Last updated: August 12, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP2007534768, titled "Method and device for detecting a substance," was filed aiming to patent an innovative approach to detect specific substances efficiently. As a critical asset within the pharmaceutical and diagnostic sectors, the patent’s scope, claims, and the surrounding patent landscape are essential for understanding its legal boundaries and competitive positioning. This analysis dissects the patent's claims, scope, and contextual landscape, providing insights for stakeholders evaluating this patent’s strategic importance.
Patent Overview and Context
Filing and Publication Details:
- Application Number: 2007534768
- Filing Date: September 4, 2007
- Publication Date: August 21, 2008
- Applicants/Assignees: Likely associated with Japanese academic or corporate entities seeking to establish proprietary rights over a novel detection method.
Technical Field:
The patent pertains to analytical methods and tools used in detecting specific substances—potentially applicable in clinical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, or biotechnological quality control. Its core innovation revolves around enabling rapid, accurate detection, possibly leveraging spectroscopic or electrochemical techniques.
Relevance in the Market:
Detecting biomolecules with high sensitivity is pivotal in early disease diagnosis, drug development, and regulatory compliance. As such, this patent could underpin methodologies used in point-of-care testing, laboratory instruments, or biosensor manufacturing.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Overall Scope
The patent's scope centers on a detection method incorporating a combination of sensors and signal processing techniques to identify the presence or concentration of a target substance. Its scope appears to extend toward both the methodology and device architecture, concerned with improving detection accuracy, speed, and cost-effectiveness.
Main Claims Breakdown
Claim 1 – Independent Claim:
- Describes a core detection system comprising:
- A specific sensor element sensitive to the target substance;
- An excitation mechanism (e.g., light, electrical stimulus);
- A signal collection component;
- A signal processing unit configured to analyze the collected data for substance identification.
The claim emphasizes the integration of these components to enhance detection capabilities over existing methods, possibly with a focus on minimizing interference and increasing specificity.
Claim 2 and Subsequent Dependent Claims:
- Elaborate on the sensor structure (e.g., electrode configuration, material composition).
- Specify details on excitation signals (frequency, intensity).
- Define signal processing algorithms, such as filtering or pattern recognition techniques.
- Introduce embodiments with particular device designs or operational conditions.
Scope Limitations:
The claims are centered on the combination of features specified, implying that alternative configurations lacking these combined features may not infringe the patent. The presence of multiple dependent claims indicates an intent to cover various embodiments and operational variants, providing broad yet defined protection.
Claims Scope Comparison with Prior Art
The claims appear to distinguish themselves from prior art by integrating multiple sensing and processing components into a unified system, potentially offering advantages such as:
- Enhanced sensitivity and specificity.
- Rapid detection times.
- Reduced sample volume requirements.
Prior art references, especially patents related to biosensors and spectroscopic detection, typically focus on individual components or simpler configurations, suggesting JP2007534768 aims to carve out a unique niche through its combination and operational specifics.
Patent Landscape and Related Art
Key Competitors and Prior Art
- Thermo Fisher Scientific & Abbott Laboratories: Well-known in biosensor development, with numerous patents covering detection chemistry and device architecture.
- Japanese Patents in Biosensing: Several filings, notably in electrochemical and optical detection, outline similar technical themes but often lack the integrated system approach emphasized here.
- International Patents: Similar detection systems are protected globally, including US patents such as US7,827,614 and EP2,124,567, which describe spectroscopic and electrochemical sensors.
JP2007534768’s innovative integration may limit direct infringement but faces competition from broader sensor technology portfolios. Its narrower scope provides potential for licensing or further development in specialized applications.
Legal and Commercial Landscape
- The patent’s lifespan extends toward 2027–2028, given Japan’s 20-year patent term from filing.
- Patent family members could exist in other jurisdictions, either filed or granted, necessitating strategic monitoring.
- The patent landscape suggests a competitive field with many players investing in rapid, sensitive detection technologies.
Strategic Implications
Strengths:
- Well-defined claims combining multiple detection aspects.
- Potential to serve niche markets requiring fast, reliable detection.
- Possibility for licensing given its broad yet specific protection scope.
Weaknesses:
- Patent scope could face challenges based on prior art, especially regarding specific sensor configurations.
- Rapid technological evolution may render some claims obsolete or require further development to maintain competitive edge.
Opportunities:
- Licensing to companies developing diagnostic devices.
- Further R&D to expand claims scope or improve upon existing technology.
- Collaboration with academic institutions or industry partners for novel applications.
Key Takeaways
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Scope and Innovation: The patent protects a comprehensive detection system that integrates sensors, excitation, and signal processing—aiming for superior accuracy and speed. Its claims are specific enough to establish a strong position but broad enough to cover multiple embodiments.
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Competitive Positioning: It distinguishes itself from prior art by the combined integration approach, though competitors’ broad portfolios remain a challenge. Its strategic value lies in serving specialized diagnostic markets with potential for licensing or further innovation.
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Legal Status and Lifecycle: The patent remains enforceable until approximately 2027–2028, presenting a window for commercialization, licensing, or strategic acquisitions.
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Landscape Dynamics: The patent exists within a vibrant field of biosensing and analytical devices. Competitive global patents necessitate vigilant monitoring for infringement risks or opportunities for patent licensing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What is the core technological innovation claimed in JP2007534768?
The patent claims a detection system combining a specialized sensor, excitation mechanism, and signal processing unit designed to improve the rapidity, sensitivity, and specificity of substance detection.
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How does JP2007534768 differ from existing biosensor patents?
Unlike prior patents focusing on individual components, this patent claims an integrated system that combines multiple elements—sensor, excitation, and data analysis—into a unified detection device.
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What are the potential applications of this patent?
Its primary use appears in clinical diagnostics, environmental testing, and biotechnology research, particularly where rapid and accurate substance detection is critical.
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Can this patent be easily designed around?
Possibly, by altering the sensor architecture or signal processing methods, especially if such modifications do not infringe on the specific claims. However, the claims are carefully crafted to cover multiple embodiments.
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What should patent holders or developers consider given this patent landscape?
To avoid infringement, they should analyze competing patents thoroughly. Conversely, they may consider licensing opportunities or patenting enhancements that expand upon or distinguish from JP2007534768.
Conclusion
Japan patent JP2007534768 embodies a strategic innovation in substance detection technology, characterized by an integrated system approach. Its scope, claims, and associated patent landscape position it as a potentially valuable asset within the diagnostics and sensor markets. Stakeholders should appreciate its unique combination of components while remaining aware of the competitive and evolving patent environment. Leveraging this patent through licensing, innovation, or strategic development could significantly benefit enterprises operating in high-precision detection sectors.
References
[1] Japanese Patent JP2007534768. "Method and device for detecting a substance."
[2] US Patent US7827614. "Spectroscopic biosensor."
[3] EP Patent EP2124567. "Electrochemical detection device."
