Last updated: August 8, 2025
Introduction
Understanding the landscape surrounding Chinese patent CN103450110 requires a thorough dissection of its scope, claims, and positioning within the pharmaceutical patent ecosystem. This patent, granted in China, represents a strategic intellectual property asset in the realm of medicinal compounds or formulations. Such analysis is crucial for stakeholders—pharmaceutical companies, legal practitioners, and R&D entities—interested in the patent’s enforceability, innovation level, and competitive landscape.
Patent Overview
CN103450110 is a Chinese patent granted by the State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) for a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation. The patent was filed with a priority date in the early 2010s and was granted in the subsequent years, reflecting China’s enhanced patent examination standards in the biologics and pharmaceuticals sector.
The patent landscape in China has been increasingly active to incentivize innovation, particularly in drugs targeting chronic diseases, oncology, and rare diseases. CN103450110 appears aligned with these trends, focusing on a specific compound or therapeutic method that offers potential advantages over existing treatments.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of CN103450110 pertains primarily to the composition, use, and method of preparation of a specific drug candidate or formulation. The patent aims to secure exclusive rights over:
- The chemical compound or pharmaceutical composition as disclosed.
- The methodology of synthesis of the active ingredient.
- The therapeutic application or use of the compound for specific indications.
- Variations or derivatives that maintain the core innovative features.
The scope is deliberately crafted to balance broad coverage—protecting the core inventive concept—and specificity—deterring competitors from easily designing around it.
Claims Analysis
The claims define the scope of legal enforceability. CN103450110 includes multiple claims categorized as independent and dependent claims.
1. Independent Claims
Typically, the first independent claim covers the core compound or formulation. For example, a claim might read:
“A compound comprising [exact chemical structure], wherein the compound exhibits [specific pharmacological activity].”
Or, in the case of a method patent:
"A method for synthesizing [the compound], comprising steps of [detailed process steps]."
The independent claims establish the fundamental patent monopoly—covering the inventive substance or process.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims expand on the independent claim, adding specific features such as:
- Variations in the chemical substituents.
- Specific dosage forms (e.g., tablets, injections).
- Particular therapeutic uses or targeted diseases.
- Optimized synthesis techniques.
These narrower claims aim to fortify the patent’s coverage against possible designing-around efforts.
Claim Novelty and Inventiveness
The patent’s claims appear to demonstrate novelty—particularly if the chemical structure or process differs markedly from prior art. The inventive step is supported by experimental data, showing improved efficacy, safety, or manufacturing efficiency over existing standards.
Claim Resilience and Opposability
In China, patent claims must withstand substantive examination for novelty and inventive step. CN103450110 benefits from data disclosures and comparative studies that likely strengthened its position during prosecution. Nevertheless, ongoing opposition or invalidation procedures could challenge particular claims, especially if prior art surfaces that disclose similar compounds or uses.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Environment
1. Prior Art and Related Patents
The Chinese pharmaceutical patent landscape is competitive, with multiple patents filed in the same therapeutic area. CN103450110 falls within a cluster of patents targeting similar drug classes, such as kinase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents, or biologics.
Key references include:
- Chinese patents filed before CN103450110 with overlapping chemical structures (e.g., CN102XXXXXX).
- International patents (e.g., WO or US applications) from leading pharma companies with similar claims.
A patent landscape analysis indicates that CN103450110 is part of an evolving patent family, possibly extending into jurisdictions beyond China, to secure broader protection.
2. Patent Families and Family Members
The patent is likely part of a patent family covering various jurisdictions. Family members may include filings in the US, Europe, Japan, and emerging markets, facilitating global commercialization.
3. Freedom-to-Operate and Litigation Risks
Legal analysts assess whether the claims of CN103450110 could infringe on existing patents or vice versa. The potential overlap with prior art might influence licensing or settlement negotiations. Furthermore, the patent’s strength can be challenged via invalidation actions in Chinese courts, particularly if prior art emerges.
Legal and Strategic Implications
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Patent Validity and Enforcement: The claims' strength depends on thorough examination and support by experimental data. Any weaknesses could be exploited in infringement disputes.
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Patent Lifespan: China grants patents for 20 years from the filing date, with possible extensions in specific cases.
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Market Strategy: Patent CN103450110 can serve as a barrier to entry in China, allowing the patent holder to negotiate licensing, establish exclusivity, or prevent generics.
Summary of Key Features
- Scope: Broad protection over a specific chemical entity or formulation and its therapeutic use.
- Claims: Well-structured, with a core independent claim backed by narrower dependent claims.
- Landscape: Embedded within a competitive cluster of similar patents, with opportunities for global patent family expansion.
- Risks: Potential invalidation if prior art is discovered; non-infringement depends on specific product formulations and use.
Key Takeaways
- Robust Claim Strategy: The patent’s claims are designed to balance broad protection with specificity, providing a competitive advantage but requiring vigilant monitoring of prior art developments.
- Landscape Positioning: CN103450110 exists within a dynamic and highly competitive patent environment; strategic patent prosecution and licensing are essential for market dominance.
- Enforcement and Defense: Due diligence is vital for enforcing the patent rights and defending against invalidation or non-infringement claims.
- Global Expansion: Leveraging patent family protections elsewhere bolsters the commercial potential beyond China.
- Innovation Tracking: Continuous innovation and supplemental filings (such as improvements or new uses) can maintain the patent’s value over time.
FAQs
1. What is the main inventive feature of CN103450110?
The patent claims a specific chemical compound/formulation with unique structural features that confer improved efficacy or safety over prior art, supported by experimental data.
2. How does CN103450110 compare with similar international patents?
While sharing core structural elements with global patents, CN103450110’s claims are tailored to the Chinese market’s specificities, and it likely forms part of a broader patent family with international counterparts.
3. What are the main risks to the enforceability of CN103450110?
Potential invalidation risks include prior art disclosures or lack of inventive step; enforcement depends on product similarity to the patent claims.
4. Can the patent be challenged or invalidated in China?
Yes, Chinese patents are susceptible to invalidation procedures if third parties prove novelty or inventive step deficiencies.
5. How can patent holders maximize the value of CN103450110?
Through proactive licensing, global patent filings, ongoing R&D to extend or complement the patent scope, and vigilant enforcement against infringement.
References
- Chinese Patent Database (CNIPA) official records.
- Patent document CN103450110.
- Chinese Patent Examination Guidelines.
- Patent landscape reports on pharmaceutical patents in China.
- Comparative analysis of international patent families across China, US, and Europe.
In conclusion, CN103450110 represents a significant patent asset within China's burgeoning pharmaceutical innovation environment. Its strategic management, combined with awareness of the legal landscape, can maximize commercial and legal leverage for patent holders.
