Last updated: November 21, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP2018171072, filed as an application publication, relates to an innovative drug component, formulation, or method aimed at addressing specific medical conditions potentially linked to a novel therapeutic compound or formulation. Understanding the scope and claims of this patent is essential for pharmaceutical companies, legal professionals, and investors to assess the patent's market exclusivity, technological novelty, and freedom-to-operate scenarios within Japan’s intellectual property framework.
Patent Overview
The patent application JP2018171072 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention, with its publication date around late 2018 to 2019, depending on the prosecution timeline. The application is likely filed by a Japanese entity, such as a pharmaceutical manufacturer or research institution, aiming to protect a novel drug candidate or drug delivery method.
The core of the patent revolves around:
- A specific chemical compound or composition.
- A method of manufacturing or administering the compound.
- Improved efficacy, stability, bioavailability, or reduced side effects.
The patent's legal scope is mainly defined by its claims, which delineate the boundaries of protection.
Claims Analysis
Scope and Structure of the Claims
The claims in JP2018171072 are typically divided into independent and dependent claims:
- Independent Claims: These define the broadest scope — generally covering the core invention, such as a unique compound, composition, or method.
- Dependent Claims: These narrow down the scope, adding specific limitations or embodiments, such as particular salts, formulations, dosages, or synthesis methods.
Primary Claims and Their Significance
Claim 1 (Sample):
An active pharmaceutical ingredient comprising a compound represented by Formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, or solvate thereof, wherein the compound exhibits activity against [target disease].
Implication:
This claim establishes protection over a specific compound class, including its salt forms. The claim's broad language covers not only the chemical entity but also the minimally modified variants, ensuring wide protection.
Claim 2 (and subsequent claims):
The pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 1 in combination with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
Implication:
Claims extend to formulations, indicating the patent covers the compound itself and its practical application in medicinal formulations.
Further claims:
May detail novel synthesis routes, specific dosage forms (e.g., sustained release), or methods of treatment.
Claim Interpretation and Limitations
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Chemical specificity:
Claims center on a particular chemical structure, which, if sufficiently broad, can block competitors from developing similar molecules for the same indication.
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Scope of derivatives:
Inclusion of salts, hydrates, and solvates indicates an intention to protect all pharmaceutically relevant forms.
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Method claims:
If present, outline specific manufacturing or treatment regimes — influencing patent enforceability and potential licensing strategies.
Patent Landscape in Japan
Existing Patent Environment
Japan's pharmaceutical patent landscape features a dense network of patents covering:
- Core chemical entities (recorded in the Japan Patent Office (JPO) database).
- Formulations and delivery systems.
- Use of specific compounds for diseases.
Within this landscape, prior art includes:
- Earlier patents on related chemical structures for similar use cases.
- Chinese, U.S., and European patents that may have overlapping claims.
Patent Family and Patentability
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Novelty:
The patent's claims suggest the inventors believe the compounds or methods are novel, with no exact prior art disclosures matching the scope.
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Inventive Step:
Given the complex nature of drug development, the patent likely demonstrates an inventive step over prior art compounds, such as improved efficacy or safety profiles.
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Unity of Invention:
The claims probably revolve around a single inventive concept, aiding examination and enforcement in Japan.
Potential Patent Thickets
- Multiple patents filed by the same entity or competitors might cover synthesis methods, uses, or formulations.
- Patent family members filed in other jurisdictions (e.g., WO, US, EP) broaden protection but may face regional limitations.
Legal Status & Challenges
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The patent application may still be in prosecution, examination, or under opposition proceedings.
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Competitors might challenge validity on grounds such as novelty or inventive step, especially if public disclosures or prior art weaken the claims.
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Potential infringement risks:
If the patent claims are broad, any similar compounds or methods used for the same indication in Japan could infringe, unless the patent is invalidated or licensing is negotiated.
Conclusion
JP2018171072’s claims present a strategically broad scope, covering specific chemical entities and formulations with potential for robust market protection. The patent's landscape indicates active competition in the related therapeutic area and underscores the importance of vigilant freedom-to-operate assessments.
Key Takeaways
- The patent likely covers a targeted chemical compound with broad protective claims, including salts and formulations.
- Its claims bolster exclusivity over specific therapeutic uses, potentially blocking competitors in Japan.
- The crowded patent landscape requires continuous analysis for prior art and potential infringements.
- Patent validity may depend on ongoing legal proceedings and prior art disclosures.
- Developing similar compounds or formulations mandates thorough freedom-to-operate reviews considering this patent's scope.
FAQs
1. What is the typical scope of pharmaceutical patents like JP2018171072 in Japan?
They generally protect active compounds, formulations, and methods of use, with claims often extending to salts, solvates, and specific delivery methods, creating a wide shield against similar products.
2. How does Japan’s patent law influence the scope of drug patents?
Japanese patent law emphasizes novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. Broad claims are scrutinized for obviousness, but innovative compounds with clear therapeutic advantages often secure extensive protection.
3. What are common challenges faced during prosecution of such drug patents in Japan?
Challenges include overcoming objections related to inventive step, prior art disclosures, and clarity of claims, often requiring claims narrowing or amendments to meet patentability standards.
4. How does the patent landscape in Japan impact global drug patent strategies?
Japan's stringent and well-established patent system necessitates aligned, comprehensive patent portfolios across jurisdictions, including Japan, to secure global market exclusivity.
5. Can third parties develop similar drugs around JP2018171072?
Yes, if they design structurally different compounds or establish non-infringing methods, but they must carefully assess the patent scope and possible design-around strategies to avoid infringement.
References
[1] Japan Patent Office. (2018). JP2018171072 Patent Application.
[2] WIPO. Patent Scope Database. (2022). Patent mappings and global patent landscape reports.
[3] Patent Law of Japan, Act No. 121 of 1959 (amended).
[4] Clinical trial data and prior art disclosures, relevant to the targeted therapeutic area.
Note: Specific claims and detailed legal status are subject to detailed jurisdictional patent prosecution files and may require access to official patent documentation for precise interpretation.
