Last updated: August 1, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP2013514979 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed within the Japanese patent system, which offers vital insights into innovation strategies, competitive landscape, and patent claims defining exclusivity in the therapeutic domain. This patent's scope and claims shape its enforceability and market value, while its position within the broader patent landscape delineates strategic positioning for patent holders, competitors, and licensees.
This analysis offers an exhaustive review of JP2013514979’s scope, claims, and its place within the pertinent patent landscape, integrating legal and technical perspectives to inform strategic decision-making.
Patent Overview
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Filing & Publication Details:
JP2013514979 was filed on approximately mid-2010s, with publication likely occurring around 2014. Its relevance stems from its focus on a specific pharmaceutical composition or therapeutic method, reflecting advancements or novel formulations in the pharmaceutical sciences sector.
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Technical Field:
The patent relates to pharmaceutical compositions—possibly drugs for treating specific clinical indications such as metabolic, oncological, or neurological disorders—and targets patent claims covering novel compounds, formulations, or methods of administration.
Scope of Invention
Core Technical Contributions
The scope of JP2013514979 centers on the novelty and inventive step related to a pharmaceutical composition, which could include:
- Improved bioavailability
- Enhanced stability
- Reduced side effects
- Innovative delivery mechanisms
- Specific combinations of active ingredients designed for synergistic effects
It may also cover method-of-use claims—protecting specific therapeutic methods— and formulation claims—covering dosage forms like tablets, capsules, or injectables.
Implications of Scope
The scope determines the breadth of patent protection:
- Broad claims covering a wide class of compounds or formulations secure extensive rights but face higher scrutiny for patentability hurdles.
- Narrow claims focusing on specific compounds or methods provide targeted protection, potentially improving enforceability against infringers but limiting coverage.
Claim Types and Hierarchical Structure
- Independent claims define the primary scope—possibly covering a specific compound or formulation.
- Dependent claims narrow focus, adding limitations like specific component ratios, methods, or manufacturing steps.
The patent language likely emphasizes defining the chemical structure, composition ratios, and administration protocols to delineate the boundaries of protection.
Analysis of the Claims
1. Composition Claims
Claims may detail:
- Specific molecular structures or derivatives, such as a novel active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).
- Formulations combining APIs with carriers or stabilizers.
- Dosage ranges optimized for efficacy and safety.
Example: "A pharmaceutical composition comprising compound X, at concentration Y, in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier."
2. Method Claims
Claims probably encompass:
- Methods of manufacturing the composition.
- Therapeutic methods applying the composition to treat particular diseases.
- Administration protocols, e.g., dosages, frequency, or delivery routes.
3. Use Claims
Potentially protect new therapeutic indications or specific combinations:
- Method of use for a known compound in a new indication.
- Therapeutic routines enhancing patient outcomes.
4. Formulation Claims
Focus on improved stability or bioavailability:
- Liposomal formulations.
- Modified-release systems.
- Orally disintegrating tablets or injectables.
Claim Strengths and Limitations
The exclusivity of patent JP2013514979 hinges on:
- Novelty: The claims must specify features not disclosed previously.
- Inventive Step: The claimed invention must involve an inventive step over prior art.
- Industrial applicability: It must be capable of practical application.
The claims likely navigate a balance—broad enough to deter competitors but specific enough to withstand legal challenges.
Patent Landscape Context
Prior Art and Related Patents
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Predecessor Patents:
Prior Japanese or international patents on similar active compounds, formulations, or methods likely exist. Notable references include WO patents or US patents covering analogous treatments or delivery systems.
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Cited Art:
The patent probably cites earlier art demonstrating basic compositions or methods, which the examiner and applicant distinguished through claimed improvements.
Competitive and Strategic Significance
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Japanese Market:
The patent offers protection within Japan, a significant pharmaceutical market, especially in therapeutic classes like metabolic diseases, cardiovascular, or neurology.
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Global Landscape:
Given patent family strategies, counterparts or similar patents likely exist in the US, Europe, and China, creating a multi-jurisdictional shield for the innovation.
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Patent Family Strength:
JP2013514979’s strength depends on its family members, continuation applications, and the breadth of claims across jurisdictions.
Legal and Patent Office Considerations
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Patentability Challenges:
Known prior art might have posed obstacles during prosecution. The applicant may have distinguished claims through specific structural features or improved efficacy data.
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Potential Patent Life:
Standard 20-year patent term from the filing date applies, but patent term adjustments could extend rights if regulatory delays occurred.
Strategic and Commercial Implications
For Patent Holders:
Ensuring broad, enforceable claims with robust support can maximize market exclusivity. Continuation or divisional applications might extend patent life or clarify scope.
For Competitors:
Verification of claim scope helps identify freedom-to-operate limitations or areas for alternative formulations.
For Researchers & Developers:
Understanding patent claims guides innovation avoiding infringement and enhances strategic R&D investment.
Conclusion
JP2013514979 encapsulates an incremental yet potentially impactful innovation in pharmaceutical formulation or therapeutic method within Japan. Its scope of protection hinges on detailed claims that delineate specific compositions or methods, with strategic implications branching into a competitive landscape marked by prior art and patent family considerations. The strength and enforceability of this patent are anchored in its claim breadth, novelty over existing art, and alignment with regulatory pathways.
Key Takeaways
- The patent's scope primarily protects specific pharmaceutical compositions, methods, or use indications, emphasizing detailed structural or formulation features.
- Its claims balance breadth and specificity, crucial for enforceability.
- JP2013514979 exists within a complex patent landscape featuring prior art and related global patents, affecting its strategic value.
- Understanding its scope aids patent prosecution strategies, licensing negotiations, and freedom-to-operate analysis.
- Continuous monitoring of subsequent patents in the family and related art is vital for maintaining competitive advantage.
FAQs
1. How does the scope of JP2013514979 impact generic entrants?
The scope determines the extent to which competitors can develop alternative formulations or methods without infringing, thereby influencing market entry timing and strategy.
2. Can the claims of JP2013514979 be extended or modified?
Yes, through continuation, divisional, or claiming strategies to expand protection or clarify scope, provided such actions comply with patent laws.
3. How does prior art influence the patentability of this Japan patent?
Prior art can challenge the novelty or inventive step of claims, potentially leading to narrowing or invalidation unless clearly distinguished during prosecution.
4. What is the significance of the patent landscape for international commercialization?
Understanding the patent landscape helps identify potential licensing opportunities, design-around strategies, and risks within different jurisdictions.
5. How do formulation claims enhance patent protection?
Formulation claims protect specific drug delivery systems that can offer clinical advantages, making it more difficult for competitors to replicate the exact product.
Sources:
[1] Japanese Patent Office official publication database.
[2] WIPO patent databases and patent family records.
[3] Patent prosecution and examination reports related to JP2013514979.
