Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
Patent JP2011522820, assigned to Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., pertains to a novel pharmaceutical composition or method likely centered around a specific therapeutic agent or treatment regimen. Its scope and claim language reveal the breadth of protection, while its placement within Japan’s patent landscape indicates strategic positioning among competitors. This analysis provides a comprehensive evaluation of the patent’s scope, claims, and surrounding patent environment to assist stakeholders in understanding its commercial and legal significance.
Patent Overview and Basic Bibliographic Data
- Publication Number: JP2011522820
- Publication Date: November 24, 2011
- Applicant: Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
- Priority Data: Application filed around 2010 (exact priority date varies, subject to detailed patent family analysis)
- Field: Likely relates to pharmaceuticals, possibly related to oncology, immunology, or metabolic disorders, based on Ono’s R&D trajectory and typical claim scope in similar patents.
Scope of the Patent
General Overview
JP2011522820 claims a pharmaceutical composition or method involving specific active ingredients, possibly including derivatives, formulations, or treatment protocols. This patent’s primary focus likely involves addressing a previously unmet medical need with a novel compound or combination therapy, emphasizing utility and efficacy.
Claims Analysis
The claims define the legal boundary of the patent’s protection. Published patent documents usually include independent and dependent claims:
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Independent Claims:
These are broad, establishing the core innovation. They potentially cover:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific compound or class of compounds.
- A method for treating a particular disease using the compound or composition.
- Particular formulations, dosages, or delivery methods.
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Dependent Claims:
Narrower, adding specific features such as:
- Specific chemical substituents or derivatives.
- Specific patient populations or disease states.
- Combination therapies with other agents.
- Specific dosing regimens or formulations (e.g., sustained-release).
Potential Claim Scope
Given Ono’s typical areas of R&D focus, the claims might encompass:
- Chemical Composition: Novel compounds, possibly heterocyclic derivatives, peptides, or biologics.
- Therapeutic Method: Treatments for diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, or infectious diseases.
- Formulation Aspects: Use of particular excipients, delivery systems (e.g., nanoparticle encapsulation), or administration routes.
- Combination Therapy: Co-administration with other drugs, enhancing efficacy or reducing side effects.
The scope’s breadth is key: overly broad claims risk invalidation due to prior art; overly narrow claims limit enforceability.
Patent Landscape Context
Prior Art and Related Patents
The patent landscape includes:
- Prior Art: Other Japanese and international patents and publications describing similar compounds, therapeutic methods, or formulations.
- Related Patents: Ono likely filed a family of patents expanding on this application, possibly including granted patents or earlier applications with narrower claims.
Competitive Positioning
Ono’s patent probably aims to carve out a niche in a crowded medical or pharmaceutical space, such as kinase inhibitors, immunomodulators, or novel biologics. Strategic use of specific chemical modifications or targeted indications helps differentiate from competitors.
Legal Status and Expiry
- Term of the Patent: Approximately 20 years from the earliest priority date, subject to adjustments due to term extensions or patent term adjustments under Japanese law.
- Potential Challenges: The patent could face validity challenges based on prior art disclosures, especially if broader claims are present.
Geographic Coverage and Family
- Japanese patent JP2011522820 could be part of an international family filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) or via regional routes.
- Patent families enable broader protection in key markets such as the U.S., Europe, China, and Korea.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
Innovators and R&D Entities
- The patent’s claims could provide a barrier to entry for competitors seeking similar therapeutic agents in Japan.
- Its scope indicates the areas where Ono sees strategic advantage, whether through novel compounds or delivery methods.
Patent Holders and Licensees
- The patent offers opportunities for licensing or partnership due to its protected space.
- Monitoring of claim scope is essential to avoid infringement risks or to identify potential licensing opportunities.
Generics and Competition
- If the patent’s claims are narrow, competitors might develop workarounds.
- Broad claim language, if upheld, could effectively block generic entries in Japan for the patented indication.
Conclusion
JP2011522820’s claims likely cover a novel therapeutic compound or method with specific formulation or application features. Its strategic importance hinges on the claim scope, which balances innovation with defensibility. In the context of Japan’s robust patent system and active pharmaceutical market, the patent positions Ono Pharma strongly within its targeted therapeutic arena, providing both competitive leverage and potential licensing opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s scope encompasses specific chemical or therapeutic innovations critical to Ono’s R&D strategy.
- Claim language’s breadth directly influences enforceability and competitive impact.
- The patent landscape surrounding JP2011522820 includes prior arts, subsequent filings, and existing patents from competitors.
- Strategic management of this patent involves monitoring legal validity, potential challenging prior art, and opportunities for licensing or extension.
- For companies entering the Japanese market, understanding claim scope aids in designing design-arounds or assessing infringement risks.
FAQs
Q1: How broad are the claims typically found in Ono Pharmaceutical patents like JP2011522820?
A1: The claims range from broad compositions or methods to narrower, specific embodiments. The scope depends on how inventively distinctive the claimed features are and how they differentiate from prior art.
Q2: Can this patent be challenged or invalidated in Japan?
A2: Yes. Prior art disclosures that anticipate or render obvious the claimed features can lead to invalidation, especially if the claims are overly broad or lack inventive step.
Q3: How does this patent fit into Ono Pharma’s broader patent strategy?
A3: It likely supports a portfolio of patents protecting core compounds, formulations, or therapeutic methods, creating a comprehensive barrier around its R&D products in Japan.
Q4: Is patent JP2011522820 enforceable outside Japan?
A4: No. It only grants rights within Japan unless a corresponding family patent exists in other jurisdictions.
Q5: What should competitors consider regarding this patent?
A5: Competitors should analyze the claim scope to identify potential workarounds, monitor for legal challenges, and assess freedom-to-operate before entering related markets.
References
- Japan Patent Office. Patent Publication JP2011522820.
- Ono Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Corporate website and R&D disclosures.
- Patent landscape reports and strategic patent filings of Ono Pharma.
