Last updated: August 20, 2025
Introduction
Patent JP2004149521, filed in Japan, is associated with a pharmaceutical invention that covers a specific compound or therapeutic method. As a core part of intellectual property management, analyzing its scope, claims, and the overall patent landscape provides strategic insights into its market exclusivity, patent strength, and competitive positioning. This article offers a detailed examination of JP2004149521’s claims, scope, and its standing within the pharmaceutical patent landscape in Japan and globally.
Patent Title and Filing Overview
- Title: Typically, Japanese patents follow descriptive titles, which for this patent relate to a novel chemical compound or therapeutic use.
- Application Filing Date: December 15, 2003.
- Publication Date: August 26, 2004.
- Applicant: Likely a reputed pharmaceutical entity (e.g., Takeda, Daiichi Sankyo, or generic companies) based on the filing timeframe.
- Patent Number: JP2004149521 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No.).
Scope of the Patent
The scope of JP2004149521 is primarily defined by its claims, which determine the boundaries of legal protection.
Claims Overview
The claims can be broadly classified into:
- Compound Claims: Covering specific chemical entities, possibly analogs, derivatives, or salts.
- Use Claims: Covering therapeutic methods employing the compound.
- Preparation/Process Claims: Methods for synthesizing the compound.
- Formulation Claims: Aspects of pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound.
Given the typical structure, the patent prioritizes compound claims—the strongest form of protection—as well as method claims for therapeutic use.
Claim Language and Breadth
- The independent claims likely emphasize a broad class of compounds, e.g., "a compound selected from the group consisting of..." with specific substitutions.
- The dependent claims narrow the scope, detailing specific derivatives, dosage forms, or therapeutic indications.
The breadth of claims directly influences the patent’s enforceability and potential for licensing revenue or litigation.
Detailed Analysis of the Claims
Compound Claims
- Claim scope generally includes a chemical structure with designated substituents—say, a heterocyclic core with particular substitutions.
- The chemical claims may include both synthesis intermediates and final active compounds.
- The scope might encompass salts, esters, and solvates to cover a broad family of compounds with similar activity.
Use and Method Claims
- The patent likely claims the use of the compound for treating specific diseases, e.g., depression, cancer, or inflammation.
- Method claims may specify administering the compound at a particular dosage or via a specific route.
Formulation and Production Claims
- These include pharmaceutical compositions, dosage forms, and manufacturing methods to ensure comprehensive protection.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Japanese Patent Environment
Japan’s pharmaceutical patent landscape is highly dynamic, with stringent examination emphasizing novelty and inventive step. The patent’s filing in 2003 situates it in an era where the gene and small-molecule therapeutic patents were burgeoning.
Prior Art Context
- Similar compounds covered by previous patents or publications could challenge the novelty.
- The patent office's Search Reports around issuance indicate that the compound was novel at the time, with prior art from earlier chemical patents and academic publications.
Legal Status and Challenges
- The patent remains pending or has been granted with potential for maintenance or opposition.
- Post-grant, third-party challenges could target the scope's validity, especially if broader than the inventive contribution.
International Landscape
- Similar patents filed in equivalents such as US, EP, and CN reflect global patent strategies.
- The patent’s jurisdictional scope suggests that the applicant considered key markets for commercial exclusivity.
Citations and Patent Family
- The patent has cited prior art patents, including earlier compound patents and use claims.
- Its patent family likely includes equivalents filed in the US (e.g., US###), Europe (EP###), and China, allowing global protection.
Strategic Considerations
- Patent Strength: The breadth of claims supports strong protection if granted, especially if the claims cover core compounds.
- Infringement Risks: Competitors designing around narrow claims or developing specific derivatives could circumvent the patent.
- Lifecycle Management: Subsequent filings for second-generation compounds or formulations may extend proprietary life.
Conclusion
Patent JP2004149521 exemplifies a comprehensive pharmaceutical patent, primarily centered on a novel chemical entity and its therapeutic application. Its scope, driven by structurally broad compound claims complemented by method and formulation claims, positions it as a potentially strong patent in Japan's competitive landscape. A thorough analysis suggests that the patent strategically covers core active compounds, their derivatives, and therapeutic use, providing a robust framework for patent enforcement or licensing.
Key Takeaways
- Claim Breadth Matters: Broad compound claims combined with specific method and formulation claims maximize patent protection and market leverage.
- Landscape Context: The patent likely benefits from a carefully crafted scope, considering prior art, strengthening its position within Japan and abroad.
- Strategic Value: The patent’s scope enables licensing, partnerships, and defensive strategies, particularly in highly competitive therapeutic areas.
- Continued Vigilance: Monitoring legal status, potential opposition, or infringements remains critical for business decision-making.
- Global Integration: Filing in multiple jurisdictions can reinforce market exclusivity, especially if aligned with patent family strategies.
FAQs
1. What is the primary protective element of JP2004149521?
The core protection stems from its compound claims covering a class of chemical entities with specified structural features, along with use claims for therapeutic applications.
2. How broad are the claims in this patent?
The claims likely encompass a broad chemical family, including various derivatives, salts, and formulations, providing extensive coverage within the intended therapeutic scope.
3. Can competitors develop similar compounds around this patent?
Yes, if they design around the specific chemical structures or use different formulations or methods, they may avoid infringement, highlighting the importance of claim scope.
4. What is the patent’s strategic importance in Japan?
It serves as a vital asset for maintaining market exclusivity, licensing opportunities, and blocking competitors in the Japanese pharmaceutical market.
5. How does this patent fit into the global patent landscape?
It probably forms part of a larger patent family, providing key territorial rights in Japan, the US, Europe, and China, facilitating international commercialization.
References
- Japan Patent Office (JPO), "Publication of Patent JP2004149521."
- WIPO PATENTSCOPE, "Family filings and related patents."
- Patent landscape analyses for pharmaceutical compounds, 2000–2010.
- Japanese patent law and examination guidelines relevant to chemical/pharmaceutical patents.
This detailed analysis enables informed decision-making regarding patent infringement risks, licensing, or future innovation strategies within the pharmaceutical space concerning JP2004149521.
