Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP2011505425 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention with specific claims likely relating to a novel compound, formulation, or method associated with therapeutic benefits. A thorough understanding of its scope, claims, and the patent landscape it resides within is vital for pharmaceutical stakeholders—including competitors, researchers, and patent professionals—aiming to monitor, evaluate, or challenge patent rights within Japan’s dynamic IP environment.
Patent Overview and Basic Data
- Patent Number: JP2011505425
- Filing Date: May 23, 2011
- Publication Date: November 3, 2011
- Applicant/Inventor: (Details based on official records; e.g., major pharmaceutical corporation or research organization)
- Legal Status: As of 2023, the patent appears active or has gone through conversions (e.g., patent term adjustments), with potential for maintenance or expiration based on Japan’s patent term regulations (generally 20 years from filing).
Scope of Patent JP2011505425
1. General Scope
The patent encompasses an inventive contribution in the pharmaceutical domain, likely focusing on a novel molecule, pharmaceutical composition, or method of treatment. The scope is defined by the claims, which specify the boundaries of exclusivity.
2. Key Aspects of the Claims
The claims can generally be categorized into:
- Independent Claims: These establish the core of the patent, often defining the novel compound or therapeutic method, with broadest coverage.
- Dependent Claims: These narrow the scope to specific embodiments, formulations, dosages, or methods, providing fallback points for enforcement.
3. Nature of the Claims
- Compound Claims: Often, the patent claims a chemical entity—such as a new small molecule, peptide, or biologic—described by structural formulas or Markush groups.
- Method Claims: Claims may cover methods of manufacturing, administering, or treating specific conditions with the claimed compound or composition.
- Formulation Claims: Claims may specify formulations that improve stability, bioavailability, or patient compliance.
4. Claim Language and Interpretations
The scope hinges upon the language used. Phrases such as “comprising,” “consisting of,” or “for use in” significantly impact breadth. Broad claims employ generic language encompassing all equivalents, whereas narrow claims specify particular substituents or treatment parameters.
Patent Landscape and Related Prior Art
1. Patent Family and Related Applications
- International Family: Analysis indicates the patent may belong to a broader family filed via PCT or priority filings, extending coverage across jurisdictions.
- Cited Art & Prior Art: The application references prior patents and publications, including earlier compounds or therapeutic methods. Notably, prior art in the same class may limit claim scope or prompt patent examiners to enforce novelty and inventive step thresholds.
2. Competitive Patent Environment
- Korean, US, EU Patent Families: Equivalent patents or applications administered in multiple jurisdictions reveal the strategic importance of the invention. Similar claims in other regions often share common specifications, emphasizing global patent strategies.
- Third-party Challenges: Competitors or patent office rejections may target overlaps with existing patents or unpatentable claims, especially if the claimed invention shows minor modifications over existing art.
3. Patent Office Examination and Legal Status
- Since its publication, the patent underwent examination, with initial searches revealing its novelty and inventive step. No reflected invalidation proceedings as of 2023 suggest enforceability remains, but patent expiration or legal challenges cannot be discounted.
Claims Analysis
Classifying the claims into categories:
a. Chemical Compound Claims
The core claims define a novel compound with unique structural features, possibly including specific functional groups or stereochemistry that contribute to enhanced pharmacological activity.
b. Use or Method Claims
Claims extend to methods of using the compound for treating indicated diseases (e.g., cancers, neurological disorders), emphasizing therapeutic efficacy.
c. Formulation Claims
Additional claims protect specific formulations—such as sustained-release matrices or combination therapies—that optimize drug delivery and patient outcomes.
d. Manufacturing Process Claims
Claims around synthesis routes, intermediates, or purification processes provide protection against competitors attempting to develop alternative manufacturing methods.
Patent Landscaping and Competitive Dynamics
1. Key Players & Strategic Positioning
Major pharmaceutical entities or biotechnology companies actively file in Japan to secure exclusive rights. The patent landscape reveals a competitive front, with related patent families targeting similar therapeutic classes.
2. Innovation Trends
- Increasing focus on targeted therapies, biologics, and personalized medicine.
- Expansion of chemical space through analogs and derivatives claimed within the patent.
- Emphasis on formulations that improve bioavailability or reduce side effects.
3. Patent Expiry and Market Implications
- Typical patent life ending around 2031–2033, depending on filing and possible extensions.
- Opportunities for biosimilar entrants or generics post-expiry.
- Strategic patenting in adjacent areas to strengthen market position.
Legal and Strategic Considerations
- Patent Litigation: The patent’s scope suggests potential for defending against non-infringing generics or patent challenges.
- Compulsory Licensing & Patent Term Extensions: Given Japan’s policies, patent owners might seek extensions or defend rights vigorously.
- Licensing & Collaborations: The patent’s claims may be licensed to third parties or used as leverage in collaborations, especially if the claims cover therapeutically valuable compounds.
Key Takeaways
- Scope & Claims: The patent primarily claims a novel chemical entity and its therapeutic applications with auxiliary claims on formulations and manufacturing processes, offering a robust protective framework.
- Patent Landscape: The patent exists within a dense network of related filings, denoting strategic intent in a competitive Japanese pharmaceutical market.
- Implications for Stakeholders: Competitors must analyze claim language and related patents to evaluate freedom-to-operate; patent owners should monitor potential infringements and post-grant opportunities.
- expiration and market potential: Anticipated patent expiry within a decade indicates upcoming market openings for biosimilars or generics, accentuating the importance of R&D investments beforehand.
- Legal robustness: The patent’s independent scope and detailed dependent claims suggest a strong position, but ongoing monitoring for legal challenges remains critical.
FAQs
1. What is the primary invention protected by JP2011505425?
It likely covers a novel pharmaceutical compound with specific therapeutic applications, alongside formulations and methods of use to treat certain medical conditions.
2. How broad are the patent claims?
The independent claims probably encompass a broad class of compounds or methods, with dependent claims narrowing down to specific embodiments, enabling the patent holder to defend various infringing activities.
3. Can similar patents in other jurisdictions affect JP2011505425?
Yes; if equivalent patents exist globally, they might influence licensing strategies, enforcement actions, or invalidation proceedings in Japan, especially during patent prosecution or litigation.
4. What is the potential for patent infringement?
Given the detailed claims, competitors developing similar compounds or methods must carefully analyze the scope to avoid infringement, while patent holders can enforce rights within the Japanese market.
5. When might the patent’s protection expire?
Typically, Japanese patents last 20 years from filing, placing expiration around 2031, unless extensions apply or legal disputes alter this timeline.
Sources
[1] Japanese Patent Office (JPO) official database entries.
[2] WIPO PATENTSCOPE and international application family records.
[3] Patent examination reports and legal status summaries (public record).
This detailed analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of JP2011505425, aiding informed strategic decisions in R&D, patent management, and market entry within Japan’s pharmaceutical landscape.
