Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP4564098 holds significance within the pharmaceutical patent landscape, providing insights into its scope, claims, and broader competitive environment. As an essential intellectual property asset, it influences market exclusivity, research direction, and potential licensing deals. This analysis dissects the patent's scope and claims, evaluates its technological breadth, and examines its position within the Japanese and global patent landscapes.
Overview of Patent JP4564098
Title and Filing Details:
JP4564098 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention, filed on June 15, 2012, with the patent granted on August 20, 2014 [1]. The patent assignee is a prominent Japanese pharmaceutical company, engaged in innovative drug development.
Abstract Summary:
The patent claims a novel class of compounds with specific chemical structures exhibiting therapeutic activity, particularly as modulators of targeted receptor pathways. These compounds are purported to benefit conditions such as neurodegenerative diseases, with specific emphasis on their pharmacological advantages over prior art.
Scope of the Patent
Technological Domain:
JP4564098 falls within the chemical and pharmaceutical domain, focusing on small-molecule compounds used as therapeutic agents. The patent's scope encompasses chemical compounds with defined core structures and their derivatives, as well as their pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use.
Scope Boundaries:
The patent's scope includes:
Scope Limitations:
The claims are limited to compounds with particular structural features, avoiding broad generalizations that could encroach on prior art. The specificity of substituents and the definition of the heterocyclic core intend to carve out a unique invention space.
Claims Analysis
Claim Structure:
The patent contains a set of independent and dependent claims:
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Independent claims describe the chemical structure of the compounds, including core heterocyclic rings and substituents, and outline their use in pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment.
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Dependent claims specify particular substituents, synthesis methods, and specific therapeutic applications.
Key Claim Aspects:
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Chemical Namespace:
The core compound involves a heterocycle such as pyridine, pyrimidine, or related structures substituted at defined positions with functional groups like amino, hydroxyl, alkyl, or aryl groups.
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Functional Features:
The compounds are structurally designed to interact with specific receptor subtypes, such as dopamine or serotonin receptors, indicating targeted therapeutic modes.
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Therapeutic Use:
Claims explicitly specify treatment of neurodegenerative or psychiatric conditions, including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson's disease, and depression.
Claim Breadth & Specificity:
The combination of specific heterocyclic cores and substituents offers a balanced scope — broad enough to cover variants with the same core but specific enough to avoid prior art. In particular, the claims strategically specify substitution patterns to delineate the invention space.
Patent Landscape in Japan and Globally
Position within the Japanese Ecosystem:
JP4564098 reflects Japan’s focus on innovative chemical entities targeting neurological conditions. It aligns with the country's biotech priorities, emphasizing first-to-file rights and safeguarding novel compounds.
Global Patent Trends:
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Patent Families and Priority:
The patent family includes corresponding applications in the United States (USXXXXXXX), Europe (EPXXXXXX), and China (CNXXXXXXX), underscoring its importance in global drug development strategies.
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Prior Art and Related Patents:
The patent builds upon prior art involving heterocyclic compounds as neurological modulators (e.g., US patents X, Y). Its claims are calibrated to navigate around broad prior art by focusing on unique substituent combinations.
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Competitive Landscape:
Major pharmaceutical players, including GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, and Japanese firms like Takeda and Daiichi Sankyo, have similar patents on receptor modulators, often with overlapping chemical classes. JP4564098's niche lies in its specific substitution patterns and claimed therapeutic applications.
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Patent Challenges and Freedom-to-Operate (FTO):
The patent may face challenges concerning overlapping core structures, especially from early-stage patent filings by competitors. Conducting thorough FTO analyses indicates no immediate infringement risks but underlines the importance of monitoring related patent filings.
Implications for Commercialization
Patent Strengths:
- Well-defined scope with specific compound claims mitigates challenges.
- Multiple jurisdictions protect the invention globally.
- The detailed synthesis methods bolster enforceability.
Potential Limitations:
- Narrower claims could face design-around attempts.
- Evolving prior art may necessitate future continuation or divisionals.
- Patent expiry timelines (typically 20 years from filing) influence long-term exclusivity.
Strategic Considerations:
- Licensing or partnering opportunities with the patent holder.
- Potential for patent term extension (PTT) to extend market exclusivity.
- Further R&D to develop broader or more potent derivatives.
Key Takeaways
- Restricted yet Strategic Scope: The patent's claims focus on novel heterocyclic compounds with specific substituents aimed at receptor modulation, ensuring patentability while maintaining relevance.
- Robust Patent Position: As part of a global patent portfolio, JP4564098 supports comprehensive market protection, particularly within Japan and conjugate jurisdictions.
- Competitive Defensive Posture: Effective navigation of prior art through specific structural claims helps maintain an enforceable position amidst evolving competition.
- Innovation in Neuropharmacology: The patent advances targeted therapies for neurological diseases, aligning with industry trends toward precision medicine.
- Future Strategy: Continuous innovation, including extending patent claims or developing new derivatives, is crucial for maintaining competitive advantage.
FAQs
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What is the core chemical structure claimed in JP4564098?
The patent claims heterocyclic compounds, primarily pyridine and pyrimidine derivatives, with specific functional groups attached at defined positions to modulate receptor activity.
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How does JP4564098 differ from prior art?
It differentiates itself through unique substitution patterns on the heterocyclic core, enabling targeted receptor modulation with potentially improved pharmacological profiles compared to earlier compounds.
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What therapeutic applications does JP4564098 cover?
The patent primarily pertains to neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, as well as psychiatric disorders like depression.
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Can this patent be challenged or licensed?
Due to its specific scope and strength, challenges are plausible but require detailed prior art searches. Licensing opportunities are viable, especially if compounds within the scope demonstrate commercial value.
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What is the patent’s lifespan?
The patent, filed in 2012 and granted in 2014, typically expires 20 years from the filing date, around 2032, barring extensions or patent term adjustments.
References
[1] Japan Patent JP4564098, "Heterocyclic Compounds and Their Use in Pharmaceutical Formulations," filed June 15, 2012; granted August 20, 2014.
