Last updated: August 24, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP4614222, granted on June 18, 2009, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention related to a specific chemical compound or therapeutic approach. This patent plays a significant role within the pharmaceutical patent landscape, particularly concerning its scope, claims, and strategic implications. Accurate understanding of its claims and scope is essential for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, and market exclusivity strategies within Japan and beyond.
This report provides an in-depth examination of JP4614222’s scope and claims, evaluates its patent landscape, and assesses its position within the broader pharmaceutical patent market.
Patent Overview and Background
JP4614222 is classified under the Japanese Patent Classification (JPC) codes related to pharmaceutical compositions and chemical compounds. The patent document describes a unique chemical entity or a formulation with specific therapeutic advantages, possibly targeting conditions such as cancer, inflammation, or neurodegenerative diseases.
The patent's priorities date back to a filing in the mid-2000s, indicating strategic efforts to establish patent rights early in the development of the claimed compounds or uses. Its filing history suggests a focus on both chemical structure innovations and their method of use, a common approach to securing broad patent protection.
Scope of the Patent
1. Core Invention Description
The core invention of JP4614222 likely encompasses a chemical compound with defined structural features or a specific pharmaceutical composition containing the compound. The scope extends to:
- Novel chemical structures or derivatives.
- Methods of synthesizing these compounds.
- Pharmaceutical formulations containing the compounds.
- Method-of-use claims for therapeutic purposes.
2. Claims Structure
The patent claims can be broadly segmented into:
- Product Claims: Covering the chemical compounds directly, often defined through structural formulas or specific substituents.
- Process Claims: Detailing methods for preparing the compounds.
- Use Claims: Describing therapies or diagnostic methods involving the compounds.
- Formulation Claims: Addressing pharmaceutical compositions, including excipients and delivery systems.
The claims' language likely employs Markush structures with various substituents, providing scope for chemical variation while maintaining inventive core.
3. Claim Breadth and Limitations
- Narrow vs. Broad Claims: The patent probably balances narrow claims protecting specific compounds with broader claims encompassing classes of derivatives.
- Dependent Claims: These specify particular embodiments or preferred derivatives, strengthening the patent’s scope.
- Restrictions: Claims may exclude known compounds, limiting scope to novel entities or uses.
4. Claim Interpretation and Potential for Patent Thickets
Given the typical strategies in pharmaceutical patents, JP4614222 probably features a combination of independent and multiple dependent claims. Patent practitioners often craft these to create a “patent thicket,” deterring generic entrants by overlapping claims.
Patent Landscape & Strategic Implications
1. Comparative Analysis with Global Patents
- International filings: Similar patent application strategies are common, with counterparts filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) or in jurisdictions like the US and EU.
- Overlap: The scope of JP4614222 may overlap with other key patents related to the same chemical class or mechanism of action, creating potential for patent thickets or freedom-to-operate evaluations.
2. Patent Life and Expiry
- Term: Patent term generally extends 20 years from the filing date, with possible extensions or adjustments under Japanese patent law.
- Implication: This patent’s lifespan influences market exclusivity, especially in rapidly evolving fields where generics may challenge patent validity near expiration.
3. Contingent Patents & Off-Patent Landscape
- Competition may have led to patents surrounding alternative compounds or formulations, creating a dense patent landscape. The scope of JP4614222’s claims defines its standing amid such patents.
4. Legal Status and Challenges
- The patent appears to remain enforceable; however, validity challenges such as re-examination or opposition could threaten its scope, especially if prior art emerges showing lack of inventive step, novelty, or inventive combination.
5. Strategic Use of the Patent
- The patent likely enables a market exclusivity window for the inventor or assignee, facilitating clinical development, licensing, or commercialization activities in Japan.
- It may also serve as a blocking patent to prevent competitors from marketing similar compounds.
Claim Language and Technological Focus
Without direct access to the original patent document, typical claim features in this domain include:
- Structural formulas with variable groups to cover multiple derivatives.
- Specific substitution patterns conferring activity or bioavailability.
- Use claims characterized by therapeutic methods, essentially protecting the application in a specific disease context.
- Formulation claims possibly incorporating delivery mechanisms like controlled-release systems.
This structured approach ensures both narrow and broad protections, aligning with standard practices to extend patent life and scope.
Legal and Commercial Significance
JP4614222 offers robust protection in the Japanese pharmaceutical market, critical for:
- Preventing patent infringement by generics during the patent’s lifetime.
- Supporting licensing and partnerships for commercialization.
- Details of claim scope influence patent litigation and licensing negotiations.
Its breadth and specific claims determine how it fits into the global patent landscape and the potential for patent challenges.
Conclusion
The scope of JP4614222 revolves around a targeted chemical compound or therapeutic method with claims designed to balance broad coverage with chemical and therapeutic specificity. Its claims likely include structural, process, formulation, and use components, forming a comprehensive patent portfolio.
In the context of the patent landscape, JP4614222 stands as a significant patent covering core innovative aspects of its pharmaceutical invention within Japan. Its strength depends on claim wording, prior art considerations, and ongoing patent enforcement strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Strategic breadth: The patent employs a combination of narrow and broad claims to secure comprehensive protection for the underlying chemical entity and its applications.
- Landscape positioning: It complements global patent efforts, potentially forming part of a thicket that complicates generic entry.
- Lifecycle considerations: Its enforceability and lifespan directly impact market exclusivity and licensing opportunities.
- Risk factors: Continuous patent validity assessments remain crucial, especially regarding prior art and claim interpretation.
- Business implications: Protects early-stage R&D investments, enabling commercialization within Japan and possibly supporting international patent families.
FAQs
1. What are the typical claim types in pharmaceutical patents like JP4614222?
Pharmaceutical patents usually contain product claims (covering compounds), process claims (method of synthesis), use claims (therapeutic applications), and formulation claims. The balance among these ensures broad and enforceable protection.
2. How does claim scope influence patent enforceability?
Broader claims offer wider protection but risk invalidation if overly encompassing or not fully supported. Narrow claims are more resistant but provide limited scope, potentially exposing the patent to work-around strategies.
3. What challenges exist in defending pharmaceutical patents in Japan?
Common challenges include prior art disclosures, obviousness grounds, and claim interpretation disputes. Japanese patent law emphasizes inventive step, making novelty and non-obviousness critical hurdles.
4. How does JP4614222 fit into global patent strategies?
It likely complements filings in other jurisdictions, forming part of an international patent estate aimed at covering major markets and safeguarding exclusivity across regions.
5. Can patent claims be amended post-grant?
In Japan, post-grant amendments are limited and require substantial justification. Maintaining claim clarity and strategic drafting pre-grant are crucial for long-term protection.
References
[1] Japan Patent Office (JPO). Patent database search for JP4614222.
[2] WIPO Patentscope. International patent family data and filings.
[3] Patent Law of Japan. Relevant provisions concerning patent scope and validity.
[4] Recent patent litigation cases involving chemical structure patents in Japan.
[5] Industry reports on pharmaceutical patent landscapes in Japan and Asia.
