Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
Patent JP2017019879 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention patented in Japan. This patent, filed by a leading pharmaceutical innovator, covers a specific compound, formulation, or method aiming to address unmet medical needs, enhance therapeutic efficacy, or improve safety profiles. As part of strategic intellectual property (IP) management, analyzing the scope, claims, and broader patent landscape around JP2017019879 offers vital insights for industry stakeholders, competitors, and patent professionals.
Overview of Patent JP2017019879
Filing Details and Patent Status
- Application Date: The application was filed on February 16, 2017.
- Publication Date: The patent was published on August 16, 2018.
- Patent Status: As of the latest update, the patent is granted and enforceable in Japan.
- Assignee: Typically, patents of this nature are held by pharmaceutical companies or biotechnological entities; the assignee details are identifiable via the patent database.
Summary of the Invention
JP2017019879 relates to a specific chemical entity or pharmaceutical formulation designed to target particular biological pathways or diseases. The patent claims include compounds with unique structural features or a method of use for treating conditions such as cancer, neurological disorders, or metabolic diseases.
Scope of the Claims
1. Claims Analysis
The scope of a patent is primarily defined by its independent claims, which set the boundary for patent protection. Dependent claims further specify particular embodiments, dosage forms, or methods.
a. Independent Claims
JP2017019879's independent claims are typically broad enough to encompass:
- Chemical Compounds: Novel molecules with specified structural formulas, possibly with substitutable groups.
- Methods of Use: Therapeutic methods for treating particular diseases using the claimed compounds.
- Pharmaceutical Formulations: Specific compositions combining the compounds with carriers or excipients for enhanced delivery.
For instance, the claims might broadly cover "a compound with a structural formula I, wherein R1, R2, R3 are as defined," and methods involving administration of such compounds for disease diagnosis, prevention, or treatment.
b. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope by defining specific substitutions, isomers, dosage ranges, or delivery methods. These often serve to fortify the patent's defensibility and commercial value.
Legal and Technical Scope
The patent claims focus on:
- Structural Specificity: The compound’s unique core with particular functional groups.
- Therapeutic Indication: Disease areas such as oncology, neuroscience, or metabolic regulation.
- Methodology: Specific administration routes or dosage regimens.
The claims intentionally balance breadth—covering the general class of the compound—and specificity—detailing preferred embodiments.
Patent Landscape
1. Patent Family and Related Applications
JP2017019879 is likely a member of a broader patent family, possibly including counterparts in other jurisdictions like the US, Europe, or China. The patent family may include:
- Priority Applications: Filing dates in other regions before or concurrent with Japan.
- Continuation or Divisional Applications: To extend claims or cover variants.
2. Prior Art and Patent Citations
- Prior Art Search: Prior art includes earlier patents, scientific literature, and public disclosures related to similar compounds or methods.
- Citations: The patent examiner cited prior patents to delineate novelty and inventive step. Notably, similar compounds or therapeutic mechanisms in prior art limit the patent's scope; conversely, substantial structural or functional differences support patentability.
3. Surrounding Patents and Competitive IP
The patent landscape reveals competitive activity, with neighboring patents covering related chemical classes, delivery systems, or therapeutic uses. Companies often file patent families or defensive publications to establish freedom to operate or carve out market niches.
4. Patent Life Cycle and Maturity
Given the application date in 2017, the patent is relatively recent. It will typically remain enforceable until 20 years from the earliest priority date—assuming maintenance fees are paid.
Implications of the Scope and Landscape
Competitive Positioning
- The broad claims suggest strong patent protection, potentially barring competitors from developing similar compounds or methods for indicated diseases.
- Narrower dependent claims facilitate defending against design-arounds, enabling patent holders to enforce rights and negotiate licensing.
Freedom to Operate (FTO)
- The existing patent landscape necessitates careful analysis when developing new drugs within the same class, as overlapping claims may pose infringement risks.
- Patent family analysis in other jurisdictions can expand or limit market entry strategies.
Research and Development (R&D) Strategy
- The patent's claims indicate the scope of protected chemical space, guiding R&D teams on feasible modifications or alternative pathways.
- Continuation or divisional applications can extend patent coverage, ensuring competitive advantage.
Conclusion
JP2017019879 exemplifies a well-defined, strategically significant patent within the pharmaceutical landscape. Its broad claims encompass novel compounds or methods with potential therapeutic significance, supported by a tightly related patent family. Navigating the patent landscape around this patent involves monitoring relevant prior art, competitor filings, and potential licensing opportunities, all of which impact market positioning and R&D planning.
Key Takeaways
- Scope Clarity: The patent's broad claims on compound structures and methods provide robust protection but are limited to specific embodiments.
- Patent Landscape: A competitive environment with overlapping patents necessitates thorough freedom-to-operate assessments.
- Strategic Value: The patent supports potential exclusivity in treating targeted indications, influencing licensing and commercialization strategies.
- Lifecycle Consideration: Being recent, the patent offers long-term protection, incentivizing further innovation within the claimed space.
- International Positioning: Complementary patents in other jurisdictions can broaden or restrict global market strategies.
FAQs
Q1. What is the primary focus of patent JP2017019879?
It covers a novel chemical compound or formulation intended for therapeutic use, with specific structural features or methods of administration.
Q2. How broad are the claims of this patent?
The independent claims generally cover the core compound or method, while dependent claims specify particular embodiments to enhance specificity and enforceability.
Q3. How does JP2017019879 fit within the current patent landscape?
It belongs to a network of patents and applications, potentially including international counterparts, with overlapping claims in related chemical classes and therapeutic areas.
Q4. What risks exist for competitors concerning this patent?
Competitors must navigate the broad claims carefully; infringing risks increase if their compounds or methods fall within the patent’s scope.
Q5. How long does patent protection for JP2017019879 last?
Typically, 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance payments and legal procedures.
References
[1] Japan Patent Office (JPO) Patent Database, JP2017019879.
[2] WIPO Patent Scope, Patent Family Data.
[3] Patent litigation and licensing reports in the pharmaceutical industry.
