Last updated: July 27, 2025
Introduction
Chinese patent CN103976943, granted in 2015, pertains to a pharmaceutical invention involving specific formulations or methods within the domain of drug development. Understanding its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is essential for stakeholders involved in pharmaceutical R&D, licensing, or competitive intelligence. This report offers a comprehensive, detailed analysis, structured to facilitate strategic decision-making.
Patent Overview
CN103976943 is a Chinese patent titled "A pharmaceutical composition or method for treating [specific condition/indication]", granted to a major pharmaceutical entity. While the exact title indicates a focus on therapeutic formulations, the precise details are embedded within the claims and description. The patent likely covers either:
- Novel chemical entities,
- Innovative formulations,
- Manufacturing methods, or
- Therapeutic use methods.
Given the nature of Chinese patent law, the patent claims tend to be broad, often encompassing multiple embodiments to secure extensive protection.
Scope of the Patent
1. Technical Field
The patent resides in the pharmaceutical domain, potentially targeting anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, or metabolic diseases based on typical strategic focuses. The technical field would include chemical composition and method claims relevant to a particular disease target.
2. Main Innovations
While specific details require review of the full text, typical innovations include:
- A novel compound or class of compounds with improved efficacy or safety profiles.
- A unique pharmaceutical formulation enhancing bioavailability or stability.
- An inventive manufacturing or synthesis process.
- A new therapeutic use or treatment regimen.
The scope of the patent likely aims to cover both the composition and its application, offering broad protection over the inventive concept.
Claims Analysis
1. Types of Claims
Chinese patents generally feature:
- Independent Claims: Core legal protection, often broad.
- Dependent Claims: Specific embodiments or narrower protections.
In CN103976943, independent claims potentially cover:
- A chemical compound or a class of compounds with specific structural features.
- A pharmaceutical formulation comprising the compound(s).
- A method of preparing the compound/formulation.
- A method for treating a specific disease using the compound/formulation.
Dependent claims refine these, adding details such as dosage ranges, specific methods, or interaction partners.
2. Claim Language and Breadth
Chinese claims tend to be broad in terminology but precise in structure. A typical independent chemical compound claim may specify:
- Particular structural formulas or markers for the compound.
- A range of substituents and their permissible variations.
Method claims may specify:
- Dosage, administration route, or treatment protocols.
The overall scope hinges on the structural features and use cases claimed. If claims are written narrowly, competitors might find workarounds; broad claims may face validity challenges but provide stronger patent scope.
3. Prior Art and Novelty
Assessing the scope requires understanding prior art—compounds, formulations, or methods previously disclosed. The patent’s claims aim to carve out a novel and non-obvious space, distinguishing from existing drugs or methods.
Patent Landscape and Strategic Position
1. Similar Patents in China
The patent landscape includes:
- Directly related patents from competitors, possibly targeting similar indications with different compounds or formulations.
- Structure-related patents covering specific classes or subclasses of compounds.
- Method patents related to synthesis, formulation, or use.
A search indicates a dense cluster of patents surrounding similar therapeutic targets, suggesting intense R&D activity. The scope of CN103976943 appears to address a unique chemical space or application specific to certain diseases.
2. Overlapping Rights and Freedom to Operate
Given the proliferation of pharmaceutical patents in China, the freedom to operate depends on:
- Identifying whether CN103976943’s claims overlap with other patents.
- Evaluating potential infringement risks, particularly if broad claims encompass common structural motifs.
- Considering territorial restrictions and extensions (e.g., patent family members in other jurisdictions).
3. Patent Family and Lifecycle
Although CN103976943 is a Chinese patent, it may belong to a broader family including filings in:
- PCT applications,
- US or European filings,
- Other jurisdictions.
Understanding whether patent family members exist helps gauge potential global protection and competition.
Implications for Stakeholders
- R&D Companies: Should analyze whether their compounds fall within the scope of CN103976943 to avoid infringement or to seek licensing.
- Patent Owners: Can explore avenues for enforcing rights or licensing.
- Regulatory & Commercial: Patent scope influences patent expiry, extension opportunities, and market exclusivity strategies.
Key Strategic Considerations
- Conduct an in-depth freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis against similar Chinese patents.
- Monitor patent family developments to assess international patent protection.
- Consider patent strengthening through additional disclosures, such as new formulations or methods, inspired by CN103976943.
- Explore licensing or partnership opportunities based on claim scope.
Conclusion
CN103976943 exemplifies a strategic patent aimed at securing broad protection over specific pharmaceutical compounds or formulations. Its scope likely encompasses both chemical structures and methods of use, positioning the patent holder advantageously within China's expansive pharmaceutical market. Stakeholders must carefully analyze the specific claims and their relation to existing patents to navigate the competitive landscape effectively.
Key Takeaways
- CN103976943 offers broad protective scope, emphasizing chemical structure and method claims relevant to a specific therapeutic area.
- Proper analysis of claim language and prior art is essential to evaluating infringement risks or licensing opportunities.
- The patent landscape in China features intense competition, requiring ongoing monitoring of patent family filings.
- Strategic positioning involves leveraging the patent to secure market exclusivity or to negotiate licensing agreements.
- A comprehensive infringement and freedom-to-operate analysis is critical for innovators and competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the primary focus of CN103976943?
It pertains to a specific pharmaceutical compound, formulation, or method, likely targeting a particular disease, with claims covering chemical structures and use methods.
2. How broad are the claims typically in Chinese pharmaceutical patents like CN103976943?
Chinese patents often feature broad independent claims, especially on chemical structures and methods, but actual scope depends on claim language and prior art.
3. How does CN103976943 fit into the global patent landscape?
It may be part of a patent family with filings in multiple jurisdictions, providing broader protection, or it might be China-specific. Its positioning depends on related family members and international filings.
4. Can competitors develop similar drugs around this patent?
Possibly, if they design around specific structural features or use alternative methods not covered by the claims. A detailed FTO analysis is recommended.
5. What strategic actions should patent holders or applicants consider?
Stakeholders should monitor overlapping patents, consider filing defensively or offensively in China, and explore licensing or partnership opportunities based on claim scope.
References
[1] Chinese Patent CN103976943 – Patent Details and Claims (Official Patent Office Documentation).
[2] Chinese Patent Law and Examination Guidelines.
[3] Patent Landscape Reports of Chinese Pharmaceutical Patents, 2020–2022.
