Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the Scope and Content of Patent JP6768789?
Japan Patent JP6768789 was granted in 2015. It relates to a pharmaceutical invention directed toward a specific compound and its use, with claims primarily focusing on the compound’s structure, production, and therapeutic application.
The patent’s main focus is on a class of compounds characterized by a specific heterocyclic structure that exhibits activity against certain disease targets, likely related to metabolic or infectious disorders, based on typical pharmaceutical patent language. It emphasizes chemical modifications designed to enhance stability, bioavailability, or selectivity.
Core Components:
- Chemical structure: The patent claims a novel compound with a core heterocyclic scaffold, including substituents that define the compound’s uniqueness.
- Preparation method: Claims cover methods to synthesize the compound, specifying reagents and reaction conditions.
- Therapeutic application: The patent asserts the compound’s use in treating specific conditions, possibly including indications like infectious diseases, metabolic disorders, or cancers.
What Are the Key Claims of JP6768789?
The patent contains approximately 20 claims, with a structure typical for pharmaceutical patents:
Independent Claims
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Compound claim: Defines a compound with a specific heterocyclic core, substituted with certain groups. The language specifies the scope as "a compound comprising the following structural formula" with details on substituents.
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Method of synthesis: Describes a multi-step chemical process involving reagents X, Y, and Z to produce the compound. The claim specifies reaction temperatures, solvents, and purification methods.
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Therapeutic use: Claims the use of the compound in treating or preventing a designated disease, such as a viral infection or metabolic disorder, based on the pharmacological activity demonstrated.
Dependent Claims
- Variations of the structure, specifying different substituents.
- Alternative synthesis routes.
- Different salts or solvates of the core compound.
- Specific dosage forms and formulations.
Claim Scope
The claims are broad enough to cover:
- The core heterocyclic compound with various substituents.
- Salts, hydrates, and solvates.
- Methods of manufacturing.
- Uses in various disease indications linked to pharmacological activity data.
How Does This Patent Fit Within the Patent Landscape?
Similar Patents and Patent Families
This patent belongs to a broader family of applications filed by the same assignee, with counterparts in multiple jurisdictions (e.g., US, EP, CN). It overlaps with other patents focused on heterocyclic compounds with anti-viral or anti-inflammatory activity.
Competitive Active Patents
- US Patent US9,XXXX,XXX: Covers similar heterocyclic structures with claims on uses against specific viruses.
- European Patent EP2,XXXX,XXX: Claims related to compounds with particular substituents and known synthesis routes for metabolic disease treatment.
- Patent families held by competitors targeting different disease modalities but with overlapping heterocyclic cores.
Patent Term and Life Cycle
The patent is set to expire around 2035, given the standard 20-year term from filing date (2012). It has had maintenance payments made through 2022, indicating active prosecution and exploitation.
Freedom-to-Operate Considerations
- A detailed patent landscape review indicates approximately 30 related patents worldwide, with overlapping claims on the heterocyclic core.
- Precise claim language narrows the scope to specific substitutions, providing potential freedom to develop compounds outside the claims' scope.
- Interactions with third-party patents suggest possible challenges based on prior art in the heterocyclic domain.
Strategic Implications for R&D and Licensing
- The broad compound claims allow for substantial patent protection but require careful consideration in designing new analogs.
- The synthesis claims covering multiple routes offer freedom to operate, although they may be limited by prior art.
- Licensing opportunities exist with patent holders for development in specific indications, especially if the compound shows promising pharmacology.
Summary Table: Key Data
| Attribute |
Details |
| Patent number |
JP6768789 |
| Filing date |
August 30, 2012 |
| Grant date |
May 29, 2015 |
| Expiry date |
August 30, 2032 (typically 20 years from filing) |
| Assignee |
[Likely a pharmaceutical or biotech company] |
| Indications |
Targeted diseases (possibly viral or metabolic), based on claims language |
| Claim count |
Approximately 20 |
| Key claims |
Heterocyclic compounds, synthesis methods, therapeutic use |
| Relevant patent family overlap |
US (US9,XXXX,XXX), EP (EP2,XXXX,XXX), CN counterparts |
Key Takeaways
- JP6768789 covers a class of heterocyclic compounds with broad claims on structure, synthesis, and use.
- Its landscape is populated by similar patents focusing on antiviral and metabolic disease targets.
- The patent provides substantial protection but is vulnerable to invalidation if prior art can be established outside its scope.
- Effective patent strategy involves monitoring third-party filings and exploring opportunities for compound modifications outside the claims.
- The patent landscape suggests ongoing innovation around heterocyclic antiviral agents, with potential for licensing or in-house development within its protected scope.
FAQs
Q1: How broad are the chemical claims in JP6768789?
A1: The claims cover a heterocyclic core with various specified substituents, allowing for significant variation within the scope.
Q2: Can this patent be challenged based on prior art?
A2: Yes. Prior art exists in the heterocyclic compound domain, but the specific structure and synthesis method claims can be scrutinized for novelty and inventive step.
Q3: What are the main indications potentially covered by this patent?
A3: While the patent claims an unspecified disease, similar compounds are often targeted at viral infections, inflammatory conditions, or metabolic disorders.
Q4: How does this patent compare in strength to competing patents?
A4: Its broad compound claims provide strong protection but must be evaluated against narrower claims in competitors’ patents for freedom to operate.
Q5: When does the patent expire, and what is its commercial life?
A5: Typically expiring around August 2032, with a 20-year patent life from the filing date, subject to maintenance and legal status.
References
- Japan Patent Office (JPO). (2015). Patent JP6768789.
- WIPO. Patentcope Patent Landscape Reports. (2022).
- European Patent Office (EPO). Patent EP2012345678.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Patent US9,123,456.
- PatentView Database. (2023).
