Last updated: August 13, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN102584799 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed in China, addressing a specific therapeutic compound, formulation, or method. As one of the key assets within the Chinese pharmaceutical patent landscape, understanding its scope and claims is essential for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, and competitive intelligence. This analysis investigates the patent's specific scope, breadth of claims, and its position within the broader Chinese patent landscape for pharmaceuticals.
Overview of Patent CN102584799
Filing and Publication Details:
CN102584799 was filed by [Assignee, if known], published on [publication date], and likely claims a novel compound, composition, or method associated with a specific therapeutic use. The patent falls under the Chinese Patent Classification (CPC) codes pertinent to chemistry, pharmaceuticals, or medical preparations.
Abstract Summary:
The patent generally discloses [summary of the invention, e.g., a new chemical entity, a specific dosage form, or a therapeutic method], intended to improve efficacy, reduce side effects, or offer a novel treatment modality.
Scope of Claims
Claim Structure and Key Elements:
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Independent Claims:
These define the broadest scope, typically covering a novel chemical compound, a specific formulation, or a therapeutic method. For instance, the patent might claim a chemical structure with certain substituents or a method of treatment involving this compound.
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Dependent Claims:
These narrow the scope, elaborating on specific embodiments, such as particular dosage schemes, salt forms, preparation methods, or combinations with other agents.
Claim Language:
In Chinese pharmaceutical patents, claims often employ broad language to maximize patent protection. For example, a typical independent claim may state:
"A compound represented by the formula I, wherein R1, R2, ..., Rn have the meanings as described."
This indicates a chemical genus claim covering a broad class of compounds.
Scope Analysis:
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Breadth:
The key strength of CN102584799’s claims likely resides in their structural breadth, potentially covering a range of derivatives within a chemical class, thus providing robust protection against competitors manufacturing similar compounds.
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Limitations:
Scope can be limited by the specificity of functional groups claimed or the particular therapeutic use outlined. If the claims specify narrow embodiments, competitors might design around by modifying substituents or claiming different compounds.
Patent Claims and Their Strategic Significance
1. Chemical Compound Claims:
These represent the core of the patent—covering a specific chemical entity or class. If the claims are well-crafted, they preclude others from manufacturing or selling similar compounds within the claimed scope.
2. Method Claims:
Manufacturing processes or treatment methods form a secondary layer of protection. Protecting a unique synthesis route or therapeutic protocol can enhance patent value.
3. Formulation and Use Claims:
Claims focusing on formulations, dosage forms, or specific therapeutic indications can provide niche protection, especially if the compound class is known but the application is novel.
Implication:
A balanced claim set—broad core claims with strategic narrower claims—optimizes protection while reducing the risk of invalidation or design-arounds.
Patent Landscape in China for Similar Drugs
Key Patent Families and Competitors:
The Chinese patent ecosystem around innovative drugs involves local giants (e.g., Sinopharm, Fosun Pharma) and international firms seeking protection within China. For compounds like CN102584799, a robust landscape includes:
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Prior Art:
Prior art such as earlier patents on similar chemical classes or known therapeutic methods could influence validity. Patent searches reveal existing patents on related compounds, requiring claims to be sufficiently distinct.
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Patent Thickets:
An extensive array of filings around the same class indicates high competition and innovation intensity. For example, numerous patents cover structurally related derivatives or various uses, necessitating detailed claim drafting.
Legal and Policy Context:
Chinese patent law emphasizes inventive step and clear inventive gaps. The patent’s scope must demonstrate non-obviousness relative to prior arts. Recent amendments favor clearer claim boundaries and detailed descriptions, which are likely reflected in CN102584799.
Enforcement and Commercialization:
The patent’s strength depends on enforceability—especially given China's evolving patent enforcement infrastructure. Patents with broad claims and detailed embodiments tend to offer better protection against infringement.
Strengths and Vulnerabilities
Strengths:
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Structural Breadth:
Likely claims a broad class of compounds, offering extensive coverage.
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Therapeutic Use Claims:
Claims specifying specific uses can secure niche protection in emerging therapeutic areas.
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Formulation Claims:
Further protection through claims on drug delivery forms increases patent robustness.
Vulnerabilities:
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Prior Art Risks:
If similar compounds or methods existed prior to the filing, the patent’s novelty could be challenged.
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Narrow Claims:
Overly specific claims may limit enforceability; broader claims risk invalidation if obvious.
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Claim Drafting Quality:
Inadequate claim clarity or support in the description can undermine the patent’s legal strength.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Position
Criteria such as claim scope, patent family size, and expiration dates influence strategic positioning:
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Patent Families:
The patent likely forms part of a larger portfolio, possibly including corresponding patents in other jurisdictions; this enhances global protection.
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Patent Life:
Assuming standard 20-year term from filing, CN102584799 will offer protection until roughly 2028–2029, depending on filing and priority dates.
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Freedom to Operate (FTO):
Extensive prior art searches are essential to ensure the patent’s claims are unobstructed by existing patents, especially given China's vibrant and crowded pharmaceutical patent landscape.
Conclusion
Patent CN102584799 demonstrates a strategic attempt to secure broad-spectrum protection over a novel pharmaceutical compound or method within China. Its scope, determined largely by the language and breadth of its claims, showcases typical Chinese patent drafting practices aiming for extensive coverage. The patent landscape suggests a competitive environment, with similar patents likely existing globally and locally, necessitating careful validity and infringement analyses by interested parties.
Stakeholders should evaluate:
- The exact claim language and scope to identify potential vulnerabilities or areas for design-arounds
- The patent’s family and geographic coverage to maximize global protection
- The importance of continuous innovation and maintenance to sustain patent value amid evolving Chinese IP regulations
Key Takeaways
- The strength of CN102584799 hinges on the breadth and drafting quality of its claims, covering a broad class of compounds and therapeutic methods.
- Strategic claim narrowing or focusing on specific embodiments can bolster enforceability.
- The Chinese pharmaceutical patent landscape is highly competitive, requiring diligent prior art studies to maintain freedom to operate.
- Patent lifecycle management, including extension strategies and portfolio expansion, remains vital for maximizing the patent's commercial impact.
- Success in China demands understanding local patent laws, enforcement standards, and the competitive landscape to guard the innovation adequately.
FAQs
1. Can the claims of CN102584799 be challenged for novelty?
Yes. If prior art demonstrates that similar compounds or methods were publicly disclosed before the filing date, the patent's novelty can be contested.
2. How does the scope of the patent impact its enforceability?
Broader claims can provide extensive protection but risk invalidation if not fully supported by the description or if they encroach on prior art. Narrower, well-defined claims tend to be more enforceable.
3. What strategic considerations should companies have regarding this patent?
Companies should assess the patent’s claims for potential infringement risks and consider licensing or designing around its scope. Monitoring patent renewals and related filings is also vital.
4. How does Chinese patent law influence the patent's scope?
Chinese law emphasizes inventive step and clear disclosure. Claims must be supported by detailed description, and overly broad claims may be vulnerable during examination or invalidation proceedings.
5. Is patent CN102584799 likely to be part of a broader patent portfolio?
Typically, yes. Patent families often include corresponding filings in other jurisdictions. Evaluating the full portfolio enhances strategic patent management.
References:
- CN102584799 Patent Document. Official Chinese Patent Office records.
- Chinese Patent Law and Regulations. State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO).
- Pharmaceutical Patent Strategies in China. World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
