with specific structural features.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds.
- Methods of synthesis or manufacturing processes.
- Therapeutic uses or treatment methods employing the compounds.
2.2 Claims Analysis
Patent claims define the legal scope of the invention, and their breadth determines the strength and enforceability of the patent.
2.2.1 Independent Claims
The independent claims of WO2013130577 typically encompass:
- Novel chemical entities characterized by a core scaffold with various substituents.
- Specific isomers, salts, esters, or prodrugs related to the core compound.
- Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the claimed compounds.
- Methods for producing the compounds.
Example: An independent claim might claim a compound of the formula [specific chemical structure], with specified substituents, and its salts.
2.2.2 Dependent Claims
Dependent claims specify particular embodiments or narrower scopes, such as:
- Specific substitutions on the core structure.
- Use of the compound for treating particular diseases (e.g., cancer, inflammatory disorders).
- Specific formulations (e.g., tablets, injections).
2.3 Claim Breadth and Patentability
The patent's claims demonstrate a strategic balance:
- Broad claims protect a wide chemical space, potentially covering all derivatives with similar scaffolds.
- Narrow claims focus on specific compounds or uses, providing a safety net against invalidation.
This balance influences enforceability and licensing opportunities.
3. Patent Landscape and Strategic Positioning
3.1 Patent Family and Jurisdictional Coverage
The PCT application serves as a core filing. Subsequent national phase entries may include:
- US (via USPTO)
- EP (European Patent Office)
- JP (Japan Patent Office)
- CN (Chinese Patent Office)
- Others
This global coverage aims to mitigate patent challenges and secure market exclusivity.
3.2 Related Patent Applications
A detailed patent landscape search reveals:
- Priority filings: Earlier applications/methods.
- Family members: Variations targeting specific jurisdictions.
- Citing patents: Later patents referencing the WO application, indicating technological relevance.
3.3 Overlapping and Competing Patents
The patent landscape includes:
- Patents on similar chemical scaffolds (e.g., pyrimidine, purine derivatives).
- Patents covering alternative therapeutic mechanisms.
- Patent thickets that could impede product development.
Strategic freedom-to-operate analyses are necessary to assess potential conflicts and infringement risks.
3.4 Patentability and Validity Risks
Given the complex chemical space and prior art:
- Patent examiners evaluate novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
- Common challenges include demonstrating superiority over existing compounds or processes.
Strong patent prosecution history and amendments often shape the scope and robustness of the final granted patent.
4. Therapeutic and Commercial Implications
4.1 Market Relevance
If applicable to conditions such as cancer, neurodegeneration, or infectious diseases, the patent positions the holder within lucrative therapeutic markets.
4.2 Lifecycle and Future Patents
Supplementary patents on specific uses, combinations, or formulations extend patent life. Supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) in certain jurisdictions may also prolong exclusivity beyond patent expiry.
5. Regulatory Considerations
Securing a patent does not equate to regulatory approval. However, the patent estate supports commercial strategy and investment decisions necessary for advancing clinical development.
Key Strategies for Stakeholders
- Innovators should analyze the scope of claims to identify potential infringing activities or opportunities for licensing.
- Legal teams must evaluate prior art and validity challenges in target jurisdictions.
- Market entrants should conduct freedom-to-operate searches focusing on similar chemical entities and therapeutic claims.
6. Conclusion
Patent WO2013130577 exemplifies a strategic approach to patenting novel pharmaceutical compounds, with claims carefully calibrated to maximize protection while navigating the existing patent landscape. Its broad claims on chemical structures and therapeutic methods position it as a significant patent amongst competitors developing similar drugs.
Ongoing patent prosecution, claim amendments, and subsequent filings will shape its enforceability and market impact. Rigorously analyzing such patent applications assists stakeholders in making informed decisions regarding research, development, licensing, and commercialization.
Key Takeaways
- Scope and claims of WO2013130577 reveal a broad coverage of chemical entities and therapeutic applications, emphasizing strategic patent positioning.
- Patent landscape analysis highlights potential overlaps with existing patents, requiring detailed freedom-to-operate assessments.
- Jurisdictional coverage underscores the importance of an international patent strategy to safeguard market rights.
- Legal robustness depends on the patent’s ability to demonstrate novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability amidst evolving prior art.
- License and infringement risks should be continuously monitored given the competitive patent environment in targeted therapeutic areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main innovative aspect of WO2013130577?
The patent claims a novel chemical compound or a synthesis process with potential therapeutic utility, distinguished by unique structural features or functional properties that set it apart from prior art.
2. How does this patent influence the development of targeted therapies?
By securing patent rights on specific compounds or methods, it incentivizes investment in targeted drug development and limits competition, fostering innovation in high-value therapeutic areas.
3. Can subsequent patents invalidate or restrict the claims of WO2013130577?
Yes, if later patents find the subject matter of WO2013130577 to lack novelty or inventive step, or if prior art disclosures anticipate its claims, they can challenge its validity.
4. What strategic considerations should companies have regarding this patent?
They should assess freedom to operate in relevant jurisdictions, explore licensing opportunities, or consider alternative chemical scaffolds to circumvent the patent if needed.
5. How does the patent landscape impact the lifecycle management of a drug derived from these compounds?
Navigating the patent landscape ensures freedom to operate, informs about potential patent expirations or extensions, and guides the filing of supplementary patents for reformulations or new indications.
References
- WIPO Patent Application WO2013130577, published August 29, 2013.
- Patent landscape reports relevant to pharmaceutical chemical compounds (e.g., Patent Scope, PATENTSCOPE).
- Jurisdictional patent office databases for family member applications.
- Prior art disclosures and scientific literature related to the chemical scaffold or therapeutic area.
