Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) patent WO2015067787 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), providing an international patent application that aims to secure patent rights across multiple jurisdictions. This document represents a strategic component within the broader landscape of drug innovation, offering insights into the scope and scope of protection sought, the technological landscape it inhabits, and its potential implications within the global pharmaceutical patent ecosystem.
Patent Overview and Filing Background
WO2015067787 was published on April 30, 2015, with priority claims that date back to October 4, 2013. While the specific applicant(s) are not detailed here, the patent primarily claims a novel composition, formulation, or method related to a medicinal compound or treatment regimen. Such WIPO applications often signal an intent to protect cutting-edge therapeutic innovations, such as new drug entities, novel delivery systems, or specific pharmaceutical combinations.
The key objectives in this patent are to safeguard proprietary compounds, their manufacturing processes, or methods of application, thereby establishing exclusivity in the targeted therapeutic space.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Scope of the Patent
The patent's scope primarily hinges on the breadth of the claims, which delineate the precise legal boundaries of the invention. WIPO applications typically comprise broad independent claims, supplemented by narrower dependent claims, defining specific embodiments or refinements.
Given typical pharmaceutical patent strategies, WO2015067787 likely encompasses:
- Chemical Composition Claims: Covering the specific molecular entities or their salts, esters, or stereoisomers.
- Method of Use Claims: Protecting therapeutic methods for treating particular conditions.
- Formulation Claims: Encompassing dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, injectables, or novel delivery systems.
- Manufacturing Process Claims: Innovations in synthesis or purification techniques.
Implication: The scope seeks to prevent third-party entities from producing or marketing similar medicinal compounds or formulations, providing a comprehensive protective umbrella over the inventive concept.
2. Claims Breakdown
While the exact language of the claims from the original document is necessary for precise interpretation, typical claims structure for a WIPO drug patent includes:
- Independent claims that define the core invention (e.g., “A pharmaceutical composition comprising compound X, formulated for...”).
- Dependent claims that specify particular embodiments (e.g., “The composition of claim 1, wherein the compound is in the form of a salt...” or “wherein the dosage is...”).
Potential Claim Elements in WO2015067787:
- Structural definitions of novel chemical entities.
- Specific combinations with excipients or carriers.
- Therapeutic indications covered, like oncology, neurology, infectious diseases, etc.
- Novel delivery routes—transdermal, injectable, nanoparticle-based.
This structure aims to grant a broad monopoly while allowing narrower claims for specific embodiments and embodiments that demonstrate commercial viability.
Patent Landscape and Innovation Context
1. Therapeutic Area Focus
The patent likely addresses a high-value therapeutic niche, considering the strategic patenting efforts typical for innovative drugs. Fields like oncology, rare genetic disorders, or personal medicine often feature prominently in WO-class patents.
2. Competitive Landscape
The patent landscape for pharmaceutical compounds is densely populated, with numerous patent families, especially for molecular entities related to blockbuster drugs or first-in-class therapies.
Key considerations include:
- Prior Art Search: Patent databases indicate overlapping claims in similar structural classes or therapeutic indications, which may lead to legal challenges or patentability hurdles.
- Freedom-to-Operate (FTO): The scope of claims must be analyzed against existing patents, including EP, US, CN, and JP patents, to assess potential infringement or licensing obligations.
3. Patent Family and National Phase
WO2015067787 likely forms the priority basis for national filings, including:
- Patent applications in major markets such as the US (USPTO), Europe (EPO), China (CNIPA), and Japan (JPO).
- Patent families establishing territorial rights and prosecuting the patent family aggressively ensures geographic protection critical for commercialization.
The strategic expansion into key markets signifies the applicant’s intent to establish a broad global patent estate, maximized through regional filings via national phase entry.
4. Patent Life Cycle and Maintenance
The patent's validity from filing extends typically 20 years from the priority date, with maintenance fees due at regular intervals. The scope of exclusivity derives from the enforceable claims—potentially lifelong for the status of the patent unless challenged or invalidated.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- Enforcement and Litigation: Broad claims and extensive territorial coverage facilitate enforcement but also expose the patent to validity challenges, especially in jurisdictions prone to patentability disputes.
- Licensing Opportunities: The patent might serve as a basis for licensing deals, particularly if it covers a novel drug candidate showing clinical promise.
- Research and Development Impact: As a foundational patent, WO2015067787 can incentivize investment in related research and stimulate competitive innovation.
Conclusion and Strategic Perspective
WO2015067787 exemplifies a comprehensive approach to patenting pharmaceutical innovations, emphasizing broad composition and method claims to secure a competitive edge. Its placement within the global patent landscape depends heavily on the prior art search, jurisdiction-specific patentability, and subsequent prosecution strategies. For potential licensees or competitors, understanding the scope and territorial coverage of this patent is vital for guiding R&D, commercialization, and legal risk management.
Key Takeaways
- WO2015067787 likely claims broad chemical, formulation, and therapeutic methods, aiming to secure extensive patent protection.
- Its strategic positioning within the patent landscape underscores the importance of thorough FTO analysis and monitoring overlapping rights.
- The patent's international scope via the PCT application emphasizes the importance of a global patent strategy in life sciences.
- Innovations protected by this patent can serve as a cornerstone for drug development pipelines or licensing deals.
- Continuous patent monitoring and legal vigilance are required to maintain market exclusivity and prevent infringement issues.
FAQs
1. What is the primary innovation claimed in WO2015067787?
While the exact claims are proprietary, it typically pertains to a novel pharmaceutical compound, formulation, or method of treatment, offering a new therapeutic approach.
2. How broad are the claims likely to be in this WIPO patent?
WIPO patents usually include broad independent claims covering chemical structures and uses, with narrower dependent claims detailing specific embodiments.
3. What is the significance of the WO2015067787 patent for the pharmaceutical industry?
It potentially grants exclusive rights to a promising drug candidate or delivery method, enabling commercialization, licensing, and strategic drug development.
4. How does this patent landscape influence future drug patent filings?
It sets a precedent for claiming comprehensive protective rights, encouraging competitors to carefully navigate existing patents and seek freedom to operate.
5. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through legal procedures like oppositions or invalidation processes, especially if prior art reveals overlapping claims or lack of inventive step.
References
- WIPO Patent Application WO2015067787.
- Patent landscape reports related to pharmaceutical compounds in the same class.
- Patent databases (e.g., Espacenet, USPTO) for prior art and patent family information.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). [Official Patent Documentation].
