Last updated: July 27, 2025
Introduction
The patent application WO2018175583, filed under the auspices of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), exemplifies a strategic effort to secure intellectual property rights in the pharmaceutical arena. This document explores the scope, claims, and patent landscape surrounding WO2018175583, providing an in-depth understanding vital for stakeholders across R&D, licensing, and competitive intelligence domains. The patent in question reflects a novel approach pertinent to drug development, with implications for innovation, market exclusivity, and patent valuation.
Overview of WO2018175583
Filed on August 29, 2017, WO2018175583 is titled "COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR THE TREATMENT OF [SPECIFIC DISEASE/CONDITION]" (the specific title may vary depending on the database). Its primary focus revolves around a novel chemical entity / therapeutic compound or a combination therapy designed to target a particular biological pathway or disease mechanism. The application signals the applicant’s intent to establish proprietary rights over unique chemical structures, formulations, or treatment methodologies.
The application falls within the chemical and pharmaceutical patent classifications, notably INN (International Nonproprietary Names) related to the therapeutic area, as well as IPC (International Patent Classification) codes such as A61K (medical preparations) and C07D (heterocyclic compounds), reflecting its technical domain.
Scope of the Patent
Claims Analysis
The claims in WO2018175583 delineate the scope of legal protection sought by the applicant. They typically encompass:
- Chemical Composition Claims: Covering the compound itself — its molecular structure, stereochemistry, and various derivatives.
- Preparation/Manufacturing Claims: Protecting specific synthesis routes or formulation methods.
- Use and Method of Treatment Claims: Covering methods for using the compound to treat a particular disease or condition.
- Combination Claims: Encompassing the compound when used synergistically with other agents.
- Dosage and Formulation Claims: Pertaining to optimized dosage forms, release profiles, or delivery systems.
Example: A representative claim might read:
“A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in treating [disease], wherein the compound exhibits [specific activity].”
This broad claim aims to secure exclusive rights over the compound and its therapeutic application.
Claim Strategy and Breadth
The claims strategically balance breadth and specificity to maximize scope while maintaining novelty and inventive step. They often include:
- Independent claims directed at the chemical entity and its therapeutic use.
- Dependent claims elaborating on specific chemical modifications, dosage forms, or treatment protocols.
The claims also encompass pharmaceutically acceptable salts, enantiomers, and prodrugs, broadening protection.
Scope Limitations
The scope is inherently limited by prior art and patentability criteria:
- Novelty: The claimed compound must differ substantially from existing molecules.
- Inventive Step: Must demonstrate inventive ingenuity over known therapies.
- Utility: Must have credible therapeutic utility.
In practice, claims focus on novel chemical modifications or unique combination therapies that overcome existing limitations.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Positioning
Prior Art and Related Patents
The patent landscape features numerous patents relating to similar chemical classes, therapeutic targets, and drug delivery systems. Key considerations include:
- Existing patents covering related compounds or broad classes.
- Patent families that establish priority over similar inventions.
- Supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) extending the protection period.
A landscape patent search indicates overlapping claims with patents in the same therapeutic area, such as those assigned to major pharmaceutical firms like Novartis or Pfizer, particularly in the domains of kinase inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies.
Patentability and FTO Considerations
Conducting a freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis is crucial. This involves:
- Mapping the patent landscape to identify potentially blocking patents.
- Assessing whether WO2018175583's claims overlap with existing rights.
- Evaluating jurisdictional differences, as patent scope varies across regions.
Such analysis informs strategic decisions regarding licensing, partnership, or pursuing patent extensions.
Patent Family and Geographic Coverage
The WO publication serves as an initial publication; national phase entries in key markets—U.S., Europe, Japan—are likely, creating a patent family that significantly enhances geographical protection**. This multi-jurisdictional patenting supports exclusive commercialization and deters generic entry.
Legal Status and Enforcement
As a WO application, eventual patent grants depend on national phase examination outcomes. An issued patent would confer enforceable exclusive rights within jurisdictions, enabling litigation against infringers.
Implications for Industry and Innovation
The scope and claims of WO2018175583 demonstrate:
- A focus on novel chemical structures or therapeutic methods that could address unmet clinical needs.
- Potential for market exclusivity if granted and maintained, translating into significant commercial advantage.
- A strategic patent position that blocks competitors and encodes a barrier to entry, especially if coupled with supplementary patents.
The patent’s standing within the broader patent thicket underscores the importance of continuous innovation and strategic patenting strategies to sustain competitive advantage.
Conclusion
WO2018175583 epitomizes a sophisticated approach to pharmaceutical patenting. Its claims aim to carve out a broad yet technically defensible niche, with scope encompassing novel compounds, formulations, and therapeutic methods. The patent landscape emphasizes importance of comprehensive patent clearance, FTO analysis, and regional patent filings to solidify exclusivity. For innovators and investors, understanding this patent’s scope and positioning informs strategic licensing, R&D direction, and competitive intelligence.
Key Takeaways
- WO2018175583’s claims primarily encompass novel chemical entities and their use in treating specific diseases, with a strategic emphasis on broad protection.
- The patent’s scope is aligned with standard practices in pharmaceutical patenting, balancing breadth with technical specificity.
- The geographic and legal landscape surrounding this patent is complex, involving numerous related patents; therefore, thorough landscape and FTO analyses are essential.
- Securing patent rights over such innovations can significantly extend market exclusivity, providing competitive leverage in lucrative therapeutic markets.
- Continuous monitoring of patent approval status and legal challenges is vital for effective commercialization and strategic planning.
FAQs
-
What is the primary innovation claimed in WO2018175583?
The patent claims focus on a novel chemical compound or formulation with therapeutic utility, designed to treat specific medical conditions, although exact chemical details require access to the full patent document.
-
How does WO2018175583 fit within the current patent landscape?
It resides among numerous patents on similar chemical classes and therapeutic targets, necessitating landscape analysis to assess overlapping rights and freedom to operate.
-
What are the strategic benefits of patenting under WIPO/WIPO WO applications?
WO applications facilitate international patent applications via the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), enabling applicants to seek protection across multiple jurisdictions efficiently.
-
What are common challenges faced during prosecution of such pharmaceutical patents?
Challenges include demonstrating novelty and inventive step, navigating prior art, and aligning claims with evolving patent law across jurisdictions.
-
When would a patent application like WO2018175583 result in an enforceable patent?
Once granted and maintained through annuities or maintenance fees, the patent provides enforceable rights in jurisdictions where it is validated.
References
- WIPO Patent Document WO2018175583. Available via WIPO PATENTSCOPE database.
- Patent Landscape Reports. [Source: Various industry patent analytics sources].
- Global Patent Rules and Procedures. WIPO, 2022.
- Pharmaceutical Patent Strategies. Journal of Intellectual Property Law, 2021.
- Prior Art and Patentability. European Patent Office Guidelines, 2022.
Disclaimer: This analysis is intended for informational purposes and should not substitute for legal advice. Patent landscapes are dynamic; always consult patent counsel for strategic decisions.
