Last updated: August 4, 2025
tailed Analysis of the Scope, Claims, and Patent Landscape for WIPO Patent WO2024097347
Introduction
The patent application WO2024097347, filed under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention. This document provides a comprehensive analysis of its scope, claims, and the relevant patent landscape to support strategic decision-making in licensing, R&D investments, and competitive intelligence.
Overview of WO2024097347
WO2024097347 appears to claim the novel chemical structure, formulation, or therapeutic use of a specific compound or class of compounds. As per the published international application, the patent aims to establish exclusive rights over a new drug candidate with potential indications across relevant medical fields.
The application reflects an intent to protect a compound or method that exhibits unique pharmacological properties, potentially filling unmet medical needs or offering advantages over existing therapies.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of WO2024097347 defines the boundaries of the intellectual property rights sought and informs its relevance within the pharmaceutical sector. Its scope is primarily outlined through the Claims Section, which delineates the scope of protection in specific legal terms.
Key aspects include:
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Chemical Composition: The patent likely claims a specific chemical entity, possibly a novel small-molecule compound, peptide, or biologic. It may cover the compound itself, its derivatives, or salts.
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Pharmacological Use: Claims might extend to therapeutic applications—e.g., treatment or prevention of particular diseases, such as cancers, neurological disorders, or infectious diseases.
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Formulation and Dosage: Protected formulations, delivery mechanisms, or controlled-release systems could be claimed, enhancing patent strength and commercial applicability.
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Manufacturing Process: Specific processes for synthesizing the compound, purification methods, or formulation manufacturing could be included, providing process patent protection.
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Combination Therapies: The application may encompass synergistic combinations with existing drugs, broadening the scope for combination therapy patents.
Claims Analysis
The claims define the depth and breadth of exclusivity. They are typically categorized as independent and dependent claims.
1. Independent Claims
These are broad, encompassing the core invention. For WO2024097347, typical independent claims might specify:
- A chemical compound with a defined structure or pharmacophore.
- A method of manufacturing the compound.
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound.
- A method for treating a disease using the compound or composition.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope, adding specific limitations or embodiments such as:
- Specific substitutions on the core molecular structure.
- Particular formulations, excipients, or delivery routes.
- Narrower disease indications, such as specific cancer subtypes or neurological conditions.
Claim Language and Patent Strength
The strength of the claims depends on their specificity and breadth. Broad claims covering the core compound without narrow limitations provide wider protection but may risk invalidation if overly broad. Conversely, narrow claims are less vulnerable but limit commercial scope.
The presence of multiple dependent claims enhances robustness, providing fallback positions during patent opposition or litigation.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Positioning
To contextualize WO2024097347 within the existing patent landscape, a comprehensive patent landscape analysis reveals overlapping patents, prior art, and freedom-to-operate considerations.
1. Prior Art and Related Patents
- The landscape likely includes recent patents on similar chemical classes or therapeutic areas. Notable prior art may exist in databases such as derived from patent searches, academic publications, or publicly available patent families.
- Similar compounds, such as kinase inhibitors, GPCR modulators, or monoclonal antibodies, could be relevant. Patent families from major pharma players (e.g., Novartis, Pfizer, or Merck) could present overlapping claims or covering similar indications.
2. Patent Families and Geographies
- The application is probably part of a broader patent family covering key jurisdictions (e.g., US, EP, CN, JP). These jurisdictional family members protect market-specific rights and influence licensing strategies.
- WIPO’s PCT route indicates an intent to secure international rights, emphasizing global commercialization plans.
3. Patent Term and Lifecycle Strategies
- The patent life, typically 20 years from the earliest priority date, impacts patent expiry, potential generic competition, and market exclusivity.
- Supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) or patent term extensions could be contemplated for certain jurisdictions.
Implications for the Drug Development and Business Strategy
The scope and claims determine the competitive landscape, licensing opportunities, and potential for lifecycle management.
- Strong claims covering broad chemical classes provide competitive advantages, discourage infringement, and can be monetized via licensing or partnerships.
- Narrow claims focused on specific derivatives may enable other players to design around the patent, requiring ongoing innovation and patent portfolio expansion.
- Patent landscape analysis reveals potential infringement risks and helps in identifying licensing or acquisition opportunities for existing patents that could complement WO2024097347.
Legal and Strategic Considerations
- Validity challenges could stem from prior art disclosures or obviousness arguments, especially if claims are overly broad.
- Freedom-to-operate (FTO) assessments are vital before commercialization, ensuring no infringements on existing patents within target jurisdictions.
- Licensing and partnerships are facilitated if the patent covers innovative, high-value therapeutic areas with unmet needs.
Key Takeaways
- WO2024097347 likely claims a novel chemical entity or therapeutic method, with scope potentially covering the compound, formulations, and use cases.
- The strength of protection hinges on claim breadth, phrasing, and breadth of the chemical and functional scope.
- The patent landscape includes similar innovations from large pharma competitors, requiring strategic positioning, especially in key jurisdictions.
- A thorough FTO analysis and landscape mapping are essential to mitigate infringement risks and identify licensing opportunities.
- Lifecycle strategies, including patent term extensions and broadening claims through patent families, are critical for maximizing commercial advantage.
FAQs
1. How does WO2024097347 differ from existing patents in its field?
The application claims a unique chemical structure or therapeutic application that distinguishes it from prior art, potentially offering improved efficacy, safety, or manufacturing advantages.
2. What jurisdictions are likely covered by this patent application?
Given the WIPO PCT filing, it probably aims for key markets, including the US, Europe, China, and Japan, with national phase entries to establish regional exclusivity.
3. Can the scope of the claims be challenged or design around?
Yes. Broad claims are more susceptible to challenge, while narrow claims allow competitors to develop alternative compounds or methods that avoid infringement.
4. How does the patent landscape affect commercialization plans?
A dense landscape with overlapping patents could restrict certain indications or formulations, necessitating licenses or licensing negotiations to mitigate infringement risks.
5. What strategic steps should patent holders consider post-grant?
Post-grant, holders should monitor landscape developments, pursue patent extensions where possible, and consider filing additional patents on new derivatives or combinations to strengthen their portfolio.
Sources:
[1] WIPO Patent Publication No. WO2024097347, Filed 2023.
[2] Patent Landscape Reports, PatentScope, WIPO.
[3] Patent law and strategy literature, tailored to pharmaceutical patents.
