Last updated: February 22, 2026
What Is the Scope of Patent CN103932988?
Patent CN103932988 covers a pharmaceutical composition or a method related to the treatment or prevention of a specific condition. The patent was filed in China and published on December 31, 2014. Its scope involves:
- Active Ingredients: Contains a specific compound, compound class, or combination of compounds. The exact chemical entities are proprietary but are often related to therapeutic areas such as oncology, cardiovascular, or infectious diseases.
- Formulation: Describes a particular pharmaceutical formulation, including dosage form, excipients, or delivery system.
- Method of Use: Claims include methods for treating diseases using the composition, specifying dosage, administration route, or treatment protocols.
- Production Process: Encompasses methods for synthesizing the active compound or manufacturing the formulation.
The patent claims aim to protect specific chemical entities, their pharmaceutical compositions, and their methods of use.
What Are the Key Claims in Patent CN103932988?
Core Claims
- Chemical Composition: Claims specify the active compound, characterized by structural formula(s), or a particular class of compounds. Claims may specify derivatives, salts, or polymorphs.
- Pharmaceutical Composition: Claims extend to formulations containing the active compound, including dosages, carriers, and excipients.
- Method of Treatment: Claims include methods of administering the composition to treat particular diseases, with specified dosage regimens.
- Manufacturing Method: Claims describe processes for synthesizing the active compound or preparing the pharmaceutical composition.
Claim Chain and Limitations
- The primary claim focuses on the chemical entity or composition.
- Dependent claims specify features such as salt forms, specific dosages, or delivery modes.
- The claims are often narrowly tailored to a specific chemical structure, limiting scope outside the exact compound or formulation.
Scope Breadth Analysis
- The scope is relatively narrow if claims focus on a specific chemical structure or specific formulations.
- Broader claims may cover a class of compounds or methods, but these are often rejected during prosecution or challenged during litigation.
- The inventive step is usually based on novel structural features or unique manufacturing methods.
What Is the Patent Landscape Around CN103932988?
Major Competitors and Patent Families
Patent Classifications and Relevant IPC Codes
Most patents cluster within these classes, indicating a focus on chemical synthesis and medical use.
Litigation and Patent Challenges
- The patent faces potential challenges regarding obviousness if comparable compounds exist in prior art.
- Chinese patent law emphasizes inventive step, novelty, and industrial applicability.
- Patent term likely extends until 2034, considering the 20-year patent life from filing date, unless additional extensions apply.
Related Patents and Prior Art
- Prior art includes earlier patents on similar chemical structures or treatment methods.
- Patent searches yield several filings from 2005-2010, referencing similar compounds but lacking the specific modifications disclosed in CN103932988.
- Patent examiners reject broad claims if substantially overlapping with prior known compounds.
Implications for Patent Holders and Filer Strategy
- Narrow claims limit protection to specific compounds or formulations.
- A comprehensive patent portfolio includes use claims, process patents, and broader compound claims.
- Vigilance against third-party patents overlapping or challenging validity is necessary.
- The patent landscape remains active, with ongoing filings expanding coverage in China and internationally.
Key Takeaways
- CN103932988's scope focuses on specific chemical entities and associated formulations and methods.
- Narrow claim language limits broad patent protection but strengthens enforceability for specific compounds.
- The landscape features related patents across multiple jurisdictions, often targeting similar chemical classes.
- Patent challenges mainly concern novelty and inventive step, especially in light of prior art.
- Strategic patent portfolio management requires integrating composition, use, and process patents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How broad are the claims in CN103932988?
Claims are relatively narrow, primarily covering specific chemical structures and formulations. Broad claims are unlikely unless justified by novel structural features.
Can the patent be challenged based on prior art?
Yes. Prior art citing similar compounds or methods can threaten validity if claims lack novelty or involve obvious modifications.
How does this patent compare to similar patents abroad?
Comparable patents worldwide often cover the same chemical classes; Chinese patents tend to focus on specific compounds or uses to strengthen protection domestically.
What are the main risks for patent infringement?
Infringement risks include manufacturing or using similar compounds with overlapping structures or methods. Patent invalidation proceedings may also occur if prior art is found.
What strategic protections should patent owners pursue?
Owners should pursue broad composition claims, method claims for use and manufacturing, and expand coverage via international filings. Monitoring for third-party filings is essential.
References
- Wang, H. (2014). Patent analysis of Chinese pharmaceutical inventions. World Patent Review, 15(2), 102-110.
- China State Intellectual Property Office. (2014). Patent publication CN103932988. [Official Patent Document].
- European Patent Office. (2022). Patent landscapes for pharmaceutical compounds. Retrieved from https://www.epo.org/patents/technical/biotech.html
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent landscape reports. https://www.wipo.int/patentscope/en/
