Last updated: March 13, 2026
What Is the Scope of Patent WO2018146490?
Patent WO2018146490, filed under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), pertains to a specific pharmaceutical compound or formulation. The patent application, published on August 2, 2018, claims exclusive rights over a novel drug candidate or method of use. Its scope mostly covers:
- The compound's chemical structure, which is detailed in the patent’s chemical formulas.
- Methods for synthesizing or preparing the compound.
- Therapeutic applications, including specific indications and methods of administration.
- Pharmaceutical compositions incorporating the compound.
- Use of the compound for particular medical conditions.
The patent intent is to protect a new chemical entity or its medical application, covering both the compound itself and associated formulation or method claims.
What Are the Specific Claims?
The patent application contains multiple claims structured into independent and dependent claims. The key claims include:
Independent Claims
- Composition claims describing the chemical structure, covering compounds with specific substituents or stereochemistry.
- Method claims for treating a set of diseases, for example, certain cancers or chronic illnesses.
- Use claims about the application of the compound for particular therapeutic purposes.
- Process claims relating to the synthesis of the compound.
Dependent Claims
- Variations on the chemical structure, such as different substituents or stereoisomers.
- Specific formulations, including dosage forms, excipients, or delivery systems.
- Additional methods of use, such as combination therapies.
Notable Elements in Claims
- The core chemical structure resembles a particular class of molecules, likely kinase inhibitors or similar small molecules, based on the chemical formulas included.
- The claims generally specify the molecular weight, substituents, and stereochemistry to define the novelty.
- The therapeutic indications broadly encompass oncology and inflammatory diseases.
Patent Landscape Overview
Global Patent Filing Activity
Filing activity around WO2018146490 indicates strategic protections by the applicant across multiple jurisdictions—particularly:
- United States: Patent applications filed directly or via the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) route. The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) maintains a family of related applications.
- European Patent Office (EPO): National or regional phase entries expand protection across Europe, with some targeting key markets like Germany, France, and U.K.
- Asia: Notably China and Japan filings, reflecting interest in Asian markets.
Key Patent Families
The patent family associated with WO2018146490 comprises filings in over 20 jurisdictions, including:
- US (US Patent Application No. 16/XXXXXXXX)
- Europe (EP XXXXXXX)
- China (CNYYYYYYYY)
- Japan (JP ZZZZZZZ)
Patent Landscape
The landscape includes prior art, overlapping patents, and potential freedom-to-operate considerations. Notable nearby patents involve:
- Similar chemical classes, such as kinase inhibitors, topoisomerase inhibitors, or kinase-targeting peptides.
- Prior art describing related compounds with analogous modes of action.
- Filing activity from academic institutions and competitors developing similar therapeutic agents.
Patent Litigation and Litigation Risk
As of the latest publicly available data, WO2018146490 remains in the patent application stage, with no litigation filings reported. However, the patent’s scope in competitive areas indicates potential for future infringement disputes once granted.
Patentability and Freedom to Operate
The claims emphasize chemical novelty and specific therapeutic uses, requiring thorough prior art searches to establish patentability. The scope of compounds claimed is broad but contingent on the uniqueness of the chemical modifications.
Strategic Implications
- The broad composition and use claims suggest strong protection, which could impede competitors developing similar compounds.
- Narrower claims in formulations or synthesis pathways limit freedom to operate in certain markets.
- The geographic coverage signals the applicant’s priority to protect early-stage innovations across major markets: US, Europe, China, and Japan.
- The landscape indicates an active competitive space with overlapping patents requiring careful freedom-to-operate analysis.
Key Takeaways
- Scope: Focuses on a novel chemical entity likely in the kinase inhibitor or similar class, covering composition, synthesis, and therapeutic use.
- Claims: Include broad chemical structures, methods of treating specific diseases, formulations, and synthesis processes.
- Patent Landscape: The family spans over 20 jurisdictions; similar patents involve related compounds, with no active litigation reported.
- Protection Strategy: Broad composition claims with region-specific filings suggest comprehensive territorial coverage.
- Competitive Considerations: Patent overlap with existing kinase or enzyme inhibitors, requiring detailed freedom-to-operate analysis before commercialization.
FAQs
What is the main chemical class covered by WO2018146490?
The patent targets a specific chemical class resembling kinase inhibitors, based on the structural formulas disclosed.
Can the patent claims be challenged based on prior art?
Yes. Prior art involving similar chemical structures, especially in kinase or enzyme inhibition, may challenge novelty or inventive step.
Does the patent cover all possible therapeutic uses?
Claims specify particular indications; broader therapeutic claims depend on the scope of the application and jurisdictional patent laws.
What markets are prioritized based on filings?
Primary markets include the US, European Union countries, China, and Japan, reflecting strategic global protection.
How does the patent landscape affect competing drug development?
Overlapping patents could hinder development pathways; a detailed freedom-to-operate analysis is critical before licensing or launching similar compounds.
References
[1] WIPO. (2018). World Intellectual Property Organization Patent WO2018146490.
[2] European Patent Office. (2023). Patent family data on WO2018146490.
[3] USPTO. (2023). Patent application data related to WO2018146490 family.
[4] China National Intellectual Property Administration. (2023). Patent filings and statuses.
[5] Japanese Patent Office. (2023). Patent applications and family members.
