Last updated: September 10, 2025
Introduction
The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) patent application WO2018112061 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention. This patent, published under the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty), indicates a strategic effort to secure international patent rights for a specific drug compound, formulation, or therapeutic method. A thorough analysis of the scope, claims, and related patent landscape will assist stakeholders—including pharmaceutical companies, research entities, and legal advisors—in understanding the patent's breadth, potential overlaps, and competitive positioning.
Patent Overview and Context
WIPO patent WO2018112061 was filed to protect an innovative drug invention. While the legal jurisdiction and publication details confirm its international scope, the detailed content reveals the invention's core focus—likely a new compound, composition, or treatment method addressing particular medical needs.
The patent application is part of an evolving patent landscape around targeted therapeutics, biologics, and novel drug delivery systems, emphasizing precise molecular mechanisms, improved efficacy, or minimized side effects.
Scope of the Patent
1. Focus and Coverage
The scope of WO2018112061 centers on a specific chemical entity or class of compounds, potentially functioning as a therapeutic agent against a designated disease or condition. The patent's claims seemingly encompass:
- Chemical Composition: Specific molecules, analogs, derivatives, or formulations.
- Method of Use: Therapeutic methods for treating certain diseases or medical conditions.
- Manufacturing Process: Techniques for synthesizing or formulating the active compounds.
- Combination Therapy: Use of the drug in conjunction with other agents for synergistic effect.
2. Patent Classification and Relevance
The patent falls into classifications typical of innovative pharmaceuticals, such as CPC class A61K (preparations for medical, dental, or toilet purposes), indicating a focus on medicinal preparations. Alternative classifications might include C07D (heterocyclic compounds), depending on the molecular structure.
3. Strategic Implications
The scope is crafted to encompass the core innovative aspects of the invention while delicately balancing breadth and specificity to withstand biological and chemical challenges. Broad claims aim to cover various derivatives or formulations, safeguarding against minor modifications by competitors.
Claims Analysis
The claims delineate the legal scope and enforceable rights of the patent. In WO2018112061, claims likely fall into three categories:
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Independent Claims: Establish the primary inventive concept—perhaps a novel compound or novel therapeutic use.
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Dependent Claims: Narrow down to specific embodiments, such as particular substitutions, dosage forms, or combination therapies.
Key elements in the claims include:
- Structural Definitions: Precise chemical structures, including core scaffolds and substituted groups.
- Pharmacological Profile: The intended medical applications, such as targeting cancer cells, neurodegenerative diseases, or infectious pathogens.
- Method of Treatment: Specific steps for administering the compound, dosages, timing, or delivery methods.
Assessment:
- Breadth: If the claims use broad structural language, they may cover a wide spectrum of analogs, increasing litigation risk but also enhancing competitive protection.
- Specificity: Narrow claims based on particular substitutions or formulations may be more easily designed around but provide solid protection for the core invention.
Potential challenges include:
- Novelty and Inventive Step: Ensuring the claims carve out a distinct inventive contribution over prior art, particularly existing chemical and pharmaceutical patents.
- Obviousness: Protecting against obvious modifications that could circumvent the claims.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Prior Art and Related Patents
The patent landscape surrounding WO2018112061 features multiple patents and patent applications with similar chemical classes or therapeutic targets. Notable areas include:
- Chemical Patent Families: Other compounds with comparable structures or mechanisms.
- Method-of-Use Patents: Related to treatment protocols for similar diseases.
- Formulation and Delivery Systems: Patents focusing on advanced drug delivery to enhance bioavailability or stability.
2. Competitive Players
Leading pharmaceutical and biotech entities are active in this space, filing patents related to similar molecular scaffolds or disease targets. Notable players may include established companies known for targeted therapeutics, biologics, or small molecule drugs.
3. Geographical Considerations
The PCT filing indicates an intent to pursue patents in multiple jurisdictions, including the U.S., EU, China, and other markets. Patent families in these regions will vary in scope based on regional patent laws and prior art.
4. Landscape Trends
Recent trends highlight:
- The shift towards personalized medicine and targeted therapies.
- Increasing patent filings related to biologics and antibody-drug conjugates.
- Focus on combination therapies to address complex disease mechanisms.
5. Patentability Challenges and Opportunities
Given overlapping claims and existing patents, freedom-to-operate analyses are essential. Opportunities include:
- Narrowing claims to specific novel compounds.
- Claiming specific therapeutic applications.
- Securing process patents related to manufacturing methods.
Implications for Industry and Innovation
The patent establishes a robust foothold within a competitive and rapidly evolving landscape. Its success depends on:
- Demonstrating clear novelty and inventive step over prior art.
- Strategically broadening claims without overreach, to maintain enforceability.
- Continual monitoring of similar filings to prevent infringement and exploit emerging innovations.
Intellectual property scope must be aligned with ongoing R&D efforts to maximize commercial value and mitigate infringement risks.
Conclusion
WO2018112061 embodies a strategic effort to secure patent rights over a promising pharmaceutical invention. The scope appears to balance broad chemical and therapeutic claims with specific embodiments, protecting core innovations while accommodating potential variations. The patent landscape surrounding this application is dynamic, with competitive filings across jurisdictions emphasizing the importance of precise claim drafting and comprehensive prosecution strategy.
Stakeholders must focus on:
- Careful interpretation of claims for freedom-to-operate assessments.
- Addressing potential overlaps with existing patents.
- Exploring further patent filings to secure comprehensive coverage.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers a specific therapeutic compound and its uses, with claims designed to protect innovative aspects broadly yet precisely.
- Its strategic positioning within a crowded patent space warrants detailed prior art analysis and careful claim drafting.
- Industry players should monitor related patents for potential infringement or licensing opportunities.
- Broad claim language enhances protection but must be balanced against the risk of invalidation.
- Ongoing patent portfolio expansion in related areas can optimize competitive advantage and reinforce market positioning.
FAQs
1. What is the primary inventive aspect of WO2018112061?
The patent primarily protects a novel chemical compound or class with specific therapeutic applications, possibly targeting a defined disease pathway.
2. How broad are the claims in this patent?
The claims likely encompass a range of chemical derivatives and therapeutic uses, but their scope depends on how specifically they are drafted, balancing coverage with novelty requirements.
3. Which jurisdictions are targeted through this PCT filing?
Commonly targeted jurisdictions include the United States, European Union, China, Japan, and other major markets, depending on strategic business interests.
4. How does this patent fit into the overall drug development landscape?
It adds to the pipeline of targeted therapeutics, potentially filling unmet medical needs and offering a platform for further development or licensing.
5. What are the key legal considerations for exploiting this patent?
Evaluating potential infringement risks, ensuring claims are sufficiently broad yet defensible, and maintaining patent validity through vigilant prior art monitoring are critical.
References
[1] WIPO Patent Application WO2018112061.
[2] Patent Landscape Reports on Targeted Therapeutics.
[3] International Patent Classification (IPC and CPC) for Pharmaceuticals.
[4] Prior-art patents in the chemical and therapeutic domains.
