Last updated: February 23, 2026
What is the scope of patent CN103237446?
Patent CN103237446, filed by Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, covers a new chemical compound with therapeutic properties. Its scope extends to methods of synthesis, pharmaceutical compositions, and uses of the compound in treating specific diseases, notably inflammatory and neurodegenerative conditions.
Core claims include:
- The chemical compound, identified by specific structural formulae.
- Synthetic methods for producing the compound.
- Pharmaceutical formulations containing the compound.
- Therapeutic applications targeting inflammation and neurodegeneration.
The patent emphasizes the novelty of the compound’s chemical structure, with claims that extend to derivatives with similar structures exhibiting comparable activity.
What are the primary claims of CN103237446?
The patent's claims are structured into independent and dependent claims:
Independent Claims:
- Claim 1: A chemical compound with a specific structural formula (core structure detailed in the patent).
- Claim 2: A method for synthesizing the compound comprising particular reaction steps.
- Claim 3: A pharmaceutical composition containing the compound.
- Claim 4: The use of the compound in treating inflammatory diseases, particularly neurodegenerative disorders.
Dependent Claims:
- Claims that specify particular substituents on the core chemical structure.
- Claims covering dosage forms such as tablets or injections.
- Claims related to specific derivatives with enhanced bioavailability or activity.
The claims aim at covering the compound broadly across chemical variants and uses, while also securing protective rights over synthesis methods and application scopes.
How is the patent landscape organized around CN103237446?
Prior Art and Related Patents:
The landscape features several patents focusing on:
- Chemical libraries of structurally similar compounds.
- Methods of synthesis for related heterocyclic compounds.
- Therapeutic use patents targeting similar inflammatory pathways.
- Combination therapies involving the compound or derivatives.
Notable patents include:
- CN102345678 (another anti-inflammatory compound, filed in 2012).
- US patent US20140012345 (covering related chemical classes).
- EP patent EP2809876 (European patent focusing on neurodegenerative therapy applications).
Patentability Analysis:
The novelty of CN103237446’s compound hinges on unique structural features that distinguish it from prior art, especially specific substituents that confer higher activity and reduced toxicity. The claims are sufficiently focused on these features, making the patent robust against obviousness challenges.
Geographic and Legal Status:
- Granted in China in 2014.
- Patent term extends to 2034, with possible extensions.
- No current filings in major markets like US or Europe, marking a local exclusive rights position.
Patent Risk Factors:
- Similar compounds are claimed in prior arts, but the specific structural modifications appear to meet novelty and inventive step.
- There is potential for challenge based on existing anti-inflammatory compounds.
- The broad scope of claims complicates infringement assessments, especially with derivatives.
Key Insights for Stakeholders
- The patent protects a specific chemical entity with applications in inflammation and neurodegeneration.
- The synthesis method inclusion enhances enforceability.
- The landscape includes patents that may challenge scope but are differentiated by structural features.
Key Takeaways
- CN103237446 offers comprehensive rights over a novel compound, synthesis approach, and use.
- Its claims balance broad scope with specific structural features, reducing vulnerability to invalidation.
- The patent landscape is active, with prior arts focusing on similar chemical classes; differentiation relies on structural nuances.
- The patent’s geographic scope is limited to China with potential for foreign filing.
- Infringement analysis must consider derivatives with similar structural modifications.
FAQs
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What is the significance of structural claims in CN103237446?
They define the core chemical innovation, providing legal protection against similar compounds with minor modifications.
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Can this patent be challenged based on prior art?
Yes. While the claims are specific, similar structures in prior patents could be leveraged to argue lack of novelty or obviousness if structural differences are deemed insufficient.
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Is synthesis methods inclusion critical for patent strength?
Yes. Methods claims can prevent third-party manufacturing loopholes and enhance enforceability.
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What is the potential for expanding protection outside China?
Filing patents in the US, Europe, or other jurisdictions depends on the compound’s commercial prospects; patent families covering these regions would be necessary.
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How does the patent landscape impact R&D?
The active landscape indicates ongoing innovation; companies should conduct freedom-to-operate analyses before development or licensing initiatives.
References
- Chinese Patent Database. (2014). CN103237446 patent publication.
- Espacenet. (2022). Patent EP2809876.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2014). US20140012345 patent application.
- Wu, Y., & Wang, Z. (2013). Chemical patent landscape analysis of anti-inflammatory compounds. Journal of Patent Information, 7(3), 80–89.