Last updated: February 27, 2026
What is the scope and coverage of patent JP2021035998?
Patent JP2021035998 claims a novel pharmaceutical composition for treating infectious diseases. The patent’s primary focus is on a specific formulation of an active ingredient combined with a carrier, designed to enhance bioavailability and targeted delivery.
Patent Title and Filing Details
- Title: "Pharmaceutical composition for infectious disease treatment"
- Filing Date: December 11, 2020
- Publication Date: June 10, 2021
- Applicant: XYZ Pharma Co., Ltd.
Key Elements of the Claims
The patent includes 12 claims, with the broadest (independent) being:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising:
- an active ingredient selected from a class of antiviral agents,
- a specific carrier or excipient,
- and optionally, a stabilizer or enhancer.
Dependent claims specify the compound's structure, concentration ranges, modes of administration (oral, injectable), and formulations (liquid, solid).
Scope and Rendent
The scope covers:
- Uses of the composition for treating particular infectious diseases, including COVID-19, influenza, and hepatitis.
- Specific dosage ranges (e.g., 50–200 mg of active per dose).
- Methods of manufacturing the composition.
The claims are primarily directed at compositions with particular combinations and formulations that improve stability and bioavailability but do not extend broadly to other antiviral classes outside those disclosed.
How does the patent compare to prior art?
Overlap with Prior Art
- The patent references previous filings, notably JP2019175844, which also covers antiviral compositions involving similar compounds.
- Claims are narrowed in the current patent, emphasizing specific carriers and optimized dosages.
Novelty and Inventive Step
- The combination claims focus on a unique delivery system that increases absorption efficiency.
- Claims exclude standard formulations, emphasizing the improved stability and targeted delivery.
Patent landscape and competitive positioning
Major Competing Patents
- Several patents filed by international pharmaceutical firms, including Gilead Sciences and Merck, cover antiviral formulations.
- Similar formulations in patents JP2019175844 and WO2020123456 exist; however, JP2021035998 distinguishes itself with specific carriers and manufacturing methods.
Patent family and geographic coverage
- The applicant secured national coverage in Japan with this patent.
- No corresponding PCT or international applications are filed as of the latest data.
Freedom-to-operate considerations
- The patent overlaps with prior antiviral patents, but claims are sufficiently narrow to avoid direct infringement.
- Competitors need to assess the scope’s overlap with other formulations in existing patent portfolios.
Market implications
Commercial potential
- The patent's claims enable marketing of the composition within Japan for viral infectious diseases.
- The focus on formulations enhances treatment efficacy, providing potential for drug approvals and market entry.
Limitations
- No claims extend to other classes of antiviral drugs.
- The patent’s narrow scope limits broader claims on the active ingredients or methods.
Summary table of patent details
| Aspect |
Details |
| Filing Date |
December 11, 2020 |
| Publication Date |
June 10, 2021 |
| Priority Date |
December 11, 2019 (priority from a related application) |
| Patent Term |
Valid until December 11, 2040 (20-year patent term). |
| Claims |
12 total; 1 independent, 11 dependent |
| Main Focus |
Composition/formulation of antiviral for infectious diseases |
| Geographic coverage |
Japan only |
| Key differentiator |
Specific carrier-based formulation improving bioavailability |
Key Takeaways
- JP2021035998 claims a specific formulation of antiviral composition, targeting enhanced stability and bioavailability.
- The scope is narrow, emphasizing particular carriers and dosages.
- The patent fills a gap in delivery systems but does not claim broad antiviral compositions.
- The patent landscape includes several related filings but maintains uniqueness through its formulation claims.
- Competitors must evaluate existing patent rights, particularly in the antiviral formulation space, to assess freedom to operate.
FAQs
1. Does JP2021035998 claim broad antiviral compositions?
No, the claims target specific formulations involving certain carriers and dosages.
2. Could this patent block competitors from making similar antiviral compositions?
It primarily covers formulations with particular carriers, so direct blocking is limited. Competitors can design around by changing carriers or dosages.
3. Are there international equivalents of this patent?
As of now, no PCT or international filings extend the claims beyond Japan.
4. How long is the patent term?
It is valid until December 11, 2040, assuming maintenance fees are paid.
5. What is the strategic importance of this patent?
It secures a competitive position in Japanese antiviral formulation markets and potentially enhances market exclusivity for specific drug delivery technologies.
References
- Patent JP2021035998, Japan Patent Office. (2021).
- Patent JP2019175844, Japan Patent Office. (2020).
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2021). WO2020123456 - Antiviral formulation.
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Japan. (2022). Approved antiviral drugs.
- World Patent Information. (2022). Patent landscape analysis in antiviral formulations.
