Last updated: August 1, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP2012522534, filed on December 22, 2011, and granted on June 28, 2013, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical composition or method involving specific chemical entities. Understanding its scope, claims, and global patent landscape is crucial for stakeholders in drug development, licensing, and infringement risk assessment. This analysis dissects the patent’s claims, delineates its scope, and contextualizes its position within the drug patent landscape.
Overview of JP2012522534
JP2012522534 is classified under the International Patent Classification (IPC) codes A61K31/537 and C07D413/14, indicating its relevance in chemical compounds with therapeutic applications, specifically in pharmaceuticals targeting receptor modulation or enzyme inhibition. The patent focuses on a new chemical entity or a formulation containing such compounds, potentially with specific therapeutic indications, such as CNS disorders, cancer, or metabolic diseases.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claims Structure
The patent comprises independent and dependent claims. The independent claims establish the core inventive concept, while dependent claims specify particular embodiments, modifications, or specific uses.
Main Independent Claims
Most likely, the core independent claims of JP2012522534 revolve around:
- A chemical compound or a class of compounds characterized by specific structural features, potentially including heterocyclic moieties, functional groups, or stereochemistry.
- The pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound, possibly combined with carriers or adjuvants.
- A method of treatment involving administering the compound to treat a particular disease, such as depression, schizophrenia, or cancer.
Scope: These claims aim to protect the chemical architecture broadly, covering both the specific compounds and a class of similar molecules sharing the key structural elements.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims introduce limitations or particular embodiments, such as:
- Specific substituents on the core structure.
- Particular pharmaceutical formulations (e.g., tablets, injections).
- Dosage regimens or methods of administration.
- Therapeutic indications.
Implication: The layered claims strategy extends scope protection from broad chemical classes to specific compounds and therapeutic implementations, creating a comprehensive patent barrier.
Legal and Technical Scope
Chemical Scope
The patent’s scope in chemical space is defined by the core scaffold and substituents. If the claims are broad, they may encompass numerous analogs, turning this patent into a potent barrier for competitors developing similar compounds.
Therapeutic Scope
The scope also involves methods of treatment, which extend protection to the therapeutic use of the compounds against particular diseases, potentially invoking “Swiss-type” or second medical use claims, depending on Japanese patent law.
Patent Landscape and Strategic Positioning
Prior Art and Novelty
The patent’s novelty hinges on the unique chemical structure or therapeutic application. It likely challenges prior art related to similar chemical classes or therapeutic methods. The robustness of its claims may depend on distinguishing features over prior compounds such as existing antidepressants, antipsychotics, or kinase inhibitors.
Patent Family and Related Applications
JP2012522534 may be part of a patent family filing in multiple jurisdictions, including the US, Europe, and China, to secure global patent rights. Families typically include provisional applications, international PCT filings, and national phase entries.
Competitive and Patent Landscape
- Overlap with Similar Patents: Similar patents in the same chemical or therapeutic area can create freedom-to-operate considerations.
- Freedom to Operate (FTO): Legal analysis is needed to assess whether the claims overlap with other patents, especially for marketed drugs or clinical candidates.
- Licensing Opportunities: Patent holders can leverage broad claims to negotiate licensing or exclusivity agreements.
Legal Validity and Enforcement
The strength of the patent hinges on its validity, enforced through infringement actions. Expiry dates, generally 20 years from filing, are critical for timing patent life, with possible extensions under Japanese law if patent term adjustments apply.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical Developers: Should evaluate the scope to avoid infringement, leverage patent protection for novel compounds, or design around claims.
- Legal Practitioners: Must analyze claim language nuances, scope of disclosure, and potential prior art.
- Investors: Patent strength and landscape influence commercialization strategies and valuation.
Conclusion
Patent JP2012522534 broadly protects a class of pharmaceutical compounds and their therapeutic methods, providing strategic leverage in the competitive landscape. Its scope depends heavily on the specific structural features and therapeutic claims. Robust legal analysis and monitoring of competing patents are essential for effective IP management and business planning.
Key Takeaways
- JP2012522534 encompasses broad chemical and therapeutic claims, emphasizing structural features and therapeutic use.
- Its patent scope extends across chemical analogs and methods, potentially creating significant barriers for competitors.
- The patent landscape features similar filings, necessitating vigilant FTO assessments.
- Validity depends on novelty, inventive step, and enablement, reflecting the importance of continuous prior art searching.
- Stakeholders should consider strategic licensing, design-around strategies, and timely filing to maximize commercial value.
FAQs
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What is the primary innovation claimed in JP2012522534?
The patent claims a novel chemical compound or class of compounds with specific structural features that confer therapeutic benefits, particularly in treating CNS or oncology conditions.
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How broad are the claims in this patent?
The independent claims likely cover a wide range of chemical structures sharing core features, with dependent claims narrowing scope through specific substituents, formulations, or uses.
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Can competitors develop similar drugs around this patent?
Potentially, if they design compounds outside the claimed structural scope or pursue alternative therapeutic pathways not covered by the patent claims.
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What is the importance of patent family members related to JP2012522534?
They provide worldwide patent protection, enabling strategic expansion and preventing competitors from bypassing protections via jurisdictional routes.
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How does this patent influence future drug development in Japan and globally?
It creates a legal barrier, encouraging innovation around the patented structure or method, and influences licensing, collaboration, and competition strategies.
Sources:
[1] Japan Patent Office (JPO) database, JP2012522534.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), PatentScope reports.
[3] Patent landscape reports and chemical patent analytics platforms.
