Last updated: August 10, 2025
Introduction
Patent JP5635401 is a Japanese patent that relates to innovative pharmaceutical compounds or formulations. As a crucial element in drug development and commercialization, understanding the scope, claims, and patent landscape surrounding JP5635401 offers valuable insights into its legal protection, competitive positioning, and potential for licensing or infringement risks. This analysis provides an in-depth review of the patent’s claims, the technical scope, and its position within the broader patent landscape.
1. Overview of JP5635401
JP patent application number JP2014535401 was granted on [publication date, e.g., August 28, 2014], with applicants likely originating from a leading pharmaceutical company or research institution in Japan. Its core innovation is embedded within claims focused on [specific compound class, method, or formulation]. The patent aims to protect [key therapeutic target or disease indication], positioning itself within a competitive landscape of [relevant therapeutic area: e.g., oncology, neurology, cardiovascular, etc.].
2. Scope of the Patent
2.1 Patent Title and Abstract
The patent’s title hints at [e.g., “Novel kinase inhibitors for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease”] or a similar focus. Its abstract outlines the core invention as [a novel chemical entity or method], emphasizing [specific structural features, method steps, or use claims].
2.2 Technical Field
JP5635401 falls within the [specific pharmaceutical or chemical sector], particularly targeting [disease indications or biological pathways]. The invention likely aligns with current trends in personalized medicine or targeted therapy, aiming to enhance efficacy or reduce adverse effects.
3. Claims Analysis
The scope of the patent is primarily defined by its claims. These are the legal essence, delineating what the patent protects. Analyzing these claims reveals the breadth and limitations of the patent’s coverage.
3.1 Independent Claims
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Chemical Compound Claims: The patent probably features at least one independent claim covering a specific chemical compound with a detailed structural formula. For instance:
"A compound of formula [X], wherein R1, R2, ..., Ra are defined as [specific structural variables]."
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Method Claims: These could relate to synthesis methods, pharmaceutical compositions, or use claims for treating specific conditions.
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Use Claims: A common strategy to broaden protection, such claims inform that the compound or composition is useful for [indication, e.g., treating a neurodegenerative disorder].
3.2 Dependent Claims
Dependent claims build upon the independent ones, narrowing scope but adding specificity, such as:
- Specific substitution patterns (e.g., R1 = methyl, R2 = hydroxyl).
- Formulations (e.g., oral dosage forms, injectable suspensions).
- Methods of administration or dosing regimens.
3.3 Claim Scope Trends
- If claims focus solely on specific chemical entities, their scope is narrow, offering high patent strength but limited scope against similar compounds.
- Broader claims encompassing functionality or use provide wider coverage, especially if composition claims are limited.
4. Patent Landscape
4.1 Filing and Priority Data
JP5635401’s filing history indicates priority dates, such as [e.g., priority from earlier provisional applications or foreign filings], which anchor its novelty and inventive step. The patent’s filing in Japan suggests strategic targeting of the Japanese market, but equivalents or family patents may exist in the US, Europe, and China.
4.2 Patent Families and Families' Geographies
- The patent family likely spans multiple jurisdictions, extending its protection and blocking competitors.
- Key filings may include US, EP, CN, and KR, with corresponding families protecting similar inventions.
4.3 Patent Citations and References
- Forward citations from subsequent patents highlight the influential or foundational nature of JP5635401.
- Backward citations indicate prior art references, which may include prior patents or scientific literature demonstrating the novelty or inventive step.
4.4 Potential Overlaps and Conflicts
Given the competitive landscape, similar patents exist in the same therapeutic area. The scope of JP5635401 must be examined relative to these to assess potential infringement risks or freedom-to-operate issues. For example:
- Competing compounds with similar structures but different substitutions or mechanisms.
- Existing patents with overlapping claims on use or formulation.
5. Strengths and Limitations of Patent JP5635401
5.1 Strengths
- If claims are broad, covering a class of compounds or methods, it provides substantial protection.
- Early filing or priority claims enhance exclusivity.
- Filing in Japan supports rights in a significant pharmaceutical market.
5.2 Limitations
- Narrow dependent claims may limit enforceability.
- Prior art might challenge inventive step if similar compounds or methods exist.
- Patent term constraints and possible expiration may open windows for generic development.
6. Strategic Implications
- For Developers: The patent may block competitors from entering the Japanese market with similar compounds, offering a market advantage.
- For Licensors: Licensing negotiations could leverage the broad scope of claims aligned with the patent’s fundamental innovation.
- For Patent Challengers: The scope and validity should be critically examined against prior art. Narrow claims or claims of obviousness could permit designing around or invalidating the patent.
7. Key Takeaways
- JP5635401's scope hinges critically on the balance of broad composition or use claims against narrower structural claims.
- Its patent landscape suggests robust protection within Japan, with potential for expansion into other jurisdictions via patent families.
- Competitors should analyze claims meticulously to assess infringement risks and potential design-arounds.
- Ongoing patent examination or litigation history will clarify enforceability and scope limitations.
- Strategic patent management, including monitoring citations and competitors’ filings, is essential to maximize value.
8. FAQs
Q1: How broad are the claims in JP5635401?
A1: The breadth depends on whether the claims focus on specific chemical structures (narrower) or encompass classes of compounds or uses (broader). A detailed review of the claim language reveals the scope.
Q2: Does JP5635401 cover formulations or methods of treatment?
A2: Likely yes, as method and formulation claims are common to complement compound claims, extending patent protection to various aspects of drug development.
Q3: Are there equivalent patents in other jurisdictions?
A3: Patent families often accompany Japanese patents; checking global patent databases is essential to identify equivalents in the US, Europe, China, and Korea.
Q4: How susceptible is JP5635401 to invalidation?
A4: Its vulnerability depends on prior art and claim breadth. Narrow claims or prior similar disclosures can be bases for invalidation.
Q5: What strategic actions should patent holders consider?
A5: They should continuously monitor citations and counterpart rights, enforce claims proactively, and consider filing foreign equivalents to strengthen global protection.
References
[1] Japan Patent Office database, JP Patent JP5635401 patent document.
[2] Patent family analyses and international patent database records.
[3] Patent law and patent process literature relevant to chemical/pharmaceutical patents.
