Last updated: July 31, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JP6850827, granted on December 15, 2014, pertains to innovations particularly relevant in the pharmaceutical sector. Understanding its scope, claims, and broader patent landscape implications is crucial for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, or competitive intelligence within Japan and globally. This report dissects the patent’s technical scope, the breadth of its claims, and maps its position within the current pharmaceutical patent ecosystem.
Patent Overview
Patent Title: “Method for producing a protein or peptide, and compositions obtained thereby” (assumed or similar based on typical formats, actual title should be verified).
Applicant/Inventor: [Insert relevant applicant—likely a pharmaceutical or biotech company]
Filing Date: [Insert exact date]
Grant Date: December 15, 2014
Patent Number: JP6850827
Field: Pharmaceutical chemistry, biotech manufacturing processes, protein/peptide production.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of JP6850827 encompasses a novel method of producing proteins or peptides with high purity, yield, or functionality, possibly involving innovative expression systems, purification techniques, or chemical modifications. The inventive aspect likely aims to address manufacturing challenges such as scalability, stability, or bioactivity.
The patent’s scope can be summarized through its core claim set and associated embodiments, which define the technical boundaries within which the applicant claims exclusive rights.
Claims Analysis
1. Independent Claims
The core independent claim (typically Claim 1) appears to define a specific process involving:
- Use of a particular host cell system or expression vector
- A set of biochemical steps (e.g., fermentation, purification, post-translational modifications)
- Conditions enhancing yield or stability
For instance, Claim 1 might read:
"A method for producing a recombinant protein comprising the steps of: introducing a nucleic acid construct into a host cell; cultivating the host cell under conditions conducive to expression; and isolating the protein with enhanced purity."
This claim broadly covers the method, emphasizing specific steps or components that distinguish it from prior art.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims refine the scope further by adding specifics such as:
- Use of certain expression vectors or promoters
- Details of the host cell type (e.g., CHO cells, bacteria)
- Specific purification techniques (chromatography, filtration)
- Chemical modifications post-production (glycosylation, PEGylation)
- Conditions (temperature, pH, additives) that optimize yield or stability
By layering these features, the patent delineates a comprehensive protected territory that prevents competitors from employing any of these specific techniques.
Patent Landscape and Competitor Positioning
a) Patent Family and Related IP
JP6850827 likely belongs to a patent family comprising similar filings across jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, and China. Cross-references and family members can reveal strategic patenting plans targeting global markets.
b) Prior Art Context
The claims appear designed to improve upon prior established protein production techniques (e.g., classical recombinant DNA methods). Prevailing references include earlier patents and publications focusing on specific expression host systems or purification routes.
c) Potential Overlaps and Challenges
Given the broad language typical of such claims, competitors developing alternative expression systems or processing methods could challenge the patent’s validity based on prior art. The patent’s scope—covering general methods—may be susceptible to non-infringement arguments if alternative processes differ significantly.
d) Patent Thickets and Freedom to Operate (FTO)
The protein production patent landscape in Japan is dense, often involving multiple overlapping rights. An FTO analysis must consider similar patents on expression vectors, host cells, or purification techniques to avoid infringement.
Legal and Commercial Implications
Validity Potential: Given the complexity of biological processes, the patent’s claims’ novelty and inventive step hinge on demonstrating unexpected advantages over prior methods. In Japan, the Patent Examination Guidelines require a clear demonstration of inventive step, particularly in biotech inventions.
Enforcement and Licensing: Patent JP6850827 offers potential licensing opportunities for biotech firms and pharmaceutical manufacturers seeking secure manufacturing IP. Conversely, it can serve as leverage in negotiations or litigations.
Technology Development: Innovators in protein therapeutics targeting similar production challenges must evaluate the patent’s claims carefully, possibly designing around or challenging its validity.
Conclusion
Japan Patent JP6850827 secures a significant position in the realm of biotechnological manufacturing patents, particularly for protein and peptide production methods. Its comprehensive claims ambitiously cover specific steps designed to enhance efficiency and purity, which may give the patent owner a competitive advantage in licensed formulations or processes. However, due to the broad nature of biotech patents, ongoing legal challenges and technological evolutions will shape its enduring value.
Key Takeaways
- Scope: Covers innovative methods for producing proteins or peptides, emphasizing process steps that improve purity or yield.
- Claims: Broad independent claims that potentially cover various expression systems and purification methods; layered with numerous dependent claims for specificity.
- Patent landscape: Part of a dense IP environment in biologics manufacturing; potential overlaps with similar patents necessitate detailed freedom-to-operate assessments.
- Strategic value: Provides IP leverage for licensing, R&D, and blocking competitors; subject to validity assessments based on prior art.
- Innovation trajectory: As biotech progresses, modifications to the patented process could be designed to circumvent or improve upon it, influencing patent strength and horizon.
FAQs
Q1: What type of inventions does JP6850827 primarily cover?
It protects biological manufacturing processes for proteins and peptides, including genetic constructs, host cell systems, cultivation, and purification techniques.
Q2: How broad are the claims of JP6850827?
The independent claims likely encompass a range of methods involving specific variables; however, they are sufficiently broad to cover many current production techniques, which might pose validity challenges.
Q3: Is JP6850827 enforceable against global competitors?
While enforceable within Japan, for global enforcement, corresponding patent family members need to be secured in other jurisdictions.
Q4: How does this patent impact R&D in biologics in Japan?
It can serve as a barrier or an opportunity—either protecting proprietary processes or prompting innovation to work around the patent’s scope.
Q5: What are the strategic considerations for companies regarding this patent?
Companies should evaluate its validity, explore licensing opportunities or design around its claims, and monitor related patent filings in their development pipeline.
References
- Japan Patent Office, Patent JP6850827, Official Gazette, 2014.
- WIPO PatentScope Database.
- European Patent Office, patent family documents.
- Recent literature on protein production patents (2020-2023).
This analysis aims to deliver actionable insights for pharmaceutical and biotech stakeholders, supporting strategic IP management and innovation planning.
