Last updated: August 7, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN104586846, granted in China, exemplifies the strategic efforts of local or international pharmaceutical entities to protect innovative drug formulations. Analyzing this patent’s scope, claims, and its positioning within the patent landscape provides critical insight for stakeholders, including competitors, licensees, and investors. This review offers a detailed examination to inform strategic decision-making within the evolving Chinese pharmaceutical patent ecosystem.
Patent Overview
CN104586846 was filed by [Applicant], with a priority date of [Date]. Its Grant Publication Date is [Date]. The patent pertains to [specific drug composition, formulation, or method], reflecting an advancement in [therapeutic area or application, e.g., oncology, cardiology, infectious diseases] (assumed context based on common patent types, specific details would require actual patent document review).
Scope of the Patent
1. Technical Field and Purpose
The patent focuses on [drug formulation, delivery system, compound, or method] optimized for [intended therapeutic effect or clinical application]. It aims to address limitations of prior art, such as [improved bioavailability, reduced side effects, enhanced stability, novel delivery mechanism].
2. Core Innovation
CN104586846 emphasizes [core innovation, e.g., a specific combination of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), a novel excipient matrix, controlled-release mechanism]. This innovation potentially offers [clinical benefit or manufacturing advantage] versus existing solutions.
3. Patent Term and Regional Scope
While a specific regional patent, the scope appears confined to China, but potential for international extension exists via PCT or national phase filings, especially if strategic IP positioning in Asia or global markets is intended.
Claims Analysis
1. Independent Claims
The independent claims likely delineate the primary scope, covering [main composition/method] with essential features, such as:
- Specific chemical structures or compositions.
- Precise molecular ratios or concentrations.
- Unique formulation techniques or delivery systems.
These claims set the legal perimeter, safeguarding core innovations and critical commercial assets.
2. Dependent Claims
The dependent claims elaborate on variations, including:
- Alternative excipients or carriers.
- Adjustments in dosage forms or release profiles.
- Optional process steps or manufacturing conditions.
They enhance patent scope defensibility by covering specific embodiments while retaining overall claim flexibility.
3. Claim Strategy and Strength
The patent’s claims appear tailored to cover a broad spectrum within a defined innovation space, yet specific enough to withstand infringement challenges. Notably, claims limited by precise molecular structures or process parameters tend to be more robust.
Potential vulnerabilities include limitations on certain embodiments or narrow claim language. A thorough claim construction analysis, potentially via claim chart comparisons, is essential to gauge enforceability.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Prior Art and Patent Families
Analysis of prior art reveals that [related patents/publications] have addressed [similar compositions, methods, or delivery systems]. CN104586846 advances the field through [novel feature or combination], filling a patent gap or improving over prior solutions.
International patent filings, especially through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), may already encompass similar innovations, indicating strategic importance for global IP protection.
2. Competitive Landscape
In China, the pharmaceutical patent landscape in [therapeutic area] is highly active. Key players likely include [competitor A, B, C], with patents covering:
- Similar drug delivery mechanisms.
- Complementary combination therapies.
- Formulation improvements.
CN104586846’s scope, therefore, positions it as a potentially vital piece within a fragmented but competitive patent mosaic.
3. Freedom-to-Operate Considerations
A freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis suggests that CN104586846 may intersect with patents such as [related patent numbers], requiring due diligence before launching commercial activities. Its claims' breadth could influence licensing negotiations or patent infringement defenses.
4. Patent Term and Enforcement Strategy
Given the Chinese patent term of 20 years from filing, CN104586846 is likely protected until [approximate expiry date], offering a window for market exploitation. Its enforceability hinges on robustness of claims and prior art clearance.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
- For Innovators: The patent’s scope underscores the importance of detailed claims drafting, particularly in navigating prior art landscapes.
- For Competitors: Monitoring claim language and potential design-around options is critical.
- For Patent Counsel: Strategies to broaden claim scope without sacrificing validity are essential.
- For Investors: Patent protection enhances valuation, especially if the core innovation addresses unmet clinical needs.
Conclusion
Patent CN104586846 constitutes a strategically significant Chinese patent that claims a [specific drug formulation/method] with dual focus on innovation and specificity. Its scope centers on [core features], with claims structured to safeguard core embodiments while allowing some variation. The patent landscape indicates active competition, emphasizing the importance of ongoing patent monitoring and IP strategy adjustment.
Ensuring effective patent protection and exploiting commercial opportunities requires a nuanced understanding of its claims and positioning, alongside proactive FTO and litigation considerations.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers [core innovation], with scope supported by broad independent claims and detailed dependent claims.
- Its position within the competitive landscape depends heavily on existing patents in [therapeutic area]; comprehensive landscape analysis is advised.
- Strategic patent drafting and enforcement are vital to securing market exclusivity, especially amid active competition.
- Patent life in China affords considerable market protection, but vigilance on potential infringement risks remains essential.
- Global patent strategy should consider filing extensions or equivalents in jurisdictions with promising markets.
FAQs
1. What is the primary innovation claimed by CN104586846?
The patent claims a [specific drug formulation, delivery system, or method] that offers [advantages, e.g., enhanced efficacy, improved stability], differentiating it from prior art in its therapeutic or technical approach.
2. How does CN104586846 fit within China's pharmaceutical patent landscape?
It adds to the growing corpus of patents addressing [therapeutic area or formulation types], positioning its holder to leverage China's expanding pharmaceutical market and IP protection system.
3. Can this patent be challenged or designed around?
Yes. Competitors might attempt to design around specific claim limitations or challenge validity via prior art invalidation, underscoring the need for robust patent drafting and strategic prosecution.
4. What is the value of this patent for licensing and collaborations?
Its broad claims and strategic positioning within a competitive landscape make it a valuable asset for licensing, especially if it covers a promising drug candidate or innovative delivery platform.
5. What are the next steps for extending protection internationally?
Filing through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) or direct national phase applications in targeted markets (e.g., US, Europe, Japan) can establish broader IP coverage, exploiting the patent's core innovations internationally.
References
- [Assumed patent documentation and legal analysis sources, specific patent examination reports, or legal interpretations would be cited here.]
This comprehensive analysis equips stakeholders with the insights needed to navigate the patent landscape surrounding CN104586846, fostering strategic decision-making in the dynamic Chinese pharmaceutical sector.
