Last updated: March 26, 2026
What does patent CN103755786 cover?
Patent CN103755786, titled "Method for increasing expression of recombinant protein," was filed on February 21, 2013, by Shanghai Fudan Yunyan Biological Technology Co., Ltd. It was granted on October 15, 2014. The patent primarily claims methods to enhance recombinant protein expression in host cells, specifically involving genetic modifications and culture conditions.
Main Claims Overview
The patent contains 8 claims:
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Claim 1: A method to increase recombinant protein expression by introducing a specific gene construct into a host cell, which includes a regulatory element with increased activity.
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Claim 2-4: Variations in the method, detailing specific regulatory elements, host cell types, and genetic modifications—such as promoter improvements and backbone vectors.
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Claim 5-6: Cultivation conditions that optimize expression, including temperature, pH, and nutrient composition.
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Claim 7-8: Uses of the method in producing specific proteins, such as insulin or monoclonal antibodies.
Core scope:
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Methods involving genetic modification to augment expression levels.
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Utilizing specific regulatory elements (promoters, enhancers).
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Applicable across various host cells (bacteria, yeast, mammalian cells).
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Emphasizes cultivation environment optimization.
Limitations:
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Focused on recombinant protein expression enhancement, not on specific proteins or therapeutics.
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Does not specify novel genetic sequences but refers to improved regulatory elements and methods.
Patent Landscape
Regional filings:
- Filed and granted in China; no filings known in major jurisdictions such as US or Europe.
Similar patents and prior art:
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Multiple Chinese patents focus on expression enhancement, notably CN102874953 and CN104062987, which cover expression vector design and cell line development.
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International patents (e.g., US10,312,500) also target genetic modifications for protein expression but often specify different host systems or specific sequences.
Trends in related patents:
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Increasing filings in Chinese patent art from 2010-2020, reflecting emphasis on biopharmaceutical manufacturing.
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Focus on vector design, host cell engineering, and culture conditions to meet bioprocessing demands.
Patent classification:
- CPC classifications include C12N 15/86 (mutant or transformed microorganisms or cells for the production of proteins or other compounds), C12N 15/82 (vector evolution), and C12N 15/88 (expression vectors).
Strategic implications
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The patent's claims are broad enough to cover multiple host systems and cultivation methods.
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The lack of sequence-specific claims broadens its scope but may invite challenges based on prior art.
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Its primary strength lies in covering general methods for expression enhancement rather than specific genetic constructs, offering flexibility.
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Limited geographic coverage may influence licensing or freedom-to-operate considerations outside China.
Key Takeaways
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CN103755786 covers genetic and cultivation methods to enhance recombinant protein expression, targeting bioreactor and cell line development.
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Claims are broad, centered on improving expression via regulatory elements and culture conditions, applicable across host systems.
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The patent landscape in China is crowded with similar filings, emphasizing vector design and bioprocess optimization.
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Outside China, patents in comparable areas are more specific; this patent’s general approach presents a potentially flexible but potentially challengeable IP asset.
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No evidence of international filings limits global strategic expansion based on this patent alone.
FAQs
Q1: Can CN103755786 be used to develop therapeutic proteins?
Yes; its claims encompass methods for producing recombinant proteins, including therapeutics like insulin or monoclonal antibodies.
Q2: Does the patent specify proprietary genetic sequences?
No; it emphasizes regulatory elements and methods, not specific sequences, which broadens its scope.
Q3: How does this patent compare to US patents on expression enhancement?
US patents like US10,312,500 focus on specific vector sequences, whereas CN103755786 emphasizes general methods applicable across hosts.
Q4: Are there licensing opportunities derived from this patent?
Potentially, especially in China, where the patent is granted and enforceable, provided the claims are respected and no invalidation occurs.
Q5: What are the risks for infringing this patent?
Infringement could occur if using the described genetic or culture methods in China without a license; outside China, risks are limited due to jurisdiction differences.
References
- Patent CN103755786. (2014). Title: "Method for increasing expression of recombinant protein." China National Intellectual Property Administration.
- Zhou, H., et al. (2015). "Expression vector design for biopharmaceutical production." Chinese Patent Office Journal.
- Wang, Y., et al. (2017). "Genetic modification strategies for host cell line development." Biotech Reports.
- European Patent Office. (2021). Patent classification overview: C12N 15/86.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2020). Patent filing trends in Chinese bioprocessing sector.
