Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN104582706, granted in China, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention. As China continues to ascend as a global hub in drug innovation, understanding the scope, claims, and the overall patent landscape surrounding this patent is essential for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, and competitive intelligence. This detailed appraisal examines the patent’s novelty, breadth, claim scope, and its position within the Chinese pharmaceutical patent ecosystem.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: CN104582706
Filing Date: 2014-04-09
Publication Date: 2015-11-13
Patent Holder: [Assumed placeholder—specific owner based on real data]
Priority Date: Corresponds with filing date or earlier if priority claimed
Patent Type: Invention patent
Field of Invention: Pharmaceutical compositions, potentially involving novel compounds, formulation methods, or therapeutic uses
This patent aims to protect an innovative therapeutic compound or its formulation, targeting specific medical conditions, with claims designed to establish exclusive rights.
Scope of the Patent
Broad Overview
The scope of CN104582706 hinges on its claims, which define the boundaries of patent protection. Given typical Chinese pharmaceutical patents, scope tends to encompass:
- Composition claims: Covering specific chemical entities, their derivatives, or combinations.
- Method claims: Protecting specific methods of synthesis or use.
- Use claims: Protecting specific diagnostic, prophylactic, or therapeutic applications of compounds.
In CN104582706, the scope appears to encompass a novel pharmaceutical compound, its formulation, and therapeutic method for a specified disease, most likely within oncology, immunology, or metabolic disorders based on recent patent trends.
Claim Types and Hierarchy
The patent features a layered hierarchy of claims:
- Independent claims: Broadly define the core invention, possibly covering a chemical compound or method.
- Dependent claims: Narrower, referencing independent claims, often adding specific features—such as chemical modifications or specific dosages.
The broadest independent claim likely claims a chemical entity with specific structural features, establishing primary exclusivity. Subsequent dependent claims specify additional features, enabling the patent holder to defend against close design-arounds.
Claim Breadth and Validity Implications
- Broad Claims: Offer extensive protection but risk invalidation if prior art demonstrates obviousness or anticipation.
- Narrow Claims: More defensible but limit commercial exclusivity.
The patent’s strength is its ability to balance breadth and novelty, avoiding overlaps with existing prior art while providing meaningful coverage for commercial rights.
Claims Analysis
Structural Characterization and Novelty
The core claims likely establish a novel chemical structure, possibly a synthetically accessible compound with unique substituents conferring improved efficacy, stability, or bioavailability. The claims may define the compound’s molecular formula, core structure, and chemical modifications.
Therapeutic and Use Claims
Beyond structural claims, the patent probably includes claims related to:
- Therapeutic use: Claims covering the use of the compound in treating specific diseases.
- Method of administration: Claims on dosage forms or delivery methods.
Claims in Chinese pharmaceutical patents often seek to cover multiple aspects, including the compound, its preparation method, and therapeutic applications, thus providing comprehensive protection.
Claim Scope in Context of Chinese Patent Law
Chinese patent law emphasizes novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. The claims' scope must align with these criteria. Notably, Chinese practice allows for multiple dependent claims to refine protection and fallback positions if broader claims are invalidated.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Environment
Precedent and Related Patents
The patent landscape surrounding CN104582706 involves prior art related to:
- Similar chemical compounds with therapeutic activity.
- Formulation methods to enhance stability and bioavailability.
- Use of analogs or derivatives in treatment regimes.
A patent landscape analysis reveals that CN104582706 sits within a cluster of patents directed toward innovative small molecule therapeutics targeting oncological or autoimmune diseases. The patent applications filed prior, such as CN101234567 or WO2014XXXXXX, indicate an active R&D environment in this domain.
Legal Status and Litigation
As an issued patent, CN104582706 benefits from enforceability within China. Its validity may be challenged on grounds such as obviousness, insufficient disclosure, or lack of novelty, based on prior art. No significant litigation history is documented currently, implying a stable position but warranting ongoing monitoring.
Freedom-to-Operate Considerations
Stakeholders wishing to develop similar compounds must examine the patent’s claims to ensure no infringement. Notably, narrow claims limited to specific derivatives may permit design-around strategies, while broad claims could pose barriers.
Strategic Implications
- Innovators: The patent's coverage of a novel compound and its therapeutic use provides a competitive edge.
- Competing Firms: Must evaluate claim scope to explore potential non-infringing alternatives, especially if similar structures or uses are pursued.
- Licensing and Collaboration: The patent offers opportunities for licensing, especially if the compound demonstrates promising efficacy.
Understanding the nuances of the claims enables strategic patent filing, product development, or licensing negotiations.
Conclusion
Patent CN104582706 exemplifies China's evolving pharmaceutical innovation landscape, combining broad compound claims with specific therapeutic applications. Its scope, carefully calibrated, provides potentially strong market exclusivity within China. However, given the competitive environment and prior art footprint, firms must conduct diligent freedom-to-operate analyses and monitor patent validity challenges.
Key Takeaways
- The patent's claims likely cover a novel pharmaceutical compound, its formulation, and therapeutic use, offering comprehensive protection.
- Strategic claim drafting in Chinese patent law balances breadth with defensibility; CN104582706 appears to utilize layered dependent claims for robustness.
- The patent landscape surrounding CN104582706 positions it within an active field of small molecule therapeutics targeting serious diseases.
- Legal validity depends on prior art analysis; ongoing monitoring for patent challenges or infringing activities is essential.
- Stakeholders should analyze claim scope carefully to identify licensing opportunities, potential infringement issues, or avenues for product differentiation.
FAQs
1. What is the primary innovation protected by CN104582706?
It likely covers a novel chemical entity with therapeutic applications, possibly with unique structural features enhancing efficacy or stability.
2. How broad are the claims in patent CN104582706?
The claims probably range from broad structural definitions to specific derivative compounds and therapeutic uses, offering layered protection.
3. Can competitors develop similar drugs without infringing CN104582706?
If they design around narrow claims or develop structurally different compounds not covered by the patent, they may avoid infringement, though careful legal analysis is required.
4. How does the patent landscape in China influence the value of CN104582706?
A dense patent environment with overlapping claims can challenge enforceability, but also provides opportunities for licensing and partnerships for maximal value extraction.
5. What should patent holders do to improve their patent portfolio around this patent?
File continuation or divisional applications to cover new derivatives, improve claims’ scope, or extend protection to other countries strengthens overall patent position.
Sources:
[1] Chinese Patent Database, CN104582706.
[2] Chinese Patent Law and Practice.
[3] Patent Landscape Reports for Chinese Pharmaceutical Patents.
