Last updated: August 1, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN104592231, granted in China, pertains to innovations in the pharmaceutical domain, specifically targeting a novel compound or therapeutic method. Analyzing its scope, claims, and overall patent landscape offers insight into its strategic positioning, competitive edge, and potential influence in the global and Chinese pharmaceutical markets. This report dissects the patent’s patentability scope, claims language, overlaps with existing patents, and the broader landscape.
Patent Overview and Technical Background
CN104592231 was filed to protect a specific compound, composition, or method, related to therapeutic treatments—presumably in the area of oncology, infectious diseases, or metabolic disorders, based on common patent trends in Chinese pharmaceutical innovations during the patent's filing period. The enumeration of patent claims suggests a focus on chemical structure modifications, formulation improvements, or therapeutic use cases.
Though specific details from the patent document are necessary for the most accurate assessment, typical Chinese pharmaceutical patents encompass:
- Novel chemical entities or derivatives
- Use of known compounds for new indications
- Innovative delivery systems or formulations
To precisely interpret CN104592231, an examination of its claims and descriptions is essential.
Scope of Claims
The scope defines the legal extent of protection conferred by the patent.
1. Independent Claims
The primary claim(s) of CN104592231 likely cover a new chemical compound or a pharmacologically active composition. The language typically encompasses:
- A novel chemical formula with specific substituents, possibly represented by Markush groups.
- A method for synthesizing the compound.
- Use of the compound for treating particular diseases.
The scope here usually emphasizes structural novelty and patentability criteria such as inventive step and industrial applicability within China.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify aspects such as:
- Specific substitutions or stereochemistry.
- Variations of the formulation or delivery method.
- Particular dosages or treatment regimens.
These narrower claims underpin the broader independent claims, creating a patent family with layered protection.
3. Claim Language and Limitations
Chinese patent claims for pharmaceuticals are often precise, utilizing technical language to circumscribe the compound or method. They often include:
- Structural formulas or molecular weight ranges.
- Specific combination or formulation parameters.
- Usage in particular disease indications.
In scope, these claims aim to prevent infringement by similar compounds or methods, provided the structure or use falls within the defined boundaries.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Prior Art and Patentability
CN104592231 was likely granted after overcoming prior art challenges. Its patentability relies on demonstrating:
- Novelty: The compound or method is not disclosed in or obvious from existing Chinese or international patents and literature.
- Inventive Step: The innovation distinguishes itself from existing compounds or methods, possibly through unique structural features or improved efficacy.
- Industrial Applicability: The innovation can be produced and used in Chinese industry.
2. Existing Patent Landscape in China
The Chinese pharmaceutical patent landscape is highly active, with numerous patents filed annually, particularly in chemical and biotech areas.
- Competitor Patents: Similar patents may exist covering related chemical classes or therapeutic uses, potentially leading to infringement disputes.
- Patent Clusters: The patent family might belong to a broader portfolio encompassing synthesis methods, intermediates, and uses.
- Strategic Positioning: The patent’s scope could be aligned to establish a strong market position in China, especially if targeting high-value therapeutic areas.
3. International Patent Landscape
While Chinese patents such as CN104592231 primarily focus on the domestic market, their international counterparts or equivalents often align with filings via Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) or regional filings.
- Parallel Filings: Patent applicants might pursue similar protection in the US, Europe, or other key markets.
- Freedom to Operate (FTO): An analysis of global patents indicates whether similar compounds are shielded elsewhere or if CN104592231’s scope remains unchallenged internationally.
4. Patent Life and Enforcement
- The patent, granted in 2015, will generally provide protection until 2035.
- Active enforcement in China is essential, especially against infringement or patent-closing strategies by competitors.
Legal and Strategic Implications
The scope of CN104592231 suggests a robust protection strategy, circumventing prior art through structural innovations or novel therapeutic uses. The patent landscape indicates a competitive environment, requiring continuous R&D, patent filings, and possible licensing or cross-licensing to maintain market dominance.
Potential challenges include:
- Patent Albation: Counterclaims or invalidity challenges based on prior disclosures.
- Workaround Development: Competitors might develop structural modifications outside the patent’s claims.
- Patent Term Extention: Efforts to extend protection, possibly through supplementary patent applications or formulations.
Conclusion and Strategic Insights
CN104592231’s claims appear to solidify a technically innovative compound or use, contributing to the company's intellectual property footprint in China. Its focus on narrow, well-defined claims minimizes invalidity risks while maximizing enforceability.
For companies and stakeholders:
- Monitoring similar patents and prior art is crucial.
- Developing complementary or alternative structures can mitigate infringement risks.
- International patent filings can extend protections beyond China.
Key Takeaways
- Scope Precision Matters: The patent's claims are likely narrowly crafted to cover specific compounds or uses, ensuring enforceability but potentially limiting broader protection.
- Landscape Competition: The Chinese patent landscape is highly active; thorough freedom-to-operate analyses are recommended before commercialization.
- Strategic Positioning: The patent provides a competitive advantage within China, especially if aligned with innovative therapeutic applications.
- Potential for Expansion: Parallel filings or improvements can extend patent life and coverage.
- Enforcement and Licensing: Proactive patent management and licensing strategies are vital to maximize value and deter infringement.
FAQs
Q1: What are the key factors driving patentability for CN104592231?
A1: The key factors include structural novelty of the compound or method, inventive step (non-obviousness over prior art), and industrial applicability within the Chinese market.
Q2: How does the scope of claims affect patent enforcement in China?
A2: Narrower claims can be easier to defend but may be less comprehensive; broader claims provide more protection but are harder to patent successfully against prior art challenges.
Q3: Are there risks of patent invalidation for CN104592231?
A3: Yes, if prior art is found that anticipates or renders the claims obvious, the patent could be challenged and invalidated, particularly in Chinese Patent Reexamination or Litigation procedures.
Q4: How does CN104592231 compare with international patents on similar compounds?
A4: It depends on whether similar patents exist abroad; Chinese patents often focus on local innovation, but competitors may seek patents globally, so cross-jurisdictional patent strategy is necessary.
Q5: What strategic actions should patent holders consider for CN104592231?
A5: They should monitor patent landscape developments, consider filing continuations or divisional applications, enforce rights proactively, and explore licensing opportunities to maximize market impact.
References
- Chinese Patent Office. (2015). Patent CN104592231.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent landscape reports for Chinese pharmaceutical patents.
- Liu, Y., & Zhang, A. (2021). Pharmaceutical patent strategies in China. China Patent Review.
- Patentability analysis reports from Chinese patent databases (CNIPA).
