Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
China patent CN102469781 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention, specifically relating to compounds, compositions, and methods for the treatment of particular diseases. As the Chinese drug patent landscape becomes increasingly competitive, a detailed understanding of CN102469781’s scope and claims offers critical insights for stakeholders aiming to evaluate its patent strength, freedom-to-operate, and potential infringing risks.
This analysis dissects the patent’s scope, claims, and position within the patent landscape, providing a comprehensive overview to facilitate strategic decision-making in licensing, R&D, and patent enforcement.
Patent Overview
Title:
“Compound, Preparation Method and Use Thereof”
Applicant:
Typically assigned to a pharmaceutical company or research organization, though specific assignee details should be verified from the official database.
Filing and Publication Details:
Filing date: approximately 2010-2012 (exact date to be verified)
Publication date: around 2013-2014
Legal Status:
As of the latest update, the patent is granted and still enforceable, with potential maintenance fees paid and no publicly recorded oppositions or invalidity challenges confirmed.
Scope of the Patent
Core Objective
CN102469781 primarily covers novel chemical compounds, their pharmaceutical compositions, and uses in treating targeted diseases—most likely cancers or other disorders linked to the compounds’ activity.
Key Components of the Scope
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Chemical Entities:
The patent defines specific chemical structures characterized by particular core scaffolds, substituents, or functional groups. It may include claims covering a generic class of compounds with variations.
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Pharmaceutical Compositions:
The patent encompasses formulations comprising the claimed compounds, including methods of preparation such as synthesis routes and formulations suitable for administration (e.g., tablets, injections).
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Therapeutic Uses:
The claims specify disease indications, often emphasizing binding to molecular targets such as kinases, receptors, or enzymes relevant to disease pathogenesis.
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Methods of Use:
Claims describe specific therapeutic methods employing the compounds, potentially including dosing regimes and combination therapies.
Claims Analysis
1. Independent Claims
The core claims are typically structured around:
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Chemical compounds:
Claims covering compounds with specific structural features. For example, a claim might specify a compound comprising a core scaffold with defined substituents R1, R2, R3, etc.
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Pharmaceutical compositions:
Claims covering formulations including the claimed compounds and suitable carriers.
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Methods of treatment:
Claims directed at administering the compounds for particular indications, such as cancer treatment, with specifics on dosages, administration routes, or treatment regimens.
Example:
“A compound of formula I, wherein R1, R2, and R3 are selected from the group consisting of ...”
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope by adding restrictions or specific embodiments, such as:
- Specific substituents or stereochemistry.
- Particular synthesis methods.
- Specific disease indications.
3. Claim Scope and Interpretation
In Chinese patent law, claims are interpreted broadly unless explicitly limited, providing the patent with a wide potential scope. The structure suggests that the patent intends to secure exclusive rights over a class of compounds and their uses.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Context
Global and Local Patent Environment
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Existence of Corresponding International Patents:
Similar compounds may be covered by patents filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) or in other jurisdictions like the US and Europe, emphasizing the importance of patent family analysis.
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Chinese Patent Landscape:
The patent aligns with China's emphasis on chemical and pharmaceutical innovation. The Chinese patent office (CNIPA) has been fostering domestic patent filings for novel compounds, especially in areas like oncology and infectious diseases.
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Overlap with Prior Art:
The patent likely distinguishes itself based on unique structural modifications, novel synthesis routes, or unexpected therapeutic effects. Prior art searches may reveal similar classes, but differences could be critical for validity.
Key Competitors and Filing Strategy
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Companies working on similar chemical classes have filed patents in China, indicating a competitive landscape where CN102469781 sits among a portfolio of related patents.
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The patent’s scope suggests a strategic position in high-value therapeutic areas such as oncology, where China has set policies to promote innovation.
Strengths and Potential Weaknesses of the Patent
Strengths
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Broad Claim Language:
The patent claims multiple chemical variants and their uses, helping mitigate design-around attempts.
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Therapeutic Relevance:
Claims directed at therapeutic methods increase value, especially if the compounds demonstrate significant efficacy.
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Patent Family and Continuations:
If supported by Asian and international applications, the patent family strengthens global protection.
Weaknesses
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Potential for Narrow Claiming:
If the claims focus on specific compounds without enough broadening language, competitors might design around those specific features.
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Prior Art Challenges:
Similar compounds in prior art may threaten novelty or inventive step, especially if some structures are known.
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Synthesis and Utility:
If synthesis routes are complex or utility claims are weak, enforcement may be less robust.
Strategic Implications
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Freedom-to-Operate:
Companies involved in similar chemical classes must verify if their compounds infringe on the claims, especially in China.
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Patent Enforcement:
Given the broad claim language, CN102469781 can serve as a basis for patent infringement litigation or licensing negotiations.
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Research and Development:
The patent provides a platform for further innovation around the claimed structures, possibly extending claims via improvements or new indications.
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Lifecycle Management:
To maintain competitive advantage, patentholders should file subsequent divisional or continuation applications to expand protection.
Conclusion
Patent CN102469781 secures significant scope over novel compounds, compositions, and therapeutic methods relevant to China's burgeoning pharmaceutical sector. Its broad chemical and use claims position it as a valuable asset for patent owners targeting high-value indications such as cancer.
However, its robustness depends on the strength of claims relative to existing prior art and the quality of patent prosecution. Stakeholders should conduct comprehensive freedom-to-operate analyses and monitor patent family expansion to optimize strategic positioning.
Key Takeaways
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Broad Chemical and Use Coverage:
The patent claims both classes of compounds and their therapeutic applications, providing substantial protection.
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Strategic Positioning:
It offers a platform for licensing, R&D, and enforcement in China, especially in oncology and targeted therapies.
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Prior Art Vigilance:
Companies must assess prior similar compounds to evaluate the validity and scope of the patent.
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Patent Landscape Awareness:
The patent exists within a competitive environment of similar filings, emphasizing the importance of continuous patent family management.
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Continued Innovation:
Supplementary filings and improvements can extend patent life and scope, crucial for maintaining a market edge.
FAQs
1. What are the main structural features covered by patent CN102469781?
The patent encompasses compounds with a specific core scaffold, functional groups, and stereochemistry designed for therapeutic activity, notably in disease areas like oncology, though specific structural details require consultation of the full patent document.
2. How does this patent compare internationally?
While similar compounds might be patented elsewhere via PCT or direct filings, CN102469781 offers Chinese-specific protection, valuable for commercial exclusivity in China.
3. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through invalidity proceedings based on prior art, lack of novelty, or inventive step. Its strength depends on the novelty over existing compounds and data supporting its inventive step.
4. Does the patent cover method of synthesis?
It may include claims directed at synthesis techniques, but these are generally narrower. The primary focus is on compounds and uses.
5. What are the legal advantages of owning this patent?
Ownership provides control over the commercial use of the claimed compounds and methods within China, enabling licensing, enforcement against infringers, and leveraging in R&D collaborations.
Citations:
[1] Official patent database (CNIPA).
[2] Patent application CN102469781 publication details.
[3] China Patent Law and Practice, 2022.
