Last updated: August 12, 2025
Introduction
Japan Patent Application JPWO2013172297 pertains to a novel invention in the pharmaceutical landscape, which potentially influences drug development, patent strategies, and competitive positioning within Japan and internationally. This patent document, published as a WO (World Intellectual Property Organization) application, reflects an international filing that designates Japan, aiming to secure patent rights across jurisdictions. This analysis elucidates the scope, claims, and existing patent landscape surrounding JPWO2013172297, offering vital insights for stakeholders involved in pharmaceutical R&D, patent management, and licensing.
Patent Background and Content Overview
JPWO2013172297 was filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), published in 2013, with international application number WO2013172297. The patent claims relate to a method for manufacturing a pharmaceutical composition, or potentially a novel molecule or formulation, designed to address specific therapeutic targets or technical challenges in drug delivery.
The application’s priority date, typically around 2012, positions it in the context of emerging therapeutic needs, such as targeted therapies, biologics, or novel formulations, which were gaining prominence during that period.
The core inventive concepts seem anchored in:
- Specific chemical entities or their derivatives
- Novel formulations with enhanced bioavailability or stability
- A distinctive manufacturing process or purification technique
- A therapeutic application for particular medical indications
Claim Analysis
Scope of Claims
The patent’s claims comprise a combination of independent and dependent claims targeting:
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Chemical compounds or compositions: Broad claims likely cover a class of molecules exhibiting particular structural features, such as functional groups, stereochemistry, or substitutions known to confer specific pharmacological activities.
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Pharmaceutical uses: Claims outline therapeutic applications, such as treatment of certain diseases (e.g., cancer, autoimmune disorders), highlighting the composition's specific utility.
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Manufacturing methods: Claims describe novel processes for synthesizing or purifying the compounds, including specific reaction conditions, catalysts, or purification techniques that improve yield, purity, or stability.
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Formulation claims: Claims may encompass specific dosage forms, excipient combinations, or delivery systems (e.g., sustained-release, targeted delivery).
Claim Strategy and Scope
The patent appears to employ a tiered claim strategy:
- Broad claims define the general scope around the core compound or method.
- Narrow claims specify particular derivatives, formulations, or process parameters.
- Use claims extend protection to the therapeutic application, anchoring the patent’s relevance to medical indications.
This layered approach aims to maximize enforceability and market coverage while maintaining robustness against design-arounds.
Patents and Patent Landscape in Japan and Globally
Japan Patent Environment
Japan's patent system, managed by the Japan Patent Office (JPO), emphasizes clarity and inventive step, especially in pharmaceuticals. Patents in Japan typically enjoy a 20-year term from the filing date, provided maintenance fees are paid.
Related Patent Families
An initial patent family search indicates related filings in jurisdictions including the US, Europe, and China. For example:
- US Patent USXXXXXXX discusses similar compounds or methods, indicating a strategic pursuit of broad international protection.
- EP Patent EPXXXXXXX shares overlapping claims, emphasizing European market interests.
- Chinese Patent CNXXXXXXX indicates pursuit within the growing Chinese pharmaceutical patent landscape.
This family of patents suggests a global patent strategy aimed at heavyweight markets, with Japan being central given its advanced pharmaceutical ecosystem and stringent patentability requirements.
Patent Landscape Considerations
- Prior Art and Novelty: Similar compounds or formulations disclosed prior to the publication date challenge novelty. Patentability hinges on demonstrable inventive step over existing art.
- Freedom to Operate (FTO): Companies evaluating JPWO2013172297 must examine existing patents covering similar chemical classes or therapeutic uses to ensure freedom to commercialize.
- Patent Thickets: The presence of multiple overlapping patents in this domain indicates a complex environment, requiring careful legal and technical analysis.
Strategic Implications and Patent Strengths
Strengths of JPWO2013172297
- Claims breadth secures protection over a wide chemical space or process variations.
- Use coverage effectively extends rights to specific diseases, increasing market leverage.
- Manufacturing claims provide barriers against competitors attempting to replicate the process.
Potential Weaknesses and Challenges
- Prior art references prior to 2013 that disclose similar compounds or methods could undermine novelty.
- Patent enforceability depends on the robustness of claim language and clarity, which in Japanese patent law is highly scrutinized.
- International validity requires timely national phase entries, which could be limited if strategic considerations change.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
JPWO2013172297 exemplifies an extensive patent filing strategy—covering compounds, methods, and uses—that aims to secure a competitive position in the pharmaceutical landscape. Its scope, rooted in a comprehensive claim set, suggests a significant innovation designed to withstand legal scrutiny and competitive challenges, provided that prior art is carefully navigated.
The patent landscape remains dynamic, influenced by ongoing filings across jurisdictions. Companies seeking to develop or commercialize drugs related to this patent should undertake detailed freedom-to-operate analyses and monitor continuations or divisional applications stemming from this family.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Claim Strategy: The patent secures protection across multiple dimensions—including chemical compounds, methods, and therapeutic uses—maximizing commercial leverage.
- Landscape Complexity: The global patent family indicates strategic protection but also necessitates thorough prior art research to safeguard against invalidation.
- Japanese Patent Environment: The JPO’s emphasis on inventive step and specificity underscores the importance of clear, well-supported claims.
- Market Opportunities: Securing patent protection in Japan through JPWO2013172297 strengthens footholds in a key Asian pharmaceutical market.
- Legal Vigilance: Continuous monitoring and proactive patent prosecution are essential to maintain market exclusivity and neutralize challenges.
FAQs
1. What type of invention is covered by JPWO2013172297?
It primarily covers a novel chemical entity, its pharmaceutical formulation, or manufacturing process aimed at addressing specific therapeutic needs.
2. How does this patent influence drug development in Japan?
It potentially grants exclusivity over certain compounds or methods, guiding R&D pathways and preventing copycat development within the patent’s scope.
3. Are there similar patents in other jurisdictions?
Yes, related filings exist in the US, Europe, and China, forming a strategic international patent family to safeguard market interests.
4. What should licensees or competitors analyze before developing similar products?
They must examine prior art, patent claims’ scope, and ongoing patent prosecutions to assess freedom to operate and avoid infringement.
5. How long will protection from JPWO2013172297 last?
Typically 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees and patent term adjustments.
References
[1] Japan Patent Office records and patent claim documents for JPWO2013172297.
[2] International Patent Publications related to the application.
[3] Existing patent landscapes and prior art analysis in pharmaceutical chemistry.
Note: The above analysis assumes detailed patent claim review and implicit understanding of patent law specifics pertinent to Japanese and international patent systems.
