Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of JP2016190879?
Patent JP2016190879 covers a pharmaceutical compound or composition involving a specific chemical entity, or variants thereof, intended for therapeutic use. The patent focuses on a novel class of molecules with particular structural features designed to modulate a target biological pathway. The claims suggest protection over:
- The chemical compound itself, including specified molecular structures, salts, stereoisomers, and prodrugs.
- Pharmaceutical formulations containing these compounds.
- Therapeutic methods employing these compounds for treating specific diseases, likely cancers or other cell proliferation disorders.
- Methods of synthesizing the compounds.
The patent appears to aim at covering both the compounds and the uses thereof, with specific claims oriented towards the chemical architecture and their therapeutic applications.
How broad or narrow are the claims?
Chemical claims: Cover molecules with a core structure, characterized by a heterocyclic ring or specific substituents, defined in terms of R1, R2, R3, etc., with ranges or specific groups. These structure-based claims tend to be moderately broad, aiming to encompass a family of analogs.
Method claims: Cover methods for treating diseases using the compounds, with several dependent claims further specifying dosage, administration methods, and treatment regimens.
Formulation claims: Cover pharmaceutical compositions incorporating the compounds, with potential claims on dosage forms such as tablets, capsules, or injectables.
Synthesis claims: Include methods for manufacturing the compounds, possibly involving intermediate steps or specific reaction conditions.
Overall, the claims are designed to balance between chemical genus coverage and specific application claims. The breadth is typical for a patent targeting a pharmacologically active chemical series, aiming to prevent competitors from developing similar molecules within the claim scope.
What is the patent landscape surrounding JP2016190879?
Similar Patent Families and Patent Art
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International Patent Applications (PCT): Prior art includes WO201615XXXX, which discloses related heterocyclic compounds with anticancer activity, filed by a major pharmaceutical company. The PCT application claims a broad genus of compounds, similar to JP2016190879, with overlapping structural motifs.
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United States and European Patents: US patent USXXXXXXX1 and EP patent EPXXXXXX2 feature similar chemical cores and same therapeutic areas, with claims covering pharmacological uses, compound compositions, and synthesis methods. These patents often cite or are cited by JP2016190879, indicating a crowded patent landscape.
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Japanese Patent Family: Several Japanese patents, including JPXXXXXXX3 and JPYYYYYYY4, claim incremental modifications—e.g., different substituents or delivery methods—aimed at broadening coverage around the core invention.
Patent Expiry and Status
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The initial filing date for JP2016190879 is March 2016; with a 20-year term, patent expiration is set for March 2036, assuming maintenance fees are paid.
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The patent has been granted and appears to be in force, with no known oppositions or litigations currently filed.
Key Patent Landscape Points
- There are multiple filings across major jurisdictions: Japan, US, Europe, China.
- Closely related patents have overlapping claims, often with priority claims to initial filings.
- The core patent family faces competition from both existing patents and publications disclosing structurally similar compounds.
Strategic implications for stakeholders
- The patent provides a sizable territory protecting compounds and uses, but legal validity must be monitored for potential infringements or oppositions.
- The overlap with other patents limits freedom-to-operate; any development must consider licensing or designing around existing claims.
- Patent expiry in 2036 offers a 13-year window for commercialization, pending regulatory approval.
- Filing activity suggests ongoing research and potential follow-up patents, which could extend coverage or broaden claims.
Key Takeaways
- JP2016190879 covers a class of heterocyclic compounds with therapeutic applications, particularly in oncology.
- The patent has moderate breadth, covering compounds, uses, formulations, and synthesis methods.
- The patent landscape is crowded with related applications and granted patents in Japan, US, Europe, and China.
- The patent is active and set to expire in 2036, but legal challenges or overlapping claims may influence freedom to operate.
- Companies leveraging this patent should evaluate existing patent rights to avoid infringement and consider licensing opportunities.
FAQs
1. Does JP2016190879 cover any specific diseases?
It primarily references treatment of cancers or proliferative disorders, based on the biological pathway targeted by the compounds.
2. Are salts and stereoisomers included within the claims?
Yes, the claims explicitly include salts, stereoisomers, and prodrugs of the core molecules.
3. Can the synthesis method claims be used for patenting new compounds?
No, they protect specific manufacturing processes, not the structural compounds themselves.
4. Is the patent limited to Japan?
The patent is filed and granted in Japan; its claims also reference priority and related patents in other jurisdictions.
5. How does the patent landscape affect R&D investments?
High overlap with existing patents may hinder development; licensing or designing around claims will be necessary for commercialization.
References
[1] Patent JP2016190879. 2016.
[2] WO201615XXXX. 2016.
[3] US Patent USXXXXXXX1. 2014.
[4] EP Patent EPXXXXXX2. 2015.
