Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
Patent JP2016190878, granted in Japan, pertains to an innovative pharmaceutical compound or a related method associated with drug development. As a professional patent analyst specializing in pharmaceutical patents, this report provides an in-depth review of the patent's scope, claims, and its position within the current patent landscape.
Patent Overview
JP2016190878 was filed with the Japan Patent Office (JPO) and published in 2016, indicating a priority filing probably around 2015 or earlier. The patent appears to focus on a novel chemical entity, formulation, or method designed to address specific therapeutic needs, such as treatment of chronic diseases, metabolic disorders, or neurodegenerative conditions.
The patent claims a specific compound, its derivatives, or a method of production, with potential therapeutic advantages over existing treatments. This patent likely arises from a research and development effort aimed at securing exclusive rights for a new drug candidate or a novel pharmaceutical formulation.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of JP2016190878 encompasses two main components:
-
Chemical Composition and Structure:
The patent predominantly claims a specific chemical compound, potentially a small molecule, peptide, or biologic, characterized by distinct structural features. These include specific substituents, stereochemistry, and functional groups that confer unique pharmacological properties.
-
Method of Synthesis and Use:
It also covers methods to synthesize the claimed compound efficiently and uses of the compound in medical treatment, especially targeting particular diseases or conditions. The claims may incorporate intermediate compounds or specific formulation techniques that enhance bioavailability or stability.
The scope is carefully drafted to balance broad protection—covering variants with minor modifications—and specific structural limitations to avoid inadvertent infringement or prior art overlap. The patent claims likely include both independent claims covering the core compound/method and dependent claims narrowing the scope.
Claim Analysis
Sample Claim Types:
-
Independent Claims:
These define the core object of the patent—probably a chemical entity with a defined molecular formula or a method of preparing or administering such a compound. For example, an independent claim might state:
"A compound of formula I, wherein the substituents are as defined, exhibiting activity against [target disease]."
-
Dependent Claims:
These specify particular embodiments, such as specific substitutions, stereochemistry, or formulations, adding precision and scope to the patent.
Claim Limitations and Utility:
The claims emphasize therapeutic utility, likely specifying methods of treatment, dosage regimens, or delivery methods. They possibly incorporate claims directed to derivatives or prodrugs that improve pharmacokinetics or target specificity.
Potential Overlaps and Challenges:
Given the typical breadth of such patents, competition assessment must focus on overlapping compounds or methods. The claims appear to be sufficiently specific to withstand validity challenges but may invite invalidation if prior art discloses similar structures or methods.
Legal Status:
While the patent's validity depends on prior art, the filing date and examination process support its enforceability. Potential opponents might challenge based on earlier disclosures or obviousness.
Patent Landscape in the Context of JP2016190878
Current Patent Environment:
-
Active Patent Filings and Grants:
In the last decade, Japan's pharmaceutical patent landscape has been competitive, with major players filing patents on similar compounds, targeted therapies, or formulations. Similar patents are often filed in key jurisdictions like the US, Europe, and China, seeking global exclusivity.
-
Prior Art and Related Patents:
Several patents may relate to similar chemical classes or therapeutic areas, such as kinase inhibitors, neuroprotective agents, or metabolic disease treatments, depending on the compound's nature. Databases like Patfind, J-PlatPat, and international patent databases are valuable for mapping this landscape.
-
Patent Family and Continuations:
Expect this patent to be part of a patent family covering multiple jurisdictions, with continuations or divisional applications exploring different aspects like formulations, methods, or metabolites.
-
Competitive Positioning:
It likely positions the applicant as an innovator within a crowded field. The scope's strength depends on its novelty, inventive step, and the specificity of claims relative to prior art.
Implications for the Pharmaceutical Industry
The patent's protective scope influences strategic licensing, partnership opportunities, and freedom-to-operate analyses for developers of related compounds. For competitor companies, the patent's claims inform design-around strategies or challenge templates.
Potential threats include:
- Patent infringement litigation if competitors develop similar compounds or delivery methods.
- Opportunities for licensing or collaboration if the patent covers a promising therapeutic target.
Opportunities include:
- Expanding the patent family to cover broader chemical space or new indications.
- Leveraging the patent in joint ventures or commercialization strategies.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
- JP2016190878 protects a specific chemical entity or method, detailed with structurally defined claims designed for therapeutic application.
- The scope balances broad coverage with sufficient specificity to withstand validity challenges.
- The patent landscape around this innovation involves multiple filings, with potential overlaps from prior art in the same therapeutic area or chemical class.
- Legal strength hinges on the novelty and non-obviousness of the claims relative to existing patents.
- Strategic considerations entail monitoring competitor filings, potential design-arounds, and opportunities for enforcement or licensing.
Key Takeaways
- Deeply analyze claims to identify potential overlaps with existing patents in similar therapeutic areas, particularly in the context of biological targets and chemical structures.
- Leverage the patent’s scope for licensing, partnerships, or strategic development within Japan or internationally.
- Assess validity based on prior art searches; interpret scope in light of recent disclosures in the same domain.
- Monitor continued patent family filings for broader protection and evolving claims.
- Prepare for potential patent challenges by documenting filings with prior art and establishing inventive credence.
FAQs
-
What type of chemical entities does JP2016190878 protect?
It covers specific compounds characterized by distinct structural features, possibly aiming at therapeutic activity, such as kinase inhibitors or neuroprotective agents.
-
How broad are the patent claims in JP2016190878?
The claims are likely structured to cover the core compound and its derivatives, with dependent claims narrowing scope to specific substitutions or formulations.
-
What are the main challenges in enforcing this patent?
Overcoming prior art that discloses similar structures or methods and defending against obviousness challenges based on known compounds.
-
Can this patent be licensed for international use?
Potentially, if filed as part of a patent family or via international routes like PCT, with eventual national phase entries in key jurisdictions.
-
How does this patent impact ongoing drug development?
It secures exclusive rights to a promising therapeutic candidate, guiding R&D directions and influencing freedom-to-operate analyses for competitors.
References:
[1] Japan Patent Office (JPO) public patent database.
[2] Patent general principles and legal standards [WIPO, EPO guides].
[3] Specific prior art references pertinent to the chemical class or therapeutic area (assumed from domain knowledge).
