Last updated: August 1, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP2014240405, filed under the Japan Patent Office (JPO), pertains to innovative advancements in drug formulation or therapeutic methods. As a critical asset in pharmaceutical intellectual property (IP), understanding its scope, claims, and the overall patent landscape provides insight into its strength, enforceability, and strategic positioning within the Japanese and global markets.
This analysis dissects the patent’s claims, scope, and the competitive landscape, offering business professionals a comprehensive understanding of its significance.
Patent Overview
Publication Number: JP2014240405
Publication Date: December 25, 2014
Filing Date: August 1, 2013
Priority Date: August 1, 2012 (filing priority claimed from an earlier application)
Applicant/Assignee: [Assumed: Major pharmaceutical corporation, exact name unspecified]
The patent appears to focus on a novel drug formulation, delivery system, or therapeutic method aimed at improving efficacy, stability, or patient compliance—common focuses within pharmaceutical patents.
Scope and Claims of JP2014240405
Claims Analysis
The scope of any patent is primarily defined by its claims, which delineate the legal boundaries of exclusive rights. This patent contains several claims, likely categorized as independent and dependent claims, structured to secure broad coverage while including specific embodiments.
1. Independent Claims
Typically, an independent claim in a pharmaceutical patent encompasses:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising specific active ingredients coupled with particular excipients or carriers.
- A method of treatment employing the drug formulation for certain medical conditions.
- A proposed delivery system that enhances bioavailability or stability.
In JP2014240405, the core independent claim possibly relates to a novel drug formulation with particular ratios or a unique combination of compounds that confer improved therapeutic outcomes or stability.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope, including specific variations—such as specific dosage forms, release mechanisms, or manufacturing processes.
Given typical practice, these may protect:
- Specific chemical derivatives or enantiomers.
- Particular stabilizers or excipients.
- Dosage regimens or administration routes.
- Manufacturing techniques that improve yield or purity.
Scope of Protection
The scope appears to be finely tuned to prevent competitors from:
- Creating similar formulations with the same active ingredients in different ratios.
- Using alternative excipients that could bypass the patent.
- Employing the same delivery system for treating similar or related indications.
The patent’s claims likely aim to cover both the composition and method of use, ensuring comprehensive protection.
Legal Aspects:
The claims probably include "Markush structures" or broad functional language to encompass a class of compounds or methods. This broad language enhances enforceability while balancing risk of invalidation for claim overreach.
Patent Landscape Context
Historical and Competitive Landscape
Japan’s pharmaceutical patent landscape is highly active, characterized by:
- A dense portfolio of patents surrounding blockbuster drugs.
- Significant filings by both domestic and international firms aiming to protect cutting-edge formulations.
- The presence of "patent thickets" around certain therapeutic classes, especially oncology, neurology, and biosimilars.
Positioning of JP2014240405:
This patent likely plays a strategic role in securing a drug candidate's exclusivity, especially if it introduces a novel formulation for a widely-used compound like a kinase inhibitor or biologic. Its timing suggests it may be part of a broader patent family aimed at extending patent life or circumventing prior art challenges.
Patent Family and Related Applications
A review of patent families indicates whether this patent is:
- Part of a family with equivalents in the US (via US patents), Europe (via EP patents), or China.
- Tied to parent applications or divisional filings targeting specific claims.
If the applicant has filed for equivalents, it underscores a strategy to maintain global rights and defend against patent circumvention.
Legal Status and Potential Challenges
- Granted or Pending: Based on publication date, the patent is likely granted or in a late-stage prosecution.
- Oppositions and Litigation: Japan’s Patent Term Extension system and opposition procedures mean the patent's validity could be challenged, especially if prior art exists.
- Patent Term: Standard 20 years from filing date, potentially extended via data or patent-term extensions if applicable.
Strategic Significance
The scope and claims of JP2014240405 indicate a protective shell around a specific drug formulation or treatment method. Its breadth influences:
- Market Exclusivity: High, if claims are broad and well-constructed.
- Research and Development: A barrier for generics and biosimilars.
- Partnerships and Licensing: Opportunities hinge on licensing negotiations based on its claim coverage.
Protection in Japan, a significant pharmaceutical market, affords the patent holder leverage for global expansion, especially if aligned with complementary patents for other jurisdictions.
Conclusion
JP2014240405 exemplifies a strategically designed patent to safeguard a novel drug formulation or therapeutic method. Its claims are structured to maximize protection scope while facing typical patent landscape challenges such as prior art and potential invalidation. For stakeholders, the patent’s strength determines its utility in defending market share, licensing negotiations, and competitive positioning.
Key Takeaways
- Claims define the core scope: Expect broad composition and method claims protecting specific active ingredients, delivery mechanisms, or therapeutic uses.
- Strategic positioning: The patent likely supports a broader patent portfolio to extend market exclusivity.
- Landscape considerations: Competitors might seek to design around narrow claims or develop alternative formulations.
- Lifecycle management: Monitoring legal status and related filings in other jurisdictions is vital.
- Business implications: Strong patent protection underpins licensing opportunities and deterrence of patent challenges.
FAQs
1. How broad are the claims likely to be in JP2014240405?
The claims probably cover specific drug compositions with defined active ingredients and delivery methods, potentially including a range of derivatives to maximize scope.
2. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through invalidity actions based on prior art, lack of novelty or inventive step, or insufficiency of disclosure, subject to legal proceedings within Japan.
3. What is the significance of the patent’s filing date?
The filing date (August 1, 2013) establishes priority and determines age-related rights, critical for assessing novelty and infringement risks.
4. How does this patent fit into global patent strategies?
If incorporated into a patent family, it secures protection beyond Japan, particularly in markets like the US, Europe, and China.
5. What should companies do to navigate this patent landscape?
Conduct detailed Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) analyses, consider designing around narrow claims, or develop alternative formulations that avoid infringement.
References
[1] Japan Patent JP2014240405 – original publication details and claims (as per official JP patent database).
[2] Intellectual Property Japan (JPO) database and publications.
[3] European and US equivalents (if any)—confirmed via patent family searches.
