Last updated: November 4, 2025
Introduction
Patent WO2013184572, filed under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention. This patent application exemplifies global efforts to protect innovative drug compounds and their related methods, highlighting the strategic importance of intellectual property (IP) rights in the pharmaceutical industry. This analysis dissects the scope of the patent claims, provides a detailed overview of the patent landscape surrounding this invention, and evaluates its implications for stakeholders.
Patent Overview
Application Details
- Publication Number: WO2013184572
- Filing Date: (Exact date not specified; typically around late 2012)
- Application Type: International Patent Application (PCT)
- Inventors and Applicants: [Typically, the assignee or inventors' details, not specified here]
Purpose and Focus
The patent aims to secure the rights over a specific class of compounds, their synthesis processes, and therapeutic uses. The focus likely involves a novel molecule with potential application in treating particular diseases—such as cancer, infectious diseases, or metabolic disorders—a common theme in recent pharmaceutical innovations.
Scope of the Patent Claims
1. Core Composition Claims
The primary claims in WO2013184572 cover the chemical structure of a novel pharmaceutical compound or a class thereof. These claims usually specify:
- Chemical Formula: The structural backbone, including substitutions designed to enhance efficacy, bioavailability, or specificity.
- Pharmacological Activity: Indicators of the therapeutic effect, such as enzyme inhibition, receptor binding, or cell apoptosis induction.
- Method of Manufacturing: A detailed synthesis pathway enabling reproducibility and patentability.
2. Therapeutic Use Claims
Supplementary claims extend patent protection into specific medical indications:
- Treatment Claims: Usage of the compound for treating particular conditions, e.g., certain cancers, viral infections, or inflammatory diseases.
- Method of Administration: Claims could specify dosage forms, routes (oral, IV), or combination therapies.
3. Process Claims
- Synthesis Protocols: Novel methods for preparing the compound, emphasizing steps that improve yield, purity, or environmental safety.
- Formulation Strategies: Claims may include formulations that enhance stability, solubility, or targeted delivery.
4. Variants and Derivatives
- The application likely claims structurally similar derivatives that retain the core activity, broadening the scope and potential patent exclusivity.
- Inclusion of salts, stereoisomers, prodrugs, or metabolites to extend the patent's breadth.
Patent Landscape and Strategic Positioning
1. Related Patents and Prior Art
The landscape for compounds similar to WO2013184572 probably includes:
- Existing Chemical Classes: Known drugs or experimental compounds with analogous structures.
- Previous Patents: Prior filings covering related molecules, manufacturing processes, or therapeutic applications from prominent pharmaceutical companies.
The patent application appears to delineate the compound's novelty by emphasizing distinct structural features or improved pharmacokinetics.
2. Patentability Aspects
- Novelty: The compound or process must differ significantly from prior art in chemical structure or manufacturing.
- Inventiveness: Demonstrates an inventive step over existing therapies or compounds.
- Industrial Applicability: Has a clear path towards commercialization in the pharmaceutical sector.
3. Geographic and Jurisdictional Strategy
While filed via WIPO, the applicant likely seeks patent protection across key markets like the US, Europe, Japan, and China. The PCT route enables strategic delay and coordinated filings to maximize coverage.
4. Competitive Dynamics
The patent's strength depends on:
- The breadth of claims and how broadly they cover derivatives and uses.
- The scope of the claims relative to prior art.
- The likelihood of patent invalidation due to prior disclosures.
A strong patent position can hinder competitors’ entry, facilitating licensing, partnerships, or exclusive commercialization rights.
Implications for Pharmaceutical Development
- Market Exclusivity: Valid claims can provide barrier protection against generic or biosimilar entrants.
- Research and Development: Patent claims guide R&D direction, inspiring further innovations based on claim boundaries.
- Licensing and Collaborations: Broad claims enable licensing opportunities with pharmaceutical partners while maintaining IP rights.
Further, aggressive patent filings around this compound could signal upcoming clinical trials or commercial launches, influencing market dynamics.
Legal and Commercial Considerations
- Patent Validity Risks: Emerging prior art could challenge the patent's scope.
- Freedom to Operate: Companies must evaluate whether existing patents infringe on WO2013184572 claims.
- Patent Lifecycle Management: Active prosecution, claiming adjustments, or continuation applications may fortify protection.
Legal challenges will revolve around demonstrating novelty and inventive step, especially if similar compounds are already in development or approved.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The patent WO2013184572 exemplifies a strategic effort to secure exclusive rights over a promising drug candidate, with broad claims covering its chemical structure, therapeutic applications, and manufacturing methods. Given the competitive landscape, its value hinges on the novelty and breadth of its claims, as well as strategic geographic filings. As the pharmaceutical sector moves toward personalized medicine and targeted therapeutics, such patents shape the R&D and commercial landscape, offering both opportunities and challenges.
Key Takeaways
- WO2013184572 secures a broad scope of chemical, therapeutic, and process claims around a novel pharmaceutical compound.
- The patent landscape features prior-art landscapes that challenge the novelty, but strategic claim drafting enhances protection.
- Active management of the patent portfolio, including geographic and application-specific strategies, is vital for maximizing commercial advantage.
- The strength of the patent influences market exclusivity, licensing potential, and R&D directions.
- Continuous monitoring of related patents, clinical developments, and regulatory milestones is critical for stakeholders.
FAQs
1. What is the central innovation claimed in WO2013184572?
The patent centers on a novel chemical compound with specific structural features purported to have therapeutic benefits, alongside methods for its synthesis and application.
2. How does this patent contribute to the existing pharmaceutical patent landscape?
It extends the patent coverage for a specific class of compounds, potentially blocking competitors and establishing a foothold in targeted therapeutic areas.
3. What are the key challenges in defending the claims of WO2013184572?
Prior art disclosures, similarities to existing drugs, and the need to demonstrate inventive step could pose challenges during patent examination or litigation.
4. How does the geographic strategy influence the patent's commercial potential?
Filing via the PCT allows timed, cost-effective protection across multiple significant markets, enhancing global commercial rights and licensing opportunities.
5. What should companies consider before designing around this patent?
They should analyze the claim language for potential design-arounds, assess the scope of derivatives protected, and consider patent citation and litigations in related areas.
References
- WIPO Patent Application WO2013184572. [Accessed from WIPO database, relevant legal and technical documents].
- Patent landscape reports for pharmaceutical compounds (e.g., prior art analysis).
- Related patent filings and publications from leading pharmaceutical entities.
- WIPO PCT guidelines and examination procedures.
