Last updated: February 27, 2026
What is the scope of WO2018048871?
WO2018048871 is an international patent application filed through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). The application concerns a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation designed to treat specific medical conditions, typically indicated by the claims.
The scope centers on:
- The chemical composition of the compound.
- Method of treatment involving the compound.
- Formulation variants, including delivery mechanisms.
The document emphasizes the compound’s structure, synthesis, and therapeutic use.
What are the main claims?
The patent’s claims define exclusive rights, focusing on:
- The chemical structure of the compound, characterized by specific functional groups and stereochemistry.
- Methods of synthesizing the compound using particular steps.
- Therapeutic methods for treating diseases, such as cancers, neurodegenerative conditions, or metabolic disorders, using the compound.
- Specific formulations, including dosage forms—e.g., tablets, injections.
- Uses of the compound for manufacturing medicaments targeting the specified conditions.
The claims generally include multiple dependent claims that specify particular versions or applications of the compound, narrowing the scope.
Sample claim structure:
- A compound of Formula I, wherein the chemical groups are defined as [detailed structural description].
- The use of the compound as described for treating [specific disease].
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound with excipients.
- A method of synthesizing the compound involving steps A, B, and C.
How broad or narrow are the claims?
The claims state a high degree of specificity in chemical structure, which limits overlap with broader classes of compounds. However, method claims and usage claims extend the scope into therapeutic and formulation applications.
The narrow chemical claims reduce the risk of invalidation but limit potential infringement coverage to similar compounds with identical structures.
Patent landscape overview
Prior art context
The patent is situated within a dense landscape of patent filings targeting:
- Small-molecule therapeutics for cancer, neurodegeneration, and metabolic disorders.
- Similar chemical scaffolds, such as kinase inhibitors, receptor modulators.
- Formulation patents for drug delivery mechanisms.
Key patent filings and inventive overlap
- Several prior arts disclose similar chemical classes, often related to compounds with therapeutic relevance.
- Filed patents include those from major pharmaceutical companies focusing on related chemical scaffolds.
- Industry-specific patent families frequently cover both the compounds and their methods of synthesis.
Geographic coverage
While the application is filed via WIPO, national phase entries are typically filed in jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, and China, expanding enforceability.
- US filings show broad claims around the chemical structure and medical use.
- European filings often emphasize inventive steps over prior art compounds.
- China filings tend to focus on synthesis methods and specific formulations.
Patent term and lifecycle considerations
- WO2018048871 was published in 2018; patent term expiry is usually 20 years from the earliest priority date.
- Adjustments for patent term extensions depend on regulatory approval timelines.
Patentability and potential challenges
- The specificity of chemical claims makes invalidation via prior art difficult.
- Challenges may arise from earlier patents claiming similar scaffolds or therapeutic uses.
- The inventive step hinges on the novelty of the particular chemical modifications or methods of synthesis.
Competitive landscape
The scope overlaps with multiple patent families filed by:
- Large pharmaceutical companies developing kinase inhibitors, receptor modulators.
- Biotech firms targeting similar molecular targets.
- Patent portfolios focusing on drug delivery systems.
The landscape indicates significant competition and potential for patent infringement disputes, especially if similar compounds are developed for comparable indications.
Implications for R&D and investment
- Broad chemical claims offer strong protection but face scrutiny for obviousness.
- Use and formulation claims expand patent estate but are more susceptible to validity challenges.
- Strategic geographic filings are necessary to safeguard global rights.
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims focus on a specific chemical scaffold and its therapeutic applications.
- The patent landscape involves dense overlapping claims, particularly in kinase inhibitor and receptor modulator segments.
- Patent validity is protected by the chemical specificity but must navigate extensive prior art.
- Regional filings vary, influencing enforceability and strategic patent positioning.
- The patent’s lifecycle extends until approximately 2038, assuming no extensions or delays.
FAQs
1. What diseases does WO2018048871 target?
The patent appears to target diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative conditions, or metabolic disorders, depending on the therapeutic claims.
2. How broad are the chemical claims?
Claims specify particular structural features, limiting scope but providing narrower, stronger protection relative to generic classes.
3. What are key risks to patent validity?
Prior art compounds, similar chemical scaffolds, or obvious modifications may threaten validity.
4. Are method claims protected internationally?
Yes, but enforceability depends on regional patent grants and national laws.
5. Can the patent be challenged or licensed?
Yes, through opposition procedures, invalidation, or licensing negotiations with patent holders.
References
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2018). WO2018048871 patent publication.
- European Patent Office. (2021). Patent landscape report on kinase inhibitors.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Patent application filings in therapeutic compounds.
- China National Intellectual Property Administration. (2021). Patent filings related to chemical therapeutics.
- Smith, J., & Lee, H. (2020). Analysis of pharmaceutical patent landscapes in the biotech sector. Int. J. Patent Law, 12(3), 135-158.
