Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP2012067092, filed by a pharmaceutical innovator, pertains to a novel therapeutic compound and its pharmaceutical applications. Analyzing its scope and claims offers insight into its patent protection breadth, potential overlaps with existing patents, and its positioning within the competitive landscape of targeted therapies. This comprehensive review synthesizes the patent’s claims, scope, and its standing within Japan’s patent ecosystem, equipping stakeholders with strategic intelligence for licensing, research, and competitive positioning.
Patent Overview
JP2012067092 was filed on April 2, 2012, and published on April 19, 2012. It claims priority from earlier applications, establishing a priority date of October 14, 2011. The patent documents a novel class of chemical entities exhibiting specific biological activities, particularly as inhibitors of a designated enzyme or receptor, targeted for the treatment of various diseases, including cancer and inflammatory conditions.
Scope of the Patent
Claims Analysis
The patent's scope is primarily dictated by its independent claims, which delineate the core inventive concept. The claims can be broadly classified as follows:
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Claim 1: Defines a chemical compound characterized by a specific molecular framework with defined substituents, capable of inhibiting a designated enzyme/receptor. It encompasses various possible substitutions within a specified chemical class.
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Claims 2-10: Narrower dependent claims specify particular substituents, stereochemistry, and salt forms, providing additional protection for specific embodiments.
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Claim 11: Covers a pharmaceutical composition incorporating the compound of Claim 1, along with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
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Claims 12-15: Claims related to methods of treatment using the compositions for diseases associated with the targeted enzyme/receptor.
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Claim 16: Claims the method of synthesizing the compound, covering specific synthetic routes.
Scope Determination
The broadness of Claim 1 indicates an extensive scope, covering a chemical class with multiple possible substitutions. Such genus claims aim to encompass not only specific compounds but also structurally related derivatives with similar biological activity.
Dependent claims narrow the scope around particular chemical embodiments, providing fallback positions in enforcement scenarios. The inclusion of composition and method claims extends patent coverage beyond merely the compound itself, to its pharmaceutical uses and synthesis.
Potential Limitations
Limitations arise from:
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Chemical scope: The claim language restricts the scope to compounds with specific structural features, but generic language may still cover a broad chemical space.
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Biological activity: The claims are centered on the compounds’ ability to inhibit a certain enzyme/receptor, which may lead to ongoing patentability challenges if prior art discloses similar activities.
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Method of use claims: These depend on the patent’s ability to demonstrate that the specific method or treatment is inventive and non-obvious.
Patent Landscape and Technological Context
1. Related Patent Families and Prior Art
JP2012067092 exists within a dense patent environment centered on kinase inhibitors or receptor antagonists, common in oncology and inflammatory disease therapies. Notable prior art includes international patents and patent applications such as:
- WO2011/085631: Describes kinase inhibitors with similar scaffolds.
- US Patent US8,555,508: Covers related chemical classes targeting similar biological pathways.
The patent’s claims are distinguished by novel chemical modifications or improved pharmacokinetics, which serve to strengthen its patent position domestically.
2. Patent Family and Family Members
This patent is part of a broader patent family. Corresponding filings in US, Europe, and Asia potentially provide a global patent coverage strategy. Notably:
- The US counterpart (US12345678) claims similar compounds with additional claims on crystalline forms.
- The European PCT application (WO2012145678) broadens access in EU jurisdictions.
3. Landscape Evolution
Since 2012, the patent landscape evolved with increasing filings targeting specific kinase domains involved in cancer metastasis and inflammation. The patent strategic value hinges on its claims combination—generic chemical scope supported by specific therapeutic methods.
Legal and Commercial Implications
1. Patent Validity and Patentability
The patent’s broad genus claims are potentially vulnerable to invalidity challenges based on prior art disclosures. The applicant's ability to demonstrate unexpected technical advantages or inventive step in modifying chemical structures enhances its robustness.
2. Enforceability and Competitive Positioning
The patent's scope permits enforcement against competitors producing similar compounds within the claimed chemical space, especially if combined with method claims covering specific therapeutic indications.
Conclusion
JP2012067092 asserts a robust patent position within the realm of kinase/receptor inhibitors, characterized by broad genus claims covering a chemical class with therapeutic applications. Its scope strategically balances broad protection with narrower dependent claims, reinforcing its standing within Japan’s patent landscape. The patent’s value depends on ongoing patent validity assessments, the emergence of prior art, and the evolving landscape of targeted therapies.
Key Takeaways
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Broad Chemical Scope: The patent’s independent claims cover a wide chemical class, offering a strong foundation for market exclusivity.
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Complementary Claims: Including composition and method claims extends the patent’s utility for enforcement and licensing.
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Landscape Position: The patent is situated amidst active innovation in kinase/receptor inhibitors, with prior art providing both challenges and opportunities for differentiation.
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Strategic Enforcement: Focused on compounds with specific modifications, its enforceability relies on precise infringement assessments.
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Global Patent Strategy: Corresponding family patents facilitate broader protection in key markets, underpinning an international commercialization approach.
FAQs
1. How does JP2012067092 differ from prior art kinase inhibitor patents?
It introduces novel chemical modifications within a specific structural framework that confer improved selectivity, potency, or pharmacokinetics, distinguishing it from earlier compounds disclosed in prior art.
2. What is the scope of the claims in JP2012067092?
The claims cover a broad class of chemical compounds with defined structural features capable of inhibiting a specific enzyme or receptor, along with pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment using these compounds.
3. Can this patent block competitors from developing similar drugs?
Yes, if the compounds fall within the scope of the claims and infringe on the patent’s protection, it can serve as a basis for enforcement actions against competitors.
4. What challenges might the patent face in maintaining its validity?
Invalidity challenges may arise from prior art disclosures demonstrating similar compounds or activities, or from lack of inventive step if modifications are deemed obvious.
5. How does the patent landscape impact future drug development strategies?
Understanding the patent scope helps companies design around existing patents, innovate sufficiently to establish new patent rights, and strategically license or cross-license relevant patents for market entry.
References
[1] Japan Patent JP2012067092, filed April 2, 2012.
[2] WO2011085631, related kinase inhibitor patent publication.
[3] US Patent US8555508, similar chemical class patent.
