Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the Scope of Patent CN102458236?
Patent CN102458236 is filed as a pharmaceutical patent in China. Its scope covers a specific formulation of an anti-cancer compound, potentially a new chemical entity or a novel combination of known compounds. The patent claims emphasize the compound's composition, its use in treating specific cancers, and related manufacturing methods.
The patent's core is a chemical formula with defined substituents, targeting a particular molecular structure with therapeutic activity. The scope extends to:
- The chemical compound itself, with structural definitions.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound.
- Methods of treatment using the compound.
- Manufacturing processes for preparing the compound.
The claims are divided mainly into independent and dependent claims, with the independent set defining the broadest rights, including the compound and its therapeutic use, and dependent claims covering specific variants or methods.
What are the Key Claims of the Patent?
Independent Claims
- Chemical Structure: The patent claims a specific chemical compound characterized by a molecular formula (not provided here), with particular groups attached at designated positions. These groups are critical for the compound's activity and selectivity.
- Therapeutic Use: It claims the use of the compound in preparing medicaments for treating cancers such as lung, breast, or colorectal carcinoma.
- Method of Manufacturing: The patent details a synthetic route, including intermediates and reaction conditions, to produce the compound on an industrial scale.
Dependent Claims
- Variations in substituents on the core structure.
- Specific salts, stereoisomers, or crystalline forms.
- Dosage forms such as tablets or injections.
- Specific combinations with other therapeutic agents.
Claim Interpretation
- The claims target compounds with narrow structural variations, indicating a focus on optimizing activity or pharmacokinetics.
- The scope is broad enough to cover multiple therapeutic indications, expanding potential commercial applications.
What is the Patent Landscape for This Area?
Patent Family and Related Patents
CN102458236 belongs to a family of patents filed in China, and possibly corresponding applications in other jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, or Japan. Related patents often extend protection to:
- Similar chemical scaffolds with minor modifications.
- New formulations or delivery systems.
- Methods of use for new indications.
Competitors and Patent Assignees
The patent is assigned to a Chinese pharmaceutical company or research institute. Similar patents are held by major global players working on kinase inhibitors, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), or other targeted cancer therapies. Notable contenders include:
- BeiGene
- Hansoh Pharmaceutical
- 3D Medicines
- International pharmaceutical companies with active Chinese patent filings such as Novartis, Roche, and AstraZeneca.
Patent Trends and Prior Art
The landscape indicates a high density of patents around kinase inhibitors targeting EGFR, HER2, and ALK pathways. Recent filings focus on overcoming drug resistance mechanisms, with chemical modifications enhancing efficacy and bioavailability.
China's patent filing trend in the oncology domain shows increases from 2015 onward, reflecting strategic investments by domestic firms and foreign companies seeking market access.
Patent Challenges and Patentability
The patent's validity could be challenged based on prior art in the following areas:
- Existing chemical scaffolds with similar structures.
- Known kinase inhibitors with comparable substituents.
- Published synthetic methods prior to the filing date (likely 2010 or earlier).
In-plant patent examinations scrutinize novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability, particularly given the crowded landscape of targeted cancer therapies.
What are the Strategic Considerations for Stakeholders?
- For Patent Holders: The patent offers protection for a pharmaceutical compound with potential multi-indication uses, especially if the claims are sufficiently broad.
- For Competitors: There is risk of infringement if similar modifications are present in other patents; navigation requires detailed claim analysis.
- For Investors: The patent's expiration date (likely 20 years from filing, around 2030-2035) defines a window for commercialization. The strength of claims influences licensing and partnership strategies.
Conclusion
Patent CN102458236 covers a specific chemical compound used for anti-cancer therapy, with claims extending to compositions and methods of treatment. Its scope is aligned with targeted kinase inhibitors, positioned within a highly active Chinese patent landscape emphasizing anti-cancer agents. Competitors must analyze similar filings to assess freedom to operate, considering broad and narrow claim scopes and proximity to prior art.
Key Takeaways
- The patent protects a targeted anti-cancer compound with both structural and therapeutic claims.
- Its scope includes chemical structure, uses, and manufacturing methods, with variations covered by dependent claims.
- The Chinese patent landscape for cancer-targeted agents is dense, dominated by kinase inhibitor patents.
- Validity challenges may arise from prior art related to similar scaffolds and synthesis routes.
- Strategic value depends on claim breadth, patent family extensions, and ongoing research trends.
FAQs
1. What is the typical lifespan of a Chinese patent like CN102458236?
Twenty years from the filing date, subject to annual maintenance fees.
2. Can similar compounds be patented if they differ slightly?
Yes, if the structural differences provide inventive step and are not obvious from prior art.
3. How does this patent impact global drug development?
It may block similar chemical entities in China, influencing global R&D strategies and licensing negotiations.
4. What are common challenges in patenting cancer therapies?
Patentability hurdles include demonstrating novelty and inventive step amid extensive prior art in kinase inhibitors.
5. How do patent claims influence commercial applications?
Broader claims protect wider variations, enabling more flexible manufacturing and use, but are more vulnerable to validity challenges.
References
[1] China National Intellectual Property Administration. Patent publication CN102458236. (2012).
