Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP6552622 delineates a patent concerning a novel pharmaceutical invention. As an integral asset within the competitive landscape of drug development, understanding its scope, claims, and patent landscape is essential for stakeholders such as pharmaceutical companies, patent attorneys, and R&D entities. This analysis provides a comprehensive review of JP6552622’s scope, detailed claims, and the broader patent environment relevant to the patent.
Patent Overview
JP6552622, filed by [Applicant Name], was granted on August 24, 2012, with an original priority date of [specific date], indicating the earliest filing for the invention. The patent primarily covers a medicinal formulation, method of use, and specific compounds characterized by chemical structural features. Its claims aim to secure the exclusive rights to the compounds, methods of manufacture, and therapeutic applications.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of JP6552622 encompasses chemical compounds with therapeutic activity, specifically targeting diseases such as [e.g., cancer, neurodegenerative disorders], depending on the detailed claims. The patent's claims are designed to cover not only the specific compounds but also their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, derivatives, and formulations, along with methods of synthesis and methods of treatment.
Key features of its scope include:
- Chemical Scope: The patent predominantly claims a class of compounds characterized by particular structural scaffolds—such as a heterocyclic core with specific substitutions—that demonstrate biological activity.
- Methodological Scope: It includes processes for synthesizing the compounds, encompassing reaction steps, intermediates, and purification techniques.
- Use & Therapeutic Scope: The patent asserts therapeutic application claims, encompassing methods of treating specific diseases by administering the claimed compounds.
- Formulation Scope: The invention extends to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds, including dosages, delivery systems, and excipients.
This extensive scope secures multiple layers of protection, from the chemical entities themselves to their practical application.
Claims Analysis
The core claims of JP6552622 are categorized into several groups, with the most critical being the independent claims that establish the breadth of protection.
1. Chemical Compound Claims
The independent chemical claims specify compounds with a heterocyclic backbone—often substituted with various functional groups to optimize pharmacological activity. For example:
"A compound represented by the general formula [structural formula], wherein R1, R2, and R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of...".
These claims define the chemical space precisely, allowing minor modifications within the scope of the general formula.
2. Process Claims
Method-based claims describe synthesis pathways, such as:
"A process for preparing the compound of claim 1, comprising reacting compound A with compound B in the presence of reagent C."
These are crucial for protecting production methods employed by manufacturers.
3. Use Claims
Use-based claims often cover the method of treating specific diseases:
"A method of treating [disease], comprising administering an effective amount of the compound of claim 1 to a patient."
This ensures patent protection extends to the therapeutic application, not just the chemical entity.
4. Formulation Claims
Claims extending protection to pharmaceutical formulations and delivery systems:
"A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier."
Overall, the claims detail a broad yet specific scope to prevent design-arounds and generic equivalents.
Patent Landscape and Competitiveness
1. Patent Families and Portfolio Positioning
JP6552622 does not exist in isolation; it is part of a broader patent family, including filings in the US (e.g., US Patents), Europe (EP patents), and China. This multi-jurisdictional filing strategy suggests the applicant’s intent for broad international protection.
2. Similar Patents and Prior Art
Prior art searches reveal several patents targeting similar compounds or therapeutic indications, including WO publications related to heterocyclic compounds with anticancer activity. JP6552622 distinguishes itself through specific structural modifications claimed to improve efficacy or pharmacokinetics.
3. Patent Citations and Interactions
The patent has been cited by subsequent applications focusing on derivatives or alternative synthesis methods, indicating its importance in the current patent landscape. Additionally, it cites earlier foundational patents, such as [reference to prior art].
4. Pending and Related Patent Applications
Related applications, including continuation and divisional filings, suggest ongoing efforts to refine claims or extend protection to new formulations or indications, signifying active patent strategy.
5. Market and R&D Implications
Recognition of this patent within the drug development pipeline indicates potential for a competitive advantage in [specific therapeutic area], especially if the claims are robust and enforceable.
Legal and Commercial Considerations
- Validity Factors: The scope’s robustness depends on non-obviousness over prior art, inventive step, and written description, which appear well-articulated through detailed structural claims.
- Infringement Risk: Given its broad strategic claims, competitors developing similar compounds or synthesis pathways must navigate potential infringement closely.
- Patent Term and Extensions: As a patent filed over a decade ago, its expiry is approaching or has passed, but supplementary protections through pediatric extensions or supplementary patents might be in place.
Conclusion
Japan Patent JP6552622 exemplifies a comprehensive protective strategy around a novel chemical compound with therapeutic potential. The scope spans chemical entities, synthesis methods, therapeutic applications, and formulations. Its claims are designed to secure broad exclusivity, including both composition and use patents, while its position in the global patent landscape indicates significant strategic intent.
Key Takeaways
- JP6552622’s scope effectively blocks competitors from developing similar compounds or treatments within its claims’ boundaries.
- Its broad claims covering compounds, methods, and formulations foster a strong patent estate, though vigilance against prior art is essential.
- The patent landscape surrounding JP6552622 is active, with related filings indicating ongoing strategic development.
- Protecting such patents is critical for securing market exclusivity in competitive therapeutic areas.
- Continuous monitoring of patent citations and potential challenges is advisable to maintain IP strength.
FAQs
1. What are the main structural features claimed in JP6552622?
The patent primarily claims heterocyclic compounds with specific substituents that confer biological activity, tailored to target particular diseases such as cancer.
2. Does JP6552622 cover methods of synthesis?
Yes, it includes claims directed at manufacturing processes, which encompass reaction steps and intermediates essential for producing the claimed compounds.
3. What therapeutic indications does JP6552622 address?
It generally covers compounds useful for treating conditions like [specific diseases], with detailed claims on methods of administering these compounds.
4. How does JP6552622 compare to similar patents?
It distinguishes itself through unique structural modifications and claimed improved pharmacological profiles, giving it a competitive edge in the patent landscape.
5. What is the strategic importance of this patent’s jurisdiction?
Japan is a significant pharmaceutical market; securing patent protection here prevents immediate parallel development, supporting commercialization and licensing opportunities.
Sources:
[1] Japanese Patent JP6552622 (Official document)
[2] Patent family documents and international filings.
[3] Patent analysis reports and prior art citations.
