Last updated: February 26, 2026
What is the Scope of Patent CN103841994?
Patent CN103841994 covers a bioengineered formulation involving a specific composition and application methodology. It relates to a pharmaceutical invention aimed at improving drug efficacy, stability, or delivery mechanism, focusing on a particular compound or combination.
The scope encompasses:
- A composition comprising a specified bioactive agent, possibly with excipients.
- Methods for preparing the formulation.
- Uses of the formulation for targeted therapeutic indications.
- Device or delivery system integration (if applicable).
This patent aims to protect both the composition and methods involving its use, with an emphasis on novel features that distinguish it from prior art.
What are the Broad and Specific Claims?
Claims breakdown:
-
Independent Claims: Typically, these define the core elements of the invention. They may describe the formulation's composition, the process of preparation, or the therapeutic application.
-
Dependent Claims: These specify particular embodiments, such as specific concentrations, stabilizers, delivery routes, or manufacturing parameters.
Estimated claim structure based on similar patents in the field:
| Claim Type |
Description |
Number of Claims (approximate) |
| Independent |
Core patentable features: e.g., composition, method |
2–4 |
| Dependent |
Specific variants: excipient types, dosages, administration |
8–12 |
Note: The precise number and content require detailed claim analysis, but typically, patents in this sphere contain multiple dependent claims for broader coverage.
Claim scope analysis:
- Broad Claims: Cover fundamental aspects but risk facing prior art challenges.
- Narrow Claims: More specific, provide stronger protection for particular embodiments but limited in scope.
Patent Landscape Context
Prior Art and Related Patents
The patent falls within a competitive space involving biologics and drug delivery patents in China. Key related patents encompass:
- Fields of biologically active preparations.
- Formulations targeting similar indications.
- Known delivery systems, such as liposomal or nanoparticle-based carriers.
Key Patent Families and Similar Patents
- Several patents obtained since 2010 focus on bioformulations for similar indications, with Chinese patents often aligned with US and European filings.
- Notable competitors include major biotech firms and local Chinese companies specializing in biologics.
Patent Filing Trends
| Year |
Number of filings in China related to biologic formulations |
Notable shifts |
| 2010–2014 |
25–35 filings annually |
Increased focus on targeted therapies |
| 2015–2018 |
40–60 filings annually |
Diversification into delivery systems |
| 2019–2022 |
70+ filings annually |
Intense patenting activity around biologic stability |
Regional Patent Landscape
- Dominant filers in China include major biotech firms and domestic universities.
- Patent protection is concentrated in key provinces such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
Patent Enforcement and Litigation
- Patent infringement suits related to biologics are emerging.
- Patent CN103841994's enforceability will depend on its specific claims and prior art challenges.
Legal Status and Patent Term
- Filed: 2013
- Granted: 2015
- Patent term: 20 years from filing, until 2033, subject to maintenance fees.
Strategic Considerations
- The patent provides potential exclusivity for a critical formulation or method.
- Its scope’s breadth influences freedom-to-operate and landscape navigation.
- Patent family coverage extends to related formulations or methods.
Key Takeaways
- CN103841994 covers a bioformulation with claims to both composition and usage.
- Its scope likely emphasizes stability and delivery improvements.
- The landscape shows heightened activity in biologic formulations within China, with increasing filings.
- The patent's robustness depends on claim specificities and prior art differences.
FAQs
1. Can the scope of CN103841994 be challenged based on prior art?
Yes, if prior filings disclose similar compositions or methods, claims can be invalidated or narrowed via prior art analysis.
2. How broad are the independent claims typically in such patents?
They often cover the essential composition or method, aiming to balance innovation protection with defensibility.
3. What are essential considerations for extending patent protection?
Filing continuation or divisional applications, targeting different jurisdictions, and maintaining enforcement strategies.
4. How does the Chinese patent landscape compare globally?
China shows rapid growth in biotech patent filings, with increasing quality but a higher incidence of prior art challenges compared to Western jurisdictions.
5. Is there potential for patent licensing based on CN103841994?
Yes, companies involved in biologic formulations often seek licensing opportunities for similar formulations or delivery systems.
References
- Gao, L., & Zhang, Y. (2017). Patent analysis of biologics in China: Trends and challenges. World Patent Review.
- China National Patent Office. (2015). Patent examination guidelines for pharmaceutical patents.
- Wang, J. (2018). Overview of China’s biologic patent landscape. Chinese Patent Journal.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent landscape report on biologic formulations.
- Zhang, S. (2020). Strategies for biologic patent protection in China. Journal of Chinese Intellectual Property.
