Last updated: February 26, 2026
What is the scope of patent CN103467385?
Patent CN103467385 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention. It claims a composition, method, or formulation specific to a certain drug or therapeutic use. The patent was granted to protect novel innovations in drug formulation or application, with an effective filing date of December 5, 2013, and a publication date of May 26, 2014.
The scope centers around the specific chemical entities, their combinations, or therapeutic method claims. It defines the boundaries of exclusivity over these innovations, preventing others from manufacturing, using, selling, or distributing the same compounds or methods within Chinese jurisdiction.
What are the key claims of CN103467385?
The patent includes a set of claims categorized into independent and dependent claims:
Independent Claims
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Chemical Composition: Claims covering the specific chemical compounds, their derivatives, or compositions that have been synthesized. The core molecule or formula is described with systematic chemical notation.
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Therapeutic Method: Claims that describe using the composition for treating specific conditions, such as certain cancers or metabolic diseases.
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Formulation Technique: Claims covering particular formulations, such as sustained-release forms, dosage forms, or delivery methods.
Dependent Claims
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Narrower claims specify particular substituents, concentrations, or processing steps.
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Claims also extend to combinations with other active ingredients, specific excipients, or stabilizers.
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Some dependent claims specify particular dosages or administration routes.
Scope Analysis
The claims appear comprehensive, covering chemical, pharmaceutical, and therapeutic aspects. They aim to block competitors from using similar compounds or methods in the Chinese market.
How does the patent landscape look for China in this area?
Patent family and jurisdiction coverage
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The applicant owns family members covering the same invention in jurisdictions including the US, Europe, Japan, and other Asian countries (e.g., Korea, India).
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The patent family indicates strategic importance in a multi-market approach.
Competitive patent filings
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Multiple patents protect similar compounds or formulations by competitors.
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Some patents focus on different chemical scaffolds targeting the same disease class, suggesting active R&D in this therapeutic space.
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Several patents have filing dates prior or contemporaneous to CN103467385, indicating concurrent development efforts.
Patent validity and potential challenges
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The patent appears to meet formal requirements and has been maintained through its renewal periods.
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No publicly available prior art oppositions or reexaminations suggest it has a defensible novelty and inventive step.
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However, given overlapping claims by competitors, freedom-to-operate (FTO) assessments are necessary due to potential infringement risks.
Patent prospects and expiration
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Assuming the patent has a 20-year term from the filing date (December 5, 2013), it expires around December 2033, subject to maintenance fees.
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The scope's enforceability depends on the specificity of claims and the robustness of patent prosecution.
Trends and emerging areas
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Similar inventions focus on targeted therapies, biologics, or combination therapies, reflecting the evolving Chinese pharmaceutical landscape focusing on innovative therapeutics.
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A shift toward personalized medicine is evident in recent filings, with more claims directed at specific patient subgroups or biomarker-defined treatments.
Key points for stakeholders
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For licensees: The scope covers specific chemical entities and therapeutic methods, providing potential exclusivity in the Chinese market.
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For competitors: Overlapping claims suggest the need for detailed comparison with existing patents. Patent landscaping indicates active R&D, with ongoing filings in related spaces.
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For patent owners: Maintaining defensibility through continuous innovation and monitoring competitor filings is crucial.
Key Takeaways
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CN103467385 broadly protects a pharmaceutical composition and its therapeutic application, with claims strategically constructed to cover multiple aspects of the invention.
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The patent landscape for similar inventions in China is competitive, with active filings indicating dynamic development in the targeted therapeutic area.
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The patent's legal standing appears solid, though ongoing vigilance for potential infringement or invalidation challenges is advised.
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Expiry is estimated around late 2033, aligning with typical patent durations, but maintaining claims' strength requires ongoing innovation.
FAQs
Q1: What types of claims does CN103467385 include?
It includes chemical composition claims, therapeutic method claims, and formulation claims.
Q2: How broad are the patent's claims?
The claims cover specific chemical compounds, their formulations, and therapeutic applications within the scope of the invention, with some dependent claims narrowing the scope.
Q3: Can similar patents affect the enforceability of CN103467385?
Yes. Overlapping claims assigned to competitors, or prior art, can challenge the patent's validity or scope.
Q4: When will CN103467385 expire?
Assuming standard 20-year patent term from the filing date, it will expire around December 2033, subject to maintenance.
Q5: What strategies should patent owners consider?
Continue patenting improvements, monitor competing patents, and defend claims through legal actions if necessary.
References
[1] China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). (2014). CN103467385 patent publication.
[2] WIPO. (2022). Patent landscape reports for pharmaceutical inventions.
[3] Chen, L., & Zhao, Y. (2018). Strategies in Chinese pharmaceutical patent filings. Journal of Patent Law and Practice, 13(7), 512-519.
[4] European Patent Office. (2022). Patent family data analysis.
[5] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Patent examination guidelines.
