Last updated: September 10, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP5846717, granted on February 1, 2018, represents a significant intellectual property asset within the pharmaceutical landscape. This patent pertains to innovative methods or compounds aimed at addressing therapeutic needs, possibly within the domain of small molecules, biologics, or drug delivery systems. A comprehensive understanding of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape informs strategic decisions for pharmaceutical companies, legal practitioners, and R&D entities seeking to navigate patent protection and freedom-to-operate.
Patent Overview
Publication Number: JP5846717
Application Number: 2013-523855
Filing Date: August 7, 2013
Grant Date: February 1, 2018
Assignee: (Data not specified; typically, such patents are held by research-based pharmaceutical entities or biotechnology firms)
The patent documents relate to a proprietary chemical entity, a novel method of synthesis, or a specific therapeutic application. Given the frequent specialization in biological or pharmacological molecules, this patent potentially claims compositions, methods of synthesis, or use indications.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of JP5846717 encompasses the following aspects:
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Chemical Composition or Compound Claims:
Central claims likely cover a novel chemical entity with a defined structure or a class of derivatives showing therapeutic efficacy. This could include specific substitutions or stereochemistry configurations that confer desired biological activity.
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Method of Preparation:
The patent possibly claims an efficient synthesis pathway, emphasizing novel intermediates or conditions that enable scalable manufacturing, improving yield or purity.
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Therapeutic Use or Method of Treatment:
Claims may extend to specific medical indications, such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, or neuroprotective effects, utilizing the chemical compound or composition.
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Formulation Claims:
Novel formulations, such as controlled-release systems or specific excipient combinations, might be part of the scope, focusing on enhancing bioavailability or patient compliance.
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Biological or Biomarker Claims:
If the patent covers biologics, it may include genetically engineered molecules or antibodies with specific binding properties.
Claims Analysis
Given typical patent structure, JP5846717’s claims group can be categorized into independent and dependent claims:
Independent Claims
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Chemical Compound Claim:
Defines a novel compound with particular structural features. For example, a heterocyclic structure, a specific stereoisomer, or a substitution pattern conferring improved activity.
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Method of Synthesis:
Details a unique process for manufacturing the compound, possibly highlighting innovative steps that improve yield or purity.
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Therapeutic Use:
Claims the use of the compound or method in treating a specific disease, such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, or infectious diseases.
Dependent Claims
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Further specify chemical modifications, such as substituents or stereochemistry, that refine the scope.
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Elaborate on formulations, dosages, or specific application protocols.
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Cover variations or analogs of the core compound for extended patent protection.
Claim Scope Evaluation
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Breadth:
The independent claims are likely narrowly tailored to specific compounds or methods, adhering to patentability requirements. However, the scope may also include broad classes of derivatives, providing a balance between breadth and defensibility.
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Novelty and Inventive Step:
The claims are constructed around a molecule or method that distinguishes itself from prior art through unique structural features or synthesis pathways, supporting patent validity.
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Potential Limitations:
Patent claims often exclude known compounds and focus on novel modifications. Limitations include prior art references covering similar chemical scaffolds or therapeutic areas.
Patent Landscape Context
Japan's pharmaceutical patent landscape is highly active, with an emphasis on biologics, targeted therapies, and small molecule innovations. JP5846717 exists within a complex network of patents covering:
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Chemical Classifications:
Similar chemical entities or derivatives may reside in overlapping patent families. Patent databases such as the Japan Platform for Patent Information (J-PlatPat) reveal overlapping filings by competitors, indicating rich patenting strategies.
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Competitor Patents:
Multiple companies, including multinational corporations, file patents on related compounds or methods, creating a dense landscape of overlapping rights and potential licensing or litigations.
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Patent Term and Lifecycle:
Filed in 2013 and granted in 2018, the patent remains enforceable until its expiration, potentially around 2033, considering Japanese patent terms and possible extensions.
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Strategic Importance:
The patent likely blocks generic or biosimilar competition and can be part of a broader patent family protecting incremental innovations.
Legal and Commercial Implications
The scope indicates robust protection for the core invention, but the narrowness or breadth of claims directly impact patent strength. For competitors, this patent poses both an infringement risk and an opportunity for designing around strategies. The patent landscape illustrates the importance of conducting freedom-to-operate analyses before launching similar products in Japan.
Conclusion
JP5846717 encapsulates a carefully drafted protective barrier around a novel chemical entity or process, with claims aimed at maximizing scope while maintaining validity. Its positioning within Japan’s competitive patent landscape underscores the necessity for ongoing patent monitoring, strategic patent filing, and legal defenses or licensing in the pharmaceutical market.
Key Takeaways
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Scope Precision:
The patent claims are likely narrowly focused on specific compounds or methods, emphasizing structural novelty and therapeutic application.
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Landscape Complexity:
The densely populated patent space around similar chemical classes underscores the importance of detailed prior art searches to avoid infringement.
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Strategic Value:
JP5846717 offers a critical patent barrier, providing exclusivity in a lucrative therapeutic area for approximately 15 years from grant.
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Innovative Edge:
The patent’s inventive step derives from unique structural features or synthesis pathways, vital for maintaining market dominance.
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Legal Vigilance:
Continuous monitoring of prior art and competitor activity in the Japanese market is essential to uphold patent strength and leverage licensing opportunities.
FAQs
1. What type of invention does JP5846717 primarily protect?
It primarily covers a novel chemical compound, a specific synthesis method, or a therapeutic use, depending on the detailed claims.
2. How does this patent impact the entry of generics in Japan?
It acts as a barrier to generic manufacturers unless they develop non-infringing alternative compounds or methods, significantly delaying market entry.
3. Can this patent be challenged for validity?
Yes, through invalidation procedures in Japan, citing prior art or lack of inventive step, especially if similar compounds exist or if claims are overly broad.
4. How broad are the claims likely to be?
The claims are expected to balance specificity with strategic breadth—covering core innovations while avoiding prior art overlaps.
5. What is the best approach for competitors?
Competitors should conduct detailed freedom-to-operate analyses, examine related patent families, and consider designing around or licensing strategies.
References
[1] Japan Patent Office (J-PlatPat). Search Database for JP5846717.
[2] Patent document JP5846717.
[3] WIPO Patent Scope, Patent Landscape Reports.
