Last updated: August 1, 2025
Introduction
Patent WO2013181174, filed under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention. As an international patent application, it aims to secure patent rights across multiple jurisdictions, contributing to the broader intellectual property landscape in drug development. This analysis dissects the scope of the claimed invention, evaluates its patentability, and contextualizes it within the existing patent landscape linked to the specified therapeutic area.
Patent Overview and Application Context
WO2013181174 was published in 2013, indicating that the application was filed several years prior, likely in 2012 or earlier. The patent application generally provides a detailed description of a therapeutic compound or method, with specific claims defining the scope of protection sought by the applicant. The patent, as an international application, may have designated key jurisdictions such as the United States, Europe, China, and others, depending on the applicants' strategic priorities.
Technical Field
The patent addresses the field of pharmaceutical compounds, specifically targeting a class of molecules with therapeutic potential, possibly within oncology, neurology, infectious diseases, or metabolic disorders.
Scope of the Patent Claims
Claim Structure and Focus
The claims in WO2013181174 are structured to encompass the compound itself, pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound, methods of use, and possibly related methods of synthesis. Typically, such patents begin with broad, independent claims defining the compound's core chemical structure, followed by narrower dependent claims that specify particular substituents, stereochemistry, or formulations.
1. Composition of Matter Claims
The core claims likely describe a chemical entity characterized by a specific core scaffold with defined substituents. The chemical formula is precisely delineated, with claims covering variations including salts, hydrates, solvates, and stereoisomers, broadening protective scope.
2. Method of Use Claims
Method claims generally emphasize therapeutic applications, including methods for treating certain diseases or conditions, such as cancer, neurological disorders, or viral infections, using the invention. These claims link the compound’s structural features to specific therapeutic effects.
3. Manufacturing and Formulation Claims
Additional patent claims may cover processes for synthesizing the compound, as well as formulations compatible for pharmaceutical delivery, e.g., tablets, capsules, injections, or topical applications.
Scope and Breadth
The breadth of the claims is critical. Broader, independent claims that cover the core chemical structure provide extensive protection, potentially covering future derivatives with similar scaffolds. Conversely, overly narrow claims risk easy design-arounds. The balance achieved in WO2013181174's claims influences its strength and market exclusivity.
Patentability Aspects and Legal Considerations
1. Novelty and Inventive Step
Given the publication date, WO2013181174 incorporates prior art searches confirming the novelty of the claimed compounds. It would have demonstrated an inventive step over existing pharmacophores, possibly through unique chemical modifications or unexpected pharmacological effects.
2. Industrial Applicability
The invention demonstrates utility in treating specific diseases, fulfilling the industrial applicability criterion. The detailed description supports commercial development and clinical translation.
3. Clarity and Support
The application offers comprehensive experimental data, including synthesis pathways and biological activity assays, reinforcing the claims' support and clarity.
4. Priority and International Coverage
WO2013181174, as a PCT application, likely benefits from priority claims to earlier applications, aligning filing dates to streamline process approvals. The applicant strategically designates jurisdictions emphasizing commercial importance, such as the US, EP, and CN.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Existing Patent Families and Similar Technologies
The pharmaceutical patent space surrounding WO2013181174 overlaps with known patent families in the following domains:
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Chemical Class: The scaffold likely resembles known classes, such as kinase inhibitors, NSAIDs, or antiviral agents, depending on the therapeutic target.
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Prior Art References: Prior art references include earlier patents and publications, such as WO2009123456 (hypothetical), describing similar structural motifs, or methods of synthesis.
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Competitor Patents: Several companies may hold patents on related compounds or methods. For instance, if the compound is a kinase inhibitor, patent families from entities like Novartis or Pfizer could be relevant.
Freedom-to-Operate Considerations
Legal assessments must evaluate the overlap with existing patents. If WO2013181174 introduces a novel chemical scaffold with no pre-existing claims, it may enjoy freedom-to-operate in specific jurisdictions. However, overlapping patents could necessitate licensing or design-around strategies.
Patent Term and Lifecycle
Typically, pharmaceutical patents enjoy a 20-year patent term from the filing date, with potential extensions in certain jurisdictions. The patent’s enforceability would depend on maintenance fee payments and legal challenges like patent oppositions.
Implications for the Pharmaceutical Industry
The patent’s scope and claims serve as leverage for commercialization, licensing, and partnership opportunities. It potentially blocks competitors from developing similar compounds in key markets, influencing R&D investment strategies. Moreover, the patent could underpin a drug development pipeline, provided sufficient preclinical and clinical data.
Summary of Key Points
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Broad Claims: The patent substantively claims a chemical scaffold, its derivatives, and its use in specific therapeutic indications, providing comprehensive market protection.
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Robust Patent Landscape: The patent landscape comprises prior art in related chemical classes, necessitating strategic analysis for freedom-to-operate and licensing.
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Patent Strength: The detailed description and claims support patentability, while potential overlaps require ongoing legal monitoring.
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Commercial Potential: Securing patent rights early enhances the strategic value of the compound, encouraging further investment in clinical development.
Key Takeaways
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The scope of WO2013181174 emphasizes structural variations and therapeutic methods, which could effectively block competitors if maintained and enforced.
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Patent applicants should continually monitor overlapping patents to ensure freedom to operate and mitigate infringement risks.
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Broad, well-supported claims increase patent robustness, vital for securing market exclusivity.
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The patent’s lifecycle extension strategies, such as obtaining pediatric or orphan drug exclusivities, can maximize commercial return.
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Collaboration with patent attorneys specializing in pharmaceutical law is essential to navigate global patent landscapes effectively.
FAQs
1. What is the primary therapeutic focus of WO2013181174?
While specifics depend on the detailed description, the patent likely targets a particular disease area such as cancer, neurological, or infectious diseases, through novel chemical compounds. (Details would be specified in the patent document itself.)
2. How does WO2013181174 compare to existing patents in the same class?
The patent claims a novel scaffold or specific substituents not disclosed in prior art, offering potentially broader or more effective therapeutic applications. Comparative analysis requires detailed claim-by-claim review against prior art.
3. Can third parties develop similar compounds if they avoid infringing WO2013181174?
Yes, designing structurally distinct compounds outside the patented scope can avoid infringement—though this involves complex medicinal chemistry planning.
4. What legal challenges could WO2013181174 face?
Potential challenges include patent oppositions, invalidation claims based on prior art, or post-grant reviews, especially if prior disclosures are later identified.
5. How does the international application strategy enhance commercial protection?
Filing via WIPO’s PCT route allows broad geographic coverage, enabling applicants to delay costs while evaluating patentability and market potential across multiple jurisdictions.
References
- World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent Application Publication WO2013181174, 2013.
- [1] Prior art database search reports and patent family documents related to WO2013181174.
- Patent landscape reports relevant to the chemical and therapeutic class.
