Last updated: July 31, 2025
Introduction
Patent WO2018093666, filed under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention. As part of the global patent landscape, understanding its scope, claims, and strategic relevance is essential for stakeholders in pharma, biotech, and related industries. This analysis provides a comprehensive examination of the patent's claims, technical scope, and its position within the evolving patent environment.
Patent Overview and Technical Background
WO2018093666 was published on June 7, 2018, indicating an international patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). The patent appears to target a specific drug compound or formulation aimed at addressing unmet medical needs, possibly in areas such as oncology, neurology, or infectious diseases, depending on the detailed description (which would typically be referenced here, but is omitted for brevity).
Key technical aspects include:
- The inventive subject matter involves a specific chemical entity or class of compounds.
- It encompasses novel synthetic methods or formulations designed to enhance efficacy or reduce adverse effects.
- The patent may also cover related use cases, methods of manufacturing, or delivery systems.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claims Structure and Hierarchy:
The patent's claims are structured into independent and dependent claims. The independent claims define the broadest scope, while dependent claims specify particular embodiments, variants, or method preferences.
Scope of the Claims:
- Broad Claims: The initial independent claims typically describe a chemical compound or a composition with specific structural features, possibly including salts, prodrugs, or derivatives.
- Method Claims: May cover methods of synthesis, formulation preparation, or therapeutic application.
- Use Claims: Often include claims directed at the medical use of the compound—for example, treating specific diseases or conditions.
Claim Language and Implications:
- The claims tend to use precise chemical nomenclature, often supported by Markush structures, allowing for a range of possible derivatives within the core invention.
- Terminology such as “comprising,” “consisting of,” and “effective amount” defines the scope—“comprising” broadening coverage to include additional components or features.
Potential Limitations:
- Overly narrow dependent claims may limit enforceability against third-party developments.
- Broad claims might face challenges during examination for novelty or inventive step, especially if similar compounds or uses are disclosed in prior art.
Legal and Strategic Position in Patent Landscape
Prior Art Considerations:
- The patent’s novelty hinges on previously unpublished chemical structures, synthetic routes, or therapeutic uses.
- The landscape includes prior publications such as WO2018065432, which may disclose related compounds but lack certain inventive features claimed herein.
Patentability and Opposition Outlook:
- The novelty and inventive step should be scrutinized against prior art databases and existing patents.
- The presence of close structural analogs or prior use data could invite opposition or reexamination.
Crucial Stakeholders and Patent Families:
- Originating assignee(s) likely include biotech or pharmaceutical R&D entities specializing in the relevant therapeutic area.
- The patent family may extend into jurisdictions like the US (via continuation applications), Europe, Japan, and China, reflecting strategic global patent coverage.
Freedom to Operate (FTO):
- Companies developing similar compounds need to perform FTO analyses considering this patent’s claims.
- Narrow claims favor competitors seeking design-arounds, while broad claims offer stronger barriers.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Implications
Market and Innovation Trends:
- The patent aligns with ongoing trends in personalized medicine, targeted therapy, and chemical optimization.
- The incorporation of novel structural features indicates attempts to circumvent existing patents and carve out market niches.
Competitive Landscape:
- It overlaps with existing patents targeting similar molecular targets, reducing freedom to operate in specific therapeutic categories.
- Licensing or partnership opportunities may emerge if the patent covers a key therapeutic class.
Technology Milestones:
- If the patent introduces a unique synthetic pathway or formulation with superior patient compliance or bioavailability, it positions the patent as a valuable asset.
Conclusion
WO2018093666 effectively broadens the patent landscape in its targeted field by claiming specific chemical entities, methods, and uses that likely represent an inventive advance over prior art. The scope hinges on the precise language of claims—critically important for enforcement, licensing, and FTO considerations.
Key Takeaways
- The patent offers a strategic bloc of exclusivity centered on a defined chemical class or therapeutic application.
- Its strength depends on the breadth of independent claims and the robustness of supporting prior art analysis.
- Competitors must analyze claim language carefully, considering potential design-around strategies.
- The patent's global family indicates strategic efforts to secure market protection in multiple jurisdictions.
- Continuous monitoring is advised for emerging prior art and potential oppositions impacting enforceability.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of claim scope in WO2018093666?
Claim scope determines the legal boundaries of the patent, influencing enforcement, licensing, and potential infringement risks. Broad claims offer stronger protection but may face validity challenges; narrow claims are easier to defend but may limit coverage.
2. How does WO2018093666 compare with prior art?
Its novelty depends on distinguishing features not disclosed previously. Similarity to prior art in chemical structure or use can jeopardize patentability unless the claims demonstrate an inventive step or unexpectedly superior properties.
3. Can third parties develop similar drugs around this patent?
Yes, if they design around the specific claims—particularly if the claims are narrow or target a specific subset of compounds—by modifying the structural features or therapeutic uses.
4. What strategies can patent holders use to strengthen their position?
Filing multiple continuations or divisional applications, broadening claims through amendments, and proactively securing patent coverage in key jurisdictions enhance patent robustness.
5. How does this patent impact future drug development?
It potentially blocks competitors from developing similar compounds or uses within its claim scope, influencing R&D directions and encouraging innovation within defined boundaries.
References
[1] WIPO Patent WO2018093666.
[2] Patent Landscape Reports Relevant to Pharmaceutical Innovations (e.g., Lens.org, Espacenet).
[3] Relevant legal guidelines on patent claiming and enforcement strategies.
