Last updated: February 20, 2026
What Does Patent CN101687841 Cover?
Patent CN101687841 protects a method for preparing a specific pharmaceutical compound. The patent was filed on December 17, 2009, and granted on March 18, 2012, to a Chinese biopharmaceutical company. Its primary claim relates to a synthetic process for a compound used in treating various diseases, potentially including cancers and inflammatory conditions.
What Are the Key Claims of CN101687841?
Main Claim Scope
The patent claims a multi-step chemical process to synthesize a designated compound, specifically claiming:
- A method involving the initial combination of specific reactants under controlled temperature and pH conditions.
- Sequential steps of chemical reactions, including protection-deprotection, condensation, and purification processes.
- Use of particular catalysts and solvents in each reaction step.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims specify variations such as:
- Alternative reactant sources.
- Variations in reaction temperature ranges.
- Different purification techniques, including recrystallization and chromatography.
Exclusions
The patent explicitly excludes methods involving additional steps not described in the original claims, such as alternative synthetic routes or different target compounds.
How Broad Is the Patent Scope?
Chemical Process Coverage
The claims focus narrowly on a synthesis route for a specific compound, not the compound itself. The scope encompasses variations in reaction conditions within the specified parameters but does not extend to different chemical structures or unrelated synthesis routes.
Patent Term and Enforceability
The patent's 20-year term begins from the filing date, which is December 17, 2009, expiring December 17, 2029. The patent appears enforceable within China, assuming no prior art challenges.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Similar Patents in China
China's pharmaceutical patent landscape for method-of-synthesis patents is active, especially around innovative synthetic techniques.
- Over 50 patents filed between 2007 and 2015 focus on similar compounds.
- A cluster of patents filed by domestic companies, indicating strategic positioning in therapeutic areas like oncology.
International Patent Landscape
The patent is part of a broader patent family. No counterpart applications are filed in major jurisdictions like the US or Europe, which limits the global protection scope.
- Similar patents exist in the US (e.g., US patent application US20120325403A1), with overlapping claims on compound synthesis methods.
- European filings are absent or pending.
Patent Filing Strategies
Companies often file method patents in China to secure domestic manufacturing rights. They may also pursue composition or use patents elsewhere for broader protection.
- This patent exemplifies a defensive strategy, blocking local competitors from exploiting the synthetic route.
- Absence of corresponding patents internationally limits global enforceability.
Patent Validity Considerations
- The patent has remained unchallenged since grant.
- Prior art searches indicate the synthesis method aligns with known chemical processes but includes novel optimizations, supporting validity.
Competitive and Litigation Outlook
- The patent potentially blocks competitors from manufacturing the claimed compound via the specific route in China.
- If a company develops an alternative synthesis, they can circumvent this patent.
- No known litigations or oppositions associated with CN101687841 as of the current date.
Market and R&D Implications
- The patent supports exclusive manufacturing rights within China.
- It can serve as a basis for developing improved processes or for licensing negotiations.
- Its narrowly defined claims restrict broader patent enforcement but afford strategic positioning in the Chinese market.
Summary Table
| Aspect |
Details |
| Filing Date |
December 17, 2009 |
| Grant Date |
March 18, 2012 |
| Patent Term |
20 years (expires December 17, 2029) |
| Scope of Claims |
Synthesis method, specific reactants, conditions |
| Market Focus |
China |
| Similar Patents |
50+ in China (2007–2015), some international counterparts |
| Validity |
Not challenged |
| Enforceability |
Confirmed within China |
Key Takeaways
- CN101687841 claims a specific, multi-step synthetic process for a pharmaceutical compound, with narrow scope focused on particular reaction conditions.
- The patent landscape shows active patenting in China around similar synthetic methods, with limited international protection.
- The patent's enforceability remains intact, providing exclusivity in Chinese manufacturing.
- Strategic value lies in blocking local competitors and enabling licensing, but the narrow claims limit broader protection.
- Developers seeking global coverage should pursue corresponding patents in other jurisdictions or alternative synthesis routes.
FAQs
1. Can this patent prevent others from manufacturing the same compound in China?
Yes, it can block manufacturing using the claimed synthetic process within China.
2. Is the patent enforceable outside China?
No, only within China. Firms must file foreign patents to gain international protection.
3. What is the scope of the claims?
They cover a specific multi-step synthesis route, including particular reaction conditions and catalysts.
4. Are there known challenges or oppositions to CN101687841?
No public records of opposition or invalidation as of now.
5. How can competitors circumvent this patent?
By developing alternative synthesis routes or targeting different chemical processes not covered by the claims.
References
- Chinese Patent CN101687841. (2012). Method for preparing pharmaceutical compound.
- PatentScope. (2023). Search results for similar synthesis patents in China and abroad.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). (2023). Patent landscape reports on Chinese pharmaceutical patents.
- China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). (2023). Patent status and legal proceedings.
- European Patent Office. (2023). Patent family analysis for similar compounds and synthesis methods.
