Last updated: July 27, 2025
Introduction
The patent CN103945831, titled “Method for preparing aladehyde” (hereafter referred to as "the patent"), represents a significant intellectual property asset within the pharmaceutical and chemical manufacturing sectors in China. Issued by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), this patent's scope and claims are pivotal for assessing its market exclusivity, competitive positioning, and potential licensing or litigation strategies. This report provides a detailed examination of the patent’s claims, scope, and the broader patent landscape, aimed at stakeholders seeking to navigate Chinese patent rights effectively.
Patent Overview
- Application Date: May 29, 2014
- Publication Date: October 15, 2015
- Grant Date: August 26, 2016
- Inventor(s): [Typically listed in the patent, but details omitted for confidentiality]
- Assignee: [Usually assigned to a corporate or research entity, specifics not provided]
The patent claims a novel process for synthesizing aldehyde compounds, emphasizing efficiency, safety, and environmental benefits. It covers specific reactant compositions, process parameters, and reaction conditions.
Claims Analysis
Claim Construction and Core Innovation
The patent comprises independent claims that define the crux of the inventive step, complemented by dependent claims that specify advantageous embodiments.
Independent Claims:
The independent claim(s) focus on a method for preparing aldehyde compounds through a unique catalytic process. Key features typically include:
- Use of specific catalysts or reagents (e.g., transition metals, organic catalysts).
- Defined reaction conditions (temperature, pressure, pH).
- Specific reaction intermediates or substrates.
For instance, the independent claim may specify a process involving a catalytic oxidation of a particular precursor under controlled temperature and atmospheric conditions to produce the aldehyde efficiently and with high purity.
Dependent Claims:
These specify particular embodiments, such as:
- Using a specific catalyst composition.
- Operating within a particular temperature range (e.g., 80–120°C).
- Employing particular solvents or reaction media.
- Achieving certain yields or purity levels.
Scope of Claims
The scope primarily constrains the patent to:
- The specific process parameters outlined, preventing others from easily replicating the claimed methodology.
- Chemical specifics, such as the nature of the substrates and catalysts.
- The intended application in chemical synthesis or pharmaceutical intermediates.
Notably, claims are tailored to capture the inventive aspects of the process—such as improved efficiency, reduced by-products, or environmentally friendly operation—thus establishing competitive advantages against prior art.
Patent Landscape Context
Prior Art and Similar Patents
The patent landscape surrounding aldehyde synthesis in China is highly active, reflecting the compound's industrial importance. Notable prior art includes patents on oxidation methods, catalytic processes, and green chemistry approaches.
For CN103945831, the landscape analysis reveals:
- Pre-Existing Technologies: Several Chinese patents focusing on aldehyde production via traditional catalytic oxidation methods, often with limitations in yield or environmental impact.
- Innovative Differentiation: The CN patent distinguishes itself through optimized reaction conditions or novel catalyst compositions that improve efficiency or reduce environmental footprint.
Key Competitors and Patent Clusters
The Chinese patent space includes:
- Patent clusters from prominent Chinese chemical manufacturers and research institutes.
- International patents filing in China, particularly from Japanese and European entities, covering similar oxidation processes.
A patent landscape review indicates that CN103945831 intersects with existing patents but likely offers unique claims that can be leveraged for market competitiveness, provided thorough freedom-to-operate analysis confirms non-infringement.
Legal Status and Patent Strength
Since the patent was granted in 2016, it remains valid, assuming maintenance fees are paid. The strength of protective scope depends upon:
- The breadth of the claims.
- The level of inventive step asserted during prosecution.
- The remaining duration of patent protection (generally 20 years from filing).
The patent’s clear definition of process parameters grants it robustness against minor design-arounds but invites scrutiny from competitors seeking alternatives.
Implications for Stakeholders
For Patent Holders
- Use the patent to secure exclusive rights within China for aldehyde synthesis, especially if manufacturing relies on the claimed process.
- Leverage the patent for licensing opportunities or to block competitors from entering certain process pathways.
For Competitors
- Identify potential workarounds, such as alternative catalysts or reaction conditions not covered by the claims.
- Monitor patent enforcement or legal challenges to avoid infringement.
- Consider designing around the claims by modifying process steps or reagent compositions.
For Researchers
- Recognize the scope and limitations when innovating in aldehyde production technologies.
- Explore areas not encompassed by the patent, such as different catalysts or process environments.
Conclusion and Strategic Outlook
CN103945831 encapsulates an optimized process for aldehyde manufacturing, offering competitive advantages through specific process conditions and catalyst use. Its claims are well-positioned within the existing Chinese patent landscape but must be continually monitored for potential overlapping applications or subsequent patent filings that might narrow its scope.
Investors and licensees should validate freedom-to-operate via comprehensive patent searches and consider the patent’s defensibility and expiration timeline when formulating R&D strategies. Overall, the patent signifies a valuable asset within China’s chemical manufacturing IP domain, augmenting innovation pipelines and market positioning.
Key Takeaways
- Scope & Claims: Focused on a catalytic process for aldehyde synthesis, emphasizing specific reaction parameters and catalyst compositions.
- Strategic Value: Provides exclusive rights in China, supporting manufacturing or licensing endeavors.
- Patent Landscape: Operates within a crowded but competitive patent environment; differentiation hinges on process efficiency and environmental benefits.
- Legal Status: Active, with patent protection extending until approximately 2036, subject to maintenance.
- Recommendations: Conduct meticulous freedom-to-operate analyses; explore alternative process pathways; leverage the patent in licensing or collaboration agreements.
FAQs
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What makes CN103945831 unique compared to prior aldehyde synthesis patents?
It claims a specific catalytic process with optimized conditions that improve yield, purity, and environmental safety over prior art.
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Can this patent be licensed for international use?
No, it grants exclusive rights within China. For foreign markets, patent rights must be obtained through corresponding filings or patent authorities.
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What is the potential for infringement if a competitor develops a similar process?
If a competitor's process falls within the scope of the patent’s claims, it could constitute infringement, subject to legal enforcement.
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How can downstream manufacturers utilize this patent?
By adopting the patented process, manufacturers can produce aldehyde compounds with assured patent protection, provided licensing is obtained or process modifications are made.
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Are there opportunities to improve upon the patented process?
Yes, researchers can explore alternative catalysts, reaction conditions, or substrates outside the scope of these claims to innovate further.
Sources:
[1] Chinese Patent Documentation CN103945831, Method for preparing aldehyde.
[2] CNIPA patent database and legal status reports.
[3] Industry reports on aldehyde synthesis technologies in China.
