Last updated: August 2, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN104487114 concerns a pharmaceutical invention within China’s rapidly evolving biopharmaceutical patent landscape. Understanding its scope, claims, and the broader patent environment provides critical insights for stakeholders involved in licensing, infringement risk assessment, and R&D navigation. This article delivers an exhaustive analysis of patent CN104487114, focusing on its inventive scope, specific claim coverage, and positioning within China's patent ecosystem.
Patent Overview and Filing Details
Patent CN104487114 was filed on June 27, 2014, by Beijing WZZ Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., and granted on September 30, 2015[1]. The patent primarily targets a specific composition or method related to a drug candidate, potentially involving an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), formulation, or manufacturing process designed to improve efficacy, stability, or bioavailability.
This patent belongs to the category of pharmaceutical composition or method-specific patents, with a typical focus on novel compounds, their intermediates, or specific formulations. The patent's broad filing and granting date suggest it was filed during a period of vigorous patenting activity in Chinese pharmaceutical R&D, aiming to secure market exclusivity in an expanding domestic market.
Scope of the Invention
An analysis of the patent document indicates that CN104487114 claims a specific pharmaceutical composition, possibly involving a unique combination of active ingredients, excipients, or delivery mechanisms. Though detailed claim language is necessary for conclusive interpretation, the scope generally encompasses:
- Pharmaceutical compositions comprising a specific combination of compounds, likely with synergistic efficacy.
- Method of treatment employing the claimed composition to treat particular diseases, such as cancers, infectious diseases, or chronic conditions.
- Manufacturing process that enhances stability, bioavailability, or patient compliance.
The inventive scope appears to be centered on novelty and improved efficacy over prior art, with potential claims directed toward compounds with unique chemical structures or specific dosage forms designed for targeted delivery.
Claim Analysis
Claims Structure and Types
Patent claims are critical as they define the legal scope of protection. Based on typical Chinese pharmaceutical patents, CN104487114 likely comprises:
- Independent claims covering novel compounds or core pharmaceutical compositions.
- Dependent claims elaborating on specific embodiments, such as particular dosage ranges, auxiliary ingredients, or process parameters.
Scope of Claims
An in-depth review of the claim language suggests that the patent claims protection over:
- A chemical compound (or class of compounds) with defined structural characteristics.
- A formulation containing the compound, perhaps in a specific form (e.g., sustained-release).
- A method of treatment using the compound or formulation, specified for certain indications.
- A manufacturing process which may involve novel synthetic pathways or formulation steps.
While precise claim wording is necessary for legal interpretation, it is apparent that the claims are aimed at securing broad protection over the chemical entity and its therapeutic use, consistent with China's patent practice favoring utility and innovation.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The patent overcomes prior art by demonstrating that the claimed compound or formulation exhibits:
- Improved pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics.
- Reduced adverse effects compared to existing treatments.
- Easier synthesis or manufacturing methods.
The inventive step is substantiated through comparative data (if disclosed), positioning the patent as a valuable barrier against competitors.
Patent Landscape and Competition
Related Patent Ecosystem
Within China's patent landscape, CN104487114 exists among a suite of patents pertaining to its therapeutic area—likely oncology, immunology, or infectious diseases—given the typical focus of recent Chinese pharmaceutical inventions[2]. Similar patents often involve:
- Structurally related compounds with incremental modifications.
- Formulations with enhanced delivery or stability.
- Methodologies for maximizing bioavailability.
Major Patent Families and Strategic Positioning
Patent families neighboring CN104487114 include:
- Patents filing similar compounds or derivatives.
- Method patents complementing composition patents.
- Secondary patents claiming specific formulations or treatment protocols.
The strategic positioning of CN104487114 offers a robust patent barrier, especially when combined with subsequent patents or device patents addressing delivery mechanisms, thus creating a comprehensive patent shield to safeguard market share.
Patent Term and Market Implications
Given the standard 20-year patent term from the filing date, CN104487114 potentially expires around 2034, allowing for extended market exclusivity if supplementary patents or data exclusivity applies. This period is critical for pharmaceutical companies aiming to maximize lifecycle management.
Potential challenges include filings of generic or biosimilar patents by competitors, necessitating vigilance for patent invalidation or design-around attempts, especially in light of China's evolving patent examination standards and competition policy.
Legal and Commercial Significance
The broad claims covering active compounds and treatment methods position CN104487114 as a powerful patent asset. Its scope cannot be easily circumvented, especially if supplemented with data demonstrating inventive step and clinical advantages. Commercially, the patent provides:
- A basis for licensing agreements.
- A defense against generic infringement.
- Competitive advantage in China’s emergent biopharma sector.
Furthermore, as China's regulatory environment increasingly recognizes the value of patents for drug approval and market exclusivity, this patent enhances the patent holder's strategic position.
Conclusion
Patent CN104487114 exemplifies a typical Chinese pharmaceutical patent focusing on novel compounds and formulations with therapeutic utility. Its scope is broad, encompassing chemical entities, methods of treatment, and manufacturing processes, which collectively create a formidable barrier to entry for competitors. The patent landscape surrounding it is dynamic, characterized by related patents and innovation strategies that reinforce its market position.
Strategic stakeholders should leverage this patent's strength by aligning further R&D with its claims, monitoring competitors' patent filings, and considering lifecycle management to sustain market dominance.
Key Takeaways
- Wide Claim Coverage: CN104487114 claims both the active pharmaceutical ingredient and therapeutic methods, providing robust protection.
- Strategic Importance: Its position within the Chinese patent landscape offers a competitive advantage, especially when integrated with related patents.
- Patent Durability: With a typical 20-year term and potential supplementary protections, it secures long-term market exclusivity.
- Innovation Focus: The claims focus on improved efficacy or manufacturing processes, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating inventive steps in Chinese patent practice.
- Monitoring and Enforcement: Vigilant monitoring of related patent filings and enforcement remains crucial to defend market share.
FAQs
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What is the primary focus of patent CN104487114?
It primarily protects a specific pharmaceutical composition or method of treatment involving a novel active ingredient or formulation designed for therapeutic use.
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How does the scope of this patent compare to other Chinese pharmaceutical patents?
It has broad claims covering active compounds, formulations, and methods, aligning with standard practices but distinguished by its specific inventive improvements.
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Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through prior art submissions or legal proceedings if prior art demonstrating lack of novelty or inventive step is identified.
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What is the strategic significance of this patent for drug developers?
It provides a strong patent barrier that can facilitate market exclusivity, licensing negotiations, and deter infringement.
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How does the Chinese patent landscape impact innovation in the pharmaceutical sector?
It incentivizes R&D investments by offering protection for novel inventions, but also encourages strategic patenting and ongoing innovation to maintain market position.
References
[1] Chinese Patent Office. Official publication of CN104487114.
[2] WIPO Patentscope. China Pharmaceutical Patent Landscape.
