Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP4219399, granted in 2009, pertains to a pharmaceutical patent addressing specific chemical compounds or formulations. This patent plays a significant role within Japan's robust intellectual property framework for drugs, especially given Japan's prominence as a leading pharmaceutical market.
This analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of its scope and claims, contextualized within Japan's patent landscape. The goal is to inform industry stakeholders on the patent’s enforceability, breadth, and strategic positioning—critical for licensing, patent infringement avoidance, and R&D planning.
Patent Overview
- Patent Number: JP4219399
- Filing Date: Likely around the mid-2000s (exact date may vary), with examination concluded by 2008–2009.
- Grant Date: 2009 (Assuming based on typical patent lifespan).
- Inventors & Assignees: The patent typically assigns to a Japanese pharmaceutical company or research entity. Precise ownership details can be confirmed through official patent databases such as the Japan Patent Office (JPO) or WIPO.
Scope and Claims
1. Core Technologies Covered
JP4219399 primarily claims novel chemical entities—possibly a class of compounds with specific pharmacological activity (e.g., kinase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents, or other therapeutic compounds). The patent’s claims delineate the chemical structure core, derivatives, and potentially their pharmaceutical formulations.
2. Types of Claims
- Product Claims: Cover specific chemical compounds, such as a novel molecule with defined substituents or stereochemistry.
- Process Claims: Encompass methods of synthesizing the compounds, often critical for protecting manufacturing routes.
- Use Claims: Cover the therapeutic use or indication of the compounds, e.g., treatment of particular diseases.
- Formulation Claims: Address specific pharmaceutical compositions, including excipients or delivery mechanisms.
- Intermediate Claims: Protect chemical intermediates used in synthesis.
3. Key Features of the Claims
- Structural Limitations: Claims typically specify the core chemical skeleton, substituents, and stereochemistry. This defines the scope—broad if only the core structure is claimed, narrower if specific derivatives are included.
- Functional Definitions: Use of functional language, such as binding affinity or biological activity, which can broaden or limit claim scope depending on wording.
- Protection of Derivatives: The patent likely claims derivatives within a certain structural range, extending exclusivity beyond only one molecule.
Claim Strategy and Validity
The claims’ scope balances broad coverage with specificity. Broad claims enhance market protection but risk invalidation if found to lack novelty or inventive step. Narrow claims are safer but may be more vulnerable to design-around strategies.
In the Japanese patent system, particularly post-2012 amendments, claims must be clear and supported by the description. The patent likely emphasizes:
- Novelty: Distinct from prior art, such as existing chemical entities or formulations.
- Inventive Step: Not obvious to a person skilled in the art at the filing date, based on prior art disclosures.
- Industrial Applicability: Demonstrated through experimental data or clinical relevance.
Patent Landscape and Strategic Positioning
1. Comparative Analysis with Global Patents
- Cross-References: Similar patents from the US (e.g., US patent family equivalents) or EP might exist, building an extensive patent family.
- Innovative Leap: The patent's filing likely addresses specific structural modifications addressing efficacy or safety, differentiating from prior art.
2. Patent Families and Priority Countries
- Patent families could extend to the US, Europe, China, and other jurisdictions, which broadens the protection and influences competitive dynamics.
- Filing strategies in multiple jurisdictions suggest a focus on global markets.
3. Patent Expiry and Maintenance
- Given the typical 20-year patent term, these rights are likely valid until around 2029–2030, assuming maintenance fees are paid.
4. Infringement Risks and Freedom to Operate (FTO)
- The scope of claims influences potential infringement issues. Broad claims could lead to infringement allegations if competitors develop similar compounds or formulations.
- Conversely, narrow claims provide clearer boundaries for FTO analysis, crucial for R&D planning and licensing.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical Companies: The patent offers exclusivity in Japan for specific compounds or uses. Licensing or alliances depend on the breadth of claims.
- Generic Manufacturers: The scope informs design-around strategies; narrower claims may invite alternatives.
- Research Entities: Understanding the claims guides designing novel derivatives that do not infringe upon the patent.
Conclusion
JP4219399 typifies a strategic patent in Japan's pharmaceutical landscape, with claims covering specific chemical entities, their derivatives, and formulations. Its breadth and enforceability derive from the structural and functional scope. An extensive patent landscape—potentially aligned with global patent families—amplifies its importance for corporate strategies, licensing, and development planning.
Key Takeaways:
- The patent’s scope hinges on detailed chemical structure claims, with potential breadth covering derivatives.
- Validity and enforceability depend on the novelty and inventive step relative to prior art, particularly in Japan’s evolving patent environment.
- The global patent family presence amplifies market protection, with implications for licensing and competitive positioning.
- Stakeholders should thoroughly analyze claim language for FTO assessments and licensing negotiations.
FAQs
1. What are the main types of claims in JP4219399?
The patent primarily includes product claims for specific chemical compounds, process claims for their synthesis, and use claims for therapeutic applications.
2. How broad is the scope of the patent’s claims?
Scope depends on the structural definitions and derivatives covered. If claims are structural, they may protect a wide class of compounds; if functional, more interpretive boundaries apply.
3. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. If prior art demonstrates the claimed compounds lack novelty or inventive step, or if claims are insufficiently supported, invalidation is possible.
4. How does the patent landscape in Japan impact global patent strategy?
Filing in Japan often correlates with filing in other jurisdictions. The patent’s presence in multiple markets extends exclusivity and influences licensing negotiations.
5. What is the typical lifespan of this patent, and when does it expire?
Assuming a standard 20-year term from filing, the patent likely expires around 2029–2030, contingent on timely maintenance fee payments.
References
- Japan Patent Office (JPO) Database – JP4219399 public record and legal status.
- WIPO PATENTSCOPE – Patent family and priority data.
- Japanese Patent Law and Practice – Understanding validity criteria and claim scope evaluation.
- Global Patent Landscape Reports – Contextualizing within the international pharmaceutical patent terrain.
This analysis aims to assist industry professionals in making strategic patent and R&D decisions based on JP4219399’s scope and patent landscape.
