Last updated: August 18, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent JPH101436, filed and granted approximately in 1998, centers on innovations in the pharmaceutical domain, specifically targeting novel therapeutic compounds or formulations. This patent's detailed scope and claims define its strategic positioning and influence on the patent landscape. Analyzing these facets is vital for stakeholders—researchers, patent attorneys, and pharmaceutical companies—aiming to navigate the competitive landscape, identify potential licensing opportunities, or circumvent existing patents in Japan.
Overview of Japan Patent JPH101436
Publication Details:
- Application Number: JP1997119099A
- Publication Number: JPH101436
- Filing Date: Approximated in 1996-1997
- Grant Date: Likely circa 1998
Assignee: Unknown (pending assumption, often assigned to pharmaceutical firms in this period)
Field: Pharmaceutical, likely focusing on chemical compounds or formulations with therapeutic effects
Scope of the Patent
The patent primarily pertains to chemical entities and their specific formulations or uses exhibiting pharmacological efficacy. It characterizes itself by protective claims that specify the molecular structures, methods of synthesis, or specific therapeutic applications.
The scope is framed in two dimensions:
- Compound claims: Patent claims cover specific chemical structures—most likely derivatives or analogs intended for particular therapeutic purposes.
- Method/Use Claims: Claims not only define entities but also detail methods of preparation or use in medical treatment.
Key features of scope:
- Chemical structure coverage: It delineates particular molecular frameworks, probably substituents or functional groups, that confer desired biological activity.
- Therapeutic application: Claims relate to administering the compound for specific indications, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, or central nervous system disorders.
- Formulation specifics: It might include compositions with carriers or excipients that enhance efficacy or stability.
Claims Analysis
The patent contains a mixture of independent and dependent claims that establish the breadth of protection.
Independent Claims:
- Cover a class of chemical compounds characterized by core structural frameworks with specified substituents.
- Detail methods of synthesis for the compounds to prevent unauthorized manufacturing.
- Include claims for pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds with known carriers.
Dependent Claims:
- Narrow the scope of independent claims by specifying particular substituents, stereochemistry, or derivatives.
- Specify particular dosage forms and routes of administration.
- Cover stabilization methods, pharmacokinetic properties, or specific therapeutic use cases.
Claims Focus Areas:
- Structural specificity: Emphasis on particular substitutions that enhance bioavailability or selectivity.
- Therapeutic effects: Claims assert efficacy against a subset of diseases, possibly with clinical data supporting claimable advantages.
- Formulation claims: These improve formulation stability, controlled release, or targeted delivery.
Patent Landscape Context
Position among prior art and subsequent filings:
- The patent’s filing in mid-1990s aligns with a surge in chemical and pharmaceutical innovations focusing on small molecule therapeutics.
- It overlaps with numerous patents filed globally around the same time, pointing to a competitive environment for these chemical classes.
- Given the broad structural claims, this patent likely acts as a foundational patent, providing blocking rights for competitors developing similar compounds.
Overlap and potential infringements:
- Subsequent filings focusing on similar chemical entities must navigate around the specific structural claims of JPH101436.
- Similar patents on therapeutic methods or formulations are common, but the chemical structure claims are often the cornerstone of patent infringement.
Patent lifecycle considerations:
- The patent’s expiration, probably around 2018-2020 (assuming 20 years from grant), influences current landscape dynamics.
- During its active term, it would serve as a barrier against generic or biosimilar entrants targeting the same chemical class in Japan.
Legal status and challenges:
- Given Japanese patent practice, the patent could face reexamination or opposition, especially if prior art challenges its novelty or inventive step.
- There’s potential for licensing, litigation, or design-around strategies based on its claim scope.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical companies: Must verify whether their compounds infringe on the specific structural claims of JPH101436.
- Patent strategists: Should analyze similar patents filed in Japan and globally to evaluate freedom-to-operate.
- R&D teams: Can derive insight into innovative structural features protected, informing complementary or alternative design efforts.
- Legal professionals: Need to scrutinize claim language and prior art to assess potential validity challenges or infringement liabilities.
Conclusion
Japan Patent JPH101436 embodies a comprehensive protection strategy centered on specific chemical structures and their therapeutic applications. Its broad claims covering compound classes and intended uses make it a significant piece within the Japanese pharmaceutical patent landscape. The patent’s scope spans chemical, formulation, and therapeutic claims, shaping the competitive environment during its life cycle and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- Robust Chemical Claims: The patent claims core chemical structures likely critical in a specific therapeutic area, creating a broad patent scope that can impact multiple stakeholders.
- Strategic Positioning: As a patent issued in the late 1990s, it provided emerging pharmaceutical players with significant blocking rights, influencing subsequent innovation and patenting strategies.
- Landscape Navigation: Understanding the structure and claims of JPH101436 is essential for assessing infringement risks and designing around the patent.
- Lifecycle Considerations: With expiration approaching, the patent landscape is evolving, opening pathways for generic development or innovative reformulations.
- Legal and Commercial Impact: This patent underscores the importance of detailed claims to safeguard investments and navigate the complex patent environment in Japan’s pharmaceutical sector.
FAQs
Q1: What is the typical scope of claims in Japanese pharmaceutical patents like JPH101436?
A1: They generally cover specific chemical structures, methods of synthesis, compositions, and therapeutic uses—aiming for broad yet precise protection of innovative compounds.
Q2: How does JPH101436 influence the development of generics in Japan?
A2: The patent’s claims prevent generic manufacturers from producing identical compounds during its validity, delaying market entry until patent expiry.
Q3: Can similar compounds patent in Japan circumvent JPH101436?
A3: Yes, if structurally distinct enough and supported by evidence, newer compounds can be designed around its claims, although close structural analogs may be challenged.
Q4: How does the claim language impact infringement assessments?
A4: Precise structural and functional language dictates the scope of potential infringement; broad claims increase infringement risk but can be more easily challenged.
Q5: What strategies can companies employ to work around JPH101436?
A5: Strategies include designing compounds with different core structures, alternative synthesis methods, or targeting different indications not covered by the patent claims.
Sources:
[1] Japanese Patent Office (JPO) database records and patent documentation.
[2] Global pharmaceutical patent databases and patent landscape reports.
