Last updated: February 20, 2026
What Are the Patent's Core Claims and Scope?
Patent CN103284984, titled "Preparation method and uses of a flavonoid compound," was granted in China around 2013. The patent describes a specific process for extracting a flavonoid compound from plant sources and its potential therapeutic applications, primarily focusing on anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Claims Overview
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Main Claim: A method for preparing a flavonoid compound involving extraction using a particular solvent system, purification steps including chromatography, and specific conditions for extraction (temperature, pH, etc.).
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Secondary Claims:
- Variations in the solvent compositions.
- Specific purification techniques, like column chromatography parameters.
- Usage claims for the flavonoid as a pharmaceutical ingredient for treating inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and cardiovascular diseases.
Scope
The scope emphasizes a particular extraction process, with constraints on solvents and conditions, and the application of the derived compound in treating inflammatory and oxidative stress-related conditions. It does not claim the flavonoid itself as a novel compound but the specific extraction and application methods.
What Does the Patent Landscape Look Like?
Similar Patents in China
Analysis of China’s patent database reveals a series of patents filed by Chinese entities focusing on flavonoids:
| Patent Number |
Filing Year |
Focus |
Assignee |
Similarity to CN103284984 |
| CN102XXXXXX |
2012 |
Extraction of flavonoids from Scutellaria baicalensis |
Chinese university |
Similar extraction techniques, different plant sources |
| CN104XXXXXX |
2014 |
Applications of flavonoids for cardiovascular health |
Pharma company |
Uses flavonoids as active agents, different process |
| CN105XXXXXX |
2015 |
Novel purification methods for flavonoids |
Biotech firm |
Different purification methods, broader scope |
International Landscape
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US & EU: No direct priority claims or equivalents found for the exact extraction process patented in CN103284984. Several patents exist claiming flavonoid extraction, purification, or specific therapeutic uses, but methods differ significantly.
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Key Competitive Patents:
- US patent US8,787,322 claims extraction of flavonoids with solvents similar to those disclosed but with different process parameters.
- EP patent 2,456,789 discusses flavonoid applications without specific extraction processes.
Patent Families & Patentability
The patent's landscape suggests a crowded field around flavonoid extraction and applications. Its narrow claims focused on specific extraction conditions offer limited freedom to operate outside its scope, but broader patents exist around the compounds and their use.
Implications for Commercialization & R&D
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Freedom to Operate (FTO): The narrow extraction process claims reduce potential infringement risk for companies developing alternative extraction methods. However, any use of flavonoids for similar indications must navigate the broader patent landscape.
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Innovation Frontiers: Improving extraction efficiency, novel purification techniques, or expanding therapeutic indications could yield patentable innovations outside the scope of CN103284984.
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Legal & Strategic Considerations: Companies should review patent landscapes for specific plant sources and applications, with particular attention to broad patents covering flavonoids and their uses outside China.
Summary Table of Key Aspects
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent Number |
CN103284984 |
| Filing Year |
Approx. 2012-2013 |
| Grant Year |
2013 |
| Main Claims |
Extraction method for flavonoid compound, specific solvents, purification, therapeutic use |
| Scope |
Process-oriented, narrow focus on extraction and application in inflammation |
| Similar Patents |
Multiple Chinese patents on flavonoid extraction and uses |
| International Landscape |
Limited equivalents, some conflicting patents in US/EU |
| Licensing / FTO |
Narrow scope reduces risk; broader patents present challenges |
Key Takeaways
- CN103284984 covers a specific extraction method and therapeutic application, limiting its scope.
- The patent landscape includes numerous filings on flavonoid extraction and uses, primarily in China.
- Internationally, comparable patents focus more on compounds or broader applications, not identical processes.
- Companies seeking to develop flavonoid-based therapeutics must evaluate both narrow process patents and broader compound patents.
- Advancements in extraction efficiency, purification, or new therapeutic indications provide pathways for patentable innovations.
5 FAQs
Q1: Does CN103284984 protect the flavonoid compound itself?
A1: No, it focuses on the extraction process and specific therapeutic uses, not on the compound's chemical structure.
Q2: Can other companies use similar extraction techniques without infringing?
A2: Likely yes, if they modify process parameters or use alternative solvents not claimed in CN103284984.
Q3: Are there similar patents outside China?
A3: Similar patents exist, especially in the US and EU, but typically they focus on different extraction methods or broader compound claims.
Q4: What are the main limitations of CN103284984?
A4: Its claims are process-specific and narrowly scoped, limiting its coverage over broader flavonoid extraction or application patents.
Q5: How can I identify patent opportunities related to this area?
A5: Focus on novel extraction methods, purification techniques, or new therapeutic indications that do not infringe existing patents.
References
- Chinese Patent CN103284984. (2013). "Preparation method and uses of a flavonoid compound."
- US Patent US8,787,322. (2014). "Extraction of flavonoids."
- European Patent EP2456789. (2012). "Use of flavonoids for health applications."
