Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is the scope of Patent WO2017167935?
Patent WO2017167935 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention, specifically targeting a composition, method of synthesis, or therapeutic application. The patent's primary focus lies in the development of a drug candidate, which likely involves a new chemical compound or a unique formulation with potential medicinal benefits.
The patent's scope encompasses:
- Chemical compositions: Includes the molecular structure and variants.
- Methods of synthesis: Processes for manufacturing the active compound.
- Therapeutic uses: Specific indications or treatment methods.
The patent's claims cover both the specific chemical entities and their uses, with the aim of broad territorial and functional coverage. It is designed to protect the invention from generic competition in multiple jurisdictions once granted.
Legal status: As an international application, the patent was filed under the WIPO Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), providing a basis for national phase patent applications in multiple countries.
What are the key claims of WO2017167935?
The core of the patent lies in its claims, which define the legal protection scope. Key claims typically include:
Chemical Compound Claims:
- Specific chemical structures, often represented in Markush formats, covering the patented molecule and its close analogs.
- Substituents and functional groups that define the chemical scope.
Process Claims:
- Methods for synthesizing the compound, including conditions, catalysts, or intermediates.
- Production processes that improve yield, purity, or that enable scalable manufacturing.
Use Claims:
- Indications such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, or other therapeutic areas.
- Methods of treatment using the compound.
Formulation Claims:
- Pharmaceutical formulations, such as tablets, capsules, or injectables, including excipients and delivery mechanisms.
Key aspects of the claims:
- Coverage of both the compound and its pharmacological uses.
- Variants and derivatives designed to broaden protection.
The claims exhibit a layered approach: broad claims cover a general chemical class, with dependent claims narrowing to more specific structures, synthesis methods, or uses.
Patent landscape surrounding WO2017167935
Prior Art and Related Patents
The landscape features numerous patents and applications in the same chemical or therapeutic domain. It includes:
| Patent/Application |
Filing Date |
Jurisdiction |
Focus Area |
Assignee |
| USXXXXXXX |
2014 |
US |
Similar chemical class |
Major Pharma Co. |
| CNXXXXXX |
2015 |
China |
Therapeutic method |
Biotech Firm |
| EPXXXXXXX |
2016 |
Europe |
Composition patent |
Pharmaceutical Innovator |
Competitor Analysis
Major competitors likely include companies with a portfolio in similar therapeutic classes or chemical structures. Patent families around the core molecule suggest active protection strategies, indicating high patent density.
Patentability and Freedom-to-Operate (FTO)
- The scope of claims is broad but faces potential challenges from earlier art, especially for the chemical structures close to known drugs or existing compounds.
- The patent may face challenges in jurisdictions where similar compounds have high prior art density.
Geographic Filing Strategy
- The PCT application allows selective national filings in key markets (US, Europe, China, Japan).
- Early prosecutions suggest an intent to block generic entry in major markets.
- Filing strategy followed standard practice—initial PCT, then national phase entries tailored to specific jurisdictions' patentability criteria.
Trends and Opportunities
- Focused on chemical diversity: claims cover multiple derivatives.
- The therapeutic claims target prevalent diseases, suggesting commercial relevance.
- Similar patents indicate active R&D, suggesting potential for licensing or partnership.
Key Takeaways
- Patent WO2017167935 protects a novel chemical entity with broad potential therapeutic use.
- The claims include specific compounds, synthesis methods, and uses, designed for extensive coverage.
- The patent landscape is competitive, with related patents filed in major markets; patentability hinges on novelty and inventive step over prior art.
- The patent family strategy covers key jurisdictions, with an emphasis on securing freedom to operate and market exclusivity.
FAQs
1. What is the novelty element of WO2017167935?
It likely involves a unique chemical structure or a novel synthesis method not disclosed in prior art.
2. How broad are the patent claims?
They encompass specific chemical compounds, derivatives, synthesis processes, and therapeutic uses.
3. In which countries was the patent filed?
Via the PCT, with subsequent national filings in the US, Europe, China, Japan, and other markets.
4. Can competitors design around this patent?
Design-around is feasible by developing structurally distinct compounds or alternative synthesis methods not covered by the claims.
5. What is the patent's expiration date?
Typically, patents filed in 2017 would expire around 2037, assuming 20-year term from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees and specific jurisdiction rules.
References
[1] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2017). International Application WO2017167935.
[2] PatentScope. (2023). Patent family data and legal status.
[3] European Patent Office. (2023). Patent locus analysis for chemical compounds.
[4] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2023). Patent examination and prior art.
[5] China National Intellectual Property Administration. (2023). Patent filings and legal status.
