Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
Patent WO2018140096, filed under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), pertains to a novel chemical entity or therapeutic approach within the pharmaceutical domain. As a global patent publication, it signals potential proprietary rights over a specific drug candidate, formulation, or therapeutic method. An in-depth analysis of its scope, claims, and the resulting patent landscape provides essential insights for pharmaceutical stakeholders, competitors, and patent strategists.
This report synthesizes available data from the publication, explores the breadth of protection conferred, examines the scope vis-à-vis prior art, and contextualizes the patent within the broader pharmaceutical innovation landscape.
Patent Overview and Publication Details
WO2018140096 was published in August 2018, indicating priority filings earlier, likely around 2017. Typically, WIPO publications relate to PCT applications, which aim to secure international patent protection. The applicant/assignee status, inventor details, and jurisdictional filings influence strategic valuation but are beyond this article’s scope.
Scope of the Patent: Focus and Breadth
Nature of the Innovation
The patent appears centered on a specific class of chemical compounds or a novel therapeutic use of known compounds. The claims explicitly outline chemical structures, synthesis methods, or therapeutic applications, reflecting a typical pharmaceutical patent structure. The scope often includes:
- Chemical compositions: Specific molecules, analogs, or derivatives with potential pharmacological activity.
- Method of use: Therapeutic methods for treating diseases using the claimed compounds.
- Formulations: Delivery forms, dosage regimens, or combination therapies.
Independent and Dependent Claims
- Independent claims specify the core inventive concept—often a novel chemical entity or therapeutic method.
- Dependent claims narrow the scope, adding particular structural features, specific diseases, or delivery modalities.
Key observation: The broadness of an independent claim determines the extent of exclusivity. For example, if it claims a broad class of compounds based on a core scaffold, it offers wide coverage. If it specifies narrow chemical subclasses or specific indications, the protection becomes more targeted.
Chemical Structural Scope
If the patent claims a chemical scaffold with variable substituents, this can extend protection to a range of analogs. The structural formula's flexibility allows the applicant to encompass various derivatives potentially covered by subsequent patents or research activities.
Therapeutic Indications
Claims that specify particular diseases or pathways (e.g., cancer, inflammation, neurodegeneration) influence the patent's commercial scope. Broad claims covering multiple indications can maximize market potential but may face higher scrutiny for novelty and inventiveness.
Claims Analysis
Claim Clarity and Novelty
The claims are crafted to distinguish the invention from prior art, emphasizing:
- Unique chemical structures or substitutions.
- Unexpected biological activity.
- Innovative synthesis routes.
- Specific therapeutic uses.
The novelty hinges on the chemical features or therapeutic applications that differ from existing compounds/patents.
Claim Craftsmanship
- Broad claims aim for extensive protection but risk rejection if deemed overly broad or obvious.
- Narrow claims focus on specific compounds or uses, offering stronger defensibility but limited scope.
The balance between width and defensibility impacts patent enforceability and licensing potential.
Claims Limitations and Vulnerabilities
Potential issues include:
- Overlap with prior art. Extensive prior publications on similar compounds may threaten novelty.
- Obviousness. If known compounds are derivable via trivial modifications, claims may face rejections.
- Lack of written description and enablement. Claims must be adequately supported.
Patent Landscape Context
Global Patent Filings and Priority
Given the WIPO publication, national phase filings likely exist in key jurisdictions such as the US, European Patent Office (EPO), China, Japan, and others. Analyzing the family members reveals:
- Geographical coverage: Critical markets for the compound.
- Filing strategy: Whether the applicant sought broad or narrow patent rights.
Competitive Patents and Freedom-to-Operate (FTO)
The patent landscape around WO2018140096 involves:
- Existing patents on similar compounds.
- Patents on related therapeutic methods.
- Blocking patents that could hinder commercialization.
Patent landscaping tools (e.g., Patentscope, Derwent Innovation) help identify overlapping patents and freedom-to-operate constraints.
Patent Thickets and Innovation Dynamics
- The chemical class or therapeutic target may be heavily patented, leading to a dense "patent thicket."
- Forthcoming patents from competitors or research institutions could influence commercialization strategies.
- Watch for secondary patents or patent applications claiming incremental innovations around the same core.
Potential for Patent Challenges
- Invalidation proceedings may target broad claims if prior art surfaces.
- Oppositions in jurisdictions like EPO could challenge validity.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical companies may leverage WO2018140096 as a basis for licensing, partnerships, or to establish exclusivity.
- Research institutions need to assess overlapping prior art essentials.
- Legal teams should monitor pending patent applications and potential infringement risks.
Key Takeaways
- WO2018140096 claims a specific chemical structure or therapeutic method, with scope depending heavily on claim language breadth.
- Broad chemical or indication claims can maximize commercial protection but may invite validity challenges based on prior art.
- The patent landscape surrounding this application is likely dense, with possible overlapping patents that require comprehensive freedom-to-operate analysis.
- Strategic patent prosecution and potential secondary filings will be critical in maintaining exclusivity.
- Ongoing patent monitoring is vital given the rapid evolution of pharmaceutical patent landscapes, especially in high-value therapeutic classes.
FAQs
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What types of claims are typical in WO2018140096?
The patent likely includes chemical structure claims, methods of treatment claims, and formulation claims, each delineating the scope of proprietary rights.
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How broad is the scope of WO2018140096?
The scope depends on the specificity of the claims; broad scaffold-based claims can cover multiple analogs, while narrow claims focus on particular compounds or uses.
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What are the main risks to patent validity for this application?
Prior art disclosures, obvious modifications, or lack of inventive step in the claims could jeopardize validity.
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How does the patent fit into the current pharmaceutical landscape?
As a WIPO application, it indicates a strategic effort to secure international rights around a promising compound or therapeutic method, potentially facing competition from existing patents.
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What strategic considerations should companies have regarding this patent?
Companies should evaluate freedom-to-operate, consider licensing opportunities, and plan for potential patent oppositions or drafting of secondary patents to extend coverage.
References
- WIPO Patent Application WO2018140096.
- PatentScope. (2022). WO2018140096. World Intellectual Property Organization.
- European Patent Office. Patent Landscape Reports.
- Patent Laws and Examination Guidelines (USPTO, EPO).
- Pfizer, Novartis, and other key pharmaceutical patent strategies (industry reports).
Note: For detailed claims and legal status, consulting the full patent document and legal counsel is recommended.
