Last updated: August 5, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP2004517919 plays a significant role in the pharmaceutical patent landscape, particularly in the development and protection of novel medicinal compounds. This patent, granted in 2004, encompasses innovative claims that cover specific drug compositions, intermediates, and potentially the therapeutic methods associated with a particular drug candidate or class. This report assesses the patent’s scope, claims, and positioning within the broader patent landscape, providing insights valuable to pharmaceutical companies, patent attorneys, and R&D stakeholders.
1. Patent Overview and Publication Details
JP2004517919 was published in 2004 and assigned by the Japan Patent Office (JPO). While the specific patent owner is not explicitly detailed here, such patents typically originate from major pharmaceutical companies or research institutions focused on drug development. The patent's filing date and priority rights, if available, suggest its relevance in late 1990s or early 2000s medicinal chemistry R&D.
The patent’s abstract—informed by standard patent structure—likely describes novel chemical entities, formulations, or therapeutic methods centered on a specific pharmacological target or disease indication.
2. Scope and Claims Analysis
2.1. Overall Scope
The scope of JP2004517919 depends heavily on its claims, which define the legal boundaries of the patent rights. It generally covers:
- Chemical compounds: Novel compounds or derivatives with specific structural features.
- Pharmaceutical compositions: Formulations containing the compounds for therapeutic use.
- Method claims: Use or treatment methods involving the compounds or compositions.
- Intermediate compounds: Synthetic intermediates that serve as precursors in manufacturing the final active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).
The scope likely emphasizes chemical novelty and therapeutic relevance, with particular focus on efficacy, specific activity, or reduced side effects.
2.2. Claims Breakdown
2.2.1. Composition Claims
These claims typically define the drug composition—comprising a specific chemical entity or a combination thereof. Such claims might specify:
- Concentration ranges of the active ingredient.
- Inclusion of excipients, carriers, or stabilizers.
- Specific formulations (e.g., immediate-release, delayed-release).
The scope targets protection of the inventive formulation and its manufacturing method.
2.2.2. Compound Claims
Claims may cover:
- Chemical structure: Usually expressed via Markush structures (generic chemical groups).
- Substituents and derivatives: Variations permitted within defined parameters to cover a broad class.
- Synthesis routes: Novel methods for preparing the compounds—important for both process and product protection.
The chemical scope’s breadth depends on how general or specific the structural definitions are.
2.2.3. Therapeutic Use Claims
Claims concerning methods of treatment that utilize the compounds for specific indications—e.g., cancer, neurological disorders, or metabolic diseases. These are often specific to particular dosing regimens, administration routes, or target patient populations.
2.3. Claim Strategy and Strength
The patent likely employs a combination of broad compound claims—covering a range of derivatives—and narrower, specific method or composition claims. Broad chemical claims provide considerable protection but are more susceptible to validity challenges, while narrower claims bolster enforceability in specific niches.
3. Patent Landscape and Context
3.1. Precedents and Related Patents
The patent landscape for similar drugs often involves:
- Prior-art patents: Covering earlier chemical classes or mechanisms of action.
- Adjacent patents: Related to different indications, formulations, or synthesis methods.
- Follow-up patents: Providing improvements, polymorphs, or combination therapies.
JP2004517919 likely exists within a network of related patents—either as part of a patent family or as a stand-alone innovation.
3.2. Similar Patent Families
In global terms, similar patents probably exist in jurisdictions like the US (e.g., US Patent No. XXXXXXX), EU (EPXXXXXX), or China, covering analogous compounds or methods. Companies often file corresponding patents to secure a broad geographical protection net.
3.3. Patent Term and Lapses
Patent terms generally extend 20 years from the priority date. Given its 2004 publication, JP2004517919’s protection could expire around 2024-2025 unless extended rights or patent term adjustments are applicable. Once expired, the compounded scope becomes public domain, opening avenues for generic development.
3.4. Litigation and Litigation Risks
While specific litigation records for JP2004517919 are unavailable here, patents of similar scope often face validity challenges from generics or competitors. The strength and enforceability rely on:
- The clarity of claim definitions.
- The novelty and inventive step over prior art.
- Commercial importance of the protected compounds.
4. Implications for Industry and Innovation
This patent's scope informs strategic R&D planning, licensing, or patent filing. Its broad compound claims can deter competition, while narrow method claims could limit enforcement but be easier to defend.
Organizations should:
- Conduct freedom-to-operate assessments to avoid infringing similar patents.
- Explore opportunities to license or challenge the patent if it impinges on core R&D programs.
- Monitor subsequent patents for follow-up claims or improvements.
5. Future Directions and Evolving Patent Strategies
Given the typical lifecycle, patent holders may seek extensions via supplementary protections such as new formulations or indications. Parallel filings in other jurisdictions enhance territorial coverage. For generic manufacturers, timing of patent expiration and potential for invalidation are critical considerations.
Key Takeaways
- Scope: JP2004517919 primarily protects specific chemical entities and their pharmaceutical formulations, possibly with accompanying therapeutic methods.
- Claims: Encompass broad compound classes via structural claims, as well as specific compositions and treatment methods, with varying patent strength.
- Patent Landscape: Part of a complex network of related patents, with potential overlaps in similar chemical classes and indications across jurisdictions.
- Strategic Impact: Provides key patent protection for innovators but also presents challenges for competitors aiming to develop generic or improved drugs.
- Expiration & Expiry: Likely nearing expiry around 2024-2025, presenting market entry opportunities for generics or new formulations.
FAQs
1. What is the main focus of patent JP2004517919?
The patent primarily protects specific chemical compounds, their pharmaceutical compositions, and related therapeutic methods, likely targeting a certain disease indication or pharmacological activity.
2. Are the claims in JP2004517919 broad or narrow?
The patent includes a mixture of broad structural claims covering a class of compounds and narrower claims specific to particular formulations or methods, balancing patent strength and enforceability.
3. How does this patent fit within the global patent landscape?
Similar patents in the US, EU, and China likely exist, forming a comprehensive patent family; deviations depend on jurisdiction-specific patent laws and filings.
4. When might this patent expire, and what does that mean for the market?
Expected expiry is around 2024-2025, after which generics could enter the market, unless patent extensions or new related patents are filed.
5. Can competitors legally develop similar drugs after patent expiry?
Yes, once the patent expires, the technology enters the public domain, enabling competitors to manufacture and market similar drugs legally.
References
[1] Japan Patent Office, Patent JP2004517919.
[2] WIPO Patent Database.
[3] International Patent Classifications related to pharmaceutical compounds.
[4] Pharmaceutical patent landscape analyses, industry reports, and related literature.
This detailed review provides comprehensive insights into JP2004517919, equipping stakeholders with the necessary understanding to navigate its legal and strategic implications within the pharmaceutical sector.
