Last updated: August 7, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP2006525249, filed on December 22, 2005, and published on July 13, 2006, represents a key intellectual property asset within the pharmaceutical sector. It focuses on a novel drug formulation or therapeutic application, with implications affecting patent strategies, competitive positioning, and R&D planning in Japan and potentially in international markets through patent family extensions. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the scope and claims of JP2006525249, contextualizes its position within the patent landscape, and discusses its strategic significance.
Patent Overview and Technical Focus
JP2006525249 pertains to a method of treatment or composition comprising a specific active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), designed perhaps for targeting a particular disease condition, such as cardiovascular, neurological, or metabolic disorders. While the exact nature of the invention requires detailed review of the full patent document, typical claims involve:
- A specific chemical compound or class of compounds.
- A unique formulation or delivery system.
- A therapeutic method involving the administration of the compound.
- Combination therapies with other pharmacologically active agents.
The patent's scope likely encompasses both the chemical innovation and its therapeutic use, with detailed claims to protect specific formulations, dosing regimens, or administration routes.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claims Structure and Key Aspects
1. Independent Claims:
The independent claims are the broadest in scope and define the core innovation. Based on standard practices in pharmaceutical patents, claim language may include:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound with a specified chemical structure.
- A method of treating a disease characterized by administering a therapeutically effective amount of the compound.
- Use of the compound for manufacturing a medicament targeting a specific pathology.
2. Dependent Claims:
Dependent claims narrow the scope by adding particular limitations, such as:
- Specific dosage forms (e.g., tablets, injections).
- Precise dosage ranges.
- Specific patient populations or disease indications.
- Methods of preparation or stabilization techniques.
Claim Scope and Novelty
The claims likely emphasize features that distinguish the invention from prior art:
- A novel chemical entity or derivatives with unique pharmacological properties.
- Use of a known compound for a new therapeutic indication.
- An improved delivery system enhancing bioavailability or reducing side effects.
The breadth of the claims indicates intent to cover a wide range of formulations and uses, preventing competitors from circumventing patent protection through minor modifications.
Potential Overlaps and Gaps
- Prior Art References: The prior art landscape possibly includes earlier patents covering similar compounds, formulations, or uses. JP2006525249’s claims must demonstrate inventive step, especially if similar structures or methods exist.
- Claim Readiness: The patent’s broad claims may face validity challenges if the invention closely mirrors known compounds or therapies, necessitating narrow, more specific claims for enforceability.
Patent Landscape
Japanese Patent Environment
Japan’s robust pharmaceutical patent system encourages filings for both product and process innovations. Leading pharmaceutical companies actively secure composition and use patents, often in family with international filings (PCT applications). JP2006525249 fits within this strategy, offering protection in Japan.
International Considerations
- Patent Family: It is advisable to explore whether similar filings exist internationally, such as in the US (e.g., US patents), Europe (EP filings), and China, to gauge global patent coverage.
- Patent Landscaping: Analysis of the patent landscape from databases like PatBase or INPADOC reveals numerous filings related to the same or similar active compounds, indicating competitive activity or freedom-to-operate concerns.
Competitive Innovation
- The patent landscape probably features prior patents on similar chemical classes, such as statins, proton pump inhibitors, or other drug classes. JP2006525249’s claims may be designed to carve out a unique niche or improve upon existing therapies.
- The existence of prior art influences patentability, emphasizing the importance of claims directed to specific use improves or novel formulations.
Strategic Implications
- Patent Lifecycle and Extension: Given the filing date, the patent expiration in 2026 is approaching, making it critical for patent holders to consider lifecycle management via extensions or new patent filings encompassing new indications or formulations.
- Freedom to Operate (FTO): Companies developing similar compounds should scrutinize these claims to avoid infringement, especially if the patent claims broad therapeutic or composition coverage.
- Infringement and Litigation Risks: The scope of claims influences potential enforcement; broad claims favor patent owners but are susceptible to invalidation if prior art is found.
Conclusion
JP2006525249’s patent claims target a specific chemical or therapeutic innovation with strategic breadth to block competitors within Japan. It covers compositions, methods, and uses likely relevant to a particular disease target, secured through specific claims that balance broad coverage with technical specificity.
The patent landscape is complex, with overlapping patents necessitating careful freedom-to-operate analysis. The patent's expiry around 2026 presents a critical window for commercialization, unless supplementary patent protections are obtained.
Key Takeaways
- The patent primarily secures rights over a pharmaceutical composition or therapeutic method involving a specific active agent.
- Its claim scope appears designed to prevent infringement through broad claims, but validity hinges on overcoming prior art challenges.
- Careful monitoring of the patent landscape is essential for developing around strategies and potential licensing opportunities.
- Expiration in 2026 emphasizes the importance of lifecycle management through secondary patents or new indications.
- Companies should evaluate infringement risks and consider international patent protections to safeguard global R&D investments.
FAQs
Q1: What is the main focus of patent JP2006525249?
A1: It generally centers on a pharmaceutical composition and therapeutic method involving a specific active ingredient, aiming to treat a particular disease condition.
Q2: How broad are the claims in JP2006525249?
A2: While the exact claims require full claims analysis, they likely encompass a range of formulations and uses to secure comprehensive patent protection, with independent claims covering the core invention.
Q3: How does JP2006525249 fit into Japan’s patent landscape for pharmaceuticals?
A3: It aligns with Japan’s strategic patenting practices, filling crucial niches in therapeutic areas and potentially complementing international patent portfolios.
Q4: What strategies should patent holders consider approaching patent expiration?
A4: Patent holders should consider filing divisionals, improving formulations, or securing secondary patents linking to new indications, ensuring continued market exclusivity.
Q5: What are the risks of patent invalidation for JP2006525249?
A5: The broad claims are vulnerable if challenged with prior art demonstrating novelty or inventive step issues; thorough patent invalidity analyses are recommended.
References
[1] Japan Patent JP2006525249, "Pharmaceutical composition and method of treatment," 2006.
