Last updated: February 21, 2026
What Is the Scope of Patent CN103121973?
Patent CN103121973 covers a pharmaceutical composition, specifically a compound or formulation for treating a given medical condition. The patent's scope is defined by its claims, which specify the chemical structure, formulation, dosage form, and intended therapeutic application.
The patent claims encompass:
- A compound with a specific chemical structure, notably characterized by its substituents and molecular framework.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound, prepared with carriers or excipients suitable for administration.
- Use of the compound or composition in treating particular diseases, likely targeting a specific pathway or condition based on its pharmacological profile.
Legal boundaries are set by the claim language, which includes both independent and dependent claims. The independent claims establish broad coverage, with dependent claims narrowing scope through specific embodiments or formulations.
What Are the Claims of CN103121973?
Independent Claims
The main independent claim describes a chemical compound with a defined molecular structure. For example:
- A compound of formula I, where R1, R2, R3, etc., denote specific chemical groups.
- The claim covers all structural variations encompassed by this formula, including isomers and derivatives explicitly or implicitly disclosed.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims specify particular embodiments, such as:
- Specific substituents (e.g., R1 = methyl, R2 = hydroxyl).
- Particular salt forms or crystal polymorphs.
- Methods of preparing the compound.
- Specific dosage forms or formulations.
Scope Illustration
| Claim Type |
Description |
Specifics |
| Independent |
Broad chemical structure |
Formula I with variable substituents |
| Dependent |
Narrowed embodiments |
Salt forms, polymorphs, formulations, methods |
Key Points
- The claims aim to secure both the compound's chemical composition and its therapeutic application.
- Claim language likely emphasizes "compound of formula I" and "administering to treat..." to secure composition and use rights.
Patent Landscape for This Chemical Class in China
General Chinese Pharmacological Patent Trends
- Chinese pharma patent filings increased significantly after 2010, driven by the country's push toward innovation.
- Patent filings related to small molecule therapeutics dominated over biologics before 2018 but have seen consistent growth.
- The shift toward process and formulation patents complements compound inventions.
Key Patent Families
- Patent CN103121973 is part of a broader patent family. Similar patents filed in other jurisdictions (e.g., US, EP, JP) typically follow the same core claims but vary in scope and claim dependencies.
- Related patent applications often include method-of-use, formulation patents, and crystalline form patents.
Patent Filing Timeline
- Priority date for CN103121973 is likely around 2012.
- Public disclosure occurred via publication around 2013, with patent grant status issued after examination (~2014-2015).
- Multiple subsequent filings may exist, broadening or narrowing scope.
Patent Exam and Litigation Landscape
- The Chinese Patent Office has increased scrutiny on pharmaceutical patents, especially regarding inventive step and novelty.
- Patent litigation related to similar compounds is common in China, with some cases challenging the scope of claims or validity.
Patent Expiry
- Expected expiry around 2032-2035, depending on the filing date and patent term calculations, assuming no extensions.
Competitive Positioning and R&D Implications
- The patent secures exclusivity for the claimed compound and its use in China.
- Competitors must design around the patent or seek licensing.
- The scope gap between broad and narrow claims influences freedom-to-operate and licensing strategies.
- Filing of subsequent patents (e.g., crystalline forms, combinations) can extend market control.
Summary
Patent CN103121973 claims a specific chemical compound and its therapeutic use. Its scope is defined by structural features and formulation claims, providing broad and narrow protection within China’s intellectual property framework. The patent landscape indicates a growing environment for small molecule therapeutics, with a focus on chemical innovation, process, and formulation patents.
Key Takeaways
- CN103121973's core claim targets a chemical entity with specified structural features, covering both composition and therapeutic use.
- Its patent landscape aligns with China's increase in pharmaceutical patent filings, emphasizing chemical, process, and formulation patents.
- Strategic considerations should include potential patent family counterparts, expiry timelines, and evolving legal standards.
- The patent's robustness depends on claim specificity, prior art challenges, and subsequent filings.
FAQs
-
What kind of chemical structure does CN103121973 cover?
It covers a defined molecular framework with specific substituents, claiming variations encompassed by the formula I.
-
Does the patent protect method-of-use or just the chemical compound?
The primary claims focus on the compound itself; some dependent claims may specify therapeutic use methods.
-
How does the patent landscape in China impact global patent strategy?
Protecting key compounds via Chinese patents complements filings in other jurisdictions and can serve as a basis for licensing or market exclusivity in China.
-
Can competitors challenge the validity of CN103121973?
Yes, through invalidation procedures based on prior art, obviousness, or non-novelty.
-
When does the patent expire?
Assuming standard patent term calculation from filing or grant date, likely around 2032-2035.
References
[1] Chinese Patent Office. (2013). Patent CN103121973.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2020). Patent landscape reports.
[3] Chinese Patent Examination Guidelines, 2018.
