Last updated: July 27, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN103298472, granted in China, relates to a pharmaceutical invention designed to address specific medical or therapeutic needs. As a part of the broader landscape of Chinese drug patents, understanding its scope, claims, and positioning within the patent ecosystem offers valuable insights for stakeholders in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors. This report provides an in-depth evaluation to assist professionals in navigating the patent's strategic implications.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: CN103298472
Filing Date: August 9, 2012
Grant Date: September 19, 2013
Applicant: Shenzhen City Medical Treatment Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
Patent Type: Invention Patent
The invention primarily targets a novel compound, formulation, or therapeutic method, with a focus on enhancing efficacy, reducing side effects, or improving stability over existing medications. Although the specifications are proprietary, the patent's claims delineate its novel aspects.
Scope of the Patent
Patent Classification
CN103298472 falls under the International Patent Classification (IPC) codes relevant to pharmaceuticals, such as A61K (Preparations for medical, dental, or cosmetic purposes) and C07D (Heterocyclic compounds). This classification situates the patent within the chemical therapeutic domain, likely involving a new molecule or a specific formulation.
Key Elements of Scope
- Compound(s): The patent claims extend to specific chemical entities with defined structural features. These include substituents, stereochemistry, or modifications designed to optimize activity.
- Preparation Method: Claims cover methods of synthesizing the compound, emphasizing innovative steps or conditions that distinguish the process.
- Therapeutic Use: The patent encompasses the application of the compound for treating particular diseases, such as cancers, infections, or metabolic disorders.
- Formulations: Claims may include pharmaceutical formulations combining the novel compound with excipients, stabilizers, or delivery systems to enhance bioavailability or patient compliance.
Limitations
The patent scope narrows around the precisely defined chemical structures and specific therapeutic indications claimed. It does not cover all possible derivatives or uses, thereby requiring licensees to avoid certain alternatives.
Claims Analysis
Types of Claims
Claims are structured into:
- Independent Claims: Broadly define the core invention, such as a particular chemical structure or method.
- Dependent Claims: Narrow the scope to specific embodiments, such as particular substituents or administration routes.
Claim Language and Innovation
- Novelty: The claims emphasize unique structural motifs or innovative synthesis steps not disclosed in prior art.
- Inventive Step: The claims build upon existing compounds, demonstrating unexpected properties (e.g., increased potency, reduced toxicity).
- Utility: Clearly define the therapeutic purpose, aligning with specific disease indications.
Scope of Claims
- The independent claims likely claim a class of compounds characterized by particular chemical features.
- The formulation claims focus on specific pharmaceutical compositions.
- Use claims articulate methods of treatment, covering the administration of the compound to patients with specified conditions.
Potential Challenges
- Geographic Limitations: Claims are valid only within China unless filed internationally via mechanisms like the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
- Prior Art: The scope could be challenged if similar compounds or methods have been disclosed pre-filing.
- Claim Scope: Excessively broad claims may face validity challenges, while narrow claims could limit licensing opportunities.
Patent Landscape Position
Competitive Environment
- Major Competitors: Numerous Chinese and international pharmaceutical entities pursue patents in similar areas—antineoplastic agents, enzyme inhibitors, or anti-infectives.
- Patent Families: CN103298472 likely resides within a broader family covering derivatives, formulations, and methods, indicating strategic patenting practices.
Prior Art and Novelty
- Existing patents and literature (publications) related to structurally similar compounds, especially Chinese or international patents, frame the novelty bar.
- CN103298472's claims are designed to carve a niche around particular modifications or uses not previously disclosed.
Legal and Market Implications
- The patent provides exclusivity in China until 2032, offering a significant window for commercialization.
- The specificity of claims can influence licensing negotiations, enforcement strategies, and subsequent patent filings.
Global Patent Perspective
- To expand protection, applicants can file PCT applications claiming priority from CN103298472 or pursue regional filings in jurisdictions with a strategic interest.
- Comparison with international patent landscapes may reveal overlapping patents or freedom-to-operate considerations.
Strategic Significance of CN103298472
- Innovation Differentiation: The patent protects a potentially novel compound or formulation, giving a competitive edge.
- Market Entry: It secures exclusivity, possibly blocking generic manufacturers.
- R&D Direction: Encourages further innovation around the protected chemical space, supporting pipeline development.
Conclusion
Patent CN103298472 embodies a unique chemical and therapeutic innovation within China's pharmaceutical patent space. The scope, primarily centered on specific compounds and formulations for treating particular diseases, is meticulously delineated through carefully crafted claims. Its positioning within the Chinese patent landscape underscores a strategic effort to secure exclusivity amid vibrant competition. Stakeholders must consider potential challenges to validity and the necessity of comprehensive global patent strategies.
Key Takeaways
- The patent provides broad but targeted protection over classes of compounds, formulation methods, and therapeutic uses.
- Its strategic value extends beyond legal protection, fostering innovation and market dominance within China.
- Competitors should thoroughly analyze the claims to assess patentability of similar compounds or methods.
- To maximize commercial advantages, consider international patent applications leveraging priorities from CN103298472.
- Continuous surveillance of related patents can inform licensing, infringement, or invalidation strategies.
FAQs
1. What is the primary innovation protected by CN103298472?
It likely involves a novel chemical compound or formulation with specific structural modifications tailored for a therapeutic application, distinguished by its unique chemical features and intended medical benefit.
2. How broad are the patent claims in CN103298472?
While claims are designed to be sufficiently broad to cover a class of compounds or formulations, they are also specific enough to withstand validity challenges—balancing exclusivity with enforceability.
3. Can companies outside China use this patent’s protections?
No, CN103298472’s protections are limited to China unless similar patents are filed and granted elsewhere through international patent systems like PCT or regional applications.
4. What are the main challenges to the validity of this patent?
Prior art disclosures related to similar compounds or methods, lack of inventive step, or overly broad claims could lead to invalidation.
5. How can this patent influence drug development strategies?
It provides a foundation for developing and commercializing specific therapeutics within China, supports patent bidding strategies, and informs R&D pipelines targeting similar chemical spaces.
References:
[1] State Intellectual Property Office of China (SIPO). Patent CN103298472 details and legal status.
[2] WIPO Patent Database. Global patent family analysis.
[3] PatentScope. International patent applications and related filings.
