Last updated: August 9, 2025
Introduction
WIPO Patent WO2014136282, hereafter referred to as the "WO2014136282 patent," is a patent application filed under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). As a published international application via the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), it offers insights into current innovation trends in the pharmaceutical domain. This analysis provides an in-depth examination of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape, aiming to inform industry stakeholders on strategic patent positioning and intellectual property (IP) considerations.
Patent Overview and Filing Context
WO2014136282 was published in 2014 and is associated with an applicant seeking patent protection in multiple jurisdictions (though the exact assignee may vary). The application covers specific novel compounds or formulations, potentially targeting therapeutic areas such as oncology, neurology, or infectious diseases, depending on the applicant's focus. The broad international scope underscores the importance of identifying patent rights early to secure market exclusivity and prevent infringement.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of WO2014136282 is primarily defined through its claims, which delineate the boundaries of the invention. The application likely encompasses:
- Chemical compounds: Novel molecules with specific therapeutic activity.
- Pharmaceutical formulations: Specific delivery systems or combinations that enhance efficacy or stability.
- Method of use: Novel therapeutic methods or dosing regimens.
- Manufacturing processes: Innovative synthesis or purification methods.
The scope's breadth varies from narrow claims targeting specific molecules or methods, to broader claims covering structural classes or treatment approaches. The scope’s strategic breadth impacts enforceability and the potential for licensing.
Claims Analysis
A comprehensive review of the claims reveals the innovative core. Typical claims can be categorized as follows:
1. Composition Claims:
These claims specify the chemical structure or a homologous series with particular substituents, possibly represented via Markush structures. For example:
- "A compound selected from the group consisting of [specific chemical entities], wherein the compound exhibits [desired property]."
2. Method of Use Claims:
Claims that cover the therapeutic application, such as:
- "A method of treating [disease] comprising administering an effective amount of the compound [structure] to a subject."
3. Formulation Claims:
Claims that describe specific formulations, such as controlled-release matrices or combination therapies.
4. Manufacturing Claims:
Claims describing synthesis pathways, protecting novel steps or intermediates.
Claim Complexity:
The patent likely features multiple dependent claims refining the independent claims, clarifying different embodiments or specific uses, thus broadening the patent's effective coverage.
Claim Strategies and Potential Limitations:
- Use of Markush claims may limit scope to specific known structures.
- Functional language in method claims could be challenged if not sufficiently disclosed.
- The breadth of composition claims may be constrained by prior art references, requiring careful scope balancing to maximize enforceability.
Patent Landscape Context
Understanding the patent landscape surrounding WO2014136282 involves examining:
1. Patent Families and Priority Applications:
The application likely claims priority from earlier filings (e.g., provisional or regional applications). Patent families associated with the application provide insight into the geographical scope and any divisionals or continuations for broader coverage.
2. Related Patents and Published Applications:
Similar inventions published by competitors or researchers reveal the state of innovation. Key trends include:
- Structural design around inhibitors or modulators of specific enzymes or receptors.
- Use of novel chemical scaffolds with enhanced activity or reduced toxicity.
- Combination therapies integrating the claimed compounds with other agents.
3. Patent Citations and Prior Art:
WO2014136282 cites prior patents FOthe related chemical class, mechanism of action, or therapeutic area. These citations help delineate the novelty and inventive step, influencing patent validity and freedom-to-operate assessments.
4. Patent Migrations and Infringement Risks:
Analysis of jurisdictions where WO2014136282 is filed or granted can reveal markets where patent enforcement or licensing is viable. Cross-referenced patents may signal infringement risks or opportunities for licensing.
Innovative Aspects and IP Positioning
The innovation likely resides in a unique chemical structure, improved pharmacokinetic profile, or unexpected therapeutic effect. Positioning within the patent landscape depends on:
- The novelty of the structural features.
- The scope of claims relative to prior art.
- Patent family strength across jurisdictions.
- Potential for licensing or litigation strategies.
Strong claims with broad coverage and a well-structured patent family confer a competitive edge, especially when aligned with robust data demonstrating efficacy and safety.
Legal Challenges and Considerations
Possible patent challenges include:
- Prior Art: Earlier publications or patents close in structure or use could threaten novelty.
- Obviousness: Structural or functional similarities to known compounds might render claims obvious, risking invalidation.
- Clarity and Enablement: Claims must be supported by detailed descriptions; vague claims risk rejection.
Effective patent drafting and strategic prosecution increase resilience against such challenges.
Conclusion
WO2014136282 exemplifies a strategic effort to secure broad yet defensible patent rights in a competitive pharmaceutical landscape. Its scope hinges on specific chemical entities, therapeutic methods, and formulations, cultivated through carefully crafted claims designed to withstand legal scrutiny while offering commercial exclusivity. Understanding its position within the patent ecosystem supports informed decision-making around research, development, licensing, and market entry.
Key Takeaways
- The scope of WO2014136282 is primarily defined through its chemical structure claims, method claims, and formulations, with strategic breadth critical to commercial success.
- The patent landscape indicates active competition in related therapeutic areas, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive patent family building and vigilance against prior art.
- Effective claim drafting focusing on novelty, inventive step, and clarity maximizes enforceability and value.
- Jurisdictional filings and patent family strength influence market exclusivity and licensing potential.
- Ongoing monitoring of cited references and related patents enhances IP strategy and risk management.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the main innovative features of WO2014136282?
It presents novel chemical compounds with improved therapeutic profiles or mechanisms of action, coupled with specific methods of use or formulations that enhance efficacy or safety.
2. How broad are the claims of this patent, and what implications does that have?
The claims likely combine structural, functional, and method aspects, with some claims potentially broad enough to cover entire classes of compounds or therapeutic approaches, thus maximizing patent value and licensing opportunities.
3. What are typical challenges faced during the patent prosecution of such pharmaceutical patents?
Challenges include overcoming prior art references that may disclose similar structures, demonstrating inventive step, and ensuring claims are sufficiently supported by detailed descriptions.
4. How does WO2014136282 compare with other patents in its therapeutic area?
It potentially fills a unique niche by introducing structural innovations or alternative therapeutic use claims, differentiating it from existing patents with similar targets.
5. What should companies consider when designing around such patents?
They should analyze the scope of claims critically, identify specific structural features or therapeutic methods not covered, and develop alternative compounds or formulations that do not infringe the patent.
References:
[1] WIPO Patent WO2014136282.
[2] Patent landscape reports related to targeted therapeutic compounds (e.g., kinase inhibitors).
[3] Prior art references cited during patent prosecution (as available in public databases).
