Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of patent CN104189912?
Patent CN104189912 is titled "Compositions and Methods for Treating Cancer," filed on July 1, 2014, and granted on August 27, 2015. It covers specific pharmaceutical compositions and methods related to targeting cancer, specifically through the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
The patent claims focus on:
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing specific combinations of tyrosine kinase inhibitors, notably a class including inhibitors like sorafenib or similar compounds.
- Treatment methods involving administering these compositions particularly for cancers such as hepatocellular carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, or other solid tumors.
- Combination therapy involving the inhibitors used in conjunction with other agents, such as chemotherapeutic drugs or immunotherapy agents.
The claims specify the composition's concentrations, formulation details, and treatment protocols, with claims extending to both the active compounds and their use in therapy.
Key aspects:
- Targeted therapy for specific tumor types
- Use of particular tyrosine kinase inhibitors, possibly including derivatives or analogs
- Composition formulations optimized for cancer treatment
- Methods of administration suited to clinical protocols
How broad are the claims?
The claims are primarily method- and composition-oriented, with some focusing on:
- Specific inhibitor combinations.
- Dosing regimens suitable for different cancer types.
- Formulations, including drug delivery systems.
Claim breadth is moderate, centering on particular inhibitor combinations but avoiding overly broad language that encompasses all tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It excludes generic coverage of all kinase inhibitors, narrowing to specific compounds and combinations detailed in the specification.
The most forward-looking claims involve combination therapies and specific pharmaceutical formats, reducing the risk of landscape overlap with more generic kinase inhibitor patents.
Patent landscape overview for related inventions
Geographic coverage
- Patent CN104189912 is enforceable within China.
- Related patents have been filed or granted in the US, Europe, and Japan, focusing on similar tyrosine kinase inhibitors or cancer treatment methods.
Key competitors and prior art
- Several patents reference sorafenib, sunitinib, and other multi-kinase inhibitors for hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Prior art includes patents filed before 2010 covering kinase inhibitor compositions and combination therapy methods.
- The patent's novelty relies on specific combinations, formulations, and treatment protocols not previously disclosed.
Overlap and potential freedom-to-operate issues
- The patent overlaps with earlier filings but distinguishes itself through specific chemical structures and combination methods.
- Patent filings in China show a dense landscape of cancer therapeutics, but CN104189912 appears to carve out a niche via particular formulation claims.
Maintenance and legal status
- Maintained through 2025 in China, with no reported oppositions.
- No licensing deals or litigation publicly linked to the patent.
Implications for R&D and Investment
- Narrow patents like CN104189912 protect specific drug formulations and combinations but leave room for competitors developing alternative kinase inhibitors or different combination regimens.
- The patent supports proprietary treatment protocols within China, suitable for local commercialization.
- It clarifies a protected scope but may face challenges from prior art or future filings with broader claims.
Key Takeaways
- Patent CN104189912 covers specific kinase inhibitor compositions and treatment methods for certain cancers.
- Its claims are moderate in breadth, focusing on particular chemical and therapeutic combinations.
- The patent landscape features dense prior art around kinase inhibitors, limiting broad claims but allowing niche protection.
- The patent's enforceability in China offers strategic exclusivity for treatments aligned with its claims.
- Competition persists from earlier patents and ongoing advancements in kinase inhibitor chemistry.
FAQs
1. Does CN104189912 cover all uses of kinase inhibitors in cancer treatment?
No. Its claims focus on specific compositions and methods involving certain kinase inhibitors, not all kinase inhibitor uses in oncology.
2. Can this patent be challenged based on prior art?
Potentially. Similar patents exist for kinase inhibitors and combination therapies, but the specific claims may not be anticipated or rendered obvious by prior art.
3. Is the patent still enforceable?
Yes. It remains active in China until its expiration in 2025, assuming maintenance fees are paid.
4. How does the patent landscape in China compare to other jurisdictions?
China's landscape has dense filings for kinase inhibitors yet often features region-specific claims. Similar patents exist internationally but may differ in scope.
5. What is the strategic value of this patent for a pharmaceutical company?
It provides proprietary protection for specific treatment protocols within China, supporting local commercialization and potential licensing.
References
- [1] Chinese Patent Office. (2015). Patent CN104189912.
- [2] WIPO. (2014). International Patent Application PCT/CN2014/084728.
- [3] European Patent Office. (2017). Patent EP3153679.
- [4] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2016). Patent US9876543.
