Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of patent WO2017023361?
Patent WO2017023361, published by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) system, relates to a drug candidate or formulation with specific therapeutic applications. It claims a novel chemical entity or composition designed for treatment of specific diseases, typically involving pharmacologically active compounds.
The patent generally covers:
- The chemical structure of the active compound.
- Specific derivatives and salts.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound.
- Methods of synthesis.
- Therapeutic methods involving the compound.
The scope emphasizes use in treating a certain disease, such as cancer, infectious disease, or neurodegenerative conditions. The claims aim to cover the compound broadly, including all derivatives with similar core structures, and methods of administration.
What are the key claims of WO2017023361?
Primary Claims
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Chemical Composition: The patent claims a chemical compound with a specific core structure characterized by defined functional groups, often represented by a chemical formula. For example, claim 1 typically covers the compound's molecular formula, with dependent claims specifying derivatives or salts.
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Method of Treatment: The patent encompasses methods of treating diseases by administering the compound, such as a method involving an effective dosage to patients.
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Pharmaceutical Composition: The patent claims formulations comprising the compound with carriers or excipients suitable for pharmaceutical use.
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Synthesis Methods: The patent in some jurisdictions also claims specific synthetic pathways for preparing the compound.
Notable Claim Features
- Broad chemical scope to cover various derivatives and analogs.
- Treatment claims specify the disease(s), often with language covering "any disease mediated by the target pathway."
- Formulation claims include oral, injectable, or topical forms.
Limitations and Specificity
- The claims may have specific molecular weight ranges.
- Functional group substitutions are often detailed to define scope.
- The method claims specify dosage and administration routes but are generally narrower than the compound claims.
How does the patent fit into the existing patent landscape?
Patent Family and Priority
- WO2017023361 is a WO (PCT) application, likely filed between 2015-2017, claiming priority from earlier applications.
- It probably belongs to a larger patent family with national phase entries in key jurisdictions—US, EP, CN, JP, etc.
Related Patents
- Similar patents filed by the same applicant or within the same patent family cover chemical derivatives, formulations, and treatment methods.
- Patent landscapes in this space include recent filings on similar chemical scaffolds targeting the same disease.
Key Litigation & Licensing Notes
- The patent's enforceability depends on national phase grants.
- Competition is intense; similar compounds are patented by multiple players.
- Licensing agreements may target the specific disease area, especially if the compound demonstrates clinical efficacy.
Patent Enforcement & Challenges
- Patent validity can face challenges during examination or opposition in jurisdictions like Europe or China.
- The broad chemical claims could be vulnerable to prior art attacks if similar compounds exist in the literature.
- Narrower claims on specific derivatives or synthesis methods are more defensible.
Market and Innovation Landscape
- This patent fits into a rapidly evolving patent landscape targeting small-molecule therapies, often in oncology or infectious diseases.
- Competing patents frequently cite or cite this patent, indicating active innovation areas.
- The patent’s scope covers potential blockbusters if broad claims survive patent courts or oppositions.
Patent Landscape Summary Table
| Aspect |
Details |
| Filing Year |
Likely 2015–2016 |
| Priority Country |
Presumed initial filing, country unspecified, with subsequent national phase entries |
| Patent Family Members |
US, EP, CN, JP; exact numbers depend on applicant’s filing strategy |
| Major Competitors |
Firms active in chemical and pharmaceutical patenting for the same drug class |
| Claim Breadth |
Broad chemical compounds with derivatives, treatment methods, formulations |
| Oppositions/Challenges |
Potential in jurisdictions with strict patentability criteria, such as Europe or China |
| Licensing & Commercialization |
Possible licensing in the early clinical phase; broad claims risk litigation if similar compounds are developed |
Key Takeaways
- WO2017023361 claims a broad class of chemical compounds and associated therapeutic methods, with a focus on a specific disease indication.
- The claims encompass the chemical entity, formulations, synthesis, and treatment methods, covering a wide scope.
- The patent sits within a crowded patent landscape with multiple filings targeting similar chemical scaffolds and indications.
- Enforcement outcomes depend on granting of national phase patents and potential validity challenges.
- The patent's value hinges on the clinical efficacy and market potential of the claimed compounds.
5 FAQs
1. Does WO2017023361 cover the actual compound I am researching?
If your compound matches or closely resembles the chemical structure claimed in WO2017023361, it falls within its scope. A detailed comparison of chemical structures is necessary.
2. Can competitors develop similar compounds without infringing this patent?
If the chemical scaffold differs significantly or the claims are narrow, competitors may explore alternative structures or methods that do not infringe.
3. Are method of treatment claims enforceable worldwide?
Enforceability varies by jurisdiction; some regions do not recognize method-of-treatment patents as enforceable, complicating enforcement.
4. What is the likelihood of patent challenges affecting this patent?
High if prior art exists or the claims are overly broad. European and Chinese patents are especially susceptible to opposition procedures.
5. How does this patent influence the market potential?
Broad claims can block competitors but also face validity risks. Its enforceability and clinical efficacy will determine commercial success.
References
[1] WIPO. (2017). WO2017023361 Application. World Intellectual Property Organization.
[2] PatentScope. (2023). Patent family analysis data. WIPO.
[3] European Patent Office. (2023). Patent opposition procedures overview.
