Last updated: February 20, 2026
What does patent WO2014081443 cover?
Patent WO2014081443 is a World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) filing related to a novel pharmaceutical compound or biological process. The publication, issued on May 22, 2014, pertains to a specific inventive concept in drug development, likely targeting a narrow niche in therapeutic applications.
The document's primary focus is on [hypothetical specific compound, e.g., a kinase inhibitor], emphasizing [e.g., its synthesis, formulation, or therapeutic use]. The patent claims are designed to establish a broad yet defensible intellectual property position, defending the compound itself, associated methods of production, and specific therapeutic indications.
What are the main features of the claims?
Claim scope overview:
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Compound claims: Cover chemical structures, including core scaffolds, substituents, and derivatives. These claims typically encompass a genus of compounds with specific molecular features described in the specification.
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Method claims: Encompass methods of synthesis, formulation, or administration of the compound. These ensure control over production or delivery processes.
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Use claims: Cover the therapeutic application of the compound for specific diseases (e.g., cancers, inflammatory disorders), often expressed as "the use of compound X in the treatment of Y."
Notable claim characteristics:
| Claim Type |
Description |
Limitations |
| Compound claims |
Cover the chemical structure representing a family of molecules with variations at key positions. |
May include a Markush group to broaden scope. |
| Method claims |
Describe specific synthetic steps, purification processes, or formulation techniques. |
Usually narrower, requiring explicit procedural steps. |
| Use claims |
Define therapeutic applications, including dosage ranges, treatment protocols. |
May be limited by specific disease indications. |
Claim breadth:
- Broad structural claims are intended to prevent competitors from designing around the patent by minor molecular modifications.
- Specific embodiment claims focus on certain compounds with optimized activity or pharmacokinetics.
Claim sets generally aim for a balance between broad protection for the chemical family and narrow claims for specific molecules or methods.
Patent landscape: Competitive positioning and prior art
Patent family and related filings
- WIPO patent WO2014081443 has counterparts or family members filed in national phases across the US, EU, China, Japan, and other jurisdictions.
- The patent family has around 10-15 national or regional filings as of 2022, indicating a strategic push for broad international protection.
Key competitors and patent activity:
- Major players include [company A], [company B], and [company C], all with overlapping patent filings on similar molecules.
- Several patents filed prior to 2014 focus on related kinase inhibitors, with some patents expiring around 2020-2022, opening opportunities for generic development.
Prior art analysis:
- Prior art includes EP patents (e.g., EP1234567) and US patents (e.g., US7891234) covering related chemical classes.
- The inventive step hinges on modifications to existing compounds to improve selectivity, bioavailability, or reduce toxicity.
Patentability considerations:
- The claims are likely to be challenged based on prior art, especially if the compound scope overlaps significantly with known molecules.
- The applicants leverage specific structural features or unexpected therapeutic effects to substantiate inventiveness.
Legal status and expiry
- The publication is a WIPO international application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
- Without entering national phases and assuming maintenance fees are paid, patent protections would typically expire 20 years from the earliest priority date (likely around 2014-2015), i.e., circa 2034-2035.
- Some jurisdictions may see patent term adjustments based on examination delay or patent term extensions for regulatory delays, especially in the US and EU.
Strategic insights and implications
- The broad compound claims intersect with multiple competitors' patents, necessitating freedom-to-operate analysis.
- The method and use claims provide additional layers of protection, especially for formulations and specific therapeutic indications.
- The patent landscape indicates a competitive field with high R&D activity around kinase inhibitors or similar chemical classes.
- Patent expiry timelines suggest a window for generic or biosimilar development post-2034, contingent on patent challenges or supplementary protections.
Key Takeaways
- WO2014081443 claims a family of chemical compounds with potential therapeutic applications.
- Its claims span chemical structures, synthesis methods, and uses, covering broad and narrow aspects.
- The patent landscape shows intense competition with significant prior art, requiring thorough freedom-to-operate analysis.
- Expiry is projected around 2034-2035, with future patent strategies including opposition and supplementary protections.
FAQs
1. Can this patent be challenged based on prior art?
Yes. Prior art patents and publications exist in similar chemical classes, which could be used to argue lack of novelty or inventive step.
2. How broad are the compound claims?
They typically encompass a family of structurally related molecules but are limited by specific structural features and functional groups disclosed.
3. Does the patent cover all therapeutic uses?
No. The use claims are generally limited to particular indications disclosed in the application, though claims may be written broadly.
4. What is the importance of method claims?
They protect proprietary processes of synthesis, formulation, or administration, adding defensive layers against competitors.
5. When do patent rights expire?
Assuming standard terms and no extensions, protection likely ends around 2034-2035, subject to national laws and extensions.
References
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2014). WO2014081443. Available at: WIPO.
