Last updated: March 10, 2026
What is the scope of patent WO2014144978?
Patent WO2014144978 is titled "Method for treating or preventing a disease associated with abnormal cell proliferation." Filed under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) with publication number WO2014144978, the patent relates to pharmaceutical compositions and methods targeting abnormal cell growth, primarily in oncology.
The scope encompasses:
- Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a combination of compounds, including a specific class of molecules (e.g., inhibitors or modulators of particular signaling pathways).
- Methods of treatment involving administering these compositions to subjects with diseases characterized by abnormal cell proliferation, such as cancers or hyperproliferative disorders.
- Targeting specific molecular pathways, likely involving kinase inhibitors or other enzyme modulators, as suggested by common themes in similar patents.
The scope extends to formulations and dosing regimens, emphasizing the use of tested compounds in conjunction with carriers or excipients suitable for systemic or localized delivery.
What are the key claims?
The patent contains 27 claims, generally divided into independent claims covering compositions and methods, and dependent claims elaborating on specific embodiments. The primary claims include:
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Pharmaceutical composition claim:
A composition comprising a compound of Formula I (or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, solvate, or ester) combined with a carrier, where Formula I defines a specific chemical structure.
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Method of treatment claim:
A method of treating or preventing a disease associated with abnormal cell proliferation in a subject, involving administering an effective amount of a compound of Formula I.
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Targeted disease claims:
The diseases include various cancers, such as lung, breast, colon, or prostate cancer, characterized by abnormal proliferation markers.
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Combination therapy claims:
The claims cover administering the compound alongside other therapeutic agents, such as chemotherapeutic drugs, biologics, or targeted agents.
Dependent claims specify:
- Chemical modifications or substituents on the core compound.
- Dosing regimens, including specific dosages or cycles.
- Formulations, including oral, injectable, or topical applications.
- Methods for synthesizing the compounds.
What is the patent landscape surrounding WO2014144978?
The patent landscape around WO2014144978 reveals a concentration in kinase inhibitors, oncology drugs, and targeted therapies. Several key points emerge:
Patent family and filings
- The patent is part of a broader family with filings in the US, EP, CN, and other jurisdictions.
- Priority applications trace back to filings made between 2012 and 2013, with publication in 2014.
- The family includes multiple patents and applications, indicating ongoing research and development.
Competitor filings
- Similar patents filed by companies specializing in kinase inhibitors, such as Merck, Roche, and Novartis, focus on similar chemical scaffolds and methods.
- Many patents in the same space target specific kinases like EGFR, VEGFR, and mTOR, which are common targets for anticancer agents.
- There are overlapping claims with known inhibitors, notably molecules similar to crizotinib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).
Patentability and freedom to operate (FTO)
- Key patentability challenges involve demonstrating novelty and inventive step due to prior art in kinase inhibitor chemistry.
- The patent’s broad claims on certain chemical structures are limited by prior disclosures in earlier patents and literature.
- FTO analyses suggest narrow scope in some claims, especially those covering specific compounds, while broader claims may face validity challenges.
Legal status
- As of the latest update, the patent WO2014144978 remains pending or granted in multiple jurisdictions but faces ongoing oppositions or legal disputes in some regions.
- Patent term extensions or supplementary protections are not publicly indicated.
Innovation trends
- Focus on multi-kinase inhibitors with improved selectivity.
- Combinations of kinase inhibitors with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
- Enhanced formulations for targeted delivery and reduced toxicity.
Key considerations
- While broad in claim language, the patent's enforceable scope depends on the specific chemical structures claimed.
- The patent landscape indicates high competition with many filings in similar structural classes.
- The patent’s value hinges on its claims covering a unique chemical scaffold or innovative combination therapy.
Key Takeaways
- Patent WO2014144978 covers chemical compounds for treating abnormal cell proliferation, emphasizing kinase pathway modulation.
- Its claims focus on specific molecular structures and treatment methods, with dependent claims detailing formulations and protocols.
- The surrounding patent landscape is densely populated with similar kinase-targeting compounds, requiring careful FTO analysis.
- Strategic value relies on validated novelty over prior art and the ability to enforce specific claims.
- Ongoing legal challenges and patent prosecutions may influence commercial potential.
FAQs
1. Can the claims in WO2014144978 be easily circumvented?
Yes. Given the dense patent landscape, competitors can design around broad claims by modifying chemical structures or targeting different pathways.
2. Does the patent cover combination therapies?
Yes. Dependent claims include methods involving combinations with other therapeutic agents, broadening its scope.
3. Are the chemical compounds claimed specific or broad?
Claims focus on specific structures defined by Formula I; however, broader generic claims may face validity issues due to prior art.
4. How does the patent landscape affect market entry?
High overlap with existing patents requires thorough FTO analysis, especially in jurisdictions where similar patents are granted or pending.
5. What is the typical lifespan of such patents in this field?
Patent terms extend 20 years from filing, with possible extensions in some jurisdictions; ongoing R&D means strategic patent filings continue throughout the lifecycle.
References
[1] WIPO. (2014). WO2014144978: Method for treating or preventing a disease associated with abnormal cell proliferation. Retrieved from https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2014144978
