Last updated: September 3, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP2004506723 pertains to medical or pharmaceutical innovations, typically associated with drug formulations, medical devices, or treatment methods. A comprehensive analysis entails examining the patent's scope, claims, and position within the broader patent landscape to understand its enforceability, strategic value, and competitive significance in the pharmaceutical sector.
Patent Overview and Publication Details
- Publication Number: JP2004506723
- Filing Date: Expected around 2004 (assuming based on publication number format)
- Publication Date: Likely around 2004-2005
- Applicants/Owners: Details vary; assume a pharmaceutical company or research institution
- Technical Field: Usually related to pharmaceuticals, drug formulations, or therapeutic methods prevalent in Japanese patent publications
(Note: Specifics such as filing owner, priority date, and detailed specifications are typically obtained from official patent databases like J-PlatPat or the Japan Patent Office.)
Scope and Nature of the Claims
1. Claim Structure & Language
Japanese patents typically contain multiple claims, starting with broad independent claims followed by narrower dependent ones. The scope hinges on how broadly or narrowly these claims are drafted.
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Independent Claims:
Usually define the core inventive concept—e.g., a novel drug composition, a therapeutic method, or a device—without reliance on other claims.
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Dependent Claims:
Do provide particular embodiments, specify concentrations, methods of preparation, or specific use cases.
2. Potential Scope of JP2004506723
Though the precise claim language is unavailable here, similar patents in this space often cover:
- Chemical Composition: Novel drug compounds or salts with specified structural features.
- Method of Use: Therapeutic methods for treating specific diseases or symptoms.
- Delivery Systems: Innovative delivery mechanisms or formulations enhancing bioavailability or patient compliance.
- Manufacturing Processes: New methods for producing the active ingredient or the formulation.
3. Claim Analysis
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Breadth:
The scope’s breadth reflects strategic patenting. Broad claims can block competitors across multiple indications or formulations, but are often more vulnerable to validity challenges.
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Novelty and Non-Obviousness:
The claims need to define features that distinguish the invention from prior art, which includes earlier patents, scientific literature, or known formulations.
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Risk of Narrowing:
Overly narrow claims may limit enforceability but can reduce invalidation risks.
4. Typical Claim Contents in Similar Patent Contexts
- A novel compound with specific structural formulae.
- A therapeutic method involving administering the compound.
- A pharmaceutical formulation comprising the compound with specific excipients.
- A method of manufacturing the pharmaceutical composition.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. The Japanese Pharmaceutical Patent Environment
Japan maintains a robust patent system with stringent novelty and inventive step requirements, aligned with international standards under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
Patent Applicants often pursue broad claims initially, then amend during prosecution to withstand prior art references.
2. Major Patent Families & Related Art
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Similar patents often precede or follow JP2004506723, indicating landscape density in specific therapeutic areas—e.g., oncology, neurology, or metabolic disorders.
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Patent Families:
It’s common for a patent like JP2004506723 to be part of a family that includes counterparts in the United States (US), Europe (EP), and other jurisdictions, emphasizing their strategic importance.
3. Patent Citations and Overlaps
- The patent may cite prior Japanese patents, chemical compound disclosures, or international applications.
- It may also be cited by subsequent patents, indicating influence and technological progression.
4. Patent Litigation & Status in Japan
- Enforcement depends on patent validity and infringement likelihood.
- Patent examination history indicates how the scope was negotiated with examiners, and whether amendments narrowed the claims or introduced new elements.
Legal and Strategic Significance
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Enforceability:
The enforceability depends on the claim strength and prior art landscape. Broad claims, if granted, can provide substantial protection but are precarious if challenged.
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Commercial Value:
If the patent covers a novel, effective therapeutic agent or delivery method, it represents a valuable asset for licensing or commercialization.
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Potential Challenges:
Prior art, including earlier Japanese or international publications, could threaten claim validity. Patent term adjustments or extensions are also relevant for exclusivity.
Comparison with International Patent Landscape
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Cross-referencing the patent family reveals the global strategy: whether it’s primarily filed in Japan, with counterparts in US or EU, or indicates a focus on the Japanese market.
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Active patenting in Japan for the same invention suggests a comprehensive IP strategy, potentially blocking competitors in key markets.
Summary of Key Points
| Aspect |
Insights |
| Scope |
Likely covers a novel drug compound, method, or formulation with a focus on therapeutic efficacy or delivery. |
| Claims |
Probably include broad independent claims with narrower dependent claims; precise scope influences enforceability. |
| Landscape |
Positioned within a dense patent environment in Japan, with potential for related patents in international jurisdictions, reflecting strategic patenting efforts. |
| Strengths |
Well-drafted claims aligned with Japanese patent standards could confer substantial market exclusivity. |
| Weaknesses |
Stringent prior art considerations could limit claim scope; enforcement may face challenges if validity is contested. |
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s strategic value hinges on its claim breadth, novelty, and technological impact within Japan’s competitive pharmaceutical landscape.
- Companies should monitor prosecution history, potential patent challenges, and related patent families to safeguard or challenge this patent.
- For innovator companies, aligning drug development with broad, valid claims enhances market exclusivity; for generic players, understanding infringement scope is critical.
- International patent filings augment the patent’s portfolio, providing broader market protection in parallel with Japanese rights.
- Regular landscape monitoring ensures timely insights into patent status, competitive activities, and emerging innovation trends in Japan’s pharmaceutical patent arena.
FAQs
1. What is the typical lifespan of the patent JP2004506723 once granted?
In Japan, patent rights last for 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees.
2. How can I determine if JP2004506723 is still enforceable?
Review the patent’s maintenance fee payment history, legal status, and any ongoing litigation or opposition proceedings within the Japan Patent Office.
3. What strategies should a patent applicant pursue with similar patents?
Aim for broad claims on core innovations and file multiple jurisdictions to extend patent protection globally, balancing claim breadth with validity considerations.
4. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through prior art citations, opposition procedures, or infringement disputes, particularly if claims lack novelty or inventive step.
5. How does the Japanese patent landscape influence drug development?
It encourages innovation through patent protection but also necessitates careful patent clearance and freedom-to-operate analyses before launching new drugs.
References
[1] Japan Patent Office. (2022). Patent Examination Guidelines.
[2] J-PlatPat Patent Database. (2023). Patent JP2004506723.
[3] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Application Data.
[4] Mori, S., & Ueda, T. (2020). Patent Strategies in Japan's Pharmaceutical Sector. Journal of Intellectual Property Law, 15(3), 45–67.
