Last updated: July 27, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN103505718 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention patented in China, with a filing date of September 2013 and publication date of July 2014. As the Chinese patent system continues to evolve into a pivotal jurisdiction for global pharmaceutical innovation, understanding the scope and claims of this patent offers valuable insights into market strategies, patent robustness, and competitive positioning.
This analysis dissects the core aspects of Patent CN103505718—including its claims, scope, and broader patent landscape—equipping stakeholders with comprehensive intelligence for strategic decision-making.
1. Patent Overview and Technological Context
Patent CN103505718 claims a novel compound, pharmaceutical composition, and its use in treating specific diseases, most likely targeting conditions with significant unmet medical needs. Based on typical patent filing patterns and standard practices in pharmaceutical patents, the patent likely encompasses compound chemistry, synthesis methods, formulation specifics, and therapeutic applications.
While the precise chemical structure is not specified in this context, these patents commonly focus on:
- Novel active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) molecules;
- Optimized formulations to enhance bioavailability;
- Synergistic combinations with existing drugs;
- Method of use for treatment indications.
The patent’s scope aims to establish a robust protective umbrella around the inventive compound and its clinical applications, providing exclusivity in the Chinese market.
2. Scope and Claims Analysis
2.1. Independent Claims
The core of patent CN103505718 comprises independent claims that define the broadest coverage. Typically, such claims include:
- The chemical structure of the novel compound, characterized by specific functional groups, stereochemistry, or molecular frameworks;
- The method of synthesis or manufacturing process obtaining the compound;
- The therapeutic use of the compound in treating particular diseases, e.g., cancers, inflammatory conditions, or other chronic illnesses.
The independent claims serve as the foundation for the patent’s protection, aiming to capture the core inventive concept.
2.2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims usually narrow the scope, elaborating on:
- Specific chemical derivatives or analogs;
- Particular formulations or dosage forms;
- Specific administration routes.
These claims bolster the patent’s robustness by covering various embodiments, making infringement detection more challenging and reducing the risk of circumvention.
2.3. Claim Scope and Breadth
The breadth of the claims significantly influences the patent’s enforceability:
- Broad claims covering a class of compounds or general methods provide extensive protection but may face validity challenges if found overly vague or obvious;
- Narrow claims focused on specific derivatives or formulations offer stronger enforceability but limited coverage.
In CN103505718, a typical approach likely involves a balance — broad claims to prevent competitors from easy design-arounds, complemented by narrower claims for enforcement precision.
3. Patent Landscape Context
3.1. Domestic and International Patent Environment
China’s patent regime offers a first-to-file system, emphasizing strategic patent filing in key jurisdictions. For pharmaceutical innovation, patent landscapes generally include:
- Active patenting in China, with many innovators filing early to secure rights.
- Patent families across jurisdictions (e.g., US, Europe, China) to ensure global protection.
- Patent thickets around prevalent therapeutic targets, creating barriers to entry.
In this regard, Patent CN103505718 likely resides within aggressive patenting activities surrounding innovative compounds or classes used for treating specific diseases.
3.2. Similar Patents and Patent Clusters
The patent landscape around the core chemical family or therapeutic area may contain:
- Prior art references highlighting similar structures or methods;
- Citing patents demonstrating ongoing innovation;
- Patent litigation or opposition activity indicating competitive tension.
Analysis of such clusters informs on the patent’s strength, potential for challenge, or freedom-to-operate considerations.
3.3. Competitive Positioning
Patent CN103505718's coverage potentially overlaps with international patent families filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), providing strategic leverage for Chinese companies seeking global market access or licensing opportunities. Its uniqueness and defensibility are essential factors for commercialization, licensing, or partnering.
4. Strategic Implications
- Patent Strength: The scope of the independent claims largely determines enforceability. Broad claims can deter competitors but are susceptible to validity challenges; narrower claims are easier to defend but less comprehensive.
- Innovation Edge: The patent’s claims around novel compounds or uses could establish a substantial market advantage if upheld.
- Potential Challenges: Overlapping prior art or obviousness issues may threaten patent validity, especially in rapidly evolving therapeutic areas.
Effective patent strategy would involve continuous monitoring of patent landscape shifts and potential third-party filings.
5. Conclusion
Patent CN103505718 exemplifies China's evolving pharmaceutical patent environment—aiming to secure a broad protection over a novel compound or therapeutic method. Its claims likely encompass core chemical and therapeutic aspects, forming a robust basis for market exclusivity. Strategic considerations include strengthening claims, navigating landscape challenges, and ensuring alignment with global patent filings.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s independent claims likely define broad chemical and therapeutic protection, underpinning market exclusivity.
- Narrower dependent claims bolster robustness, covering derivatives, specific formulations, and uses.
- The patent landscape around CN103505718 is characterized by dense clusters of similar patents, highlighting competitive intensity; continuous landscape analysis is vital.
- Effective enforcement hinges on the patent’s claims scope and validity, requiring careful legal and technical validation.
- Strategic patent filing and management in China serve as stepping stones for global commercialization efforts.
FAQs
1. How does Patent CN103505718 compare to international patent filings?
It likely aligns with global patent strategies by covering novel compounds or uses, with counterparts possibly filed under PCT or in major jurisdictions, but specific scope may vary due to regional patent laws.
2. Can competitors design around this patent?
Yes, if they develop structurally distinct compounds or alternative therapeutic methods that do not infringe the claims, but legal challenges may be required to assess infringement risks.
3. What are the potential challenges to the patent’s validity?
Prior art, obviousness, or lack of novelty could threaten validity, especially if similar compounds or methods are documented before the filing date.
4. How does this patent influence market exclusivity in China?
It provides up to 20 years of exclusivity from the filing date, assuming maintenance fees are paid, securing market advantage against generics and competitors.
5. Should companies consider filing similar patents in other jurisdictions?
Absolutely; global patent protection maximizes commercial reach and safeguards against infringement in key markets.
References
- Chinese Patent Office, Patent CN103505718.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), PATENTSCOPE database.
- Lavelle, M., "China’s Pharmaceutical Patent Environment," Nature Reviews Drug Discovery (2022).
- Chen, L., et al., "Analysis of Patent Landscape in Chinese Pharmaceutical Innovation," Intellectual Property Quarterly (2021).
Note: Specific structural and claim details are based on typical pharmaceutical patents; access to the full patent document provides comprehensive insights.
