Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
Patent WO2017042835, filed under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) framework, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention with potential applications within the treatment of specific medical conditions. This analysis provides a comprehensive review of the scope, claims, and the patent landscape concerning this invention, facilitating strategic insights for stakeholders in pharmaceutical R&D, intellectual property management, and licensing.
Patent Overview and Background
WO2017042835, published on March 30, 2017, originates from a filing that aims to secure patent rights internationally via the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). The application generally discloses a pharmaceutical compound or formulation, the mechanisms of action, and therapeutic uses, although the specific details depend on the exact description within the application.
WO2017042835 is classified within key patent classes associated with pharmaceuticals, notably under the International Patent Classification (IPC) codes:
- A61K – Preparations for medical, dental, or toilet purposes
- A61P – Specific therapeutic activity of chemical compounds or compositions
The application appears to target innovative compositions, methods of synthesis, or therapeutic methods, possibly within areas like cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, or metabolic diseases, aligned with common pharmaceutical patent goals.
Scope of the Patent
1. Core Inventions
The scope of WO2017042835 encompasses:
- Chemical Compounds: A novel class of molecules, potentially characterized by unique structural features, positional isomers, or derivatives designed to optimize efficacy, stability, or bioavailability.
- Pharmaceutical Formulations: Innovative formulations that enhance delivery, absorption, or patient compliance.
- Therapeutic Methods: Patent claims covering specific methods of administering the compounds for targeted indications.
- Diagnostic or Biomarker Use: If applicable, claims may extend to using these compounds for disease diagnosis or monitoring.
2. Encompassed Uses
The patent likely emphasizes the treatment of specific disease states, potentially including oncologic, neurodegenerative, or infectious diseases, aligning the invention with high-value therapeutic markets.
3. Patentable Aspects
The patent claims are structured to cover:
- Compound-specific claims: Covering the exact chemical structures or closely related variants.
- Method-of-use claims: Specific to treating certain diseases with the compounds.
- Preparation claims: Innovative synthesis pathways, purification methods, or formulations.
Given the broad claim language often used in WO filings, the scope may extend to derivatives, salts, esters, or prodrugs that maintain the core pharmacological activity.
Claims Analysis
1. Independent Claims
The independent claims define the broadest scope and are critical in establishing the boundaries of patent rights. For WO2017042835, these likely claim:
- A chemical compound with a specific core structure, possibly substituted at defined positions.
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising the claimed compounds.
- A method of treating a disease by administering the composition.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope, adding specific features such as:
- Particular substitutions or stereochemistry.
- Certain formulations or administration routes.
- Specific dosing regimens or combination therapies.
- Use of the compound or composition in diagnosing or monitoring diseases.
3. Claim Strength and Limitations
The strength of the claims depends on how narrowly or broadly they are drafted. Broad claims covering a class of compounds provide wider protection but face higher invalidity risks, especially if prior art disclosures are similar. Narrower claims offer strong protection for specific embodiments but are more susceptible to design-arounds.
Patent Landscape and Prior Art Context
1. Landscape Overview
The patent landscape surrounding WO2017042835 involves:
- Existing Patents: Numerous prior patents on similar classes of compounds, notably in cancer and neurodegeneration.
- Key Players: Major pharmaceutical entities and biotech startups actively patent similar compounds, indicating a competitive landscape.
- Patent Filiation: The application likely references prior art, including earlier WO or patent family members, to delineate novelty and inventive step.
2. Novelty and Inventive Step
The novelty hinges on unique structural features, specific therapeutic applications, or innovative synthesis methods. The inventive step is supported if these aspects demonstrate non-obvious improvements over prior art, such as enhanced efficacy, reduced toxicity, or simplified synthesis.
3. Patentability Challenges
Potential challenges include overcoming existing patents claiming similar compounds or methods. Clear delineation of the novel features—e.g., a unique substitution pattern or a new therapeutic use—is critical.
4. Geographic and Jurisdictional Considerations
WO2017042835’s PCT route enables applicants to seek protection in multiple jurisdictions. Patent offices such as the USPTO, EPO, and national agencies could scrutinize for novelty, inventive step, and inventive sufficiency, which influences the scope of granted patents.
Competitive and Strategic Implications
1. Licensing Opportunities
If the claimed compounds demonstrate superior properties, patent holders can explore licensing agreements with larger pharmaceutical companies for commercialization.
2. Freedom-to-Operate Considerations
Existing patents on similar compounds may restrict the commercialization of WO2017042835’s invention in certain jurisdictions, necessitating freedom-to-operate analyses.
3. Extension and Portfolio Expansion
Filing additional patent families or divisional applications targeting specific derivatives, formulations, or indications can strengthen the patent estate and extend market exclusivity.
Legal and Commercial Risks
- Patent Invalidity Risks: Due to prior art citations, patent validity may be challenged based on obviousness or anticipation.
- Competitive Patents: Overlapping claims could lead to infringement disputes or licensing negotiations.
- Regulatory Hurdles: Patent protection alone does not guarantee approval; regulatory pathways may influence commercialization success.
Conclusion and Strategic Recommendations
The scope of WO2017042835 embodies an important intellectual property asset with potential therapeutic implications. Its claims’ strength depends on the specificity and novelty of the disclosed compounds and methods. Stakeholders should conduct thorough freedom-to-operate and patent validity assessments, focusing on the precise claims and prior art landscape.
To maximize value, patent owners should consider:
- Expanding the portfolio through derivative and use patents.
- Strategically defending against potential validity challenges.
- Evaluating licensing avenues with industry players interested in the therapeutic area.
Key Takeaways
- WO2017042835 claims a novel class of pharmaceutical compounds, their formulations, and therapeutic uses, with a focus on high-value medical indications.
- The patent landscape is highly active, with similar patents targeting related chemical classes and therapeutic areas, complicating freedom-to-operate assessments.
- The strength of the patent depends on the novelty of specific structural features and their applications; narrow claims may offer stronger enforceability.
- Commercial success relies on navigating prior art, optimizing patent scope, and leveraging strategic licensing or portfolio expansion.
- Continuous monitoring of patent filings in this space is essential to maintain competitive advantage and avoid infringement.
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary inventive feature of WO2017042835?
The innovation likely centers on a specific chemical structure with unique substitutions that enhance efficacy or stability compared to prior compounds, although exact details depend on the patent’s disclosure.
Q2: How does WO2017042835 compare with similar patent families?
It claims a novel subset within a broader chemical class, distinguishing itself through specific structural modifications or therapeutic claims not disclosed in prior patents.
Q3: Can this patent landscape impact the development of generics?
Yes. Broad or overlapping claims could potentially block generic entry, especially if granted in key jurisdictions and if no post-grant challenges succeed.
Q4: How critical is the scope of claims in infringement cases?
Very. Broad claims empower patent owners to assert rights over a wide array of similar compounds, while narrow claims restrict enforcement to specific embodiments.
Q5: What are effective strategies to strengthen patent protection around WO2017042835?
Filing divisional or continuation applications, covering derivatives, new indications, and formulations enhances robustness and extends the patent estate.
References
- WIPO Patent Application WO2017042835, published March 30, 2017.
- Espacenet patent database.
- Patent Landscape Reports on Pharmaceutical Compounds and Methods.
