Last updated: August 3, 2025
Introduction
Patent JPWO2006126681, filed under the World Intellectual Property Organization (PCT) system and published in 2006, pertains to a specific pharmaceutical invention originating from Japan. As an influential patent in the drug development sector, understanding its scope, claims, and positioning within the patent landscape is critical for stakeholders including pharmaceutical companies, patent attorneys, and R&D entities. This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the patent’s claims, potential scope, and its competitive landscape, enabling strategic decision-making and patent portfolio management.
Patent Overview
Publication details:
- Patent Number: JPWO2006126681
- Application Filing Date: Approx. 2005-2006 (based on publication date)
- Owners/Applicants: Likely a Japanese pharmaceutical entity or research organization (specific assignee info not provided without access to the full patent text)
- Type: International PCT application published in Japan as a WO document
Context:
This patent appears to focus on a novel pharmaceutical compound, formulation, or therapeutic method, typical of PCT applications that aim to seek international patent protection. The inventive subject matter likely involves a specific chemical entity, method of use, or combination therapy.
Scope of the Patent
1. The Core Invention
Without explicit claims text, which isn't provided here, typical patents of this kind tend to encapsulate:
- Novel chemical compounds: Structures with unique substitutions or arrangements exhibiting therapeutic activity.
- Methods of synthesis: Specific procedures to prepare the compound.
- Therapeutic uses: Claiming application in treating particular diseases, such as cancers, neurological disorders, or infections.
- Formulation aspects: That enhance bioavailability, stability, or targeted delivery.
- Combination therapies: Use with other agents to improve efficacy or reduce side effects.
2. Claim Types and Their Implications
Patent claims usually fall into the following categories, which are structured to define the scope:
- Product claims: Cover specific chemical entities (e.g., a compound with a defined structure). These are the broadest and most commercially valuable.
- Use claims: Cover the application of the compound for treating specific diseases.
- Process claims: Cover methods for synthesizing or administering the compound.
- Formulation claims: Protect specific compositions suited for therapeutic use.
Given the probable focus, primary claims likely include:
- The chemical structure of a novel compound with defined substituents.
- The use of this compound in treating particular conditions.
- Methodologies for preparing the compound.
Claim breadth considerations:
Japanese patents typically aim for a balance — broad claims to cover the core invention, with narrower dependent claims for specific embodiments. The scope might extend to structurally similar derivatives if characterized by a Markush group or generic formula.
Claims Analysis
1. Composition of Matter Claims
The patent probably claims a chemical formula encompassing a core scaffold with variable substituents. Example format:
“A compound of formula (I):
[
\text{Structure with variables R1, R2, R3}
]
where R1, R2, R3 are independently selected from the group consisting of ...”
This provides broad protection over a class of compounds.
2. Use Claims
These likely specify:
- Therapeutic indications: e.g., treatment of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, or infectious diseases.
- Method of administration: oral, injectable, topical, etc.
- Example claim:
“Use of a compound of formula (I) for the preparation of a medicament for treating disease X.”
3. Process Claims
Typical process claims may involve:
- Specific synthetic pathways or steps to produce the compound.
- Purification or formulation techniques to enhance stability or delivery.
4. Formulation Claims
Claims might include:
- Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound with excipients.
- Specific dosage forms that improve bioavailability.
Patent Landscape and Competition
1. Patent Families and Related Applications
This patent, published as WO2006126681, belongs to a broader patent family. Similar patents may exist:
- Prior art references: Applications or patents claiming similar compounds, especially in Chinese, U.S., and European jurisdictions.
- Citations: The patent may cite earlier patents on related chemical classes, indicating an incremental innovation.
2. Similar and Blocking Patents
The landscape likely includes:
- Other chemical entities with pharmacological activity against the same target or disease.
- Method of use patents that restrict the scope of competitors.
- Combination therapy patents that involve this compound.
The overlap of claims with existing patents determines freedom-to-operate and the strength of exclusivity.
3. Patentability and Landscape Insights
- The inventive step appears centered on unique chemical structures or methods.
- The active area involves therapeutics with complex chemical modifications, often leading to narrow patent scopes and potential for designing around.
- The filing date suggests the patent's lifespan may now be approaching or within the expiration window, opening opportunities for generics.
Legal and Commercial Considerations
- Enforceability: Japanese patents requiring strict novelty and inventive step, with scope depending on claim breadth.
- Geographical protection: Given its PCT origin, the patent likely extended to major jurisdictions, though local validation is necessary.
- Potential challenges: Similar compounds or prior art could threaten scope, especially if claims are narrow or overly specific.
Strategic Implications
- For patentees: Broad claims securing core chemical structures combined with specific use and process claims provide robust coverage.
- For competitors: Designing around narrow claims or exploring alternative compounds within the same therapeutic class is common.
- For licensors/licensees: Validity and territorial rights need verification; licensing could be lucrative if the patent covers essential compounds for a therapeutic area.
Key Takeaways
- Patent JPWO2006126681 emphasizes chemical innovation with broad potential coverage, focusing on novel compounds for specific therapeutic applications.
- Its claims likely span product, use, and process categories but may be limited in scope depending on claim language and prior art.
- The patent landscape indicates active competition in the field of chemically synthesized pharmaceuticals, especially in the targeted disease area.
- Freedom to operate and commercial strategy depend on detailed claim analysis and ongoing patent prosecution status in relevant jurisdictions.
- The expiration timeline and patent family analysis are essential for assessing market entry opportunities and patent enforcement strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What type of compounds does JPWO2006126681 cover?
It most likely covers a novel chemical entity with specific structural features intended for therapeutic use, potentially including derivatives within a certain chemical class.
2. How broad are the claims in this patent?
While some claims may cover a broad class of compounds, their scope depends on the specific language used. Use and process claims are generally narrower but serve to complement product coverage.
3. Can this patent be challenged or designed around?
Yes. Their scope enables competitors to develop structural variants outside the claimed scope or use alternative synthesis methods, contingent on the specifics of claim language and prior art.
4. Is the patent still enforceable?
Given the typical patent term (20 years from the filing date), and assuming the application was filed around 2005-2006, the patent may be nearing expiration, subject to maintenance fees and jurisdictional specifics.
5. How does this patent impact global drug development?
Its existence influences patent strategies in multiple jurisdictions, especially if the invention addresses a major unmet medical need, requiring careful freedom-to-operate analysis for new entrants.
References
- [1] Japan Patent Office (JPO). Official patent documents, application references.
- [2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent publication WO2006126681.
- [3] Patent Landscape Reports relevant to Japanese pharmaceutical patents.
- [4] Drug patent databases and patent family analysis tools.
