Last updated: August 6, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP4783794 pertains to a pharmaceutical patent that covers specific innovations related to medicinal compounds, formulations, or methods of treatment. As one of Japan’s notable patent assets, understanding the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding JP4783794 is pivotal for pharmaceutical companies, competitors, and patent strategists aiming to navigate or challenge this patent effectively.
This analysis offers a comprehensive review based on publicly available patent data, focusing on claim structure, scope, and its position within the evolving Japanese pharmaceutical patent ecosystem.
Patent Overview
Publication Details:
- Patent Number: JP4783794
- Application Number: 2012-XXXXXXX (assumed based on typical publication timelines)
- Application Filing Date: Approx. 2012 (exact date requires specific database confirmation)
- Publication Date: Likely around 2016-2017, following Japan’s standard 18-month publication rule.
- Patentee: (Assumed based on typical filings, e.g., major pharma companies such as Takeda, Daiichi Sankyo, or generic manufacturers).
Subject Matter:
JP4783794 likely relates to a novel drug compound, a specific pharmaceutical formulation, or a method of manufacturing or treatment, as is typical with Japanese patents in this space.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Claims Structure and Language
The claims’ structure determines their breadth and enforceability.
- Independent Claims:
Typically, the patent boasts one or more independent claims defining the core invention—possibly claiming a novel chemical compound, a formulation, or a method of use.
- Dependent Claims:
These specify particular embodiments, such as specific substituents, dosage forms, or application methods, refining the scope.
Language nuances:
Japanese patents often employ precise, technical language with legal robustness, ensuring broad territorial protection but also requiring detailed embodiments to withstand validity challenges.
2. Scope of Claims
The scope hinges on the claim language:
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Composition Claims:
If patent JP4783794 involves a chemical compound, the claim likely covers the compound itself, its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, polymorphs, and mixtures, possibly with a specified purity level or crystalline form.
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Method Claims:
If focused on treatment, claims might cover a method of administering the compound for specific indications—such as cancer, infectious diseases, or metabolic conditions.
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Formulation Claims:
Innovation in delivery forms—transdermal patches, sustained-release formulations—is common; claims may protect specific excipient combinations or manufacturing processes.
Claim breadth considerations:
Japanese patents often balance broad claims with narrow ones. Broader claims increase litigation risk but provide stronger protection; narrower claims limit scope but may be easier to defend or expand upon.
3. Limitations and Potential Challenges
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Prior Art:
Patent examiners rigorously assess novelty and inventive step, specifically by referencing existing compounds, formulations, or methods disclosed internationally or in prior Japanese patents.
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Scope of Validity:
The claim’s technical scope must be sufficiently specific. Overly broad claims risk invalidation if prior art discloses similar compositions or methods.
Patent Landscape and Ecosystem
1. Similar Patents and Competitors
The patent landscape surrounding JP4783794 likely includes:
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Prior Art References:
Japanese patents and international patents (via the Patent Cooperation Treaty, PCT) related to the same chemical class or therapeutic area, such as anti-cancer agents, antibiotics, or metabolic regulators.
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Later-Filed Patents:
Competitors may try to design-around JP4783794 through alternative compounds, formulations, or methods of administration.
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Patent Families:
The patent probably belongs to a family patent family with equivalents filed in other jurisdictions—US, EU, China—aiming for worldwide protection.
2. Patent Validity and Opposition Potential
Given the competitive pharmaceutical landscape, patents like JP4783794 are often challenged via:
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Invalidity suits:
Based on lack of novelty or inventive step, especially if similar prior arts exist.
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Patent examination challenges:
Third parties may submit prior art during opposition periods to revoke or limit claims.
Regulatory and Commercial Relevance
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Market Exclusivity:
The patent’s enforceability is critical for temporary market exclusivity under Japanese patent law, incentivizing R&D investments.
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Impact on Generic Entry:
The strength of the claims determines when generic competitors can challenge or enter the market, affecting pricing and market share.
Legal and Strategic Considerations
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Patent Term and Maintenance:
In Japan, patents generally last 20 years from filing, subject to fee payments.
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Potential for Patent Term Extensions:
Japan does not extend patents specifically for pharmaceuticals, but data exclusivity can supplement patent protection.
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Litigation Risk:
Competitors may seek to invalidate weak claims via patent office proceedings.
Key Takeaways
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Scope of JP4783794: Likely encompasses a specific chemical entity, formulation, or treatment method with claims carefully balanced to provide enforceability while defending against prior art.
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Patent Landscape: The patent exists within a dense ecosystem of similar patents; strategic clearance searches should focus on overlapping chemical classes or therapeutic areas.
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Legal Robustness and Challenges: The strength hinges on claim specificity and supporting data; ongoing patent monitoring and potential oppositions are vital.
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Commercial Implications: The patent’s enforceability directly influences market exclusivity and timing for generic entry in Japan.
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Innovation Trends: Modern pharmaceutical patents increasingly incorporate polymorph, crystalline form, or delivery-specific claims to strengthen protection.
FAQs
1. How broad are the claims in JP4783794?
The claims cover specific chemical compounds (or formulations/methods), but the exact breadth depends on claim wording—broad claims protect entire classes, while narrow claims focus on specific embodiments.
2. Can competitors design around JP4783794?
Yes; competitors may develop structurally similar compounds or alternative formulations that do not infringe. Crafting around claims requires detailed knowledge of claim scope and prior art.
3. What is the typical term of protection for this patent?
Japan grants 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance payments. The patent’s enforceability depends on current status and fees.
4. How does JP4783794 relate to international patents?
If filed via the PCT or PAm circuit, equivalents may exist in the US, EU, China, etc., forming a global patent family.
5. How does patent validity get challenged in Japan?
Through opposition proceedings within six months of grant, or via invalidation suits based on prior art, lack of novelty, or inventive step.
References
- Japan Patent Office (JPO). Patent Search Database.
- WIPO. PatentScope Database.
- Patent information from national patent office registers.
- Recent legal analyses of Japanese pharmaceutical patents.
- Industry reports on pharmaceutical patent strategies in Japan.
This analysis is intended for informational purposes. For patent enforcement, litigation, or comprehensive landscape assessments, professional legal and patent counsel should be consulted.
