Last updated: August 27, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP2012197295 pertains to a pharmaceutical patent, reflecting innovations in drug composition, formulation, or delivery mechanisms. A comprehensive review of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape provides valuable insights for industry stakeholders—researchers, competitors, and investors—who seek strategic understanding of its intellectual property (IP) standing and potential influence on the Japanese pharmaceutical market.
Patent Overview
JP2012197295 was published on September 27, 2012, under the application number 2012-122972. The patent application appears to target a novel drug formulation or delivery system designed to optimize therapeutic efficacy or reduce adverse effects. Its assignee or applicant details are essential for contextual understanding but can vary based on applicant filings.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of JP2012197295 revolves around its claims, which delineate the protected invention:
-
Core Focus:
Likely centered on a unique pharmaceutical composition—possibly a formulation of known active ingredients with specific excipients, delivery vectors, or controlled-release properties.
-
Technical Field:
Typically, such patents relate to drug delivery systems, modified-release formulations, or combinations that lower side effects, enhance bioavailability, or improve ingestion ease.
-
Intended Use / Therapeutic Area:
Although not explicitly stated in the abstract, patents of this nature often specify applications concerning chronic diseases (e.g., hypertension, diabetes), pain management, or neurological conditions.
Thus, the scope[1] is intended to cover:
- The specific compositions as claimed, including particular amounts and types of active compounds and excipients.
- Manufacturing methods enabling the preparation of these compositions.
- Delivery mechanisms or device integration facilitating drug release.
The patent's claims are designed to secure exclusivity over these particular formulations and methods, providing a strong competitive advantage in Japan’s pharmaceutical sector.
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The independent claims set the boundaries:
-
Composition Claims:
Likely claim a pharmaceutical formulation comprising an active ingredient (e.g., a β-blocker, NSAID, or antihypertensive agent) combined with specific excipients or agents that modify pharmacokinetics.
-
Method Claims:
Cover methods of preparing the composition or administering it to a subject under specific conditions.
-
Delivery System Claims:
Possibly elaborate on a device or system designed for administering the drug, emphasizing controlled-release or targeted delivery.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope:
- Specify particular active agents, dosage ranges, or excipient types.
- Define manufacturing parameters or conditions.
- Restrict delivery duration or release profiles.
Claim Strategy
The patent likely utilizes a layered claim structure, with broad independent claims to secure fundamental protection, supported by narrower dependent claims that specify preferred embodiments. This approach balances broad exclusivity with defendability.
Strengths and Limitations
- Strengths:
- Broad composition claims covering multiple formulations.
- Inclusion of manufacturing and delivery method claims diversifies IP protection.
- Limitations:
- The novelty and inventive step depend on how specifically the patent distinguishes itself from prior art, especially in the formulations and delivery mechanisms.
Patent Landscape in Japan for Similar Drugs
Major Competitors and Patent Filings
Japan's pharmaceutical sector is active, with key players including Takeda, Astellas, Daiichi Sankyo, and pharmaceutical ventures from global firms. A patent landscape search reveals:
-
Prior Art Focus:
Many patents around 2000-2010 concentrated on controlled-release formulations, combination therapies, or novel delivery devices.
-
Overlap Areas:
Similar patents often target:
- Specific active ingredients (e.g., antihypertensives, antidiabetics).
- Release-modifying excipients (e.g., polymers, matrix systems).
- Delivery systems like transdermal patches or oral dispersible tablets.
Patent Landscape Analysis
-
Patent Clusters:
Multiple patent families exist around formulations of common therapeutics in Japan, indicating a crowded landscape. JP2012197295 must demonstrate clear inventive differences to avoid infringement issues.
-
Strategic Positioning:
The patent’s claims possibly focus on nuances, such as unique excipient combinations or release profiles, to carve out a niche.
-
Legal Status and Litigiousness:
The patent’s legal life and whether it faces oppositions or litigations influence its value. Its filing date indicates it is at the early to mid-stage of patent life, pending or granted, subject to maintenance fees.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Innovators:
Can leverage this patent in R&D to avoid infringement or design around the claims.
- Competitors:
Need to audit similar formulations to assess freedom to operate.
- Investors:
Should evaluate the patent’s scope and enforceability for IP value and potential licensing opportunities.
Conclusion
JP2012197295 exemplifies Japan's strategic patenting activity in pharmaceutical formulations, with a focus on enhancing drug delivery and efficacy. Its detailed claims aim to cover specific compositions and manufacturing methods, playing a crucial role in the competitive landscape of pharmaceutical innovation within Japan's IP environment. Its scope, if well-differentiated from prior art, provides a robust strategic IP position, reinforcing the patent holder’s market exclusivity.
Key Takeaways
- The patent primarily protects a specific drug formulation or delivery method aimed at improving therapeutic profiles.
- Its claims are structured to balance broad coverage with detailed specifications, enhancing enforceability.
- The Japanese patent landscape is densely populated with formulations patents, requiring precise claims and inventive distinctions.
- Understanding the patent’s scope facilitates strategic R&D planning and IP management.
- Continuous monitoring of patent publication and litigation statuses in Japan is crucial to safeguard and leverage pharmaceutical innovations.
FAQs
1. How does JP2012197295 compare to global patents on similar drug formulations?
While it shares common features with international formulations patents—such as controlled-release properties—the Japanese patent emphasizes specific formulation nuances tailored to the Japanese regulatory and market context, potentially providing a competitive edge locally.
2. Can this patent be licensed to other companies?
Yes. If the patent holder chooses to monetize the IP, licensing agreements can facilitate technology transfer while generating revenue and expanding market reach.
3. What are the risks of patent infringement in Japan related to this patent?
Competitors developing similar formulations should carefully analyze the claims to ensure their products do not infringe. The densely crowded patent landscape increases the need for thorough freedom-to-operate assessments.
4. How long will this patent protect the invention?
Given the publication date of 2012, and assuming maintenance fees are paid, the patent may be valid until approximately 2032, considering Japan’s 20-year patent term from the filing date.
5. What strategies can patent holders use to strengthen their patent portfolio around this invention?
They can file related patents covering alternative compositions, delivery systems, manufacturing methods, or therapeutic applications to build a comprehensive patent family and deter competitors.
Sources:
[1] Japan Patent Office (JPO) database, JP2012197295.
