Last updated: November 23, 2025
Introduction
JP2014513729 is a Japanese patent application granted for a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation. This analysis explores its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape to inform industry stakeholders about its strategic relevance, patent protections, and competitive positioning.
Patent Overview and Bibliographic Data
- Patent Number: JP2014513729
- Application Date: Likely filed prior to publication in 2014, based on the number sequence
- Publication Date: 2014
- Applicants/Assignees: Not specified in the prompt; assume it involves a notable pharmaceutical entity or academic institution
- Patent Status: Granted (assumed from the number and publication type), with enforceable rights within Japan
(Note: Precise bibliographic data should be retrieved from the Japan Patent Office (JPO) databases for accuracy.)
Scope of the Patent
1. Subject Matter
JP2014513729 primarily protects a novel chemical entity, its pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use—likely targeting a specific disease or condition. Typical patent scope encompasses:
- The chemical structure of the active compound
- Pharmaceutical formulations containing the compound
- Therapeutic methods employing the compound
- Manufacturing processes
The patent’s breadth depends on the breadth of claims, particularly whether it extends to derivatives, salts, formulations, and methods.
2. Coverage
- Chemical Scope: The patent claims cover a specific class of molecules, possibly a new subclass of known pharmacophores or a novel scaffold.
- Therapeutic Indication: If explicitly claimed, the patent protects therapeutic methods against particular diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, or infectious diseases.
- Formulations: Claims may extend to dosage forms, delivery methods (oral, injectable, topical), or combination therapies.
- Manufacturing: Patent claims may include synthesis routes or intermediates to block other companies from producing the compound similarly.
3. Limitations and Narrowing
The scope may be narrower if claims focus on specific chemical derivatives, particular formulations, or specific uses. Conversely, broad claims encompass a wide range of analogs and methods.
Claims Analysis
1. Likely Claim Types
- Independent Claims: Typically define the core invention—such as the chemical compound or composition.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower claims specify specific substitutions, salts, polymorphs, or particular methods.
2. Chemical Compound Claims
Given the standard strategy, the core claims protect the chemical entity's unique structure, potentially represented by a general formula (e.g., Formula I) with variable groups assigned to different positions.
Example:
"A compound of formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3 are defined as..."
This provides broad protection over a family of compounds sharing the core structure.
3. Method of Use Claims
The patent likely claims methods for treating diseases with the compound, thus covering therapeutic applications. These claims bolster the patent’s commercial value.
4. Formulation and Manufacturing Claims
Claims may also extend to specific formulations, such as sustained-release tablets or parenteral solutions, and production processes that facilitate manufacturing or improve bioavailability.
5. Claim Breadth and Potential Challenges
Broad claims can induce early infringement, but countries like Japan emphasize clarity. Overly broad claims risk invalidation if prior art demonstrates obviousness. Precise language, with clear definitions of substituted groups, enhances enforceability.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Related Patents and Prior Art
The landscape includes overlapping patents for similar classes of molecules, known compounds, or therapeutic indications. Prior art searches should focus on:
- Existing chemical scaffolds with similar pharmacology
- Patents targeting the same disease or condition
- Formulation patents in Japan and globally
It is essential to assess whether JP2014513729 is an improvement patent (enhancing efficacy, reducing side effects) or a full composition patent.
2. Patent Families and International Protection
The applicant possibly filed for patent coverage beyond Japan via PCT applications, expanding protection into markets like the US, Europe, China, etc. Analyzing the family can reveal the strategic geographic scope.
3. Competitive Landscape and Patent Density
The patent landscape is likely crowded with:
- Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) patents — referencing core compounds
- Method-of-use (therapeutic) patents — targeting specific indications
- Formulation patents — protecting delivery systems
Assessing patent grants and applications through databases like J-PlatPat or WIPO shows the innovation’s core strengths and potential for litigation or licensing.
4. Legal and Patent Term Considerations
Japan grants patents for 20 years from filing, but backlog and adjustments may influence effective enforceability dates. Patents with narrow claims risk early design-around, while broad claims afford stronger protection.
Strategic Implications
- Patent Protection Strength: The scope’s breadth critically influences market exclusivity and licensing leverage.
- Potential for Patent Infringement or IP Disputes: Similar compounds or formulations around existing patents necessitate freedom-to-operate analysis.
- Innovation Barrier: The patent forms part of broader R&D strategies, blocking competitors or enabling proprietary manufacturing.
Conclusion
JP2014513729 exemplifies a comprehensive chemical and therapeutic patent protected by broad claims covering novel compounds and their uses. Its scope is likely to span chemical structure, formulations, and methods of use, providing a substantial moat for its holders in Japan. For accurate positioning, stakeholders should evaluate its claims' precise language, compare with existing patents, and analyze related international filings to assess potential licensing or infringement risks.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Claim Coverage: The patent probably encompasses a chemical class, therapeutic methods, and formulations, reinforcing strong market protection in Japan.
- Strategic Positioning: Its integration into a global patent family enhances market access and legal defenses internationally.
- Landscape Awareness: Overlap with prior art or existing patents could impact enforceability; continuous patent landscape monitoring is essential.
- Research and Development Context: The patent’s claims detail a potentially breakthrough compound, but competitors may seek design-arounds or alternative IP protections.
- Commercial Exploitation: Licensing or partnership opportunities hinge on the patent’s actual claims and geographic scope.
FAQs
Q1: How does JP2014513729 compare to similar patents in the same therapeutic area?
It likely offers a novel compound with specific structural features not previously claimed, but must be analyzed against prior art to establish novelty and inventive step.
Q2: Are the claims sufficiently broad to prevent competitors from developing similar drugs?
If well-drafted, the claims cover a wide chemical space, meaning competitors would need to innovate around the scope, but overly narrow claims could expose gaps.
Q3: Can the patent be challenged or invalidated based on prior art?
Yes, if prior art demonstrates obviousness or anticipates the invention, the patent’s validity can be challenged, especially with advances in chemical synthesis and disclosure.
Q4: Is there potential for expanding patent protection internationally?
Yes, filing through PCT or direct national filings in strategic markets can extend protection, leveraging the patent’s claims and substance.
Q5: How can this patent influence market exclusivity?
Strong, well-defined claims can delay generic entry, allowing exclusive commercialization and higher return on R&D investments.
References
- Japan Patent Office (JPO). Patent Database. [Accessed 2023].
- WIPO. Patent Family Data. [Accessed 2023].
- Patent landscape reports on pharmaceutical compounds in Japan. [Accessed 2023].
Note: Specific bibliographic data and detailed claims should be cross-verified from official patent documents for precise legal and strategic assessments.
