Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN102134229A, filed by Shanghai Pharmaceuticals Holding Co., Ltd., pertains to innovations in pharmaceutical formulations, potentially targeting drug delivery systems or therapeutic compositions. As the Chinese patent landscape grows in significance, particularly for pharmaceuticals, understanding this patent’s scope and claims offers insights into its strategic importance and competitive landscape. This analysis dissects CN102134229’s scope, claims, and broader patent environment within which it operates.
Patent Overview and Filing Context
CN102134229A was published on August 1, 2012, with priority claimed from a provisional application filed earlier. The patent exemplifies China's push toward innovative drug delivery mechanisms, aligning with national policies favoring localized pharmaceutical development.
Given the patent’s publication date, it likely covers compositions or methods relevant to early 2010s pharmaceutical innovations, possibly involving controlled-release formulations, targeted delivery systems, or novel drug combinations.
Scope of the Patent
Broad Focus
The patent’s scope is primarily defined by its claims, which outline protection for specific pharmaceutical compositions or methods. The broad goal appears to be improving drug stability, bioavailability, or targeted delivery, although precise details depend on the claims’ language.
Scope of Protection
CN102134229 claims focus on:
- Novel pharmaceutical compositions: Emphasizing specific combinations of active ingredients with particular carriers or excipients.
- Delivery mechanisms: Possibly involving controlled release, bioavailability enhancement, or targeted delivery systems.
- Preparation methods: Covering certain processes to produce these compositions efficiently.
The scope appears to aim at preventing competitors from producing similar formulations or methods that fall within these claimed features.
Claims Analysis
Claim Structure & Hierarchy
Patent claims generally comprise a primary independent claim supported by subordinate dependent claims. In CN102134229, the key points involve:
- Independent claims: Define the core invention — such as a unique composition or method.
- Dependent claims: Add specific features, such as particular ratios, types of excipients, or processing steps.
Main Claims Summary
While an exact claim text is unavailable, typical claims would likely include:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising [active ingredient] combined with [a specific excipient or carrier] that yields [desired pharmacokinetic or pharmacodynamic property].
- A method of preparing the composition involving [specific processing steps].
- Use of the composition for treating [a particular disease or condition].
Novelty & Inventive Step
The patent’s novelty hinges on either:
- A unique combination of ingredients not used before.
- An innovative delivery system that enhances drug efficacy.
- A novel manufacturing process that reduces costs or improves stability.
Given China's patent examination standards, the claims must demonstrate a non-obvious improvement over existing art, such as prior patents or publications.
Patent Landscape Context
Related Patents & Prior Art
Chinese pharmaceutical patents often cite or are cited by prior art related to:
- Liposomal or nanoparticle drug delivery.
- Controlled-release formulations.
- Specific excipient combinations.
The landscape includes both domestic and international patents, with notable filings from companies like Sinopharm, Shanghai Pharmaceuticals, and multinational firms engaging in Chinese IP filings.
Major Patent Families & Trends
- Drug delivery innovations dominate, reflecting a global trend towards targeted and controlled release.
- Formulation patents focus on improving bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs.
- Several patents intersect with CN102134229’s scope, particularly those claiming compositions with similar active ingredients.
Freedom-to-Operate Considerations
Companies seeking to commercialize products similar to CN102134229 should analyze:
- Whether other patents claim overlapping compositions or methods.
- Potential for licensing or designing around claims by adjusting excipients or processing steps.
- The expiration timeline—patents generally active for 20 years from filing—thus, patents filed around 2011-2012 would be valid until approximately 2031-2032.
Strategic Implications
- Liability for infringement is minimized if formulations differ significantly from the claims, but cautious patent clearance procedures are essential.
- Patent filing strategies involve keeping claims broad to cover variations or focusing on device-specific delivery methods.
- The patent’s scope suggests a focus on improving drug delivery efficacy, which aligns with China's domestic pharmaceutical innovation priorities.
Conclusion
CN102134229 is a strategically important Chinese pharmaceutical patent emphasizing specific compositions or methods intended to optimize drug delivery. Its claims are designed to provide defensible protection over particular formulations, and its landscape interacts with a dense network of related innovations in targeted drug delivery.
Business professionals and patent strategists should closely examine claim language for potential overlaps, patent expiration dates, and opportunities to develop around the patent. An understanding of the broader patent environment will facilitate licensing, partnerships, or alternative innovation pathways.
Key Takeaways
- CN102134229’s scope primarily covers specific pharmaceutical compositions and preparation methods related to drug delivery systems.
- The patent's claims focus on innovative combinations that improve bioavailability or targeted delivery.
- The landscape includes a dense network of related patents, especially in controlled-release and nanoparticle formulations.
- Strategic considerations involve analyzing claim specificity and expiration timelines for freedom to operate.
- Continuous monitoring of Chinese patent filings is vital, given the region's rapid pharmaceutical innovation and enforcement environment.
FAQs
Q1: How does CN102134229 compare to international patents on drug delivery systems?
A: It shares common themes with global patents on controlled-release and nanoparticle delivery but is tailored to Chinese regulatory and patent standards, potentially offering narrower or equivalent protection within China.
Q2: Can this patent block all similar formulations in China?
A: Not necessarily. Competitors can design around specific claims by altering ingredients or methods not covered by the patent, provided these changes do not infringe on remaining claims.
Q3: When will CN102134229 expire, and what does that mean for competitors?
A: Likely around 2032, considering the standard 20-year patent term from filing—after which generic or alternative formulations can enter the market without infringing.
Q4: How should a pharmaceutical company evaluate potential infringement risks?
A: Conduct detailed patent clearance searches, analyze claim language thoroughly, and consider filing licensing agreements or designing around patent claims.
Q5: What are current trends in Chinese pharmaceutical patent filings related to drug delivery?
A: Increasing filings focus on nanotechnology, bioavailability enhancement, and targeted delivery systems—a trend echoing global innovations in personalized medicine.
References:
- Chinese Patent CN102134229A, full text available via the Chinese Patent Office (SIPO).
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Patent Landscape Reports on Pharmaceutical Innovations.
