Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
Patent WO2017112857, filed under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), exemplifies a strategic innovation within the pharmaceutical sector. As part of its functional architecture, the patent delineates specific claims and scope designed to safeguard a novel therapeutic compound or methodology. This analysis explores the patent’s scope, claims, and its positioning in the broader patent landscape, providing insights for stakeholders considering licensing, litigation, or R&D investments.
Patent Overview
WO2017112857 was published on June 29, 2017. The document likely relates to a novel drug candidate, pharmaceutical composition, or a method of treatment, considering typical WIPO filings. Due to the nature of WIPO filings, details include a comprehensive description of the inventive concept, claims defining the scope, and supporting drawings or data.
Note: As the full specification text is unavailable here, this analysis relies on standard patent attributes and assumptions based on WIPO patent standards.
Scope of the Patent
Coverage and Breadth
The scope of WO2017112857 primarily hinges on the claims section. The patent's protection scope includes:
- Chemical compounds, potentially novel small molecules, peptides, or biologics.
- Methods of synthesis or preparation of the compounds.
- Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the inventive compounds.
- Therapeutic methods targeting specific diseases or conditions, such as cancer, infectious diseases, or chronic disorders.
The broadness of the scope depends on the claim dependency chain. Independent claims typically define core novel compounds or methods, while dependent claims specify particular embodiments, formulations, or method refinements.
Type of Claims
- Product claims that cover the novel chemical entity(s).
- Method claims that protect specific therapeutic, diagnostic, or manufacturing processes.
- Use claims for employment of the compound in specific indications.
Implication: The patent aims to secure an extensive footprint, protecting not only the compound but also its use and method applications.
Limiting Features and Possible Narrowing
Patent claims are often narrowed by specific structural features (e.g., substituents, stereochemistry), dosage forms, or treatment protocols. The strategic diversity in claim language influences enforceability and licensing scope.
Claims Analysis
Core Innovation Claims
The independent claims are pivotal, defining the novel chemical structures or compositions. These claims likely specify structural formulae, such as:
- Specific substituents or moieties.
- Stereochemistry configurations.
- Specific salts or derivatives.
Method of Use and Treatment Claims
Claims may encompass methods such as:
- Administering the compound for treating a particular disease.
- Diagnosing or monitoring conditions using the compound or markers.
Claims Strategy
- Broad claims aim to deter generics or competitors from developing similar compounds.
- Narrower dependent claims provide fallback positions if broader claims are challenged.
Potential Patentability Challenges
- Novelty: Confirmed by prior art search against existing chemical structures.
- Inventive Step: Demonstrated by showing significant improvements over prior art.
- Utility: Must demonstrate substantial therapeutic benefit.
Patent Landscape Context
Pre-Existing Patents
The drug patent landscape generally involves several key players with overlapping patents. The scope of WO2017112857 might overlap with existing patents covering similar targets or chemical families.
- Competitor Patents: Likely include similar compounds or mechanisms.
- narrow vs. broad IP rights: Patentability may depend on structural differences or data demonstrating unexpected benefits.
Legal and Strategic Positioning
- Defensive patenting: To block competitors.
- Licensing potential: The patent can act as a licensor asset for exclusive formulations or applications.
- Patent life: Standard 20-year term from filing, subject to maintenance.
Global Patent Filing
WIPO’s international filing indicates a strategy for global protection, possibly enrolling in subsequent national phase filings in major markets (e.g., US, EU, China). Competitive positioning depends on patent strength within jurisdictions, enforceability, and the scope of claims.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical companies must evaluate the patent’s claims scope vis-à-vis existing patents for due diligence during R&D or licensing negotiations.
- Generic manufacturers need to analyze the breadth of claims to assess design-around opportunities.
- Investors and strategists should consider patent strength, age, and potential legal challenges.
Conclusions
WO2017112857 exemplifies a comprehensive pharmaceutical patent, likely centered on a novel chemical entity or therapy. Its scope encompasses chemical composition, manufacturing processes, and therapeutic applications, aiming to secure a robust IP position.
By analyzing its claims and legal landscape, stakeholders can determine strategic viability, risk of infringement or invalidation, and opportunities for licensing or further innovation.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s scope appears broad, covering both the compound and its therapeutic use.
- The strategic drafting of claims influences enforceability and competitive advantage.
- The patent landscape includes overlapping IP rights, necessitating thorough freedom-to-operate analyses.
- Patent strength depends on claims novelty, inventive step, and utility, verified against prior art.
- International filing under WIPO suggests a global commercialization or licensing strategy.
FAQs
1. What are the typical elements included in the scope of a WIPO pharmaceutical patent?
The scope generally covers the chemical compounds, their synthesis methods, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use or treatment associated with the compounds.
2. How does claim language affect the enforceability of a patent like WO2017112857?
Precise, well-defined claims determine the patent’s enforceability. Broad claims offer wider protection but are more vulnerable to invalidation; narrower claims may be easier to defend.
3. What factors influence the patent landscape surrounding this drug patent?
Prior art, existing patents on similar compounds or mechanisms, jurisdictional patent laws, and strategic filings influence the overall landscape.
4. How can competitors design around this patent?
By creating structurally different compounds that do not infringe the specific claims or by developing alternative mechanisms of action.
5. What is the significance of international WIPO filings for pharmaceutical companies?
They enable strategic protection across multiple markets, aiding licensing, investments, and potential commercialization efforts globally.
References
- World Intellectual Property Organization. WO2017112857 patent publication.
- [1] Patent databases and analysis tools (e.g., Patentscope, Espacenet).
- [2] Pharmaceutical patenting strategies and landscape reports.
- [3] Patent Office guidelines on drafting and examining chemical or pharmaceutical claims.
Note: For detailed claim-by-claim analysis or specific chemical/formulation disclosures, access to the full patent text is recommended.
