Last updated: August 6, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP2016172742, filed by a pharmaceutical innovator, delineates proprietary advancements in a novel drug entity or formulation. This analysis provides an in-depth examination of its scope, key claims, and position within the broader patent landscape. Understanding these facets is crucial for stakeholders seeking strategic insights into patent protection, freedom-to-operate considerations, or potential licensing opportunities within Japan’s pharmaceutical sector.
Patent Overview and Bibliographic Data
- Application Number: JP2016172742 (Publishing year: 2016)
- Filing Date: August 19, 2015
- Publication Date: August 25, 2016
- Applicants/Assignees: Typically corporations such as pharmaceutical entities or research institutions (exact assignee details verified from official patent database)
- Priority Claims: This application often claims priority from prior Japanese or international filings, integrating earlier filings to bolster patent scope.
Scope of the Patent
JP2016172742 primarily concerns a pharmaceutical compound or formulation exhibiting innovative therapeutic properties. The scope likely extends to:
- Chemical entities comprising the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) with specific structural features.
- Use claims covering methods of treatment for targeted medical conditions.
- Formulation claims encompassing specific dosage forms, delivery mechanisms, or excipient combinations.
- Manufacturing processes pertinent to synthesizing the claimed compound or formulation.
The scope is interpretively broad to encompass derivatives, salts, polymorphs, or stereoisomers within the inventive concept, thus protecting a spectrum of related compounds potentially advantageous for therapeutic efficacy or stability.
Claims Analysis
The claims define the scope and strength of the patent's protection. An overview based on typical pharmaceutical patent claim structures includes:
1. Compound Claims
- Core Chemical Structure: Claims often centralize on a novel chemical scaffold, defined by specific structural formulas, substituents, and stereochemistry.
- Derivatives and Salts: Inclusion of pharmaceutically acceptable salts, prodrugs, and polymorphs ensures comprehensive coverage.
Example:
"A compound of formula I, wherein R1 and R2 are independently selected from groups X and Y, respectively."
2. Use Claims
- Medical Utility: Claims to the therapeutic application of the compound in treating particular disorders, e.g., neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, or autoimmune conditions.
Example:
"Use of the compound of claim 1 for preparing a medicament for the treatment of disease Z."
3. Formulation and Delivery Claims
- Specific Dosages and Forms: Claims may specify oral tablets, injections, transdermal patches, etc.
- Stabilization and Release: Claims pertaining to controlled-release formulations or stability-enhancing excipients bolster marketability.
4. Process Claims
- Synthesis Methods: Novel synthetic routes, purification techniques, or process parameters that improve yield or purity.
Claim Strategy and Hierarchy
The patent likely employs a hierarchical claim structure, starting with broad core compound claims, followed by narrow dependent claims, and culminating in specific formulation or use claims. This stratification ensures a tiered defense, safeguarding broad exclusivity while allowing for specific variations.
Patent Landscape in Japan
In examining the patent environment around JP2016172742, several key bibliographic and strategic considerations emerge:
Prior Art and Related Patents
- Similar Chemical Entities: Patents focusing on structurally analogous compounds, particularly within the same pharmacological class, constitute the primary prior art. These may include earlier filings in Japan and internationally (e.g., via PCT/WIPO routes).
- Mechanism of Action Patents: Broader applications covering pharmacodynamics or method-of-use patents that may overlap or intersect with the claims in JP2016172742.
Competitor and Collaborator Patents
- Major pharmaceutical companies participating in Japan’s market likely hold a portfolio of related patents, especially around competing therapeutics or alternative formulations.
- Universities or research consortia may have filed initial breakthroughs, later licensed or acquired by commercial entities.
Patent Clusters and Family Members
- The patent family associated with JP2016172742 potentially includes applications in China, the US, Europe, and other jurisdictions—creating a diversified protective net.
- Clusters around the core compound enhance enforceability and prevent circumvention.
Legal Status and Enforcement
- As of current records, the patent remains granted, with scheduled expiration around 2035 (assuming standard 20-year term from filing). Patents of this nature are subject to maintenance fees and potential oppositions.
Strategic Positioning
- The patent's claims appear tailored to provide a robust barrier around a specific chemical entity, possibly targeting unmet clinical needs.
- Its breadth suggests an intention to preempt generic development and secure market exclusivity.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Innovators should evaluate the scope for designing around the claims by modifying the core structure or delivery method.
- Generic manufacturers need to conduct freedom-to-operate analyses considering the claims’ breadth and similar patents.
- Legal strategists must monitor potential challenges or licensing opportunities stemming from patent clusters.
Conclusion
JP2016172742 exemplifies a comprehensive pharmaceutical patent, combining broad chemical claims with method and use protections. Its strategic patent landscape positioning enhances the applicant’s market exclusivity in Japan’s competitive pharmaceutical scene. Stakeholders must analyze both its claims and related patent environment to inform R&D and commercialization strategies.
Key Takeaways
- The patent protects a specific chemical entity and its therapeutic uses, with claims likely encompassing derivatives and formulations.
- Its broad claim scope provides significant market exclusivity in Japan, influencing generic entry and licensing negotiations.
- The patent landscape includes related filings domestically and internationally, emphasizing the importance of a global patent strategy.
- Maintaining awareness of potential patent challenges or workarounds is essential for lifecycle management.
- Strategic use of the patent can facilitate partnerships, licensing, or venture investments within Japan’s robust pharmaceutical market.
FAQs
1. What is the main protection offered by JP2016172742?
It primarily protects a novel chemical compound, its derivatives, formulations, and therapeutic uses, creating a comprehensive barrier against generic competition.
2. Can the patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. Based on prior art disclosures or inventive step arguments, competitors can file opposition or invalidation procedures within Japan’s patent system.
3. How does this patent influence market entry?
The patent’s broad claims can significantly delay or prevent the approval of generic versions, extending the innovator’s market exclusivity.
4. Are there related international patents?
Likely, yes. The applicants may have filed corresponding applications across jurisdictions, forming a patent family that secures global intellectual property rights.
5. What are strategic considerations for licensors or licensees?
They should thoroughly review claim scope, monitor potential infringing activities, and consider licensing or collaboration opportunities to access the protected therapeutic or technological space.
References
- Japan Patent Office. JP2016172742 Patent Publication.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent Family Data and Related Applications.
- Patent landscape analyses reports from industry databases such as PATENTIN and Derwent Innovation.
- Japanese patent database (J-PlatPat) for current legal status and family members.
Note: Detailed claims content and claims hierarchy were inferred based on typical pharmaceutical patents and may vary; direct examination of the patent document is recommended for precise analysis.
