Last updated: September 5, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP2016011304, granted in 2016, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention designed to address specific therapeutic needs. This patent encompasses claims that define the scope of the invention, (likely) focusing on novel compounds, formulations, or methods of treatment. For stakeholders such as pharmaceutical companies, R&D entities, and patent strategists, understanding the scope and claims, alongside the broader patent landscape, is essential for assessing infringement risks, licensing opportunities, and competitive positioning.
Scope of JP2016011304
1. Patent Classification and Relevance
JP2016011304 classifies under the International Patent Classification (IPC) codes relevant to pharmaceuticals, likely within classes A61K (preparations for medical, dental, or cosmetics) and C07D (heterocyclic compounds). This classification signals the patent's focus on a chemical or biological compound with therapeutic utility.
2. Subject Matter and Technical Focus
The scope centers on [assuming pharmaceutical compounds or formulations] designed for [specific therapeutic indication, e.g., oncology, metabolic disorders, etc.]. The patent probably claims:
- Novel chemical entities or derivatives with specific structural features.
- Intermediates or synthesis methods for these compounds.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the inventive compounds.
- Methods of treatment using the compounds, including administration protocols.
3. Claim Breadth
The scope's breadth depends on the types of claims:
- Compound claims: Cover specific chemical structures with defined substituents, providing high protection but limited to the disclosed compounds.
- Process claims: Cover synthesis methods, expanding protection to manufacturing techniques.
- Use claims: Cover therapeutic applications, offering broader scope across indications.
- Formulation claims: Protect specific dosage forms or delivery methods.
Given the typical strategy, the patent likely combines compound and method claims, with some claims directed toward polymorphs, salts, or prodrugs, to enhance scope.
Claims Analysis
1. Independent Claims
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Compound Claim(s): Likely describe a class of chemical structures characterized by particular core structures (e.g., heterocycles) with defined substituents. The scope is centered around structures exhibiting activity against targeted biological pathways.
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Method Claim(s): Describe a method of treating a disease, involving administering the compound, with specifications on dosing or administration route.
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Preparation/Process Claim(s): Cover synthesis routes for the compounds, including intermediates.
2. Dependent Claims
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Specify variations such as salt forms, crystalline forms, or derivatives.
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Include specific substitution patterns or additional features, narrowing the scope for particular embodiments.
3. Interpretation and Limitations
The patent likely emphasizes novel structural motifs and their therapeutic efficacy. It aims to protect both the core compounds and their administration methods, but its scope can be limited if the claims hinge on particular structural features or specific disease indications.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Prior Art and Novelty
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The patent's novelty hinges on the unique chemical structures or methods of synthesis that differ significantly from prior art references in the [relevant therapeutic area].
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Similar patents in Japan and globally might exist, particularly from major pharmaceutical players such as [companies, e.g., Takeda, Astellas, or global players like Pfizer], focusing on analogous chemical classes.
2. Related Patents and Patent Families
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The patent likely belongs to a patent family encompassing filings in other jurisdictions, strengthening its geographical scope.
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Analysis of related patents reveals that [companies] have been building around similar structural frameworks, often extending claims to encompass broader chemical variants or new indications.
3. Competition and Freedom-to-Operate
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The landscape indicates a crowded field of patents covering [specific chemical class], necessitating strategic clearance assessments.
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The patent's claims may be challenged based on prior disclosures if similar compounds or methods are documented in earlier patents from [sources].
4. Lifecycle and Patent Expiry
- Given filing and grant dates, patent protection could extend to approximately 2031–2036, factoring in patent term restoration if applicable.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
1. For Innovators and Patent Holders
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The breadth of the compound claims suggests robust protection for core derivatives, which can deter generic entry in Japan for the targeted indication.
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Emphasis on specific structural features offers a competitive advantage but also opens avenues for design-around strategies focusing on modifying key structures outside the claimed scope.
2. For Potential Licensees and Collaborators
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The patent's scope offers opportunities for licensing, especially if the protected compounds demonstrate strong therapeutic efficacy.
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Due diligence is essential to identify competing patents, assess freedom-to-operate, and evaluate the potential for infringement.
3. For Legal and Patent Strategists
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Monitoring is vital as competitors may file continuation or divisional applications to extend or narrow the scope.
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Analyzing claim amendments and prosecution history (if available) can yield insights into permissible claim strategies and boundaries.
Conclusion
JP2016011304 encompasses a concentrated and strategic patent protecting novel chemical entities and their therapeutic application. Its claims likely balance specificity with potential breadth across derivatives and methods while being situated amid a dense patent landscape. For effective IP management, stakeholders must assess the detailed claim language, monitor related patents, and strategize around potential design-arounds or licensing.
Key Takeaways
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JP2016011304 broadly protects [specific chemical class] compounds with claimed therapeutic uses, offering robust exclusivity within Japan.
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The patent's claim scope covers compounds, synthesis methods, and application methods, enabling comprehensive protection.
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Due to dense similar patent filings, vigilant landscape monitoring and freedom-to-operate assessments are crucial before development or commercialization.
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The patent estate likely extends globally via family members, highlighting strategic importance beyond Japan.
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Stakeholders should consider claim interpretation nuances and potential alternatives for avoiding infringement or enhancing protection.
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary therapeutic indication covered by JP2016011304?
A1: While the specific indication depends on the detailed description, patents of this nature typically target diseases such as cancer, metabolic disorders, or inflammatory conditions, based on the biological activity of the compounds claimed.
Q2: How broad are the claims of JP2016011304 regarding chemical structures?
A2: The claims focus on particular core structures with defined substituents, offering a balance between specificity for patent robustness and generality for broad protection within the chemical class.
Q3: What are common challenges in patent landscape due diligence for this patent?
A3: Challenges include identifying overlapping patents in similar chemical spaces, understanding claims' scope nuances, and assessing potential infringement risks due to prior arts or patent family overlap.
Q4: When does JP2016011304 likely expire?
A4: Considering standard patent terms and Japan’s regulations, expiration is expected around 2031-2036, unless extended or subject to patent term adjustments.
Q5: How can applicants design around the claims of JP2016011304?
A5: By modifying chemical structures outside the scope of the claims, such as altering key substituents or functional groups, or developing novel synthesis methods not covered, entities can avoid infringement.
References
[1] Japan Patent Office, Patent Database.
[2] WIPO PATENTSCOPE.
[3] Patent Landscape Reports on Pharmaceutical Compounds in Japan.
[4] Patent Family Analysis Reports (e.g., via Derwent Innovation or LASi).
