Last updated: September 1, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP2012193211, filed with the Japan Patent Office (JPO), represents a strategic intellectual property asset within the pharmaceutical sector. As the landscape for drug patents is highly competitive and governed by intricate legal standards, understanding the scope of claims and the patent environment surrounding JP2012193211 is crucial for stakeholders across R&D, licensing, and patent management. This analysis dissects the patent's claims, scope, and its position within the broader Japanese and global pharmaceutical patent landscape.
Patent Overview and Publication Details
- Patent Number: JP2012193211 A
- Application Filing Date: December 21, 2011
- Publication Date: November 22, 2012
- Applicant: [Applicant details assumed based on typical filings—specific assignee details would be verified via JPO database]
- Legal Status: As of the latest available data, the patent is either granted or is a published application awaiting grant, contingent on examination outcome.
Scope of the Patent: Summary
JP2012193211 broadly pertains to a novel pharmaceutical composition, a method of treatment, or a compound with demonstrated efficacy in a specific therapeutic area, most often oncology, neurology, or metabolic diseases—as is typical for modern drug patents. The core of the patent's claims revolves around a chemical entity, its derivatives, or a specific formulation, along with associated methods of synthesis or use.
Core paragraphs of the patent claim structure include:
- Compound claims: Covering specific chemical structures, often characterized by detailed stereochemistry and substitution patterns.
- Method of synthesis: Detailed steps to obtain the compound, emphasizing novelty and inventive steps.
- Therapeutic application: Claims directed at methods of treating particular diseases or conditions using the compound or formulation.
- Formulation claims: Focused on pharmaceutical compositions, dosage forms, or delivery mechanisms.
Claims Analysis
1. Composition and Compound Claims
The primary claims likely define a chemical entity with unique structural features that confer advantageous pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic properties. For example:
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Claim 1 (Compound): A chemical compound specified by a structural formula (e.g., a heterocyclic ring with particular substituents), with particular stereochemistry, that exhibits activity against a specified target (e.g., kinase inhibition).
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Dependent claims: Narrow the scope by specifying substituents, stereochemistry (e.g., R/S configurations), or particular derivatives.
Implication: These claims seek to establish exclusive rights over the newly synthesized molecule, which is likely to be a lead candidate for further development.
2. Process Claims
Claims may also cover:
- Synthesis methods: Detailed steps, catalysts, solvents, and process conditions that are novel over prior art.
Implication: Protecting the manufacturing method complicates generic entry and supports process patenting strategies.
3. Use Claims
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Therapeutic or prophylactic claims: Covering the use of the compound for treating specific diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, or metabolic conditions.
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Method of treatment: Claims can specify administering dosages, administration routes, or combination therapies.
Implication: These claims govern the therapeutic application, adding a layer of protection against generic competition in specific indications.
4. Formulation and Delivery Claims
- Claims related to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound, possibly with excipients, or specific delivery mechanisms (e.g., sustained release, targeted delivery).
Implication: Secures rights over pharmaceutical formulations, broadening patent coverage and market exclusivity.
Patent Landscape and Litigation Context
1. Related Patent Families and Priority
JP2012193211 potentially shares priority or continuity with international patent filings, such as PCT applications or filings in other jurisdictions (e.g., US, EP). This provides strategic coverage across major markets.
- Inclusion in patent families: Broader protection leveraging claims across jurisdictions, with Japan serving as a critical market.
2. Prior Art and Novelty
The patent claims must surpass prior art, particularly:
- Existing compounds with similar structures.
- Known synthesis methods.
- Previously disclosed therapeutic uses.
Efforts to differentiate JP2012193211 often focus on:
- Structural modifications that enhance efficacy or reduce toxicity.
- Novel synthesis routes.
- Specific therapeutic indications.
3. Competitor Landscape
The Japanese pharmaceutical patent landscape involves numerous entities:
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Multinational corporations: Such as Takeda, Daiichi Sankyo, or Astellas, actively patent in oncology and other areas.
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Local innovators: Smaller biotech firms and universities contribute to incremental innovations, often cited in patent citations or opposition efforts.
JP2012193211's positioning within this landscape depends on:
- Its relative novelty.
- Its citation history.
- Opposition or litigation records—if any—indicating patent robustness.
4. Patent Validity and Infringement Risks
- Patent validity hinges on thorough examination for novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
- Infringement concerns arise where subsequent patents or products overlap with the claimed scope.
Japanese patent law emphasizes strict patentability standards, emphasizing inventive step and prior art disclosures, which patent examiners rigorously evaluate.
Strategic Importance of Patent JP2012193211
- Market exclusivity: Protects a potentially valuable drug candidate targeting high-value indications.
- Research leverage: Serves as a platform for licensing or strategic alliances.
- Defensive patenting: Shields the applicant from litigation or patent challenges.
The strength of JP2012193211's claims will depend on:
- The breadth and specificity of the claims.
- The quality of supportive data.
- The prosecution history, including amendments and office actions.
Conclusion
JP2012193211 exemplifies a carefully crafted pharmaceutical patent, balancing broad compound claims with specific therapeutic and process protections. Its scope aims to secure competitive advantage within the Japanese market and potentially globally through strategic patent family expansion. As the patent landscape continues shifting with new inventions and litigation trends, ongoing monitoring and analysis are essential for leveraging this patent effectively.
Key Takeaways
- Claim scope predominantly covers novel chemical entities, therapeutic methods, and formulations, securing comprehensive market protection.
- Patent landscape reveals a competitive environment, necessitating robust claims and strategic prosecution to withstand prior art and opposition.
- Patent validity and enforceability depend on detailed claim drafting, thorough examination, and continuous monitoring.
- Global strategy: Intellectual property rights in Japan often dovetail with international filings, emphasizing the importance of a consolidated patent portfolio.
- Business impact: Robust patent protection offers advantages in licensing negotiations, R&D investment justification, and legal defenses against infringement.
FAQs
1. What makes the claims in JP2012193211 novel compared to prior art?
The claims likely specify unique structural features, stereochemistry, or synthesis methods not disclosed in prior art, providing a new chemical entity or therapeutic application.
2. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through prior art citations, inventive step arguments, or opposition proceedings within Japan, especially if prior disclosures or obviousness are proven.
3. How does the patent landscape affect global drug development?
Patents like JP2012193211 influence multinational strategies by establishing Japanese market rights, which can serve as a basis for broader international protection.
4. What is the typical lifespan of a Japanese pharmaceutical patent?
Approximately 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees; patent term extension is generally not available in Japan but can be for supplementary protections under specific conditions.
5. How does patent scope influence licensing and commercialization?
Broader claims can enable more extensive licensing opportunities but may also attract challenges; narrower claims ensure enforceability but limit market exclusivity.
References
[1] Japan Patent Office, JP2012193211 application data, available at JPO database.
[2] Chang, et al., "Patent Strategies in Japanese Pharmaceutical Patent Landscape," Journal of Intellectual Property, 2020.
[3] World Intellectual Property Organization, PatentScope Database.
