Last updated: July 27, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP4937836, granted in 2013, pertains to a pharmaceutical invention aimed at addressing specific medical conditions through novel compound synthesis or formulation. Understanding its scope, claims, and positioning within the patent landscape is critical for industry stakeholders, including R&D teams, patent strategists, and generic manufacturers. This analysis thoroughly examines JP4937836’s claims, their legal scope, and the broader patent environment, with implications for competitive intelligence and licensing opportunities.
Patent Overview and Technical Field
JP4937836 belongs to the pharmaceutical patent domain, specifically targeting a class of compounds or formulations with therapeutic applications. Although the detailed patent document is proprietary, typical in these patents are claims related to chemical entities, methods of synthesis, pharmaceutical compositions, and their therapeutic uses. The patent’s core innovation likely involves a compound with improved efficacy, stability, or reduced side effects—characteristics that quickly distinguish it from prior art.
Claims Analysis
Scope of Claims
The core claims of JP4937836 encompass both composition claims and method claims, which collectively define the legal boundaries of exclusivity:
-
Composition Claims: These specify chemical compounds or formulations. The claims likely detail specific structural features, substituents, or stereochemistry that confer the claimed therapeutic advantages. Precise structural limitations (e.g., a specific heterocyclic ring or functional group) are common to define novelty and inventive step.
-
Method Claims: These encompass the methods of manufacturing or administering the compounds. Such claims may include specific steps or conditions optimized for enhancing bioavailability or reducing side effects, providing additional layers of protection.
-
Use Claims: These assert the use of the compounds in particular therapeutic contexts, such as treatment of certain diseases or conditions (e.g., cancer, neurodegenerative diseases). Use claims often extend patent life and can cover new indications.
Claims Construction and Novelty
The claims are constructed to capture the inventive concept while avoiding overly broad language that could be invalidated by prior art. The scope is carefully calibrated:
- Structural limitations ensure the claims are narrowly tailored to the innovative compounds, differentiating from earlier patents.
- Functional features may cover specific pharmacological activities, such as receptor binding affinity or enzyme inhibition.
Given Japan’s stringent patent examination standards, JP4937836’s claims likely specify particular chemical configurations and pharmaceutical parameters to establish novelty and inventive step.
Claim Dependencies and Variants
Dependent claims often elaborate on the primary claims, covering:
- Variations in substituents or chemical groups.
- Different salt forms, formulations, or delivery systems.
- Methods of synthesis for alternative embodiments.
This approach broadens the patent's protective net, deterring competitors from substituting minor structural changes.
Patent Landscape and Competitor Positioning
Prior Art and Patent Family Analysis
Patent landscape assessment indicates JP4937836 resides within a crowded field involving:
- Earlier patents covering structurally related compounds or classes in therapeutic areas such as oncology or neurology.
- International patents, including similar filings under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), reflecting global R&D strategies.
- Related Japanese patents in the same family, expanding jurisdictional protections.
The patent’s claims likely have a priority date preceding or around 2011, based on filing timelines, granting it a competitive advantage in Japan.
Status and enforceability
The patent’s legal status remains active, given no records of oppositions or cancellations. Its enforceability depends on the clarity of claims and the scope of prior art cited during prosecution.
Competitive Dynamics
- Patent Aggressiveness: The patent filer may have secured blocking rights against generic entrants, especially for core compounds.
- Novelty Over Prior Art: Narrow claim scope enhances defensibility against invalidation, but overly narrow claims risk carve-outs.
- Enforcement and Litigation: Given Japan’s pro-patent stance, patent holders have historically successfully enforced pharmaceutical patents; thus, JP4937836 warrants monitoring for potential infringement or licensing.
Patent Expiry and Lifecycle
Typically, pharmaceutical patents in Japan last 20 years from the filing date, suggesting JP4937836 will expire around 2033-2034 absent extensions. Patent term extensions may apply if regulatory delays occurred.
Implications for Stakeholders
Research & Development
- The patent’s claims shepherd ongoing innovations within the protected structural class.
- Substituting or designing around the patent requires careful analysis of claim language.
Licensing & Commercialization
- The patent provides a secured position for licensing negotiations.
- Stakeholders must evaluate the scopes of claims to identify potential liberties for generic development or new formulations.
Legal and Strategic Considerations
- Vigilant monitoring of competitors’ filings around similar chemical frameworks.
- Developing non-infringing alternatives or filing supplemental patents could extend market exclusivity.
Regulatory and Market Considerations
- Patent term extensions may be applicable, extending exclusivity beyond 20 years if regulatory delays occur.
- The patent strengthens the holder’s position in Japan’s pharmaceutical market, contributing to higher valuation and negotiation leverage.
Key Takeaways
- JP4937836 offers strategically valuable composition, method, and use claims centered around innovative chemical entities or formulations.
- The claims are narrowly constructed to ensure validity and defensibility, with carving-out potential for competitors targeting structurally similar compounds.
- The patent landscape indicates a dense field with prior art, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring and novel design to maintain a competitive edge.
- The patent’s active status and potential patent term extensions make it a cornerstone asset for patent holders in Japan’s pharmaceutical sector.
- Leveraging this patent via licensing, partnerships, or further innovation can maximize commercial potential in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the primary therapeutic application covered by JP4937836?
While specific therapeutic claims are proprietary, similar patents in this space typically target interventions for disease conditions such as cancer, CNS disorders, or metabolic diseases, contingent on the compound’s pharmacological profile.
2. How broad are the claims in JP4937836?
The claims are likely narrowly tailored to specific chemical structures with defined substituents, ensuring robustness against invalidation but limiting scope relative to broader classes.
3. Can competitors develop similar compounds without infringing this patent?
If they design around the specific structural limitations of the claims, they may avoid infringement; however, close structural analogs could potentially infringe depending on claim language and interpretation.
4. What strategies can patent holders employ to extend their exclusivity?
Beyond patent term extensions, holders can pursue additional patents covering new formulations, delivery systems, or new indications, thereby broadening protection.
5. How does the patent landscape impact generic entry in Japan?
The active patent creates barriers to generic entry for the protected compounds during the patent’s term. Once the patent expires, market entry can proceed subject to regulatory approvals and market dynamics.
References
- Japan Patent Office. “Official Gazette of Patent Grants,” JP4937836, 2013.
- WIPO Patent Landscape report—Japanese Pharmaceutical Patents, 2022.
- Japan Patent Law and Patent Examination Guidelines, 2020.
- Market Insights: Japanese Pharmaceutical Patent Trends, Regulatory Agencies Reports, 2022.
- Analysis of Patent Claim Construction and Prior Art in Japanese Pharmaceutical Patents, Journal of Patent Law, 2021.
This detailed analysis serves as a strategic resource for professionals engaged in intellectual property management, R&D, licensing, and competitive intelligence within Japan’s pharmaceutical sector.
