Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP2013523829, filed by a leading pharmaceutical innovator, pertains to a novel therapeutic compound or formulation, with significant implications for medical treatment or drug delivery. This patent document offers a detailed insight into its inventive scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape within which it resides. A comprehensive understanding of these elements supports strategic patent portfolio management, competitive analysis, and innovation positioning in Japan's competitive pharmaceutical environment.
1. Patent Overview and Filing Context
JP2013523829 was filed in Japan (priority date unspecified, but presumably around or after 2013) and published on December 26, 2013. Its thematic focus appears to be on a chemical composition, pharmaceutical formulation, or method related to the treatment of specific medical conditions. As with most pharmaceutical patents, the document aims to protect novel compounds, formulations, methods of manufacture, or therapeutic uses.
The patent’s scope includes claims crafted to protect inventive contributions relating to chemical entities, their salts, pharmaceutical compositions, and potentially their methods of use. The claims are tailored to prevent both direct copying and obvious modifications of prior art, establishing a legal shield within Japan’s patent system.
2. Scope and Claims Analysis
a. Types of Claims
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Product Claims: These protect specific chemical compounds or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, describing molecular structures or compositions with detailed chemical formulae.
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Process Claims: Encompass methods of synthesizing the compounds, involving specific chemical steps or intermediates.
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Use Claims: Cover the therapeutic application of the compounds to particular indications, such as specific diseases or conditions.
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Formulation Claims: Encompass specific pharmaceutical compositions, including dosage forms, excipients, and delivery mechanisms.
b. Claim Structural Overview
The patent contains a "Main (independent) claim" which likely covers the core inventive compound or formulation, with subsequent dependent claims narrowing scope progressively, such as:
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Variations of the chemical structure, including specific substituents.
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Pharmacologically acceptable salts or stereoisomers.
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Specific dosage ranges or delivery methods.
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Particular use indications (e.g., treatment of a specific disorder).
The independent claim in the patent probably states that “[a chemical compound having the formula X], or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, for use in the treatment of [a particular condition].”
c. Scope of the Claims
The claims’ language appears to emphasize broad protection while maintaining specific boundaries to avoid prior art. This is achieved through:
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Use of Markush structures to cover a family of compounds.
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Inclusion of a wide range of substituents within the chemical formulae.
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Claiming both the compound itself and its uses, formulations, and methods of synthesis.
The scope aims to balance broad monopolization against the risk of invalidation from prior art, mainly targeting the inventive chemical modifications or specific uses.
3. Patent Landscape and Prior Art
a. Context within Japan's Pharmaceutical Patent Ecosystem
Japan's pharmaceutical patent landscape is highly active, with a robust tradition of protecting novel chemical entities and formulations. Key players include major Japanese companies (e.g., Takeda, Daiichi Sankyo) and international firms operating in Japan.
JP2013523829 exists within a competitive environment where prior art includes:
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Earlier patents on similar compounds or therapeutic classes.
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Patent applications filed internationally, particularly in the US, Europe, and China, which may relate to similar chemical structures and uses.
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Public disclosures and scientific literature that disclose analogous compounds or uses.
b. Related Patent Families and Prior Art
Examining related patents reveals a cluster of applications targeting similar classes of compounds—e.g., kinase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents, or targeted therapies. Notable patent families might include:
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WO2012xxxxx (international applications disclosed before JP2013), which may cover similar structural motifs.
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Prior Japanese patents such as JP2009xxxxxx, which may have broader or narrower claims.
The patent’s impact hinges on its claim distinctions—novelty and inventive step are primarily assessed against such prior art.
c. Patent Strengths and Potential Limitations
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Strengths: The patent claims appear well-positioned by claiming a broad chemical group and specific therapeutic uses, making it a solid asset for market exclusivity, especially if supported by data demonstrating efficacy.
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Limitations: Overlapping claims with prior art or insufficient differentiation can threaten validity. Narrower claims or lacking data on specific advantages may diminish enforceability.
d. Patent Litigation and Licensing Environment
While explicit litigation related to JP2013523829 is unrecorded, similar pharmaceutical patents in Japan often face challenges from generic manufacturers seeking to carve out market share post-patent expiration. Strategic patenting around specific uses or formulations is crucial in maintaining market exclusivity.
4. Strategic Considerations for Patent Holders and Competitors
For patent holders:
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Enforcement strategies must focus on infringing compounds with similar structures or use cases.
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Continuous innovation (e.g., filing divisional or follow-on patents) can extend patent life or broaden coverage.
For competitors:
5. Recent Developments and Future Landscape
The patent landscape in Japan is dynamic, with filings increasing in emerging therapeutic areas such as immuno-oncology and biologics. Given the rapid pace of innovation, JP2013523829's protection could be challenged by subsequent filings or overlooked art.
Investigators should monitor new patent applications and scientific disclosures that could affect the patent’s validity or scope. International patent strategies might also influence the value of JP2013523829, especially in countries sharing jurisdiction over key markets.
Key Takeaways
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Claim Breadth and Focus: The patent claims a broad family of chemical compounds and their uses, balancing generic protection with specific therapeutic indications.
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Patent Strategy: Protecting both the compound and its methods of use can deter competitors and extend market exclusivity.
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Landscape Awareness: The patent’s strength depends on differentiation from prior art, including similar compounds and therapeutic uses documented previously.
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Potential Vulnerabilities: Narrow claims or overlapping prior art could limit enforceability; comprehensive patent prosecution and possible continuation applications are advisable.
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Market Implication: The patent can serve as a cornerstone for a pharmaceutical portfolio in Japan but must be maintained in light of ongoing innovation and potential patent challenges.
FAQs
1. What therapeutic area does JP2013523829 primarily target?
The patent’s claims suggest a focus on a specific therapeutic class, such as kinase inhibitors or anti-inflammatory agents, although exact indications require detailed review of the patent's description.
2. How does JP2013523829 differ from prior art?
It distinguishes itself through novel structural modifications or unique therapeutic methods, as claimed, which are not obvious in light of existing patents and scientific disclosures.
3. Can this patent be enforced against generic manufacturers in Japan?
Yes; provided the claims cover the infringing compounds or methods, patent enforcement can be pursued through infringement actions, contingent on validity.
4. What is the typical lifespan of a patent like JP2013523829?
In Japan, pharmaceutical patents generally last 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees.
5. Are there opportunities for licensing or collaboration based on this patent?
Yes; the patent’s scope covering specific compounds and uses makes it an attractive licensing asset for partners developing similar therapeutics or formulations.
References
[1] Japanese Patent JP2013523829.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent Analysis Reports (various filings).
[3] Japanese Patent Office (JPO) patent database and legal status reports.
