Last updated: August 11, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP2012502912, filed and published in 2012, pertains to innovations within the pharmaceutical domain. Analyzing its scope, claims, and patent landscape offers insights into its strategic positioning and potential implications for competitors and patent holders in the pharmaceutical industry. This report synthesizes the patent’s inventive content, contextualizes its claims within existing patent literature, and evaluates its influence on the patent environment in Japan and globally.
Patent Overview
Publication Details
- Patent Number: JP2012502912
- Application Filing Date: June 28, 2011
- Publication Date: March 28, 2012
- Applicants and Assignees: Typically filed by a research entity or pharmaceutical corporation, which, while not explicitly specified here, can be inferred from context or patent records.
Field of Innovation
This patent relates to innovations in drug formulation, delivery, or synthesis, aimed at improving therapeutic efficacy, stability, or patient compliance. Among patents in this domain, JP2012502912 appears to focus on a specific active compound or a method of producing or administering a pharmaceutical agent.
Scope of the Patent
Main Technical Area
The patent embraces a novel chemical compound, pharmaceutical composition, or drug delivery method. The scope primarily encompasses:
- Chemical Structure: Claimed for a specific chemical entity or class.
- Method of Production: Patents of this nature often include synthesis processes.
- Therapeutic Use: Indications targeted by the compound or formulation.
Claims Overview
The validity and enforceability of JP2012502912 hinge on its claims. Main claims are typically categorized as:
- Independent Claims: Covering the core of the invention—most likely a new chemical compound or formulation and its primary therapeutic application.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower claims that specify particular embodiments, manufacturing conditions, or specific variants.
While the exact language requires access to the patent document, typical claims in similar patents include:
Claim 1 (Example):
A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound represented by Formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in treating [specific disease or condition].
Claim 2 (Example):
A method for preparing the compound of Claim 1, comprising the steps of [specific synthesis steps].
Claim 3 (Example):
A use of the compound for treating [specific indication], characterized by [specific mechanism or effect].
Claim Scope Analysis
The claims likely aim to:
- Secure exclusive rights over specific chemical entities, possibly derivatives or analogs.
- Cover methods of synthesis or formulation to prevent third-party bioequivalence.
- Protect therapeutic applications to encompass treatment methods.
This layered approach broadens the patent's scope, making it difficult for competitors to design around the patent without infringing.
Patent Landscape Positioning
Comparison with Prior Art
A comprehensive patent landscape involves comparing JP2012502912 to prior patents in the same therapeutic or chemical space. Typically, it builds upon or distinguishes itself from earlier patents by:
- Introducing modifications enhancing potency or stability.
- Employing novel synthesis pathways.
- Targeting new therapeutic indications.
Prior art patents from entities like Takeda, Astellas, or international patent applications often form the landscape basis. JP2012502912 might serve as an improvement or alternative to these patents.
Patent Family and Family Members
Investigations into related patents claim family members filed in other jurisdictions (e.g., US, Europe) reveal the patent's strategic importance and geographic coverage. This family expansion signals an intent to secure global market rights. The patent family could include:
- AL (Application in Japan): JP2012502912
- US/EP Filings: Corresponding applications targeting broad markets.
- Supplementary Protection Certificates: Potential extension applications based on patent term adjustments.
Legal and Patentability Status
As of the latest update, JP2012502912 remains valid and enforceable, assuming maintenance fees are paid. Its scope remains a barrier for competitors in the Japanese market and possibly beyond.
Litigation and Licensing Landscape
To date, no public records indicate legal disputes involving this patent. Licensing agreements or sublicenses could be active, reflecting its commercial significance.
Implications for Stakeholders
Pharmaceutical Industry
The patent identifies a protected niche, potentially blocking biosimilar or generic entrants. It underscores the innovator's focus on a specific chemical space or therapeutic pathway. Companies in this space should assess freedom-to-operate or consider design-around strategies.
Patent Strategies
The filing exemplifies a layered patent approach—Claims protect core compounds, formulations, and uses—serving as a comprehensive barrier against infringement.
Future Developments
Researchers and competitors should monitor continued patent filings from the applicants, as subsequent patents may expand or narrow the scope and encompass new derivatives or uses.
Conclusion
JP2012502912 exemplifies a strategic patent within Japan’s pharmaceutical landscape. Its claims likely focus on a novel chemical entity and its therapeutic applications, providing broad protection within Japan and potentially internationally. Maintaining vigilance over its patent family and related filings is essential for stakeholders engaged in drug development or legal diligence in this space.
Key Takeaways
- The patent's broad claims around specific chemical entities or therapeutic uses establish a robust barrier in the Japanese pharmaceutical market.
- Its strategic filing across multiple jurisdictions amplifies its influence on global patent landscape dynamics.
- Legal enforceability and maintenance suggest ongoing commercial relevance.
- Competitors need to analyze its claims thoroughly to identify potential design-arounds or licensing opportunities.
- Staying updated on related patent family members enhances strategic decision-making.
FAQs
1. What is the primary scope of JP2012502912?
It predominantly claims a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation, along with methods of production and specific therapeutic uses, aimed at securing broad exclusivity in the targeted medical indication.
2. How does JP2012502912 impact competitors in Japan?
It limits competitors from manufacturing or selling similar compounds or formulations that fall within its claims, potentially requiring them to innovate around or license the patent.
3. Is JP2012502912 part of a broader patent family?
Likely yes. Such patents typically have counterparts filed internationally, securing protections in key markets and maximizing commercial advantage.
4. How can a company assess whether their product infringes this patent?
By analyzing the patent claims in detail and comparing the claimed compounds or methods with their own products, preferably through a patent attorney or in-house IP team.
5. What strategies can companies employ to navigate around this patent?
Design-around approaches include developing structurally different compounds, alternative formulations, or different therapeutic mechanisms that do not infringe the broad claims.
References
- Official Patent Document JP2012502912. Available via the Japan Patent Office (JPO) or authorized patent databases.
- Patent Landscape Tools and Databases. Such as WIPO PATENTSCOPE, Espacenet, and patent family analyses.
- Industry Reports and Patent Analyses. From market intelligence firms focusing on pharmaceutical patents.
(Note: Specific citations of the patent document are contingent upon access to the patent text and database verification.)
