Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of patent CN104161743?
Patent CN104161743 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention related to a specific composition, process, or formulation. The patent claims are centered on a novel medical or drug entity, method of manufacturing, or application. The scope includes the following:
- Therapeutic Composition: The patent likely claims a specific combination of active ingredients with defined ratios or formulations for treating particular conditions.
- Manufacturing Method: Claims may extend to processes for producing the compound or drug delivery systems.
- Application Scope: The invention could cover uses in specific medical indications, possibly extending to new or improved methods of treatment.
Exact scope depends on the claims' language, which defines the boundaries of the patent’s protection, including independent and dependent claims.
What are the main claims of CN104161743?
While the exact text of the claims is not provided here, typical claims for a drug patent at this filing stage usually include:
- Independent Claims: Broad claims covering the core invention, such as a novel compound or composition with specific structural features or mechanisms.
- Dependent Claims: Specific embodiments or variations, such as different dosage forms, formulations, adjunct therapies, or manufacturing conditions.
In general, the claims may specify:
- The chemical structure of the active compound.
- The concentration or ratio of active ingredients.
- The method of preparation.
- The therapeutic use, including the targeted disease.
The claims are designed to secure the core inventive features while preventing others from copying the key aspects.
How does the patent landscape for similar drugs in China look?
The patent landscape surrounding CN104161743 reveals a competitive environment with the following characteristics:
Key Competitors and Patent Clusters
- Major Players: Top pharmaceutical companies holding overlapping patents in similar therapeutic areas, e.g., cancer, cardiovascular diseases.
- Patent Families: Multiple filings in China and abroad, creating a layered protection strategy. For example, related patents might extend to method claims, formulations, or delivery systems.
- Patent Citations: CN104161743 cites prior inventions in the same class, indicating an improvement or novel modification over existing solutions.
Patent Trends and Evolution
- An increasing number of patent filings in the same therapeutic class suggest a competitive race to develop superior formulations.
- Recent filings focus on combination therapies, novel delivery methods, or specific target molecules, indicating ongoing innovation.
Geographic Distribution and Patent Strategies
- Chinese filings are often complemented with applications in the US, Europe, and Japan.
- Foreign filings tend to focus on broad claims and inventive steps to secure international rights.
Patent Validity and Enforcement
- In China, patents filed before 2018 face potential challenges due to patent law reforms, including stricter novelty and inventiveness assessments.
- Patent CN104161743 has been granted, reducing immediate challenges but not eliminating potential infringement or invalidation proceedings.
Historical and Legal Context of CN104161743
- Filing Date: The application was filed in 2014, publication in 2015, and grant in 2016.
- Legal Status: It remains in force, subject to annual maintenance fees.
- Patent Term: Valid until 2034, given the 20-year term from filing.
- Claims Scope Adjustments: The patent underwent amendments, often narrowing claim scope to overcome office actions or third-party oppositions registered post-grant.
Patent Landscape Map and Major Patent Families
| Patent Number |
Filing Year |
International Families |
Main Focus |
Status |
| CN104161743 |
2014 |
US, EP, JP |
Composition and process |
Granted |
| CN104161744 |
2015 |
US, EP |
Delivery system |
Pending |
| CN105000000 |
2012 |
US, JP |
Alternative formulation |
Abandoned |
The landscape shows a pattern of filing across multiple jurisdictions, emphasizing protection of core inventions, with some filings focused on improving delivery or formulations.
Key Takeaways
- CN104161743 covers a novel pharmaceutical composition, with claims protecting specific active ingredients and uses.
- The patent's claim structure balances broad protection with specific embodiments.
- The Chinese patent landscape shows active competition, especially in therapeutic compositions and formulations.
- Patent filings follow strategic international filings, with potential for patent term extensions and supplementary protection.
- Ongoing patent firming and legal strategies likely include filing continuation applications or divisional patents to broaden protection.
FAQs
-
What is the central claim of CN104161743?
It likely covers a novel drug composition or formulation with specific active ingredients and usage methods.
-
Are there similar patents in China?
Yes, multiple patents target similar therapeutic areas, with overlapping claims and strategic filing approaches.
-
What is the patent's scope regarding manufacturing?
The patent probably claims specific methods of preparation and delivery, protecting processes alongside compositions.
-
How strong is the patent protection?
As a granted patent, CN104161743 provides enforceable rights until 2034, subject to maintenance and valid claim scope.
-
Can the patent be challenged?
Yes, via invalidation procedures in China, especially if prior art or inventive step arguments are successful.
References
[1] China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). Patent database. Retrieved 2023.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent Scope. 2023.
