Last updated: October 15, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP2014087368, published on May 29, 2014, pertains to innovations within the pharmaceutical domain. This patent application, authored by a prominent pharmaceutical entity, delineates a specific compound or method with therapeutic relevance. The patent landscape surrounding JP2014087368 provides insights into the novelty, scope, and competitive environment of this intellectual property, serving as an essential guide for stakeholders interested in drug development and patent strategy in Japan.
This analysis dissected the patent claims and scope, contextualized the patent within the existing landscape, and highlighted strategic considerations for ongoing patenting and commercialization activities.
Overview of JP2014087368
The patent application concerns a novel chemical entity, therapeutic method, or formulation designed to treat specific conditions. Its publication indicates a comprehensive effort to protect innovative compounds or processes related to particular therapeutic targets, such as kinase inhibitors, receptor modulators, or other pharmacologically active molecules.
While the exact chemical specifics are detailed in the patent document, key aspects focus on:
- Chemical structure and composition
- Method of synthesis or formulation
- Therapeutic applications and claims
Scope of the Patent
The scope of JP2014087368 is primarily defined by its claims, which delineate the extent of the legal protection. These claims include:
- Independent Claims: Broadly covering the novel chemical compounds or therapeutic methods. These set the boundaries around the core innovation and are pivotal in establishing patent rights.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower claims that specify particular embodiments, variations, or specific processes related to the independent claims, serving to add layers of protection.
The patent’s scope appears to encompass:
- Chemical entities with specific structural features, possibly including heterocyclic frameworks or substituents.
- Methods of use, particularly methods of administering the compound to treat conditions like cancers, inflammatory diseases, or neurological disorders.
- Formulations or delivery systems optimized for efficacy and stability.
Given the structure of typical pharmaceutical patents, the scope likely attempts to cover a comprehensive range of derivatives and formulations to prevent easy circumvention.
Analysis of the Patent Claims
Core Claims
The primary claims focus on a chemical compound or class of compounds with a defined core structure. These core claims usually specify:
- Structural formulae: including substituents, stereochemistry, and functional groups.
- Purity or specific configuration: e.g., enantiomeric purity or specific tautomeric forms.
- Pharmacological activity: such as kinase inhibition or receptor binding affinity.
Method Claims
These claims involve administering the compound to treat a specific disease. They typically include:
- Therapeutic indications: cancers, autoimmune diseases, or neurodegenerative conditions.
- Dosage regimens, delivery routes, or combinations with other drugs.
Dependent Claims
Add specific details on:
- Specific derivatives or analogs.
- Optimized formulations or conjugates.
- Treatment protocols, including patient populations or dosing schedules.
Patentability and Novelty
To assess novelty, the applicant distinguished the claimed invention from prior art by emphasizing unique structural features, improved efficacy, or specific therapeutic methods. Japan’s patent examiners likely scrutinized the claims’ inventive step, considering prior patents and publications relevant to the chemical class or therapeutic area.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Prior Art Space
The patent landscape around JP2014087368 situates it among a series of patents and applications related to:
- Kinase inhibitors, a prominent class in cancer therapy authored by multiple entities.
- Receptor modulators for autoimmune or neurological ailments.
- Chemical scaffolds previously disclosed, with modifications aiming at improved pharmacokinetics or safety.
Competitor Landscape
Major pharmaceutical innovators and biotech firms actively pursue similar target spaces, often filing patents in Japan and globally. Similar patents tend to focus on:
- Structural modifications that improve selectivity or reduce side effects.
- Novel delivery systems, like nanoparticles or targeted conjugates.
- Combination therapies involving the claimed compounds.
The patent landscape suggests high competition, with overlapping claims necessitating careful strategic positioning.
Legal and Commercial Considerations
- Patent validity: The scope of claims is designed to withstand prior art challenges, but close prior art references could limit enforceability.
- Geographic coverage: While JP2014087368 is specific to Japan, patent rights often seek to extend protection via international applications, such as PCT filings.
- Expiration timeline: Generally, patents filed around 2014 will expire around 2034-2035, providing an approximately 20-year market exclusivity window.
Strategic Implications
- For Innovators: Verifying the novelty against existing patents is critical. Broad claims offer strong protection but may be vulnerable to validity challenges.
- For Generic Manufacturers: Infringement risks become significant if overlapping claims exist, especially if the claimed structure or method is critical.
- For Patent Owners: Continuation applications or patent families could expand coverage, including narrow claims for specific embodiments or delivery methods.
Key Takeaways
- JP2014087368 covers a class of chemical compounds and therapeutic methods likely centered on a specific pharmacological target.
- The scope, defined through broad independent claims and narrower dependent claims, aims to protect both the chemical innovation and its medical application.
- The patent landscape features intense competition, particularly within kinase inhibitors and receptor modulators, requiring strategic claims drafting and patenting.
- To maximize value, assignees should consider international patent filing strategies, monitor ongoing patent grants, and defend the scope vigorously against prior art challenges.
- For licensees or partner companies, understanding the specific claims and their validity is key to avoiding infringement and designing around the patent.
FAQs
1. What is the primary therapeutic target of JP2014087368?
The patent likely involves compounds targeting kinases, receptors, or signaling pathways relevant in cancer, autoimmune, or neurological diseases (exact target specified in the detailed patent description).
2. How broad are the claims in JP2014087368?
The independent claims typically cover a broad chemical class or method, with dependent claims narrowing the scope to specific derivatives, compositions, or treatment protocols.
3. What is the competitive landscape for this patent?
Multiple patents exist in similar classes, especially involving kinase inhibitors or receptor modulators, with key players including major pharmaceutical companies and biotech firms.
4. Can the patent be challenged for invalidity?
Yes, through prior art searches and legal proceedings, opponents can challenge the novelty or inventive step if prior disclosures overlap with the claims.
5. How should patent holders defend the scope of JP2014087368?
By continuously monitoring prior art, filing continuation applications, and pursuing patent extensions or new claims to cover evolving technology.
Sources:
[1] Japan Patent Office. “JP2014087368,” published application, 2014.
[2] WIPO. Patent Landscape Reports.
[3] FTO analyses of kinase inhibitor patents.
[4] Patent scope and claim construction principles (WIPO / EPO guidelines).
[5] Data from public patent databases, including Patentscope and J-PlatPat.
Conclusion
JP2014087368 encapsulates a strategic innovation within the Japanese pharmaceutical patent landscape, with a well-defined scope aimed at robust protection of novel therapeutic compounds. Its success hinges on maintaining claims’ validity, navigating the competitive landscape, and optimizing global patent coverage to secure commercial advantages.
