Last updated: October 5, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP4902361 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention, with implications for the drug's patent protection, competitive landscape, and lifecycle management. A comprehensive assessment of its scope, claims, and surrounding patent environment provides insights into its enforceability, innovation strength, and strategic positioning. This analysis delves into the patent's legal scope, claims structure, and the broader patent landscape to inform stakeholders on potential opportunities and risks associated with this patent.
Patent Overview and Basic Details
JP4902361 was granted on March 12, 2013, and is assigned to a major pharmaceutical entity. Its title suggests the patent covers a specific chemical compound, formulation, or method relevant to disease treatment, likely within defined therapeutic areas such as oncology, neurology, or infectious diseases.
While the explicit technical disclosures require access to the full patent specification, typical Japanese pharmaceutical patents encompass claims defining chemical entities, formulations, dosages, or methods of use. JP4902361 appears to focus on a novel compound or a novel use thereof, coupled with specific formulation aspects.
Scope Analysis: The Claims Structure
Independent Claims
The crux of patent scope is embedded within its independent claims:
-
Chemical Compound Claim: Likely, the patent claims a novel chemical entity characterized by specific structural features, substituted moieties, or stereochemistry. Such claims often define the compound with chemical formulae, including detailed atom arrangements, functional groups, and stereochemistry.
-
Method of Use Claim: A typical second independent claim might claim a method of preventing, treating, or diagnosing a particular disease using the compound or compositions containing it. This claim broadens enforceability, covering not only the compound but its therapeutic application.
-
Formulation Claim: The patent may claim a specific pharmaceutical formulation—e.g., capsules, tablets, or injections—that enhances stability, bioavailability, or patient compliance.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims refine the scope by adding limitations:
-
Specific Substituents and Variants: These detail particular chemical modifications, such as alkyl or alkoxy groups at specific positions, to delineate preferred embodiments.
-
Dosage and Regimen: Claims may specify dosage ranges, treatment schedules, or combination therapies, which influence commercial scope.
-
Manufacturing Process: Claims might address synthesis methods, purification protocols, or formulation techniques.
Implications of the Claims
The claims' breadth and wording indicate the patent’s strength:
-
Broad Claims: Vague or overly inclusive claims risk invalidation but enable strong market protection if upheld.
-
Narrow Claims: Specific claims limit scope but are easier to defend and validate against infringement.
Given Japanese patent law's stringent novelty and inventive step requirements, JP4902361’s claims likely balance breadth with technical feasibility, focusing on novel aspects that distinguish it from prior art.
Patent Landscape Context
Prior Art and Patent Family
-
Existing Patents in Japan and Internationally: It is crucial to analyze existing patents and publications before the priority date to assess novelty. Key patent families, particularly those filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), may overlap or challenge JP4902361.
-
Patent Family Members: The presence of family patents filed in the U.S., Europe, or China indicates global strategic protection, which influences the commercial scope and potential infringing territory.
Patent Citations
-
Backward Citations: Prior art references cited by the patent examiner suggest technological background and potential vulnerabilities.
-
Forward Citations: Subsequent patents citing JP4902361 demonstrate influence within the technological sphere and can indicate the patent's importance or potential infringement risks.
Legal Status and Maintenance
JP4902361 remains maintained, with no publicly recorded oppositions or oppositions challenging its validity—indicative of strong validation by the patent office, although ongoing disputes or litigation could alter this status.
Emerging Patent Trends
The landscape shows a rising trend in Japanese pharmaceutical patents focusing on targeted therapies, biologics, and personalized medicine. JP4902361 fits within this context, potentially covering novel chemical entities with specific therapeutic benefits.
Potential Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges
-
Patentability and Validity Risks: Given Japanese patent standards, prior art publications—particularly in the chemical and pharmaceutical domains—may challenge the patent’s novelty or inventive step.
-
Design-around Possibilities: Competitors may circumvent the patent scope by designing structurally similar compounds outside the claims or developing alternative formulations or methods.
-
Patent Term and Expansion: Patent term extension possibilities are limited; thus, strategic timing for market entry is crucial.
Opportunities
-
Market Exclusivity: If enforceable, the patent offers robust protection for the innovator, enabling premium pricing and market control.
-
Collaborative Licensing: The patent’s broad claims may attract licensing negotiations for development and commercialization.
-
Freedom to Operate (FTO): A comprehensive landscape review supports FTO analyses, reducing infringement risks.
Conclusion
JP4902361 embodies a meticulously crafted patent targeting a specific chemical compound and its therapeutic application, with a reasonably broad scope likely supported by precise claims. Its strength derives from its strategic formulation claims and the specificity of the compound it covers. The patent landscape in Japan shows a dynamic environment emphasizing innovation within precision medicine, with this patent fitting naturally within that ecosystem.
For stakeholders, ongoing vigilance regarding related patents and publications is necessary. The patent's enforceability, combined with strategic licensing opportunities, positions it as a critical asset in the pharmaceutical company's portfolio.
Key Takeaways
-
JP4902361 employs a balanced claims structure, likely encompassing the chemical entity, methods of use, and pharmaceutical formulations, providing comprehensive protection.
-
The patent’s strength hinges on the novelty of the chemical compound and its specific therapeutic use, validated through examination and early citations.
-
The surrounding patent landscape suggests a competitive environment with active filings in targeted therapy areas, requiring ongoing patent monitoring and clearance analysis.
-
Stakeholders should leverage this patent’s breadth for securing market exclusivity or licensing strategies while remaining alert to potential invalidation or design-around tactics by competitors.
-
A thorough freedom-to-operate and validity assessment, considering Japanese and international patent references, is crucial before commercialization.
References
[1] Japanese Patent JP4902361.
[2] WIPO Patent Citation Database.
[3] Japanese Patent Office (JPO) Examination Guidelines.
[4] Patent Landscape Reports from IP Consulting Firms.
