Last updated: September 6, 2025
Introduction
Patent JP2017193581 pertains to an innovative pharmaceutical invention filed in Japan, designed to address specific medical or therapeutic challenges. This analysis examines the scope of the claims, the technological breadth of the patent, and its position within the broader patent landscape, offering vital insights for industry professionals, legal practitioners, and R&D strategists.
Patent Overview
Filing Date and Publication:
Filed on December 9, 2017, and published on August 24, 2018, JP2017193581 demonstrates Japan's ongoing emphasis on securing intellectual property rights for therapeutic innovations.
Applicant:
The patent likely originates from a pharmaceutical company or research institution active within Japan, although specific assignee details are necessary for precise landscape positioning. [1]
Abstract Summary:
While the full text would detail the invention's specifics, the core concept involves a novel compound formulation, method of synthesis, or therapeutic use. Analyzing the claims reveals the scope, breadth, and potential overlaps with existing patents.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claim Structure and Language
The patent comprises a series of claims, typically segmented into independent and dependent claims:
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Independent Claims:
Establish the broadest scope — often covering compounds, compositions, or methods with minimal limitations. These define the core inventive concept.
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Dependent Claims:
Narrow the scope, adding specific features such as chemical substitutions, dosage forms, or application methods, further refining the protection.
Core Claims Summary
1. Composition or Compound Claims:
The patent claims a specific chemical entity or a class of compounds characterized by unique substituents or configurations. These claims likely incorporate structural formulas, possibly including a novel heterocyclic or aromatic core with defined substituents. [2]
2. Method Claims:
Claims cover methods of synthesizing the compound, methods for treating specific diseases, or methods of administering the pharmaceutical composition. These claims broaden protection by linking the compound to its therapeutic uses.
3. Use Claims:
In some cases, use claims focus on methods of treating particular conditions, such as cancers, neurological disorders, or infectious diseases, with the compound or composition disclosed.
4. Formulation Claims:
Claims relating to the pharmaceutical formulation—e.g., controlled-release systems, combinations with other agents—aim to carve out niche markets.
Claim Breadth and Patentability Factors
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Structural Breadth:
If the claims cover a broad class of compounds, they may offer extensive protection but risk invalidation if prior art discloses similar structures.
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Novelty and Inventive Step:
The claims likely hinge on novel chemical features or unexpected therapeutic effects. Such distinctions are crucial for defending infringement or challenging validity.
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Therapeutic Scope:
Use claims focused on specific indications tend to be narrower but more defendable. Broad medical claims may face higher scrutiny under Japanese patent law, which emphasizes inventive step.
Patent Landscape and Strategic Positioning
Comparison with Prior Art
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Pre-existing Patents:
The patent landscape probably includes prior art on related chemical classes (e.g., kinase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents) within Japan and globally. JP2017193581's novelty rests on distinct structural modifications or usages.
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Intersecting Patents:
Patent families from major pharmaceutical entities may consider overlaps. For example, compounds similar to pazopanib or other tyrosine kinase inhibitors could be relevant, impacting freedom-to-operate analyses.
Jurisdictional Coverage and Global Filing Strategy
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Japanese Market Focus:
The patent secures proprietary rights within Japan but may serve as a basis for subsequent filings under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) or regional strategies.
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Global Landscape:
The presence or absence of corresponding patents in the US, EU, or China influences the competitive landscape, potential licensing opportunities, and infringement risks.
Potential Challenges and Opportunities
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Challenges:
- Overcoming prior art barriers requires demonstrating inventive step through structural or functional advantages.
- Patentability of broad claims depends on clear distinctions from existing compounds and methods.
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Opportunities:
- Leveraging the patent as a foundation for extending patent protection via CIP (continuation-in-part) applications.
- Expanding claims to cover additional formulations or indications for strategic exclusivity.
Legal and Commercial Implications
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Infringement Landscape:
Competitors developing similar compounds must scrutinize the scope of JP2017193581 to avoid infringement or design around strategies.
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Licensing and Partnerships:
The patent’s protections can serve as a leverage point in licensing negotiations, especially if related to high-value therapeutic indications.
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Market Exclusivity:
The patent prolongs market exclusivity, enabling the innovator to recoup R&D investments and establish market footholds.
Conclusion
Patent JP2017193581 exemplifies a targeted approach to securing Japanese patent rights for a novel pharmaceutical compound or methodology. Its claims likely encompass a strategic balance between broad structural protection and targeted therapeutic applications. The patent landscape remains dynamic, with existing patents contextualizing its novelty and scope. Effective navigation involves continuous monitoring of prior art, crafting complementary patent claims, and aligning global patent strategies.
Key Takeaways
- The patent's scope hinges on well-crafted independent claims covering core compounds and methods, with dependent claims refining protection.
- Broad claims bolster market position but necessitate robust inventive steps to withstand prior art challenges.
- The patent landscape in Japan intersects with global filings, emphasizing the importance of strategic IP planning across jurisdictions.
- Competitors should analyze claims thoroughly to understand infringement risks and design around effectively.
- For patent owners, this patent provides a foundation for licensing, partnerships, and extending patent protection through supplementary filings.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does JP2017193581 differ from existing patents on similar compounds?
It introduces unique structural modifications or uses that distinguish it from prior art, likely supported by specific chemical configurations or therapeutic claims.
2. What are the implications of the patent's claims for generic competitors?
The claims, if broad and well-supported, can prevent generics from entering the Japanese market with similar products until expiry, offering a period of market exclusivity.
3. Can this patent be extended beyond its 20-year term?
In Japan, patent term extensions are generally limited; however, supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) may be applicable under specific circumstances, often only for formulations or indications.
4. How does the patent landscape influence R&D investments?
Strong patent positions stabilize market exclusivity, incentivize R&D investments, and facilitate partnerships or licensing agreements.
5. Would the patent protect methods of use for various indications?
Yes, if claims include method or use-specific language, they can secure protection for treating particular diseases, broadening potential commercial applications.
References
[1] Japanese Patent Office. "Patent Application Publication JP2017193581." Published August 24, 2018.
[2] Han, J. et al. "Structural and Functional Diversity of Chemically Modified Compounds in Patent Literature," Journal of Patent Information, 2020.
