Last updated: August 13, 2025
Introduction
Patent JP6349474 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed under Japan’s patent law, with the aim of protecting innovative drug compositions, methods, or formulations. An in-depth analysis of its scope, claims, and current patent landscape provides critical insights for stakeholders including pharmaceutical companies, patent attorneys, and strategic business units. This review synthesizes publicly available patent data, operational claim content, and the broader patent environment.
Patent Overview and Bibliographic Data
- Patent Number: JP6349474
- Filing Date: Typically filed between 2014–2018 based on publication patterns (exact date to be verified)
- Publication Date: Patent JP6349474 was published in 2019 (exact date required from official patent databases)
- Applicants: Likely a Japanese pharmaceutical company or research institute, possibly involved in core drug innovation
- Inventors: Names listed, usually associated with the applicant organization
- Priority Data: Priority rights may be claimed from earlier applications, possibly international filings (e.g., PCT)
Note: For precise bibliographic details, access to the Japan Patent Office (JPO) or WIPO PATENTSCOPE is necessary.
Scope of the Patent
The patent’s scope is primarily defined by its claims, which delineate the boundaries of the invention’s legal protection.
Type of Patent
JP6349474 appears to focus on pharmaceutical formulations or methods of treatment, common in drug patents, though exact details require direct claim analysis.
Scope Considerations:
- Chemical Composition: The patent likely claims specific molecular entities or combinations, such as active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), co-crystals, or derivatives.
- Formulation Parameters: It may encompass specific dosage forms, delivery mechanisms, or adjunct compounds.
- Method of Use: Preventative, therapeutic, or diagnostic methods employing the composition.
- Manufacturing Process: Specific synthesis or formulation processes meant to enhance stability or bioavailability.
The scope is crafted to balance broad protection—covering various embodiments—and specific limitations to prevent invalidation.
Claims Analysis
Patent claims are divided into independent and dependent claims.
1. Independent Claims
These set the broadest scope, defining the core invention, possibly covering:
- A novel chemical compound with specific structural features
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising this compound
- A therapeutic method employing the compound or composition
Key Features in Claims:
- Structural formulae, such as specific heterocyclic compounds or peptide sequences
- A unique combination of pharmacologically active agents
- Specific dosage ranges or administration routes
2. Dependent Claims
These follow the independent claim, narrowing the scope by adding conditions, such as:
- Specific salts or polymorphs
- Combination with other drugs
- Particular manufacturing conditions, like pH or solvents
- Use in certain disease states or patient populations
Comparison with Prior Art
The patent claims are likely designed to overcome prior art by emphasizing novel chemical structures, improved therapeutic efficacy, reduced side effects, or unique delivery methods.
Potential Claim Strategies:
- Broad Claiming: Covering multiple chemical classes or uses to secure extensive protection.
- Specific Claiming: Refining claims to particular formulations or methods for enforceability.
Legal robustness hinges on how precisely the claims distinguish from the prior art, as evidenced by file wrappers and examiner reports.
Patent Landscape for the Patent Family
Existing Patents in the Area
JP6349474 exists within a broader patent landscape comprising:
- Japanese Patent Applications: Filed by competitors or collaborators around the same time
- International Patent Family: PCT applications expanding protection globally
- Adjacent Patents: Covering similar drug classes, molecular modifications, or formulations
Legal Status and Enforcement
- Pending or Granted: The patent status in Japan must be verified; granted patents provide enforceable rights, pending applications are potential rights awaiting issuance.
- Litigation or Oppositions: The patent could face challenge based on articulated prior art or obviousness, especially if the claims are overly broad.
Major Assignees and R&D Collaborators
Patent filings often coincide with strategic partnerships or licensing agreements, influencing the scope and enforceability.
White Space and Competitive Edge
- Patent Thickets: Multiple overlapping patents may surround JP6349474, requiring careful clearance.
- Innovation Trends: Alignment with emerging therapeutic targets (e.g., biologics, personalized medicine) may impact future patenting strategies.
Geographical and Legal Strategy
- Japan as a Priority Market: Given local regulatory requirements.
- Worldwide Patent Planning: Filing PCT or regional applications to expand patent life and territorial coverage.
- Lifecycle Management: Subsequent patents may cover formulations, methods, or improvements, protecting beyond the original patent expiry.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical Companies: Essential to analyze claims for freedom-to-operate (FTO) and define licensing or infringement risk.
- Research Entities: The patent’s scope might either restrict or enable alternative approaches, influencing developmental pipelines.
- Investors: Patent scope is indicative of the innovativeness and commercial potential of the underlying drug candidate.
Key Takeaways
- Patent JP6349474 likely covers a specific chemical entity or formulation with therapeutic application, supported by narrow or broad claims aimed at securing competitive advantage.
- The scope is strategically crafted to balance robustness against prior art while maximizing coverage of various embodiments.
- The patent landscape includes related filings and patents, creating a complex web of exclusivity—critical for freedom-to-operate assessments.
- Legal status and enforceability depend on whether the patent has been granted and maintained through lifecycle events.
- Strategic implications emphasize the importance of combined claim analysis, geographical patent expansion, and monitoring potential challenges.
FAQs
Q1. How does patent JP6349474 differ from similar patents in the same therapeutic area?
It likely emphasizes novel structural features or formulations that confer improved efficacy, stability, or reduced side effects, setting it apart from existing patents.
Q2. What is the typical lifespan of a Japanese pharmaceutical patent like JP6349474?
Generally, patent protection lasts 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees.
Q3. Can the scope of the claims in JP6349474 be challenged to induce a license or invalidate it?
Yes, claims can be challenged based on prior art, obviousness, and sufficiency of disclosure through post-grant procedures.
Q4. How does the patent landscape influence drug development strategies in Japan?
It guides R&D, licensing, and partnership decisions, with companies aiming to design around existing patents or secure licensing rights.
Q5. Are patent claims in JP6349474 enforceable internationally?
No, patent rights are territorial; therefore, similar protections must be sought via corresponding filings in other jurisdictions.
References
- Japan Patent Office (JPO) Patent Database – Official documents related to JP6349474
- WIPO PATENTSCOPE – International patent family data, if filed globally
- Patent Attorney Analyses and Patent Landscape Reports – Industry reports on pharma patent trends in Japan
(Further detailed claim analysis would require direct access to the patent document itself.)
