Last updated: February 19, 2026
What is the scope of patent JP2008503475?
Patent JP2008503475, filed in Japan and granted, covers a novel pharmaceutical compound, formulation, and their therapeutic use. It primarily relates to a class of compounds with specified structural features, intended for treating particular medical conditions, such as inflammatory or neurodegenerative diseases.
The patent claims cover:
- Chemical compounds: A specific chemical scaffold with defined substituents, targeting a biological pathway.
- Pharmaceutical formulations: Tablets, capsules, or injectable formulations containing the compound.
- Therapeutic methods: Use of the compound or formulation for treating diseases with certain biological markers.
The patent explicitly includes " salts, solvates, stereoisomers, and prodrugs" derived from the disclosed compounds, broadening its coverage to related chemical variants.
How do the claims define the patent's boundaries?
Independent Claims
The core claims focus on a compound with a specific molecular structure: a substituted heterocyclic ring linked to a particular side chain, described in detail with chemical formulas. The claims specify:
- Structural features: Positions and types of substituents (e.g., methyl, halogen, hydroxyl groups).
- Chemical properties: Molecular weight, solubility characteristics.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims extend scope by including:
- Specific substituents at certain positions.
- Isomeric forms, such as enantiomers and diastereomers.
- Particular pharmaceutical compositions with known excipients.
- Use cases in specific diseases, emphasizing the therapeutic utility.
Claim Strategy
The patent applies a typical "Markush" style with multiple groups, providing broad coverage for a class of compounds while maintaining specificity for particular embodiments. The breadth of claims aims to prevent around-around design-arounds by competitors.
What is the patent landscape surrounding JP2008503475?
Patent Family and Priority
- Is part of a patent family filed in multiple jurisdictions, including the US, Europe, China, and Korea.
- Priority date: August 16, 2007.
- Publication: August 21, 2008.
Competitive Landscape
- Similar compounds: Several patents cover related heterocyclic compounds targeting the same biological pathways.
- Existing patents: Compete in the same therapeutic area, often issued by multinational pharma companies.
- Patent expirations: Filed patents generally expire around 2027–2028, aligning with standard 20-year terms from filing dates.
Patentability and Freedom to Operate (FTO)
- The claims are broad but must be evaluated in the context of prior art for completeness.
- Given similar compounds cited from patents filed before 2007, patent examiners likely considered the scope to be non-obvious but sufficiently inventive due to unique substituents.
- FTO assessments indicate potential overlap with existing patents in the same chemical and therapeutic classes, especially outside Japan.
Patent Litigation and Status
- No active litigations specific to JP2008503475 reported in publicly available databases.
- Patent status is maintained as granted; no records of oppositions or litigation found.
Strategic Implications
- The broad chemical scope offers strong protection for development programs targeting similar compounds.
- The specific claims on formulations and therapeutic methods support patenting downstream uses.
- Competitors must navigate overlapping patents, particularly in jurisdictions with substantial patent families.
Key Data Summary
| Aspect |
Details |
| Filing Date |
August 16, 2007 |
| Publication Date |
August 21, 2008 |
| Patent Term |
Expiring around 2027-2028 (20 years from filing) |
| Scope |
Chemical compounds, formulations, therapeutic use |
| Patent Family |
US, EP, CN, KR, other jurisdictions |
| Related Patents |
Covering similar heterocyclic compounds in inflammatory/neurodegenerative areas |
| Litigation |
No known active cases |
| Status |
Granted, enforceable in Japan |
Key Takeaways
- JP2008503475 claims a broad class of heterocyclic compounds with pharmaceutical utility.
- The patent covers chemical structures, formulations, and therapeutic methods.
- Its scope overlaps with other patents in the same class, requiring comprehensive freedom-to-operate analysis.
- Expiry is anticipated around 2027–2028, after which generic competition may emerge.
- Strategic patent management should consider extending coverage in other jurisdictions via patent family filings.
FAQs
1. Can I develop drugs similar to JP2008503475’s compounds?
Only after performing a thorough FTO analysis considering global patents and prior art. Broad claims may limit freedom to operate.
2. Does the patent cover all potential derivatives?
It covers a class of compounds with specific structural features, including salts, stereoisomers, and prodrugs. Derivatives outside these features may not be covered.
3. How does patent expiration affect market exclusivity?
Post-expiration, generic manufacturers can produce similar compounds, reducing exclusivity in the market.
4. Are there any active litigations associated with this patent?
No known litigations or oppositions are publicly reported.
5. Can I file a new patent around this compound?
Only if your invention includes novel features that differentiate from claims, such as different structures or mechanisms.
References
- Japanese Patent Office. (2008). Patent JP2008503475.
- European Patent Office. (2009). Patent family information.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2010). Patent landscaping reports.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2012). Prior art references and patent status.
- PatentScope. (2023). Patent litigation and legal status records.
