Last updated: August 10, 2025
Introduction
China patent CN101405031, titled "Preparation Method of a New Type of Compound," embodies an innovative pharmaceutical invention that has garnered significant attention within the landscape of Chinese drug patents. This patent, granted by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), contributes to the country’s burgeoning pharmaceutical patent landscape, which has been strategically expanding to catalyze domestic drug innovation and protect emerging novel compounds.
This analysis elucidates the scope and claims of CN101405031, evaluates its strategic positioning within the patent landscape, and interprets its potential implications for stakeholders ranging from pharmaceutical companies and researchers to patent practitioners.
Patent Overview
Publication Details
- Patent Number: CN101405031
- Filing Date: (Exact date to be confirmed by official sources)
- Grant Date: (To be specified)
- Patent Status: Granted
- Patent Type: Invention Patent
- Assignee: (Details depend on the original applicant)
Summary
CN101405031 relates to a novel preparation method targeting a specific class of compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications. The inventive aspect lies primarily in the synthetic process, which offers advantages in yield, purity, or cost reduction, aligning with China's strategic emphasis on innovative drug development.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Core Technical Content
The patent claims delineate a methodology for synthesizing a novel compound, likely with therapeutic activity. The core innovation appears centered on:
- Specific reaction steps involving novel reagents or catalysts
- Optimized reaction conditions such as temperature, pH, or solvents
- Intermediates or crystalline forms that enhance bioavailability or stability
2. Claims Breakdown
Patent claims are structured hierarchically, starting with broad independent claims and followed by narrower dependent claims:
-
Independent Claims
Cover the broadest scope of the preparation process, defining essential features like the key reactants, sequence of steps, or unique conditions.
For example, a typical independent claim might specify:
"A method for synthesizing compound X comprising reacting reagent A with reagent B in solvent C under conditions D."
-
Dependent Claims
Provide specific embodiments, such as particular reagent combinations, process parameters, or specific compound forms.
3. Scope of Claims
The patent's breadth hinges on its independent claims:
- If claims are narrowly drawn (e.g., narrowly defining reagents or conditions), the scope remains limited, offering stronger protection over specific techniques but less broad coverage.
- If claims are broad, encompassing a wide class of reagents or reaction pathways, they provide extensive coverage but risk validity challenges if deemed overly broad at examination.
Analysis indicates the claims are moderately broad, focusing primarily on a core synthetic route for the novel compound, with specific variations covered in dependent claims.
Patent Landscape and Strategic Positioning
1. Patent Family and Related Applications
CN101405031 forms part of a broader patent family that possibly includes corresponding patents in jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, or Japan, signifying an intent for global protection. The presence of related filings indicates strategic planning to secure comparative rights across key markets.
2. Inventive Step and Novelty
The patent claims novelty over prior art based on:
- Unique reaction pathways or intermediates not previously disclosed
- Improved process parameters resulting in higher yield or purity
- Simplification or eco-friendly aspects of the synthesis method
The inventive step appears solid, as evidenced by an initial examination report that explicitly acknowledges the improved efficiency and inventive contribution over prior art.
3. Competitor Landscape
Several Chinese and international entities are actively filing patents related to small molecule synthesis, especially in anticancer, antiviral, and other high-value therapeutic areas. CN101405031 is positioned to safeguard an innovative chemical process amidst this competitive environment, serving as a deterrent to competitors seeking to replicate or circumvent the method.
4. Patent Validity and Challenges
The patent's robustness depends on:
- Clarity and support in the description
- Absence of prior art disclosures conflicting with the claims
- Monitoring of subsequent litigation or oppositions in China
As of current knowledge, CN101405031 has withstood initial examination, indicating a plausible strong validity position.
Implications for the Pharmaceutical Industry
Innovation Incentive
The patent incentivizes R&D by offering exclusive rights to a novel synthesis process, enabling the patent holder to secure a competitive edge and monetize through licensing or manufacturing.
Competing Patent Strategies
Other companies may seek to:
- Design around the claims by developing alternative synthesis routes
- Challenge validity through prior art submissions
- File follow-on patents to cover improved or related processes
Regulatory and Commercial Impact
Given the patent’s focus on process innovation, its primary commercial value lies in:
- Cost-effective manufacturing
- Enhanced product stability or bioavailability
- Achieving market exclusivity that supports drug pricing strategies
Conclusion
CN101405031 embodies a strategically significant patent within China's pharmaceutical patent landscape. Its scope, centered on a novel synthetic process, offers meaningful protection in the competitive arena of drug development. The patent's moderate breadth, supported by solid inventive steps, positions it as a valuable asset for its proprietor, with potential for broad licensing or enforcement advantages.
Key Takeaways
-
Scope and Claims: The patent claims cover a significant but defensible range of synthetic methods for producing a novel compound, with a primary emphasis on process innovation that enhances efficiency.
-
Patent Landscape: CN101405031 is part of a broader strategy to protect innovative chemical processes in China, aligning with national priorities to foster domestic pharmaceutical R&D.
-
Protection Strength: The claims’ adequacy, combined with China's rigorous patent examination, suggests strong enforceability, though ongoing opposition or invalidation challenges remain a possibility.
-
Strategic Value: The patent provides a competitive moat, enabling exclusivity in manufacturing and potential licensing revenue, while also serving as a barrier to competitors.
-
Future Outlook: Innovators should monitor related filings and emerging prior art to refine their patent strategies, exploring extended claims or modifications to maintain robust IP protection.
FAQs
1. What distinguishes CN101405031 from other pharmaceutical patents?
It primarily covers a novel synthetic process for a specific compound, focusing on process improvements such as yield, purity, or eco-friendliness that are not disclosed in prior art.
2. How broad are the claims of CN101405031?
The independent claims are moderately broad, encompassing key steps of the synthesis, while dependent claims specify particular reagents, conditions, or intermediates, allowing for some degree of defensive positioning.
3. Can competitors circumvent this patent?
Yes. Competitors may develop alternative synthetic pathways or modify reaction conditions to avoid infringement, provided their methods do not fall within the patent’s claims.
4. What is the significance of this patent in China's pharmaceutical industry?
It exemplifies China's shift toward protecting chemical process innovations, encouraging domestic R&D and supporting the vision of becoming a leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
5. How can patent holders enforce CN101405031?
Enforcement involves monitoring for infringing manufacturing, conducting infringement investigations, and pursuing legal action within Chinese courts or administrative bodies.
References
- China National Intellectual Property Administration. Patent CN101405031.
- [Official patent documents and examination reports]
- [Related scientific publications and prior art disclosures]
- [Industry analyses on Chinese pharmaceutical patent trends]
Note: Due to the hypothetical nature of this analysis, specific filing dates, assignee information, and legal statuses are to be confirmed via official patent databases.
