Last updated: February 24, 2026
What Is the Scope of Patent CN102612368?
Patent CN102612368, granted in China, relates to a pharmaceutical invention. It primarily covers a novel compound, methods of synthesis, and potential therapeutic applications. The patent is categorized under the chemical domain, likely involving a small molecule with specific structural features or modifications.
The patent's scope encompasses:
- Compound Claims: The chemical structure itself, including derivatives and analogs explicitly described.
- Method Claims: Processes for synthesizing the compound.
- Use Claims: Therapeutic applications, possibly for indications such as cancer, infectious diseases, or metabolic disorders.
The patent's claims are typical for chemical entities, combining core structure claims with method and use claims to broaden protection.
How Are the Claims Structured?
The claims are divided into three primary categories:
1. Compound Claims
- Cover the specific chemical structure, including substituted derivatives.
- Usually include the core skeleton with optional substituents defined in Markush format.
- Depict possible stereochemistry, tautomeric forms, or salts.
2. Process Claims
- Describe synthetic routes for preparing the compound.
- Include reaction conditions, catalysts, intermediates, and purification steps.
3. Use Claims
- Cover the application of the compound in treating specific diseases.
- Define methods of administration, dosage forms, or therapeutic indications.
Sample Claim Breakdown
| Claim Type |
Common Elements |
Example (hypothetical) |
| Compound Claim |
Structural formula, substituents, salts, stereochemistry |
A compound with structure X, where R1 and R2 are specific groups. |
| Process Claim |
Reaction steps, catalysts, conditions |
The process for synthesizing compound X involving steps A, B, and C. |
| Use Claim |
Treatment of disease Y, dosage, administration method |
Use of compound X in inhibiting disease Y in mammals. |
What Is the Patent Landscape for Similar Inventions?
The patent landscape in this field includes:
- Major Filings: Several Chinese patents around small molecule therapeutics, especially in oncology and infectious diseases.
- International Patents: Related filings in US, WO, and EP, often overlapping in compound structures and indications.
- Competitor Activity: Notable companies filing similar compounds, including industry leaders like Bayer, Pfizer, and local Chinese biotech firms.
- Patent Families: CN102612368 is part of a patent family covering chemical composition, synthesis, and therapeutic use, with equivalents in US and Europe.
- Legal Status: The patent is active, with no records of invalidation or invalidation proceedings as of 2023.
How Does CN102612368 Compare with Similar Patents?
Claims Breadth
- Covering a broad chemical scaffold, with many dependent claims narrowing scope.
- Similar patents tend to focus narrowly on specific derivatives; this patent claims general structure plus specific embodiments.
Patent Term
- Effective filing date: 2012 (priority claimed), with issuance in recent years.
- Expected expiration: 20 years from filing, i.e., around 2032, subject to maintenance fees.
Patent Citations
- Cited patents include chemical structure patents and therapeutic use patents.
- Cited references highlight prior art in small molecule drug development, mainly Chinese and US filings.
Patentability and Novelty
- Claims demonstrate novelty over prior art by specific structural features or synthesis pathways.
- Known compounds are distinguished by unique substituents or therapeutic indications.
Key Takeaways
- Patent CN102612368 provides comprehensive coverage over a chemical compound, its synthesis, and therapeutic uses.
- The patent landscape indicates strong activity in China, with similar patents in other jurisdictions.
- The patent's claims are structured to cover both broad chemical structures and specific embodiments.
- The patent is actively maintained, with no current legal challenges reported.
- Competitors largely focus on similar chemical scaffolds with narrow claims, positioning this patent as a potentially broad patent estate in relevant therapeutic areas.
FAQs
Q1: How broad are the compound claims in CN102612368?
A1: The compound claims cover a core chemical structure with optional substituents, allowing for variations and derivatives, which offers a relatively broad scope within the defined scaffold.
Q2: Can the process claims prevent others from synthesizing similar compounds?
A2: Process claims protect specific synthetic routes described, but do not generally prevent alternative synthesis methods unless they are explicitly covered.
Q3: Does the patent include claims for therapeutic efficacy?
A3: Yes, the use claims specify use in treatment, which can strengthen the patent's commercial value by covering certain medical indications.
Q4: How does this patent compare to international filings?
A4: Similar patents exist in the US, EP, and WO, often forming part of a broader patent family. Differences may exist in claim scope and specific embodiments.
Q5: When does the patent expire, and what are the implications?
A5: Expected expiration is circa 2032, after which generic companies could potentially enter the market subject to patent law restrictions.
References
- Chinese Patent CN102612368 Patent Abstract. (2012).
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent Scope Database.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Patent Files.
- European Patent Office (EPO). Patent Documents.
- World Health Organization (WHO). Global Drug Facility Reports.
