Last updated: March 10, 2026
Summary
Patent JP2018514527 claims a method for producing a specific enzyme or enzyme-related product. It covers synthetic routes, compositions, and specific uses related to enzyme modification. The patent's scope emphasizes enzyme engineering for industrial applications, particularly in the context of improving enzyme stability or activity. Its claims primarily focus on methods and compositions involving genetically modified microorganisms or enzyme variants.
Scope of Patent JP2018514527
Technical Field
The patent falls within the enzyme engineering and industrial biotechnology domains. It deals with methods for producing modified enzymes, potentially targeting applications such as pharmaceuticals, food processing, or biofuel production.
Key Aspects Covered
- Method of producing enzyme variants: Using genetic modification techniques to create enzymes with enhanced properties.
- Composition claims: Enzymes with specific amino acid sequences or modifications.
- Production processes: Fermentation or biocatalytic steps to yield the modified enzymes.
- Applications: Use of these enzymes in industrial settings.
Exclusions
The patent does not cover broad natural enzymes found in nature without modification, nor does it extend to unrelated biochemical pathways.
Main Claims Breakdown
| Claim Type |
Scope |
| Method claims |
Claiming processes for producing enzyme variants via recombinant DNA techniques, including specific vector constructs and host cells. |
| Product claims |
Enzyme variants with defined amino acid substitutions, sequences, or structural features designed to modify enzyme activity or stability. |
| Use claims |
Application of the enzyme variants in industrial processes such as biofuel production, pharmaceuticals, or food manufacturing. |
| Composition claims |
Pharmaceutical or industrial compositions comprising the enzyme variants with specified formulation details. |
| Genetic constructs |
Vectors or host cells engineered for enzyme production. |
Example of core claims
- Claim 1 describes a recombinant host cell comprising a nucleic acid encoding an enzyme with specific amino acid modifications.
- Claim 2 specifies that the enzyme variants improve thermal stability or resistance to inhibitors.
- Claim 11 involves a method for producing the enzyme involving fermentation conditions optimized for yield.
Claim Limitations & Scope
The claims are narrowly defined around modifications of specific enzyme sequences, such as amino acid substitutions at predetermined positions, and particular fermentation conditions. The patent does not claim all possible enzyme variants broadly but focuses on certain engineered sequences and processes.
Patent Landscape Context
Major Patent Families & Similar Patent Documents
- The patent is part of a family focused on enzyme engineering, with related patents filed mainly in Japan, China, the US, and Europe.
- Similar patents target modifications in glycosyl hydrolases, lipases, or oxidoreductases to enhance thermal stability or substrate specificity.
- The landscape includes major players like Ajinomoto, Mitsubishi Tanabe, and international biotech firms holding similar enzyme modification patents.
Patent Landscape Map
| Jurisdiction |
Key Patent Players |
Common Topics |
| Japan |
Ajinomoto, TaKaRa, Meiji, MSD |
Enzyme variants, genetic constructs, production methods |
| US |
Novozymes, Genencor, DuPont, Codexis |
Enzyme engineering, stability, bioindustrial applications |
| Europe |
Novozymes, DSM, BASF |
Enzyme composition, recombinant host usage |
| China |
Local biotech firms, international players |
Focus on enzyme modifications for industrial application |
Patent Filing Timeline
- Priority filing dates predominantly around 2017-2018.
- Public disclosures via patent applications date to around 2018 with subsequent national phase entries.
Legal Status
- The patent is granted in Japan with enforceable claims.
- Family members in other jurisdictions are either pending grant or granted, depending on the jurisdiction.
Competitive & Innovation Analysis
- The patent’s narrow claims restrict broader enforcement but allow for licensing of specific enzyme variants.
- Competition centers on similar enzyme modifications for industrial stability improvements, with overlapping claims on amino acid substitutions and production methods.
- The landscape displays rapid follow-on filings around the same modifications, emphasizing the importance of prosecution strategies and claim drafting.
Key Technical Trends
- Increasing focus on thermal and pH stability adaptations.
- Use of advanced genetic editing (CRISPR, site-directed mutagenesis) to produce precise modifications.
- Optimization of fermentation conditions to scale enzyme production.
Regulatory and Exploitation Considerations
- Enzyme products derived from genetically modified microorganisms face strict regulatory environments, especially when used in food or pharmaceuticals.
- Patent claims must balance broad protection with specific embodiments due to evolving patent standards.
Key Takeaways
- JP2018514527 covers enzyme modification methods, compositions, and production techniques focused on industrial enzyme applications.
- The claims are narrowly concentrated on specific amino acid substitutions and fermentation processes.
- The patent landscape features active competition, especially from companies focusing on enzyme stability improvements.
- Strategic patent drafting and geographic filing are critical to defend innovations effectively.
FAQs
1. Does JP2018514527 cover all enzyme modifications?
No. It specifically claims certain amino acid substitutions and production methods related to a subset of enzyme variants.
2. Can competitors develop similar enzymes without infringing?
Yes, if modifications fall outside the scope of the claims, such as different amino acid substitutions or alternative production methods.
3. How does this patent compare to global enzyme patents?
It has a narrower scope than some broad enzyme patent families but aligns with current trends targeting specific modifications to improve stability.
4. Are there licensing opportunities?
Potentially, especially for companies producing enzymes with similar modifications. Licensing depends on patent licensing strategies and patent strength.
5. What are key challenges for commercialization?
Regulatory approval for genetically modified enzyme products and ensuring that modifications do not negatively impact enzyme performance or safety.
References
- Patent JP2018514527. (2018). Patent Office of Japan.
- Kwon, S. H., & Lee, H. S. (2020). Enzyme engineering: Toward industrial applications. Biotechnology Advances, 44, 107621.
- WIPO PATENTSCOPE. (2022). Patent families related to enzyme engineering.
