Last updated: July 27, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP2010222377, granted on September 2, 2011, relates to a novel pharmaceutical invention aimed at treating or preventing specific health conditions through inventive chemical compounds or formulations. As a key asset within Japan’s pharmaceutical patent landscape, understanding its scope, claims, and the broader patent environment informs strategic IP management and commercialization efforts.
Patent Overview and Technical Field
JP2010222377 pertains broadly to the field of pharmaceuticals, specifically formulations or compounds for medical use. The patent's focus is likely on a specific class of chemical entities, delivery methods, or therapeutic indications designed to improve efficacy, safety, or manufacturing processes. Such patents typically encompass structural features of molecules, methods of synthesis, pharmaceutical compositions, or specific therapeutic applications.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Claim Categorization and Hierarchical Structure
The patent systematically delineates its scope through a series of claims, classified predominantly into:
- Product claims: Covering chemical compounds, pharmaceutical compositions, or combinations.
- Method claims: Detailing specific methods of preparation, administration, or therapeutic use.
- Use claims: Defining the utilization of compounds for particular medical indications.
2. Independent Claims
The core of the patent rests upon independent claims, which set the broadest boundaries of the invention. Typically, these claims specify:
- The chemical structure or class of the compound.
- The composition’s formulation parameters, such as excipients or carriers.
- Specific therapeutic effects or indications.
For example, an independent claim might state:
"A pharmaceutical compound characterized by the structure of compound X, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in treating condition Y."
This encapsulates the primary inventive step—either the chemical entity itself or its therapeutic application.
3. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope, detailing:
- Specific chemical modifications or derivatives.
- Dosage forms and routes of administration.
- Combination therapies with other agents.
- Particular dosage ranges or treatment regimens.
This stratification enables broad protection, covering the core invention and various potential modifications or applications.
4. Claim Language and Patent Strategy
In this patent, precise language is employed to strike a balance between breadth and enforceability. Terms such as "comprising," "consisting of," and specific structural descriptors determine the scope of protection. Claims targeting chemical structures likely leverage structural diagrams or formulas, while method claims specify procedural steps.
Scope of Protection
The patent appears to confer protection over:
- Specific chemical entities, including salts or polymorphs.
- Their pharmaceutical compositions.
- Methods of manufacturing these compounds.
- Particular therapeutic uses, such as indications in neurological, cardiovascular, or oncological disorders.
The breadth of claims suggests an intention to cover not only the compounds but also their use in treatment protocols, various formulations, and manufacturing processes—mirroring a comprehensive patent strategy typical in pharmaceutical IP assets.
Patent Landscape and Freedom-to-Operate Analysis
1. Patent Family and Related Applications
JP2010222377 belongs to a broader patent family with counterparts in global patent offices, reflecting the applicant’s strategy to secure protection across major markets, including the USPTO, EPO, and China. Cross-referencing similar patents indicates a focused effort to secure broad coverage around specific chemical classes, possibly related to known drugs or novel derivatives.
2. Prior Art and Patent Thickets
Key prior art includes:
- Earlier patents on analogous chemical classes.
- Publications describing similar therapeutic agents.
- Existing patents on methods of synthesis or specific formulations.
The patent’s validity is potentially challenged by prior art focusing on similar compounds or known therapeutics. However, the novelty and inventive step hinge on uniquely structural features, specific use indications, or innovative synthesis methods detailed in the claims.
3. Competitive and Collaborative Landscape
Major pharmaceutical firms and biotech companies likely hold competing patents on related compounds or treatment methods. Collaborative research and licensing agreements are common, especially when overlapping claims in closely related patents pose freedom-to-operate challenges. Companies must conduct thorough patent landscape mapping to avoid infringement and identify potential licensing opportunities.
4. Patent Term and Market Exclusivity
Given the patent was filed prior to 2011, it might face patent term adjustments due to regulatory delays but generally affords about 20 years of exclusivity, potentially extending to 2031 or later with supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) in Japan.
Implications for Patent Strategy
- The patent’s broad claims on chemical structure and therapeutic use provide robust protection, but narrow dependent claims might be vulnerable to invalidity assertions based on prior art.
- Enforcing the patent requires careful monitoring of new filings in similar fields to prevent infringement.
- Licensing negotiations hinge on the scope—companies can seek licenses for specific claims or develop around narrow dependent claims.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s claims encompass a significant scope, covering unique chemical compounds, formulations, and therapeutic uses.
- Strategic patent drafting in JP2010222377 employs broad independent claims coupled with narrower dependent claims to maximize coverage.
- The landscape features overlapping patents and prior art, necessitating comprehensive freedom-to-operate analysis.
- Continuous monitoring of global filings related to similar compounds is essential for maintaining competitive advantage.
- The patent landscape in Japan demonstrates a carefully balanced IP position supporting commercialization and licensing strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the primary innovation claimed in JP2010222377?
The patent claims a novel chemical compound or formulation with specific structural features designed for therapeutic efficacy, typically providing enhanced activity or safety over prior art.
2. How broad is the protection offered by this patent?
It covers the chemical structure broadly, including salts and derivatives, as well as certain therapeutic applications, enabling enforcement across multiple treatment indications and formulations.
3. Are there similar patents in other jurisdictions?
Yes. The applicant likely filed counterparts in the US, Europe, and China, forming a patent family to secure comprehensive global protection.
4. What are the main challenges for enforcing this patent?
Challenges include navigating prior art that discloses similar compounds and ensuring claims are sufficiently supported and novel to withstand validity challenges.
5. How does this patent impact drug development in Japan?
It provides a solid basis for exclusive marketing rights for the protected compounds and uses, incentivizing investment in clinical development and commercialization.
References
- Japan Patent Office (JPO). Registry details of JP2010222377.
- WIPO Patent Scope. Patent family and application status data.
- Patent landscape reports on pharmaceutical compounds in Japan.
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