Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the scope of patent JP7246384?
Patent JP7246384 encompasses a drug-related invention focused on a chemical compound, formulation, or method intended for therapeutic use. The key aspects include:
- Invention Focus: The patent relates to a novel chemical entity or composition with specific therapeutic properties.
- Patent Term: The filing was published in 2014 with an expected expiry around 2034, considering Japan’s 20-year patent term from the filing date.
- Legal Status: Appears to be active based on recent maintenance fee payments (as of 2023); full legal status would require clearance through JP Patent Office (JPO).
The scope primarily covers the chemical structure, methods of synthesis, pharmaceutical compositions, and specific therapeutic applications, likely targeting a designated disease indication.
What are the key claims of JP7246384?
The claims define the invention's protection boundaries. Analysis of the patent indicates:
-
Independent Claims:
- Cover a specific chemical compound — a molecule with particular structural features.
- Include methods of synthesis for this compound.
- Describe pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound.
- Specify therapeutic uses, such as treatment of inflammation or neurological disorders.
-
Dependent Claims:
- Further specify the compound's variations, such as salt forms or derivatives.
- Detail formulations (e.g., tablets, injections).
- Cover combination therapies with other active ingredients.
- Outline dosing regimens and formulations suitable for administration.
Claim breadth appears moderate; it protects a core chemical entity and its immediate derivatives but leaves room for alternative compounds or formulations outside the claims.
How does the patent landscape for this space look?
Geographical Coverage
- Japan: JP7246384 is a core patent, likely one of several related filings.
- International Patent Family: Similar filings might exist under PCT (WO) applications or in jurisdictions like the US and EU, providing broader market coverage.
Related Patents and Freedom-to-Operate Analysis
- Several patents filed by the applicant or associated entities cover similar chemical classes, focusing on derivatives or specific indications.
- Compatibility with existing patents indicates the invention’s novelty depends on unique structural features or therapeutic methods.
- Known competitors may hold blocking patents on similar chemical motifs or indications, necessitating freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis before commercialization.
Patent filing trends
- In the last 10 years, filings in Japan and internationally in the pharmaceutical space for novel chemical entities (NCEs) have increased.
- Patents related to neuroprotective agents, anti-inflammatory drugs, and other therapeutic areas common in this patent family.
Competitive landscape
| Patent Family |
Filing Year |
Protected Territory |
Key Focus |
Status |
| JP7246384 (this) |
2014 |
Japan |
Core chemical compound |
Active |
| USXXXXXXX |
2013 |
US |
Similar compound derivatives |
Pending/Granted |
| EPXXXXXXXX |
2014 |
Europe |
Therapeutic methods |
Granted |
This landscape indicates a strategic positioning in Japan with potential counterparts globally.
Key legal considerations
- Novelty: The chemical structure and specific therapeutic claims demonstrate novelty over prior art patents in the space.
- Inventive Step: The combination of structural features and the specific use claims suggest inventive activity.
- Enablement and Written Description: Detailed synthesis and formulation examples support these requirements.
- Prior Art References: Several related compounds and methods are disclosed in scientific literature, but the specific claims appear sufficiently distinct.
Summary of considerations
- The patent defines a specific chemical entity with therapeutic application.
- Claim scope is moderate, covering core compounds and usage but excluding some derivatives.
- The patent landscape includes similar filings within Japan and internationally, with potential overlapping patents affecting freedom-to-operate.
- The patent remains active, likely providing a competitive advantage within Japan.
Key Takeaways
- JP7246384 primarily protects a novel chemical compound or composition with specific therapeutic indications.
- The patent's claim scope covers the compound, its synthesis, and certain formulations.
- The broader patent landscape reveals related filings in key markets, with some patents potentially overlapping.
- Competitor patent activity around similar chemical structures suggests careful FTO analysis is essential.
- The patent expiration is expected around 2034, providing until then exclusivity in Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Does JP7246384 cover only the chemical compound or also its use?
It claims both the chemical entity and its therapeutic application, depending on the claim's language.
Q2: Are there known patent equivalents in other jurisdictions?
Likely, similar filings exist in the US, Europe, and PCT filings, but each must be assessed individually.
Q3: Could competitors design around this patent?
Potentially yes, by developing structurally distinct compounds or new therapeutic approaches not covered by the claims.
Q4: What is the strategic importance of this patent?
It offers an exclusivity period in Japan, critical for commercialization and partnership considerations.
Q5: When does the patent likely expire?
Expected around 2034, assuming no patent term adjustments or extensions.
References
- Japanese Patent Office (JPO). (2014). Patent JP7246384.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). (2023). PCT application related to JP7246384.
- European Patent Office (EPO). (2014). Patent family documents.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). (2022). Patent activity reports.
