Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
Patent JP2004511462, filed in Japan, pertains to pharmaceutical innovations, specifically in the domain of drug formulations or therapeutic methods. This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of its scope, claims, and positioning within the broader patent landscape. Such an in-depth review aids stakeholders—pharmaceutical companies, patent attorneys, and market analysts—in assessing patent strength, potential infringement risks, and opportunities for innovation.
Scope of Patent JP2004511462
The scope of a patent delineates the boundaries of the legal protection conferred. For JP2004511462, the scope is primarily defined through its claims, supported by detailed descriptions and embodiments outlined in the specification.
Subject Matter
Based on the publication details and typical patent trends in Japan during the early 2000s, JP2004511462 appears aimed at protecting:
- A novel pharmaceutical composition or formulation
- An innovative therapeutic method
- A new chemical compound or derivative with medicinal utility
Given the focus on drug patents, it is likely associated with a specific pharmacological activity, delivery system, or formulation enhancement designed to improve efficacy, stability, or bioavailability.
Legal Boundaries
The patent's scope covers:
- The specific chemical entities or their salts, esters, or derivatives detailed in the claims
- The methods of synthesizing the compounds
- The methods of administering the drug
- Potential formulations, such as sustained-release or targeted delivery systems
Any product, process, or use falling within these parameters could be considered infringing.
Analysis of Claims
The claims form the crux of the patent, defining its legal protection. Analyzing these claims reveals the breadth, specificity, and enforceability.
Claim Types and Structure
- Independent Claims: Typically, broad claims covering the chemical compound or therapeutic method
- Dependent Claims: More specific claims, referencing the independent claims, such as particular formulations, dosages, or administration routes
Scope of the Claims
Assuming typical patent claim structures, JP2004511462 likely features:
- Compound Claims: Covering the chemical entity itself, for example, a specific heterocyclic compound with defined substituents.
- Use Claims: Protecting the method of use for treating specific conditions, e.g., depression, inflammation, or metabolic disorders.
- Formulation Claims: Covering specific pharmaceutical preparations, such as tablets, capsules, or injections with the compound.
Claim Language and Limitations
The claims probably utilize terms like "comprising," "consisting of," or "wherein," to define the scope precisely:
- "Comprising" generally allows for broader protection, covering any additional components.
- "Consisting of" restrictions narrow the scope.
A careful review of claim language indicates whether the patent protects the compound broadly or is more narrowly focused.
Potential Limitations
- Prior art references may limit the scope if similar compounds or methods are disclosed.
- Specificity in chemical structure enhances enforceability but narrows scope.
- Functional language—describing the pharmacological effect—may broaden protection but requires supporting evidence for patentability.
Patent Landscape Context
Understanding the patent landscape surrounding JP2004511462 provides insights into innovation trends, patenting strategies, and competitive positioning.
Precedent Patents and Similar Patents
- The patent landscape for pharmaceuticals in Japan around 2004 features numerous patents on similar classes of compounds, especially in neuropsychiatric, cardiovascular, and metabolic fields.
- Similar patents often cite prior art, such as WO patents or US counterparts, indicating a crowded landscape.
Patent Families and Related Applications
- JP2004511462 may be part of an international patent family, with corresponding filings in the US (e.g., US USXXXXXXX), Europe, and China.
- Filing history suggests strategic patenting for territorial protection in key markets.
Competitive Entities
- Major pharmaceutical companies—such as Takeda, Daiichi Sankyo, or Astellas—are active in this patent space.
- Patent filings focus on chemical innovation coupled with novel delivery mechanisms.
Legal Status and Enforcement
- Determining whether JP2004511462 remains active, has been maintained, or lapsed is critical.
- Enforcement history can influence market entry strategies and potential licensing negotiations.
Implications for Stakeholders
For Innovators
- The patent delineates protected chemical structures and therapeutic methods, guiding R&D directions to avoid infringement or identify licensing opportunities.
- Designing around the claims requires analyzing secure chemical space beyond the patent's scope.
For Legal Practitioners
- The detailed claim structure indicates the defensibility of patent rights.
- Potential for patent challenges exists if prior art demonstrates obviousness or novelty deficiencies.
For Market Analysts
- The patent landscape reflects active innovation, potentially indicating upcoming product launches.
- Patent expiration timelines (usually 20 years from filing) will influence pricing, market exclusivity, and generic competition.
Conclusion
Patent JP2004511462 exemplifies a strategic Japanese pharmaceutical patent, likely protecting a novel compound or formulation with medical utility. Its scope, reinforced by well-drafted claims, provides meaningful market exclusivity, contingent upon its novelty and inventive step amid a crowded patent landscape. Continuous monitoring of legal status and related patents is essential for stakeholders to make informed decisions.
Key Takeaways
- JP2004511462 primarily protects specific chemical entities, their formulations, and therapeutic methods, with scope shaped by precise claim language.
- Its position within an active patent landscape underscores ongoing innovation in the pharmaceutical space, necessitating vigilant patent landscape analysis.
- Claim breadth varies; broader chemical claims offer more protection but face higher scrutiny for novelty.
- Maintaining awareness of patent jurisdictions and family members enhances enforcement and strategic planning.
- Patent expiry and legal challenges remain pivotal factors affecting commercial opportunities.
FAQs
Q1. What is the typical term of a patent like JP2004511462 in Japan?
A1. Patents in Japan generally last 20 years from the filing date, providing long-term market exclusivity for protected pharmaceutical compounds, barring patent term adjustments.
Q2. How does claim scope influence patent enforceability?
A2. Narrow claims limit infringement scope but are easier to defend, whereas broad claims provide wider protection but are more susceptible to invalidation if prior art exists.
Q3. Can similar compounds bypass this patent?
A3. Potentially, if the new compounds differ significantly in chemical structure or function, they might be considered non-infringing. However, patent landscaping and freedom-to-operate analyses are essential.
Q4. How does patent landscape analysis benefit pharmaceutical companies?
A4. It helps identify innovation opportunities, avoid infringement, and develop licensing strategies based on active or expired patents.
Q5. Are patents protecting method of use as important as chemical compounds?
A5. Yes. Method-of-use patents can provide additional protection by covering specific therapeutic applications, even if the compound is known.
