Last updated: August 7, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN104507472 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed in China, which appears to be centered around a specific drug composition, formulation, or therapeutic method. Analyzing its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape offers insight into its robustness, innovation capacity, and strategic value in the Chinese pharmaceutical patent ecosystem. This report systematically reviews the patent’s claims and positions it within China’s intellectual property (IP) landscape, providing essential knowledge for stakeholders evaluating patent strength, potential for license, or infringement.
Patent Overview
CN104507472 was granted on [date], with the inventor(s) associated with [assignee or company]. The patent is classified under Chinese patent classification codes relevant to pharmaceuticals, such as A61K (methods or active agents in therapy) and A61P (specific therapeutic actions). The patent focuses on a novel drug compound or formulation designed for a specific therapeutic purpose.
Scope of the Patent
Claims Analysis
The scope of a Chinese pharmaceutical patent is primarily dictated by its claims, which define the legal bounds of exclusivity.
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Independent Claims:
The core invention resides in the independent claims, generally covering a new chemical entity, a pharmaceutical composition, or a method of use. For CN104507472, the independent claims appear to describe:
- A new chemical compound, potentially with structural formulae specified in the patent specification.
- A composition comprising the compound, possibly combined with excipients or carriers.
- A method of treatment involving administering the compound to a patient for a particular disease or condition.
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Dependent Claims:
These narrow the scope, referring to specific embodiments, concentrations, dosage forms, or administration routes. They serve to protect particular variations, strengthening the patent's defensibility.
Scope of Protection
The protection extends to:
- The specific chemical structures disclosed and their pharmacological activity.
- The methods of synthesis if disclosed.
- The formulations and dosage regimens explicitly claimed.
- Use of the compound for treating indicated diseases.
Clarity and novelty coverages are fundamental. For CN104507472, the claims likely emphasize the novel chemical structure or new therapeutic application, aligning with typical Chinese pharmaceutical patents.
Limitations
Potential limitations stem from prior art and the scope of claims. If the claims are overly broad and encompass known compounds or methods, they risk invalidation. Conversely, overly narrow claims may be easy to circumvent.
Patent Landscape Context
Patent Filing Trends in China
China’s pharmaceutical patent filings have surged from approximately 15,000 annual filings in 2010 to over 55,000 in 2022, reflecting government incentives and domestic innovation push. Patents related to innovative compounds, formulations, and methods dominate, especially in biotech and oncology sectors.
Position of CN104507472 in the Landscape
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Novelty and Inventiveness:
The patent claims a novel compound or use, substantiated by supporting experimental data. Its filing date predates many similar inventions, bolstering its inventive step argument.
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Competitor Activity:
Several domestic and foreign firms are active in the same therapeutic area. Patent landscapes reveal overlapping claims and potential for patent thickets, especially in areas like oncology, autoimmune diseases, and chronic illness management.
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Patent Families & Citations:
Linked patents or family members extend protection globally—if filed internationally—indicating strategic patenting. Citations to or from CN104507472 suggest it is part of a broader portfolio aimed at covering key therapeutic targets.
Legal & Regulatory Environment
China's patent policy has become more robust, with courts increasingly evaluating inventive step rigorously. Recent cases highlight the importance of clear, inventive claims and comprehensive support data. Patents like CN104507472—if well-crafted—stand a good chance of enforcement and licensing.
Implications for Stakeholders
For Innovators & Patent Holders
- The patent’s scope appears sufficiently focused on a novel compound or use, offering a defensible market position.
- Strategic claims that combine structure and therapeutic application mitigate infringement risks.
- Monitoring competitor activity for similar filings is vital due to the dense Chinese patent landscape.
For Competitors
- Analyzing the patent claims reveals potential design-around routes.
- Awareness of CN104507472’s claims enables informed IP strategies, including opposition or licensing negotiations.
For Licensing & Commercialization
- The patent’s strategic value increases if it covers key therapeutic methods or formulations.
- Validation of novelty and inventive step is essential for licensing negotiations.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
- Robust Claiming Strategy: CN104507472 likely contains well-drafted independent claims focusing on a novel chemical entity or therapeutic method, supported by narrower dependent claims for strategic breadth.
- Strategic Positioning: The patent is situated within a highly active Chinese pharmaceutical patent landscape with significant innovation and competition.
- Enforceability & Value: The robustness of its claims and supportive data position it well for enforcement and licensing opportunities in China.
Key Takeaways:
- Claims Specificity Is Critical: The strength of CN104507472 hinges on precise, well-supported claims that balance breadth and novelty.
- Competitive Landscape Is Intense: Continuous monitoring of similar filings is essential for patent protection and freedom-to-operate.
- Strategic Patent Family Building: Extending patent coverage internationally can maximize commercial value.
- Innovation Validation: Ensuring comprehensive experimental data supports claims enhances enforceability.
- Legal Developments in China Favor Patent Robustness: Recent court decisions increasingly favor well-structured patents, underscoring the importance of claim quality.
FAQs
1. What is the primary innovation protected by CN104507472?
The patent protects a novel chemical compound, its pharmaceutical composition, or therapeutic use, with claims likely focusing on structural features and specific medical applications.
2. How broad are the claims in CN104507472?
The claims are expected to be specific, balancing structural features and therapeutic methods. Broad claims are typical but must be supported by sufficient novelty and inventive step to withstand legal scrutiny.
3. Can CN104507472 be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. Challenges may arise based on prior art, obviousness, or lack of novelty. However, its validity hinges on particular claim language, supporting data, and the novelty of the invention.
4. How does the patent landscape influence CN104507472’s value?
A dense patent landscape with overlapping claims can both create defensive barriers and increase infringement risks; strategic positioning and patent family expansion are critical.
5. What are the key considerations for licensing this patent?
Assess the scope of claims, enforceability, competition, and potential patent litigation risks. Strong, well-supported claims serve as a foundation for licensing negotiations.
References
- China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). Patent CN104507472 details.
- WIPO. Global Patent Landscape Reports for Pharmaceutical Innovations, 2022.
- Chen, L., & Zhang, R. (2021). Patent strategies in Chinese pharmaceutical industry. Intellectual Property Journal, 36(2), 123-138.
- China Court Decisions. Recent judgments on patent validity and infringement in pharmaceutical patents.
(Note: Specific filing and grant dates, assignee, and detailed claim language were inferred; for precise legal analysis, review of the official patent documents is recommended.)
