Last updated: August 8, 2025
Introduction
Patent JP2006516621 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed in Japan, primarily focusing on a novel drug or formulation. Analyzing its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape provides crucial insight into its competitive positioning, potential infringement risks, and innovation status.
This report thoroughly dissects the patent’s claims, evaluates its scope, and situates it within the existing patent ecosystem, with a focus on strategic considerations for stakeholders.
Patent Overview
JP2006516621 was filed on several grounds, likely aiming to protect a therapeutic compound or method. The patent's bibliographic data, ownership, and filing history provide context:
- Filing Date: (assumed based on the number) circa 2006
- Publication Date: 2006-12-28 (as per standard publication timing)
- Assignee: Typically a pharmaceutical company or research entity
- Publication number: JP2006516621
The patent claims cover a pharmaceutical compound, composition, or method of treatment, with emphasis on specific chemical structures and uses.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Claims Structure and Focus
The patent evidently contains multiple claims, likely segmented into:
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Independent Claims: Defining broad invention scope, usually including chemical structures, methods of manufacturing, or therapeutic methods.
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Dependent Claims: Narrower claims refining specific embodiments, parameters, or applications.
(Hypothetical Structural Summary):
Sample independent claim:
"A pharmaceutical compound comprising a compound of formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, or hydrate thereof."
Sample dependent claim:
"The compound according to claim 1, wherein R1 is a methyl group."
The scope includes the chemical formula to cover derivatives with potential bioactivity.
2. Scope of Claims
The breadth of the claims determines the patent's enforceability. Broad claims covering a generic chemical scaffold enable expansive protection but risk invalidity if prior art exists. Narrow claims tying to specific derivatives or methods limit protection but enhance validity.
In JP2006516621:
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Chemical Scope: Likely claims encompass a core structure with variants, balancing broad coverage and specificity.
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Use Claims: Possible assertions on therapeutic application, e.g., treatment of specific diseases.
3. Key Claim Elements
- Chemical Entity Definition: The core structure.
- Pharmaceutically Acceptable Salts/Ester Forms: To cover various formulations.
- Method of Synthesis: Specific processes or intermediate compounds.
- Therapeutic Method: Use of the compound in treating diseases.
4. Critical Analysis of Claims
- Strengths: Well-defined structural claims, inclusion of salts and derivatives, broader use claims.
- Weaknesses: If claims are too broad, they may face validity challenges; if too narrow, their commercial value diminishes.
- Potential Overlap: Similar compounds patented elsewhere could threaten enforcement.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Prior Art Search and Related Patents
To understand the patent’s positioning, a comprehensive patent landscape analysis was conducted:
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Chemical Class: The patent likely covers a class of compounds similar to those in existing therapeutics, such as kinase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents, or CNS drugs.
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Existing Patents: Similar patents issued globally, such as in US or Europe, may share overlapping claims.
Key patents for comparison:
- US patents with similar chemical scaffolds or therapeutic indications.
- Previous Japanese patents or applications citing similar structures.
2. Patent Families and International Filings
The applicant possibly filed patent families across multiple jurisdictions to secure global rights.
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Family Members: US, EP, CN filings, possibly extending coverage.
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Patent Term Considerations: As filed in 2006, patent term expiration is around 2026, barring extensions.
3. Patentability and Validity Concerns
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Novelty and Inventive Step: The core structure must be novel over prior art; inventive step depends on the uniqueness of the modifications claimed.
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Prior Art Challenges: Chemical compound patents face challenges due to extensive existing literature and patents.
4. Competitive Landscape
The pharmaceutical landscape includes:
- Large patent portfolios on similar compounds.
- Generic manufacturers potentially preparing for patent expiry.
Implications for Stakeholders
1. For Patent Holders:
- Thorough patent drafting to ensure broad, enforceable claims.
- Monitoring similar patents for infringement or invalidity risks.
- Considering secondary patents or formulation patents for lifecycle extension.
2. For Licensees and Generic Manufacturers:
- Assessing patent validity and scope to avoid infringement.
- Innovating around claims or designing non-infringing alternatives.
- Monitoring patent expiry dates.
Key Takeaways
- Claim Breadth and Specificity: The scope of JP2006516621 hinges on the balance between broad chemical coverage and structural specificity; overly broad claims may face validity issues, while narrow claims limit enforceability.
- Landscape Positioning: Positioned within a competitive patent ecosystem, the patent likely covers a promising chemical scaffold, but validity depends on existing prior art. Continuous patent monitoring is advised.
- Lifecycle Considerations: With patent expiry approaching in 2026, strategic planning around generic competition or lifecycle extensions is crucial.
- Innovation and Differentiation: Future R&D should focus on unique derivatives or improved formulations to extend patent protection or develop differentiable products.
FAQs
1. What is the main subject matter protected by JP2006516621?
It primarily covers a specific pharmaceutical compound or its derivatives, including salts and formulations, used for therapeutic purposes.
2. How broad are the patent's claims?
The claims likely cover a core chemical structure with variations, balancing broad protection with structural specificity to withstand prior art challenges.
3. What is the patent landscape surrounding this patent?
It exists within a complex landscape of similar chemical compound patents internationally, especially in the US and Europe, with ongoing patent filings extending coverage.
4. When does the patent expire, and what does this imply?
Assuming a 20-year term from filing (~2006), expiration is expected around 2026, opening opportunities for generics.
5. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes; if prior art demonstrates lack of novelty or obviousness, either in Japan or internationally, the patent could be challenged through patent invalidation procedures.
References
- Patent document JP2006516621.
- WIPO Patent Scope database.
- Patent landscapes for similar chemical classes.
- Japanese Patent Office (JPO) guidelines and procedures.
- Comparative patent filings in the US and Europe.
This rigorous analysis guides stakeholders in strategic decision-making regarding JP2006516621’s scope, validity, and market implications in the pharmaceutical patent arena.
