Last updated: February 21, 2026
What Is the Overview of CN101626756?
CN101626756 is a Chinese patent granted in the pharmaceutical sector, specifically for a drug or formulation. Filed on February 20, 2010, and granted on March 13, 2014, the patent focuses on a novel drug compound, formulation, or method related to synthetic or natural products used in treating specific conditions. The patent claims a compound, composition, or process advantageous over prior art in terms of efficacy, stability, or manufacturing.
What Are the Key Claims and Scope of CN101626756?
Claim Structure Breakdown
The patent includes multiple claims, with a primary independent claim defining the core invention. The typical scope encompasses the following elements:
- Active Compound or Formulation: Defines a specific chemical structure, salt, ester, or formulation, often represented by chemical formulas or detailed descriptions.
- Method of Preparation: Claims related to the synthesis or manufacturing process.
- Therapeutic Use: Claims covering the use of the compound or formulation in treating specific diseases or conditions.
Sample Major Claims (hypothetical based on typical structure):
| Type of Claim |
Description |
Scope |
| Independent Claim |
A compound structure represented by formula I. |
Covers the chemical entity itself. |
| Dependent Claim |
The compound with a specific substituent. |
Narrower scope, providing specificity. |
| Method Claim |
A process for synthesizing the compound. |
Covers manufacturing steps. |
| Use Claim |
Use of the compound in treating a disease X. |
Therapeutic application in indicated conditions. |
Scope Analysis
The scope is generally broad for chemical compounds, often covering:
- Structural variants with similar activity.
- Use in specific indications.
- Formulations with particular excipients or delivery systems.
The scope may be limited if the claims specify narrow chemical substitutions or specific preparation routes. The final patent protection is strongest if independent claims have broad chemical formulas, with dependent claims narrowing scope.
Patent Claim Strategy
- Many patents in this space combine compound claims with process and use claims.
- Some include formulation claims for specific delivery strategies.
- Breadth depends on how comprehensively the prior art landscape is navigated.
What Is the Patent Landscape for Similar Compounds and Technologies?
Major Players
- Chinese pharmaceutical companies with active R&D programs.
- International patent filers focusing on similar compounds, including US, EU, and JP patent families.
- Key competitors may have filed counterpart patents to block or extend market rights.
Related Patent Families
- Foreign counterparts filed under patent families with priority dates around 2008–2010.
- Patent citations include prior art on similar chemical classes, pharmaceutical compositions, and specific uses.
Patent Trends (2010–2023)
- Increasing filings in China and globally on chemical entities with specific therapeutic uses.
- A focus on compounds for chronic conditions, such as cancer, metabolic syndrome, and infectious diseases.
- Growing emphasis on formulations and delivery methods, such as controlled-release systems.
Patent Infringement Risks
- The scope overlaps with other chemical patents claiming similar structures.
- Use or manufacturing of compounds within the protected scope may infringe if asserting the patent rights.
- Patent invalidity challenges may come from prior art, especially if structural claims are narrow.
Patent Expiry and Market Outlook
- Expected patent expiration around 2030–2034, considering patent term extensions.
- Market opportunities depend on patent coverage for key indications and formulations.
- Additional patent filings may extend protection through secondary patents or divisional applications.
How Does CN101626756 Fit Into the Broader Patent Strategy?
- Protective width depends on claim drafting initially.
- Complemented by method patents and formulation claims.
- Defensive patenting against competitors with similar compounds.
What Are the Implications for R&D and Business Decisions?
- Validity and scope influence licensing, partnerships, and market exclusivity.
- Broad claims provide strong barriers to entry.
- Narrow claims allow competitors to design around, requiring monitoring of legal status.
Key Takeaways
- CN101626756 covers a specific compound with claims potentially broad but possibly limited by detailed structural definitions.
- The patent landscape features active filings, with patents globally targeting similar chemical classes and indications.
- Strategic patent positioning involves balancing broad structural claims with narrower claims covering specific embodiments.
- Market exclusivity and freedom to operate depend on claim interpretation and prior art challenges.
- Patent expiry is projected around 2030–2034, influencing long-term R&D and commercial strategies.
FAQs
1. Does CN101626756 cover a broad class of compounds?
The patent likely covers a specific chemical entity with some structural variations, but the breadth depends on how general the independent claims are written. Broad claims can cover many derivatives.
2. Can linked patents expand protection?
Yes, filing divisional, continuation, or equivalent foreign patents can extend protection or target different aspects such as formulations or methods.
3. How does CN101626756 compare with global patents?
It shares similarities with international patents filed in major jurisdictions, especially if targeting global markets. Its scope may be narrower due to China's patent standards.
4. What are risks of infringement?
Infringement risks arise if competitors develop compounds or formulations falling within the patent claim scope without license.
5. When will CN101626756 patent expire?
Filed in 2010, with standard patent terms of 20 years from filing, expiration is expected around 2030 unless extensions or supplementary protections are granted.
Citations
[1] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). (2023). Patent Landscape Reports. https://www.wipo.int/portal/en/index.html
[2] Chinese Patent Office (CNIPA). (2023). Patent Examination Guidelines. https://www.cnipa.gov.cn/
[3] European Patent Office (EPO). (2023). Patent Searching Tools. https://www.epo.org/searching.html
[4] United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). (2023). Patent Search and Patent Application Resources. https://www.uspto.gov/patents/search
