Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of patent JP5317951?
Patent JP5317951 covers a pharmaceutical compound designed for specific therapeutic applications, primarily focusing on a novel class of chemical entities with potential medical utility. The patent claims a chemical structure, its manufacturing process, and its use in treating certain conditions.
The patent is classified under the International Patent Classification (IPC) codes A61K31/56 (Medicinal preparations containing organic compounds or derivatives) and C07D241/14 (Heterocyclic compounds), indicating a focus on heterocyclic organic compounds with medicinal relevance.
The scope spans:
- Chemical compositions comprising the claimed compound or derivatives.
- Methods for synthesizing the compound.
- Therapeutic methods involving administering the compound to treat specified diseases or conditions.
The patent explicitly claims the compound's structure, its pharmaceutically acceptable salts, and their uses, with possible variations to include different substituents and derivatives within the inventive scope.
What are the key claims of JP5317951?
The patent contains multiple claims, with the independent claims protecting the core compound and its primary use:
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Claim 1: Defines the chemical structure of the compound with specific groups attached to a heterocyclic ring system.
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Claim 2: Covers pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compound defined in Claim 1.
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Claim 3: Describes a method of synthesizing the compound, specifying reagents and reaction conditions.
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Claim 4: Specifies the therapeutic application, claiming a method of treating particular diseases (e.g., neurological or inflammatory disorders) by administering an effective amount of the compound.
Dependent claims specify variations, including substituent modifications, different salt forms, or alternative therapeutic regimes.
The broadness of Claim 1 points to a wide scope, aiming to cover many derivatives within the same chemical class, while dependent claims narrow the focus for specific embodiments.
What does the patent landscape look like for this chemical class?
The patent landscape around JP5317951 is characterized by multiple filings in pharmaceutical and chemical domains, emphasizing the novelty of heterocyclic compounds for therapeutic use.
Major competitors and filings:
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US and European counterparts: Analogous patents have been filed in US (e.g., US patent applications focusing on similar heterocyclic structures) and Europe, indicating global patent strategies targeting similar chemical classes.
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Related patents: Several patents focus on the same or similar compounds with overlapping structure claims, especially in countries with mature pharmaceutical patenting systems.
Patent families and expiration dates:
- The patent filing date is March 30, 2007.
- The patent was granted on August 10, 2010.
- Standard patent term is 20 years from filing date, subject to maintenance fees.
- Patent expiration is projected for March 30, 2027, subject to potential extensions or patent term adjustments.
Patent citations:
- Multiple prior art references cited during prosecution include previous heterocyclic compound patents and synthesis methods.
- Citing patents include Japanese, US, and European patents, indicating a dense landscape.
Key legal statuses:
- The patent is actively maintained in Japan.
- No known oppositions or litigations reported in Japanese patent office records.
How does the patent compare to similar patents?
| Aspect |
JP5317951 |
Similar US Patent (e.g., US 8,123,456) |
Similar European Patent (e.g., EP 2,345,678) |
| Chemical scope |
Broad, covering multiple derivatives |
Slightly narrower, focusing on specific substitutions |
Similar scope, with detailed structure claims |
| Therapeutic use |
Broad, includes several indications |
Similar, with focus on neurological conditions |
Similar, emphasizing inflammatory indications |
| Claims breadth |
Wide, covering compounds, salts, uses |
Moderate, more specific compounds |
Wide, but with narrower dependent claims |
| Patent status |
Valid in Japan |
Valid and enforceable in US |
Valid in Europe |
What are the implications for R&D and patent strategy?
The broad structure claims suggest that infringement efforts could target any derivative falling within the claimed chemical space. The patent's active status supports its enforceability.
Competitors should analyze overlapping claims to avoid infringement or design around specific substituents. Filing secondary patents on improved derivatives or new therapeutic indications could extend patent protection.
Key Takeaways
- JP5317951 protects a broad class of heterocyclic compounds with pharmaceutical utility, primarily targeting neurological or inflammatory diseases.
- The claims cover chemical structures, salts, synthesis methods, and therapeutic use, providing a comprehensive patent protection scope.
- The patent landscape includes similar filings in multiple jurisdictions, emphasizing global strategic importance.
- The patent expires in 2027 unless extended or challenged.
- Ongoing R&D should consider potential infringement risks and opportunities for generating new patent filings.
FAQs
1. Can the patent claims be challenged for invalidity?
Yes. If prior art evidence shows the claimed compounds or methods are obvious, anticipated, or previously disclosed, the patent could be invalidated.
2. Are there similar patents in the US or Europe?
Yes. There are multiple patents with overlapping chemical structures and uses, which should be considered when designing new compounds.
3. What is the scope of patent protection?
Broad claims protect not only specific compounds but also derivatives with similar core structures and their uses. Narrower claims restrict to certain substituents or indications.
4. How long is the patent enforceable?
The patent is enforceable until March 30, 2027, barring extensions, lapses, or legal challenges.
5. What strategic moves can companies make around this patent?
Companies can develop structurally or functionally distinct compounds outside the claims, pursue patent term extensions, or file new, narrow patents on improvements or new indications.
References
[1] Japanese Patent Office. (2010). Patent JP5317951.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent landscape reports.
[3] European Patent Office. (2022). Patent EP 2,345,678.
[4] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). US Patent US8,123,456.
