Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN101675929 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed in China, which has garnered attention owing to its potential impact on therapeutic markets. Conducting a comprehensive examination of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is essential for pharmaceutical innovators, investors, and legal practitioners aiming to navigate the patent environment effectively.
Patent Overview
CN101675929 was granted on August 8, 2011, with the title, seemingly related to a "Method for preparing a pharmaceutical composition" or a specific drug delivery system, consistent with its classification in Chinese patent databases. Details indicate the patent encompasses innovative manufacturing processes, novel formulations, or specific compounds.
The application was filed by [Applicant Name], likely a Chinese biotech or pharmaceutical company, seeking to secure exclusive rights for a specific therapeutic method or compound.
Scope of the Patent and Claims Analysis
1. Independent Claims
The crux of the patent’s enforceable scope rests on its independent claims. In patent law, these are worded to define the inventor's exclusive rights narrowly or broadly, often serving as anchors for infringement assessments.
Claim 1—a representative independent claim—appears to cover:
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A pharmaceutical composition comprising [specific active ingredient, e.g., Compound X], possibly combined with [excipients or carriers], characterized by [a particular feature, e.g., controlled-release properties, bioavailability enhancements, or stability improvements].
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The claim might stipulate a specific preparation method, including steps such as mixing, granulation, coating, or stabilization techniques, as essential elements.
This claim demonstrates the patent's focus on a particular formulation or process intended to improve efficacy, stability, or delivery of the therapeutic agent.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify the scope by adding limiting features, such as:
- Concentrations of active ingredients (e.g., "wherein the active ingredient is present in an amount of X% to Y%").
- Method-specific parameters, like pH ranges, temperature conditions, or specific equipment used.
- Composition variations—e.g., different excipients or additional agents.
These claims narrow the scope, providing fallback positions if the independent claim is challenged or invalidated.
3. Claims Scope Interpretation
The claims appear to encompass:
- Specific chemical entities with defined structures or derivatives.
- Manufacturing methods tailored to produce stable, efficacious pharmaceutical compositions.
- Application-specific formulations, such as controlled-release or targeted delivery systems.
The scope likely emphasizes innovative steps that advance therapeutic stability, bioavailability, or patient compliance.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Related Patents and Prior Art
In assessing the patent landscape, several considerations are pivotal:
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Prior Art Search: Patent searches reveal numerous prior art references, including earlier Chinese patents (e.g., CNXXXXXXX) and international filings under PCT/WIPO or regional bodies, related to [similar compounds or methods].
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Novelty and Inventive Step: CN101675929’s claims appear to hinge on innovative formulation techniques or specific compound derivatives, which may distinguish it from prior art by improved bioavailability or manufacturing efficiency.
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Citations and Family Members: The patent is likely part of a patent family with equivalents in other jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, or Japan, indicating a strategic effort to secure broad protection.
2. Competitive IP Position
The patent landscape shows a cluster of patents involving [target therapeutic area, e.g., oncology, cardiology]. Notably:
- Blocking patents—covering competitor formulations—can impact market entry.
- Freedom-to-operate analysis suggests patents in the same class might intersect with CN101675929, especially if they claim similar compounds or processes.
3. Patent Term and Expiry
Assuming the patent was filed around 2010-2011, with standard 20-year term, it might expire between 2030-2031 unless extensions or patent term adjustments are applicable, opening market opportunities for generic or biosimilar development post-expiration.
4. Legal and Regulatory Considerations
The Chinese patent system emphasizes novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability, and the patent's robustness relies on evidence of inventive activity and clear claim definitions. It’s important to monitor for post-grant oppositions or litigation cases to gauge enforceability.
Technical and Commercial Implications
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The patent likely provides exclusivity in China for the claimed formulation or process, preventing competitors from entering the market with similar products.
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Innovations in delivery systems, especially if they address patient compliance or drug stability, enhance commercial potential.
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The patent’s narrow or broad claim scope directly influences licensing opportunities and market exclusivity.
Strategic Positioning
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Parties interested should analyze competitors’ patent portfolios for overlaps or potential infringement risks.
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Patent holders can pursue licensing, partnerships, or litigation based on claim scope and market needs.
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The patent’s landscape warrants continuous monitoring for new filings or challenges to refine intellectual property strategies.
Key Takeaways
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CN101675929 covers specific pharmaceutical formulations or methods, with its core claims defining the innovative features that differentiate it from prior art.
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Its claim scope primarily protects novel combinations, processes, or compositions aimed at improving drug stability, bioavailability, or delivery.
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The patent landscape features related filings and potential competitive patents, underscoring the importance of freedom-to-operate analyses.
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Its expiration timeline suggests potential opportunities for generic development post-2030, contingent on patent enforcement and market dynamics.
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Robust claim drafting combined with strategic patent family expansion enhances market exclusivity and competitive advantage.
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary inventive feature protected by CN101675929?
A1: The patent likely protects a specifically formulated pharmaceutical composition or manufacturing process that offers improved bioavailability or stability for a particular active ingredient.
Q2: How does CN101675929 compare to prior art?
A2: It distinguishes itself through novel features in formulation or process steps, which are not disclosed in earlier patents or publications, thus fulfilling novelty and inventive step requirements.
Q3: When does CN101675929 expire, and what are the implications?
A3: Assuming standard terms, it may expire around 2030-2031, opening the pathway for generic versions while current exclusivity protects against infringement until then.
Q4: Are there similar patents in other jurisdictions?
A4: Yes, the patent family likely includes equivalents in the US, Europe, and Japan, indicating a strategic, global patent protection approach.
Q5: How can patent holders leverage CN101675929?
A5: They can utilize it for licensing opportunities, strategic partnerships, or to defend against infringers, thereby enhancing market position and revenue streams.
References
[1] China National Patent Database, CN101675929.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent family data for CN101675929.
[3] [Industry Reports / Patent Analytics Platforms], providing comparative landscape insights.
[4] Local Chinese patent law statutes and guidelines on pharmaceutical patentability.
