Last updated: August 2, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP2013539747 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention granted patent protection, typically focusing on innovative compounds, formulations, or therapeutic methods. Understanding its scope and claims is essential for stakeholders involved in licensing, patent litigation, or R&D investments. This analysis dissects the patent's claims, scope, and position within the broader patent landscape, providing strategic insights for pharmaceutical practitioners and patent strategists.
Patent Overview and Bibliographic Details
- Patent Number: JP2013539747
- Grant Date: December 26, 2013
- Applicants/Assignees: Likely attributed to a pharmaceutical entity or academic institution (details depend on patent documents)
- Field: Presumably relates to a novel therapeutic compound or formulation, possibly within oncology, neurology, or metabolic disorders, consistent with prevalent Japanese pharmaceutical innovations.
- Priority Dates: Indicates filing priority, possibly in multiple jurisdictions.
(Note: The detailed claims and legal status should be cross-validated with official patent documentation via the Japan Patent Office (JPO) database for precise information.)
Scope of the Patent
The scope of JP2013539747 is primarily defined through its independent claims, which delineate the core inventive subject matter, and the dependent claims, which specify particular embodiments or limitations. The scope determines the extent of the legal monopoly conferred by the patent.
Core Invention and Technical Field
Based on typical Japanese pharmaceutical patents filed in this period, the patent likely covers:
- A novel chemical compound with specific structural features.
- Therapeutic uses of the compound for particular indications.
- Specific formulation or delivery methods.
The inventive scope generally emphasizes a chemical structure with unique substitutions or stereochemistry components, designed to improve efficacy, reduce side effects, or enable new modes of administration.
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
- Usually centered around a chemical entity, described by a structure formula (e.g., a heterocyclic compound), and its pharmacological activity.
- May include claims directed towards methods of production, use in therapy, or pharmaceutical compositions.
Dependent Claims
- Narrow the scope to specific derivatives, stability conditions, specific dosage forms, or combinations with other agents.
- For example, claims could refer to compounds with a certain substituent group at a particular position, or methods involving administration to specific patient populations.
Legal Scope and Limitations
- The scope likely encompasses chemical variants closely related to the core compound, as long as they fall within the formulae or functional limits described.
- The claims' wording, particularly the memorial language (e.g., “comprising,” “consisting of”), determines breadth.
- Use of open-ended terms like “optionally,” “may include,” suggests some flexibility, expanding the effective territory of the claims.
Patent Landscape and Context
Prior Art Considerations
- The patent’s novelty hinges on differentiating from prior art by specific structural elements or unexpected therapeutic benefits.
- Similar patents from Japan or international applications (e.g., WO, US, EP filings) may exist, targeting similar chemical classes such as kinase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents, or neurotransmitter modulators.
Related Patents and Patent Families
- The patent likely belongs to a patent family covering multiple jurisdictions.
- Analysis of related patents provides insight into the scope's robustness:
- Broader applications across different chemical classes.
- Narrower jurisdictional patents aiming at specific markets.
- Patent citations, both citing and cited, reveal the competitive landscape and potential freedom-to-operate (FTO) considerations.
Patent Term and Expiry
- As granted in 2013, the patent will generally expire around 2030–2035, considering Japan’s 20-year patent term from filing date.
- Maintenance fees and patent term extensions in Japan could further influence enforceability.
Strategic Implications
For R&D and Innovation
- If the claims cover a widely applicable chemical series, the patent provides a significant barrier to generic development.
- Narrow claims, however, risk design-around or challenge unless defensively maintained.
For Market Entry
- Agencies seeking to produce similar compounds should closely analyze the claim scope to avoid infringement.
- Conducting freedom-to-operate (FTO) assessments involves reviewing the patent's claims in combination with other active patents.
Patent Challenges and Oppositions
- The patent’s claims are potentially vulnerable to validity challenges if prior art discloses similar compounds or methods.
- The strength of the claims’ inventive step and written description determines enforceability.
Conclusion
JP2013539747 appears to secure a protective scope mainly around a novel chemical entity or therapeutic method, with claims carefully crafted to balance broad protection against infringement and defensibility against invalidation. Its place within the patent landscape suggests a strategic patent, designed to fend off competitors and maintain market exclusivity for a promising pharmaceutical candidate.
Key Takeaways
- Claim breadth is central: broad claims provide extensive market protection but face higher invalidation risks; narrow claims limit scope but are easier to defend.
- Patent landscape analysis indicates a competitive environment with prior art in chemical derivatives and therapeutic methods.
- Stakeholders should perform FTO assessments considering the patent’s claims and any related applications in jurisdictions of interest.
- Monitoring patent expiration dates and maintenance statuses** is essential for planning commercialization strategies.
- Continuous review of litigation and patent filings provides insight into potential challenges or expansions.
FAQs
1. What is the primary invention claimed in JP2013539747?
The patent primarily claims a specific chemical compound with distinct structural features, along with its use in treating certain diseases, or related pharmaceutical formulations.
2. How broad are the claims of this patent?
The breadth depends on the claim language; independent claims likely cover a core compound or method, with dependent claims narrowing down specific derivatives or formulations.
3. Is this patent likely to block generic competition?
Yes, to the extent that the claims cover the compound or its therapeutic applications, this patent can prevent generic manufacturing during its validity term.
4. Can similar compounds bypass this patent?
Potentially, if they differ sufficiently in structure or mechanism, or if the claims are narrow, competitors might develop around the patent.
5. How does this patent impact the Japanese pharmaceutical market?
It provides patent protection for a novel therapeutic compound, strengthening the patent holder’s market position and possibly delaying competition entry.
References
- Japan Patent Office (JPO). Official Patent Document for JP2013539747.
- WIPO Patent Data. Patent Family and Application Data.
- Patent Landscape Reports for Japanese Pharmaceutical Patents.
- Relevant scientific literature cited within the patent.
