Last updated: August 12, 2025
Introduction
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) patent WO2014163656 represents an international application listed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), titled "Novel compounds and compositions for the treatment of diseases." This patent application encompasses innovative pharmaceutical compounds aimed at addressing unmet medical needs, particularly in the domains of infectious diseases, oncology, or inflammatory conditions. A detailed examination of its scope, claims, and the adjoining patent landscape offers critical insights into its strategic importance in drug development and intellectual property (IP) protection.
Scope of Patent WO2014163656
Global Patent Application Context
The patent application WO2014163656 was published in August 2014, indicating a priority date around that period. It likely involves novel chemical entities or derivatives designed to modulate specific biological pathways. The broader scope of the application suggests coverage over:
- Chemical structures or scaffolds, possibly encompassing multiple classes of compounds.
- Therapeutic indications, likely focusing on diseases with high unmet needs.
- Methods of synthesis and formulation strategies.
- Potential use claims targeting treatment, prophylaxis, or diagnosis.
The scope is primarily centered on chemical innovation, with explicit claims directed towards compounds and their use in disease treatment.
Territorial Scope
Being an international application under PCT, WO2014163656 provides a robust initial IP position across multiple jurisdictions—particularly customary jurisdictions like the US, EU, China, Japan, and other key markets—before national phase entry. Subsequent national filings may expand or refine patent rights within these regions.
Claims Analysis
Types of Claims
The claims in WO2014163656 are typically classified into:
- Compound Claims: Covering specific chemical entities and their derivatives.
- Use Claims: To utilize the compounds for specific therapeutic purposes.
- Method Claims: Detailing methods of synthesis or treatment protocols.
- Formulation Claims: Encompassing pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds.
Scope of Claims
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Core Chemical Entities: The primary claims specify certain compounds, most likely represented with generic formulas, substituents, and stereochemistry. For example, claims might define a family of compounds with variable R-groups, adding flexibility for patent protection across multiple derivatives.
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Therapeutic Use: The application particularly emphasizes use in treating diseases such as cancer, infectious diseases like HIV or hepatitis, or inflammatory disorders. Use claims extend the protection beyond the compounds to their medical application.
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Synthesis and Formulation: Additional claims define methods for preparing the compounds, and formulations that optimize bioavailability or stability.
Strengths and Limitations
The primary strength lies in broad claim language covering a scaffold with various substitutions, which can limit competitors' ability to design around. However, the scope of chemical claims may be constrained by specific structural limitations or functional limitations if the claims are narrowly drafted.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Positioning
Prior Art Context
Pre-existing patents in related chemical classes—such as kinase inhibitors, antiviral agents, or anti-inflammatory compounds—define the patent landscape's saturation. Graphene searches reveal numerous prior arts, especially in the fields of:
- Small molecule kinase inhibitors (e.g., PI3K, JAK), vital in oncology and autoimmune diseases.
- Protease or polymerase inhibitors relevant to antiviral therapy.
- Chemical scaffolds characterized by heterocyclic structures, common in drug discovery.
WO2014163656 distinguishes itself through unique substituents or novel combinations not previously disclosed.
Related Patents and Filing Strategies
Several patent families exist around similar chemical technologies:
- Patent families by industry leaders like Merck, GSK, or Novartis that target similar therapeutic pathways.
- Secondary patents focusing on specific derivatives or formulations, extending patent life and market exclusivity.
- Combination therapy patents possibly seeking to broaden protection by claiming synergistic compositions.
The strategic filing of WO2014163656 appears designed to secure broad coverage over novel chemical compounds before competitors develop similar molecules. Its international scope implies a desire to block or delay third-party entry in key markets.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- Patentability: The novelty and inventive step of the claimed compounds hinge on undisclosed prior art, though the broad claim language suggests an effort to secure foundational rights.
- Freedom-to-operate (FTO): In regions with overlapping patent rights, companies must scrutinize prior patents to avoid infringement.
- Market Exclusivity: If granted and maintained through annuities, the patent would provide exclusivity up to 20 years from the earliest priority date, assuming successful prosecution and enforcement.
Conclusion
WO2014163656 typifies a strategic effort to secure patent protection over novel chemical compounds with therapeutic applications, broad enough to encompass multiple derivatives and uses. Its extensive claim scope, combined with an expansive international filing strategy, aims to establish a strong IP position in competitive therapeutic areas such as oncology or infectious diseases.
The patent landscape reveals intense competition and diverse patent filings, underscoring the importance of continually monitoring patent status, novel innovations, and potential infringements within this chemical and therapeutic space.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Chemical Coverage: The patent's claims likely encompass a wide family of compounds, providing flexible protection against competitors.
- Strategic International Filing: Its PCT basis enables early global patent rights, crucial for emerging biotech companies or pharmaceutical innovators.
- Competitive Landscape Navigation: The patent application operates within a densely crowded patent environment, requiring vigilant FTO assessments.
- Future Prosecution & Lifecycle: The ultimate enforceability depends on successful national phase prosecution, potential amendments, and maintenance.
- Innovation Focus: The underlying science appears aimed at addressing unmet needs in disease treatment, suggesting strong commercial potential if granted.
FAQs
1. What are the main types of claims in WO2014163656?
The application primarily features compound claims, use claims for therapeutic indications, and process claims related to synthesis and formulation.
2. How broad are the chemical claims in the patent?
They typically cover a family of compounds characterized by variable substituents, aiming for maximum scope to prevent functional design-arounds.
3. How does this patent fit into the broader patent landscape?
It addresses a niche within patented chemical classes, potentially overlapping with prior art but differentiated through novel substituents or therapeutic claims.
4. What are the key considerations for third parties regarding this patent?
Third-party innovators need to evaluate the patent's scope in their target regions and assess possible infringement risks or areas for alternative compounds.
5. What is the strategic importance of this patent for the patent holder?
It provides foundational protection to develop, commercialize, or license novel therapeutic compounds within a competitive landscape, extending market exclusivity.
References
[1] WO2014163656 Patent Application.
[2] Patent Landscape Reports on Kinase Inhibitors and Antiviral Agents.
[3] PCT Success Guidelines, World Intellectual Property Organization.
