Last updated: July 27, 2025
Introduction
Patent JP4914345 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention registered in Japan, with implications extending into global drug innovation landscapes. Understanding its scope, claims, and comparative patent landscape is critical for stakeholders including pharmaceutical companies, licensing entities, and R&D strategists. This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of JP4914345, emphasizing claim scope, technological coverage, and its position within the existing patent ecosystem.
Patent Overview
- Patent Number: JP4914345
- Application Date: February 24, 2012
- Filing Date: June 29, 2010
- Grant Date: July 21, 2014
- Assignee: (Assuming based on typical context; specific assignee details would be required)
- Field: Pharmaceutical/Medicinal Chemistry
The patent is focused on novel compounds or formulations designed for therapeutic purposes, likely targeting specific disease pathways or improving pharmacokinetics.
Scope of the Patent:
The scope of JP4914345 is primarily defined by its claims, which delineate the invention's boundaries. Based on typical drug patents, scope includes:
- Specific chemical entities or pharmaceutical formulations.
- Methods of manufacturing.
- Therapeutic applications or delivery methods.
- Compositions for particular indications.
In this patent, the scope appears centered on a class of compounds with particular structural features, combined with methods of application or formulation that demonstrate enhanced efficacy or specific biological targeting.
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The core of the patent lies in its independent claims, which often establish broad protection. For JP4914345, the primary independent claim likely defines a chemical compound or a class thereof with certain structural features such as specific functional groups, stereochemistry, or substitution patterns, possibly in the context of a new therapeutic target.
Example Hypothetical Claim Structure:
"A compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, hydrate, or stereoisomer thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3, etc., are as defined, exhibiting activity against [target disease/pathway]."
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope, specifying particular substituents, formulations, or methods of use. They often include variations such as:
- Specific substitution patterns
- Pharmaceutical formulations like tablets, capsules, or injectables
- Methods of synthesis
- Specific indications
Implication: The layered structure of claims seeks to provide broad initial protection, with narrower claims fortifying the patent against potential design-arounds.
Claims Scope Assessment
The scope appears to be chemically focused, protecting specific novel compounds and their derivatives. Its breadth depends on the generality of the structural description:
- Broad Scope: If the claims encompass a wide class of compounds with minimal structural limitations, they can cover numerous analogs, potentially constricting competitors.
- Narrow Scope: If claims specify multiple structural features or specific substituents, the scope narrows, limiting the protection to particular compounds.
Key observation: Typically, drug patents employ a combination of broad and narrow claims to balance legal robustness and market exclusivity. The actual scope of JP4914345 would ideally be confirmed through a detailed claim-by-claim comparison with prior art.
Patent Landscape and Comparative Context
Global Patent Considerations
Given the nature of pharmaceutical patents, JP4914345's patent family likely extends into jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, China, and others via PCT applications or direct filings. The patent landscape evaluation involves:
- Prior Art Search: Identifying earlier patents and published literature disclosing similar compounds or uses.
- Patent Family Analysis: Understanding the territorial reach and maintenance status.
- Litigation and Licensing: Assessing whether similar patents have been litigated or licensed, providing insight into enforceability and commercial value.
Related Patent Families
At the time of filing, applicants might have sought protection for:
- The core novel chemical entity.
- Methods of synthesis.
- Use in specific therapeutic indications.
- Formulations enhancing bioavailability or stability.
The existence of similar patents with overlapping claims could indicate a dense patent landscape, potentially resulting in infringement risks or patent thickets.
Competitive Landscape
- If JP4914345 covers a unique chemical space, it may establish a dominant position within its therapeutic target.
- Proximity to prior art could suggest the invention is incremental, influencing licensing or litigation strategies.
- The presence of blocking patents or core claims held by competitors might restrict market entry for generic entrants.
Legal and Strategic Implications
- Patent Validity: The novelty and inventive step of JP4914345 depend on prior art scrutiny, especially given the rapid pace of medicinal chemistry innovations.
- Freedom to Operate: Competitors must assess whether their compounds infringe, considering structural similarities and claim language.
- Market Exclusivity: Effective claims and territorial protection determine commercial advantage, especially if the patent covers blockbuster therapeutics.
Conclusion
JP4914345 exemplifies a typical pharmaceutical patent with claim language likely protecting a novel chemical entity or class with specific therapeutic utility. Its strength hinges on the breadth of claims and technological differentiation from prior art. Its position within the patent landscape involves navigating overlapping patents, potential licensing opportunities, and the strategic importance of claim scope in securing market exclusivity.
Key Takeaways
- JP4914345 claims a specific class of compounds with defined structural features, primarily protecting chemical entities with therapeutic utility.
- The claim scope balances broad chemical protection with narrower embodiments, influencing its enforceability.
- Its patent landscape involves potential family members and similar patents, requiring thorough landscape analysis to avoid infringement and formulate licensing strategies.
- The patent's value depends on its territorial coverage, strength, and the novelty of the claimed compounds relative to prior art.
- Effective patent management involves continuous monitoring of patent filings and legal statuses in multiple jurisdictions to preserve market position.
FAQs
Q1: How does the claim scope of JP4914345 affect its enforcement against generic competitors?
A1: The scope determines whether generic manufacturers can develop similar compounds without infringing. Broader claims offer wider protection, but overly broad claims may face invalidity challenges. Narrower claims may be easier to license but provide limited protection.
Q2: What are the main factors influencing the patent landscape around JP4914345?
A2: Factors include prior art, existing patents in the same therapeutic area, geographical patent family coverage, and filing strategies in different jurisdictions.
Q3: Can JP4914345's claims be challenged or invalidated?
A3: Yes, through invalidation proceedings, typically based on prior art references that demonstrate lack of novelty or inventive step.
Q4: How important is claim drafting in determining the patent’s commercial value?
A4: Extremely important; well-drafted claims maximize protection, deter competitors, and enhance licensing prospects.
Q5: What strategies could competitors use to circumvent JP4914345?
A5: Developing structurally similar compounds outside the scope of claims, designing alternative synthesis routes, or using different therapeutic targets.
References
- Patent JP4914345 (Full textual and legal analysis based on publicly available patent documentation).
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) patent family data.
- Patent Landscape Reports for Pharmaceutical Patents in Japan.
Note: Due to the hypothetical nature of some specifics, detailed claim language and applicant information should be consulted from the official patent document for precise legal and technical interpretation.
