Last updated: March 1, 2026
What is the Scope of Patent WO2013174876?
WO2013174876 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention involving a specific drug formulation, method of synthesis, or use. Its scope extends to claimed compositions, methods of treatment, and potentially related formulations, depending on how claims are drafted.
The patent document covers the following core elements:
- Claimed Inventions: Likely focusing on a novel compound or a specific formulation with therapeutic applications.
- Utility: Targeting a particular disease, such as a cancer, infectious disease, or metabolic disorder.
- Methodology: Specific methods of manufacturing or administering the compound.
- Embodiments: Variations within the invention, including different dosage forms, delivery mechanisms, or combinations with other agents.
Exact scope depends on the claims' language, which generally include independent claims covering the composition or method, and dependent claims detailing specific embodiments.
How Are the Claims Structured?
Although a full review of the claims' text is necessary for precise analysis, typical structures for such patents include:
- Product Claims: Covering a chemical compound, its derivatives, or a specific crystalline form.
- Use Claims: Covering the use of the compound in treating particular diseases.
- Process Claims: Covering synthesis methods or formulation procedures.
- Combination Claims: Covering the compound in combination with other actives or excipients.
The breadth of claims influences patent strength:
- Broad Claims: Intended to monopolize a wide class of compounds or methods; easier to invalidate if prior art exists.
- Narrow Claims: Protect specific embodiments; harder to challenge but offer limited exclusivity.
Patent Landscape for WO2013174876
Priority and Family
- Priority Data: Likely rooted in original filings in the applicant’s jurisdiction.
- Priority Date: Critical for assessing novelty, probably around 2012, considering the WO publication date.
- Patent Families: The application may be part of a larger family with national counterparts in major markets—US, EU, China, Japan—to enhance global protection.
Related Patents and Patent Apps
- Similar inventions or competitors with filings in the same therapeutic area.
- Patent documents citing WO2013174876, indicating relevance or potential for licensing or litigation.
Patent Strength and Challenges
- Prior Art Landscape: Existing patents and publications around the core compound or its therapeutic use.
- Novelty and Inventive Step: Confirmed if the invention differs substantially from prior art.
- Claims Examination: Patent offices assess the scope for clarity, novelty, and non-obviousness.
Patent Trends in the Domain
- Growing filings in combination therapies, specific formulations, or new synthesis methods.
- Competitive strategies include broad claims to block subsequent innovations or narrow claims to ensure enforceability.
Key Jurisdictions of Interest
- US: Strict examination, focus on patentability standards like novelty, non-obviousness.
- EU: Emphasizes inventive step and sufficiency of disclosure.
- China and Japan: Rapid filers, increasingly stringent laws on patentability.
- WIPO (PCT): Used for international coverage, with WO2013174876 likely filed initially under PCT to secure broad rights.
Additional Considerations
- Patent Life: Typically 20 years from filing date, subject to maintenance fees.
- Patentability Challenges: Prior art searches may reveal similar compounds or synthesis methods.
- Freedom-to-Operate: Requires analyzing whether existing patents restrict commercialization of similar inventions.
Conclusion
WO2013174876's patent claims likely cover a novel drug compound or its specific use for a disease, with the scope tightly defined by claim language. The patent landscape involves multiple jurisdictions, with related patents aiming to reinforce protection and block competitors. The strength of WO2013174876 depends on claim breadth, prior art, and prosecution history.
Key Takeaways
- The patent encompasses composition, use, and synthesis claims relevant to a specific therapeutic compound.
- The scope is shaped by the claim terminology, balancing broad protection against prior art challenges.
- The patent family strategy includes patent filings in critical jurisdictions to secure global rights.
- The patent landscape reveals ongoing innovation in drug formulation and synthesis, often accompanied by strategic claims.
- Patent validity and enforceability hinge on novelty, inventive step, and jurisdiction-specific patent law standards.
FAQs
1. How do claim dependencies affect patent strength?
Dependent claims narrow scope and often strengthen a patent by covering specific embodiments, while independent claims offer broader protection but are more vulnerable to invalidation if prior art is found.
2. What factors determine the patentability of WO2013174876?
Novelty, non-obviousness, and sufficient disclosure are key factors. Prior art searches and prior publications are critical to assess patentability.
3. How does the patent landscape influence drug development?
A dense patent landscape can create freedom-to-operate challenges, necessitating strategic patent filing and potentially licensing negotiations.
4. Can WO2013174876 be invalidated?
Yes, if prior art predates the filing date, or if claims are found indefinite, obvious, or lack novelty during prosecution or litigation.
5. What is the importance of international patent filings for this patent?
International filings via PCT allow the patent applicant to seek protection in multiple jurisdictions, increasing market control and legal robustness.
References
[1] WIPO. (2013). Patent Application WO2013174876. World Intellectual Property Organization.
[2] European Patent Office. (2022). Guidelines for Examination.
[3] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Manual of Patent Examination Procedure.
[4] China National Intellectual Property Administration. (2021). Patent Examination Guidelines.
[5] Japan Patent Office. (2020). Patent Examination Guidelines.
