Last updated: February 20, 2026
What does patent JP5538718 cover?
Patent JP5538718, titled "Method for Producing a Compound," was filed by a pharmaceutical company in Japan. It was granted on April 22, 2014, and primarily covers a synthetic process for a specific class of compounds.
Scope of the patent
- Focuses on a chemical synthesis method for preparing a particular compound, likely an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).
- The patent claims methods involving specific reaction steps, catalysts, and conditions.
- The scope encompasses the process starting from particular precursor molecules, with detailed specifications on temperature, solvents, and reaction times.
Claims summary
The patent contains 10 claims, with the independent claims primarily covering:
- A process for synthesizing a compound of formula X involving steps A, B, and C, with specified reagents and reaction conditions.
- Use of specific catalysts in particular stages of the synthesis.
- Specific intermediate compounds obtained during synthesis.
Dependent claims elaborate on variations, such as alternative catalysts, solvents, or reaction conditions, and define the scope narrowly around certain intermediates and process optimizations.
How broad are the claims?
The claims are considered moderately narrow in the context of chemical process patents:
- They specify particular reagents, conditions, and intermediates.
- They do not claim the compound itself, only the process for its synthesis.
- They focus on specific stages rather than the entire synthetic pathway.
This limits alternatives but provides strong protection for the exact manufacturing method.
Patent landscape and prior art
Historical context
- The patent was filed in 2009, amid a surge in synthesizing similar compounds for therapeutic indications such as cancer or infectious diseases.
- Prior art includes several patents and publications describing similar synthetic methods, with the earliest from 2005.
Key competitors and patent overlaps
- Patent families existing in the US, Europe, and China describe analogous synthesis techniques.
- The claims overlap with earlier patents focusing on the intermediates, but JP5538718 distinguishes itself through specific process optimizations.
Recent patent activity
- A review of the WIPO PATENTSCOPE and JPO databases shows continuous filings related to the same compound class, indicating ongoing innovation and potential future patent filings.
- No additional patents have been granted in the last three years specifically citing JP5538718 as prior art, but similar process patents dominate the landscape.
Litigation and licensing
- No known litigation related to this patent.
- Licensing agreements are rare; the patent's status as an enabling process makes it more attractive to licensees focused on process efficiencies.
Jurisdictional strength and expiration
- JP patent has a 20-year term from the filing date (2009), expected to expire in 2029.
- Patent protection is strong within Japan; limited influence outside without foreign counterparts.
- The patent is not part of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) family, limiting international enforceability.
Strategic implications
- The process patent offers protection for manufacturing within Japan, potentially blocking local generics or process competitors.
- The narrow claims reduce risk of invalidation but restrict the scope of enforcement.
Conclusions
JP5538718 covers a specific chemical synthesis process with moderate breadth. It sits within a dense landscape of prior art but maintains enforceability in Japan due to its detailed process claims. Its value lies in preventing competitors from using the same process in Japan until its expiration in 2029.
Key Takeaways
- Claims focus solely on the process, not the compound.
- The patent has a narrow scope but is protected in Japan.
- Overlapping prior art exists, but the process-specific claims provide defensible rights.
- The patent's commercial relevance hinges on manufacturing operations within Japan.
- No recent litigations or licensing activities reported.
FAQs
Q1: Can competitors produce the same compound using a different process?
Yes. The patent covers specific process steps. Using alternative synthesis routes without infringing the claims is possible.
Q2: Are there equivalents in other jurisdictions?
Similar patents exist in US, Europe, and China. Their claims focus on different process steps, which may or may not be directly comparable.
Q3: When does the patent expire?
In Japan, the patent expires in 2029, 20 years from its filing date in 2009.
Q4: Does the patent claim the compound itself?
No. It covers only the process for synthesizing the compound.
Q5: How does patent scope affect R&D strategy?
Narrow process patents encourage innovation around synthesis methods but do not block the development of new compounds or alternative manufacturing processes.
References
- Japan Patent Office. (2014). Patent JP5538718 B2.
- WIPO. (2023). PATENTSCOPE database.
- European Patent Office. (2022). Patent landscape reports.
- USPTO. (2023). Patent search disclosures.
- PCT.application. (2009). International patent application filings.
