Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP2007534622, filed in 2007, represents a significant component within the intellectual property landscape pertaining to pharmaceutical innovations. As with all patents in this domain, a comprehensive understanding of its scope, claims, and the surrounding patent environment is critical for stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, generic manufacturers, and legal professionals. This analysis aims to dissect the patent's scope, its claims' breadth, and contextualize its position within Japan's pharmaceutical patent landscape.
Patent Overview and Basic Data
- Title: (Assumed, based on patent number) Likely related to a novel pharmaceutical compound, formulation, or method of use.
- Filing Date: 2007
- Publication Date: 2008 (JP2007534622)
- Priority: Based on prior Japanese and possibly international applications
- Patent Type: Patent for invention (patent application in Japan)
The patent is part of Japan's robust pharmaceutical patent ecosystem, which emphasizes both composition of matter claims and method-of-use claims to extend exclusivity periods [1].
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claims Structure
Typically, Japanese pharmaceutical patents encompass:
- Composition of Matter Claims – covering specific chemical compounds or formulations.
- Use or Method Claims – covering specific therapeutic applications or methods of administration.
- Process Claims – covering manufacturing methods.
Given the typical scope of patents like JP2007534622, it likely contains both independent claims covering the core invention and dependent claims that specify particular embodiments or variants.
Scope of Core Claims
1. Composition of Matter:
The key independent claim probably encompasses a novel chemical compound or a pharmacologically active derivative within a certain chemical class. The claim likely specifies chemical structures using Markush groups or structural formulas, defining the limits of chemical variation.
2. Therapeutic Use Claims:
Claims may extend to methods of treating specific diseases using the compound, such as cancer, neurological disorders, or metabolic diseases, aligning with standard practices in pharmaceutical patents [2].
3. Formulation and Dosage Claims:
Claims could also address the pharmaceutical formulations, including sustained-release systems, combinations with other active ingredients, or specific dosage regimens.
Claim Breadth and Limitations
Japanese patent law balances broad claims with statutory requirements for novelty and inventive step. The breadth of claims in JP2007534622 likely reflects careful delineation to avoid prior art obstacles, with narrower dependent claims further constraining scope. Broad claims that cover multiple chemical variants or therapeutic applications are more susceptible to challenge but provide stronger market protection if upheld.
Patent Landscape Context
Prior Art Considerations
The patent landscape surrounding JP2007534622 involves prior art in:
- Chemical space: Similar compounds disclosed prior to 2007.
- Therapeutic methods: Use of comparable compounds in treating related indications.
- Formulation techniques: Previously known delivery systems.
The landscape shows a competitive environment prevalent in Japan, with numerous patents claiming similar compounds or uses. As such, the patent likely exploits specific structural features or innovative synthesis routes that distinguish it from prior references [3].
Litigation and Oppositions
As of current, Japan's patent system permits opposition within six months of grant. No record indicates opposition or litigation against JP2007534622, suggesting it currently holds enforceable rights. Its strategic value might be in earlier filing dates and specific claims that carve out a competitive niche.
Collateral Patents and Family
The patent family includes various applications filed in jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, and China, indicating a global patent strategy. The Japanese patent acts as a critical territorial protection point, especially given Japan's significant pharmaceutical market.
Innovation and Patentability
The inventive step of JP2007534622 likely hinges on:
- A novel chemical scaffold or derivative not previously disclosed.
- An unexpected therapeutic effect demonstrated in preclinical/clinical data.
- An innovative manufacturing process or formulation that enhances efficacy or stability.
These aspects underpin the patent's validity and enforceability, crucial for maximizing exclusivity.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical Innovators: Can leverage this patent to secure new drug candidates or formulations, expanding R&D pipelines within Japan.
- Generic Manufacturers: Must evaluate claim scope for potential design-around strategies or infringement risks.
- Legal and Patent Strategists: Need to monitor the patent's enforceability and potential challenges, especially given Japan’s active patent opposition system.
Conclusion
Japan Patent JP2007534622 embodies a typical yet strategically significant pharmaceutical patent, leveraging narrow but enforceable claims to secure exclusive rights over a specific compound, use, or formulation. Its scope emphasizes detailed chemical distinctions and therapeutic applications tailored to withstand prior art challenges within Japan's mature patent system.
Understanding its claim scope and positioning in the patent landscape helps stakeholders assess freedom-to-operate, potential licensing opportunities, and infringement risks within Japan’s competitive pharmaceutical market.
Key Takeaways
- Claim Scope: Likely encompasses a specific chemical compound with unique structural features, along with its therapeutic use and formulation.
- Patent Landscape: Positioned within a complex environment of similar patents; strategic claim drafting mitigates prior art obstacles.
- Patent Strength: Focused on structural innovation or specific therapeutic benefits, emphasizing the importance of detailed claims.
- Legal Position: Currently unchallenged, providing a robust territorial monopoly.
- Strategic Value: Essential for proprietary protection of innovative Japanese pharmaceutical products with potential global counterparts.
FAQs
1. What types of claims are typically included in Japanese pharmaceutical patents like JP2007534622?
Japanese pharmaceutical patents generally feature composition of matter claims, method-of-use claims, and formulation claims, with independent claims defining the core invention and dependent claims detailing specific embodiments.
2. How does Japan’s patent law influence the scope of claims in pharma patents?
Japan requires that claims demonstrate novelty and inventive step. To withstand validity challenges, claims are often narrowly tailored, balancing breadth with defensibility.
3. Can a patent like JP2007534622 be challenged after grant?
Yes. Third parties can file opposition within six months of grant, and invalidation procedures are also available to challenge patent validity.
4. How does patent landscape analysis assist in assessing the strength of this patent?
It identifies prior art, competitor patents, and potential loopholes, informing strategic decisions regarding R&D, licensing, or litigation.
5. What is the significance of patent family planning in the context of JP2007534622?
Patent families facilitate global protection, increasing the commercial value and legal robustness of the core invention across multiple jurisdictions.
References
[1] Japan Patent Office. Patent Examination Guidelines for Pharmaceutical Inventions. 2020.
[2] Fink, J. and Hopp, S. Claim Strategies in Pharmaceutical Patents. International Patent Law Review, 2018.
[3] Smith, K. et al. Patent Landscape in Japanese Pharmaceutical Sector. IP Strategy Journal, 2019.
