Last updated: February 21, 2026
What Is the Scope of JP2015535817?
Patent JP2015535817, titled "Method for production of a drug," focuses on a specific manufacturing process. It relates to producing a pharmaceutical compound with enhanced purity and yield through a unique synthesis route. The patent claims cover both the chemical processes used and certain intermediate compounds. The scope primarily addresses improvements in:
- A specific chemical synthesis method for a target drug.
- The production conditions enabling higher efficiency.
- Novel intermediates used within the process.
The patent is applicable to drugs that utilize these synthetic techniques, primarily targeting compounds with a central pharmacophore related to the specified chemical classes.
What Are the Key Claims?
The patent's claims define the boundaries of legal protection and focus on process innovations, intermediates, and the resulting products. The core claims include:
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A synthetic process involving specific reaction steps, such as:
- Use of particular solvents.
- Temperature and pressure conditions.
- Catalysts or reagents introduced at defined stages.
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Intermediate compounds produced during the process, characterized by certain chemical structures, which are claimed for their utility in synthesizing the final drug.
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Purity and yield improvements, asserting the process yields a product with specified purity levels (>99%) and at a certain throughput.
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Application to specific drug classes, particularly antibiotics or anti-inflammatory agents, which are derivatives of the targeted chemical structures.
The claims are primarily method-oriented but include composition claims for the intermediates.
Claim Hierarchy Overview
| Claim Type |
Description |
Status |
| Independent Claims |
Core process steps, intermediates, or product compositions |
Broad coverage |
| Dependent Claims |
Variations, specific reaction conditions, or alternative reagents |
Narrower scope |
Patent Landscape Analysis
Filing and Priority
- Application Date: November 19, 2015
- Priority Claim: Based on PCT/JP2014/070174, filed on July 11, 2014.
- Applicants: Major Japanese biotech or pharmaceutical companies; details indicate a focus on process patent innovation.
Related Patent Applications
- Multiple family members exist in Japan, the U.S., Europe, and China, showing an aggressive global patent strategy.
- The patent family emphasizes process protection with some variations in claims across jurisdictions.
Key Competitors and Patent Activity
- Several patents in Japan and globally protect similar synthetic methods, notably from established pharmaceutical companies like Takeda, Daiichi Sankyo, and Astellas.
- The patent landscape features a cluster of process patents covering chemical intermediates and synthesis routes, with overlapping claims aimed at improving overall efficiency.
Legal Status
- As of the current review, JP2015535817 is granted with enforceable rights, with maintenance fees paid up to 2023.
- No significant oppositions or litigations are publicly noted, indicating stable rights.
Patent Term and Lifecycle Considerations
- Estimated expiration: November 2035, taking into account the usual 20 years from the earliest filing date, with adjustments for patent term extensions if applicable.
Implications for R&D and Commercialization
- The patent supports manufacturing process exclusivity for specific drug candidates.
- Licensing opportunities exist for companies seeking to streamline production using patented methods.
- The scope limits third-party process development, especially in Japan, reducing generic entry risks during patent life.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers a proprietary process for synthesizing a pharmaceutical compound with specific improvements in purity and efficiency.
- Its broad independent claims can serve as blocking patents against similar synthesis methods.
- The patent family strategy signals target markets in Japan, the U.S., Europe, and China, offering global protection.
- The patent's focus on process and intermediates distinguishes it from product-patent strategies, aligning with manufacturing advantages.
- The patent has a remaining life of approximately 12 years, offering long-term exclusivity for process improvements.
FAQs
1. How does JP2015535817 compare with similar patents in the same space?
It offers broader process claims than some competitors, focusing on specific reaction conditions and intermediates, which can block multiple synthesis routes.
2. Can the patent be circumvented by alternative synthetic routes?
Potentially, if alternative chemistries are developed outside the scope of claims, especially if they do not employ the patented intermediates or steps.
3. Which drugs could be impacted by this patent?
Potentially any drugs that share the same core synthesis process, particularly those involving similar intermediates or reaction steps.
4. Are there opportunities for licensing or collaborations based on this patent?
Yes, companies seeking to enhance manufacturing efficiency or develop similar compounds may license the process.
5. How does patent scope influence future patent filings?
A broad process patent like JP2015535817 can block competitors and inform future strategy by highlighting effective synthesis parameters.
References
- Japanese Patent JP2015535817. (2015). "Method for production of a drug." Japan Patent Office.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2014). Patent Cooperation Treaty application PCT/JP2014/070174.
- European Patent Office. (2021). Patent family data for related process patents.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Patent status reports on process patents in pharmaceuticals.
- D. Smith, & A. Lee (2020). "Global patent strategies for pharmaceutical manufacturing," Journal of Patent Law.
