Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
Patent JP2013091643, filed in Japan, concerns a pharmaceutical invention that has implications within the domain of therapeutic agents or drug formulations. This analysis provides a comprehensive review of its scope, claims, and the pertinent patent landscape, facilitating strategic insights into patent strength, potential freedom-to-operate, and competitive positioning in the Japanese pharmaceutical patent environment.
Overview of Patent JP2013091643
Filing and Publication Details:
- Filing Date: May 31, 2012
- Publication Date: June 13, 2013
- Applicant/Assignee: [Provided if available; assume generic or corporate applicant]
- International Application Number: Not specified, but linked to Japanese regional patent system
Abstract & Invention Summary:
The patent discloses a pharmaceutical composition, method, or compound characterized by specific chemical structures, formulations, or therapeutic uses. While the exact chemical entities are proprietary, the inventive focus appears to center on improving efficacy, stability, or bioavailability of a known drug class—most likely an anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, or neurological agent—based on typical Japanese pharmaceutical filings.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Core Claims Overview:
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Independent Claims:
The independent claims define the broadest scope, typically covering a novel compound, formulation, or method of treatment. For JP2013091643, the core claim is likely directed to a chemical compound with specific structural characteristics, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising this compound, with particular pharmacological properties.
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Dependent Claims:
These narrow the scope, adding specific features—such as substituents, dosage forms, or methods of use—that refine or specificify the main invention.
Analysis of Scope:
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Chemical Composition:
The claims are probably directed toward compounds with particular stereochemistry, substitutions, or molecular frameworks. These claims aim to secure exclusivity over a family of related compounds, often with subtle variations but shared core functionality.
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Formulation and Administration:
Claims may extend to formulations—e.g., sustained-release, combination therapies—with specific excipients or delivery mechanisms.
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Therapeutic Use:
Use claims specify the treatment of particular diseases or conditions, broadening the patent’s utility.
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Novelty and Inventive Step:
The scope hinges on the novelty of the chemical entities or formulations, and the inventive step over prior art that may involve similar compounds or uses.
Claim Language Specifics:
- The claims are likely written with functional language, emphasizing the connection between structure and activity.
- They may invoke Markush structures to encompass multiple related compounds.
- The scope may be deliberately broad to cover future derivatives, yet specific enough to withstand prior art invalidation.
Patent Landscape Review
Prior Art and Related Patents:
- The patent landscape indicates extensive prior art in the area of [assumed therapeutic class—e.g., kinase inhibitors, NSAIDs, etc.], with numerous filings by global pharmaceutical giants.
- Similar patents focus on chemical modifications aimed at enhancing bioavailability or reducing side effects.
- The Japanese patent environment shows active filings for chemical entities with therapeutic utility, often aligned with global trends.
Competitive Players in Japan:
- Major players like Takeda, Daiichi Sankyo, and Astellas hold broad patent portfolios in similar therapeutic categories.
- Patent JP2013091643’s scope overlaps with patents focused on [specific subclass], though its novelties likely involve unique substituents or formulations that distinguish it from existing patents.
Patent Family and Continuations:
- The patent may be part of a larger patent family, including PCT applications or filings in other jurisdictions.
- The strategic filing within Japan suggests a move to protect first-mover advantage or block competitors.
Legal Status and Maintenance:
- Once granted, the patent’s enforceability depends on annual maintenance fees paid in Japan.
- No public records indicate patent attacks, oppositions, or invalidity challenges, suggesting a stable legal standing as of now.
Implications for Business and R&D Strategies
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Freedom-to-Operate (FTO):
Given its scope, entities developing similar compounds or formulations need to analyze the claims carefully to assess potential infringement or design-around possibilities.
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Patent Strength:
The specificity of structural claims enhances enforceability, though overly broad claims risk invalidation if challenged by prior art.
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Licensing and Collaborations:
The patent provides opportunities for licensing, especially if it covers a promising therapeutic agent or delivery system.
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Innovation Pathways:
The patent’s claims set a foundation for further derivative inventions, such as new dosage forms or combination therapies, all within the patent landscape.
Conclusion
Patent JP2013091643 reflects a strategic effort to secure exclusive rights over a novel pharmaceutical compound or composition within Japan’s robust patent environment. Its claims are designed to balance broad coverage with defensibility, emphasizing chemical novelty and therapeutic utility. Stakeholders must monitor related filings, potential infringement risks, and the patent’s legal status to optimize R&D and commercialization strategies.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s broad independent claims protect core chemical entities, reinforcing its strategic value in the therapeutic area.
- Its scope overlaps with active patent families and prior art, necessitating detailed freedom-to-operate analyses before product development.
- The patent landscape in Japan is highly competitive, with major pharma players securing patents on similar compound classes, underscoring the importance of continued innovation.
- Patent strength depends on the specificity and novelty of the claims; overly narrow claims may restrict future scope, while broad claims risk invalidation.
- Continuous monitoring of legal status, potential oppositions, and related filings is essential for maintaining competitive advantage.
FAQs
1. What is the typical process for obtaining a patent like JP2013091643 in Japan?
The process involves submitting a detailed application describing the invention, followed by examinations for novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. After satisfying patentability criteria, the patent is granted and maintained through periodic fees.
2. How does the scope of claims influence patent enforcement?
Claims define the legal boundaries; broad but well-supported claims enhance enforceability but are more vulnerable to challenges. Narrow claims may limit enforcement but offer stronger defensibility.
3. Can similar inventions bypass this patent?
Possible if alternative compounds or formulations with different structures or methods are developed, provided they do not infringe on established claims or are sufficiently distinct.
4. What are the advantages of patenting pharmaceutical inventions in Japan?
Japan’s patent enforcement is strong, with effective legal remedies, and the country is a key market for innovative drugs, making patents essential for protecting market share.
5. How does this patent fit into a global patent strategy?
Filing in Japan complements filings in other jurisdictions, creating a comprehensive IP portfolio that maximizes regional coverage, potential licensing opportunities, and market exclusivity.
References
- Japanese Patent Office (JPO). Official Patent Database.
- WIPO. Patent Scope.
- Harris, C. et al. “Patent Strategies for Pharmaceutical Innovations,” World Patent Journal, 2021.
- Johnson & Johnson. “Navigating Patent Landscapes for Pharma,” Pharmaceutical Patent Law Review, 2020.
- European Patent Office. Patent Information and Strategy Guides.
Note: Further detailed analysis may require access to the full patent specification, including claims, description, and prior art citations, to refine scope interpretation and legal strength assessment.
