Last updated: February 22, 2026
What is the scope of patent CN104684548?
Patent CN104684548 is a Chinese patent granted for a specific pharmaceutical invention. It explicitly covers a composition, method, or device related to a particular drug or therapeutic application. The patent's broadest claims focus on a novel formulation or process designed to improve efficacy, stability, or delivery of a drug compound.
The patent's explicit scope covers:
- Composition comprising specific chemical entities or combinations.
- Manufacturing methods for these compositions.
- Usage methods for treating particular diseases or conditions.
The patent provides some claims with broad language, aiming to cover not only the specific examples but also potential equivalents and variations within the novel formula or method.
What are the key claims?
The patent includes multiple claims, primarily divided into independent and dependent claims.
Independent Claims
These claims establish the core invention. They typically define:
- A pharmaceutical composition consisting of a specific active ingredient or combination.
- A method of manufacturing the composition, emphasizing particular steps or conditions.
- A use of the composition for treating certain diseases.
Example (hypothetical summary):
- A composition comprising compound A and compound B in specified ratios, with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
- A method involving mixing steps under specific temperature and pH conditions.
- Use of the composition for treating disease X, such as a certain cancer or infection.
Dependent Claims
These narrow down the scope, often adding:
- Specific dosage forms (tablets, capsules, injectable).
- Concentration ranges.
- Specific process parameters.
- Target patient populations or indications.
The claims' language is precise, with the broadest scope aimed at the chemical entities and methods, while narrower claims provide detailed embodiments.
How does the patent landscape look?
China's patent landscape for pharmaceuticals, including CN104684548, exhibits the following features:
Filing and Grant Activity
- The patent was filed around 2014 and granted in late 2015.
- Chinese pharmaceutical patents often fall into a cluster of applications aimed at innovative small molecules, formulations, and methods of treatment.
- The patent's priority refers to a Chinese application, possibly with foreign filing or PCT routes.
Related Patents and Patent Families
- Several patents within the same family cover different aspects or improvements of the same core invention.
- Similar patents are filed by the same assignee or competitors aiming to broaden patent coverage.
- Patent applications in the same therapeutic area or chemical class are common, showing a competitive landscape.
Patent Expirations and Maintenance
- The standard patent term in China is 20 years from the filing date.
- Maintenance fees are due periodically, and failure to pay results in patent lapse.
- The patent is likely valid until 2034, assuming regular maintenance.
Patent Publications and Citations
- The patent has been cited by subsequent patent applications, indicating its influence.
- Citations include newer formulations, methods, or derivatives, reflecting a dynamic R&D environment.
Patent Challenges and Litigation
- No public records indicating litigation directly related to CN104684548.
- Patent invalidation claims or appeals are possible, especially if broader claims are challenged.
How does the claim scope compare against international standards?
- Wide claims covering compounds and methods are consistent with Chinese patent practice.
- Compared to USPTO or EPO standards, Chinese claims tend to be broader due to different examination approaches.
- The patent’s scope aligns with international priorities in pharmaceutical patenting, though specific claims may be limited or amended to ensure novelty and inventive step.
Summary table: Key features of CN104684548
| Aspect |
Details |
| Filing Year |
2014 |
| Grant Year |
2015 |
| Patent Term |
Expected until 2034 (20 years from filing) |
| Key Claims |
Composition of specific compounds, manufacturing processes, therapeutic uses |
| Patent Family |
Includes related filings covering derivatives and formulations |
| Priority Document |
Chinese application (likely same as initial filing) |
| Cited By |
Several subsequent patents in the same therapeutic area |
| Legal Status |
Granted, maintained, no public invalidation records |
Key Takeaways
- CN104684548 offers a clearly defined scope centered on a pharmaceutical composition, manufacturing method, and therapeutic use.
- Its claims are typical for Chinese pharmaceutical patents—covering broad chemical and process parameters with narrower dependent claims.
- The patent landscape around this document indicates active development, with subsequent patents citing this core patent.
- Its validity likely extends until 2034, assuming maintenance payment compliance.
- Competitors should review related patents for potential freedom-to-operate concerns, especially regarding derivatives and manufacturing methods.
FAQs
Q1: Can the claims of CN104684548 be easily worked around?
A1: The broad claims may be challenging to circumvent without creating substantially different compositions or methods. Narrower dependent claims offer potential avenues for designing around.
Q2: Are there any limitations in the scope of the patent’s therapeutic claims?
A2: The claims specify particular diseases or conditions; modifications may be possible for different indications not explicitly covered.
Q3: How does Chinese patent law influence the scope of CN104684548?
A3: Chinese law emphasizes novelty and inventive step, allowing broad claims if sufficiently supported. The patent's scope reflects the standards at application time.
Q4: What other patents should be reviewed alongside CN104684548?
A4: Look for filings from related companies in similar therapeutic areas, especially those citing or citing this patent, to assess freedom to operate.
Q5: Will this patent face challenges based on prior art?
A5: There is potential if prior art predates the patent’s filing date and discloses similar compositions or methods, but as granted, the patent was deemed inventive.
References
[1] Chinese Patent CN104684548. 2014. "Pharmaceutical Composition and Method."
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent Scope Database.
[3] United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Patent Public Search.
[4] European Patent Office (EPO). Espacenet.
[5] Chien, C. (2019). Patent landscape analysis in pharmaceutical innovation. Journal of Intellectual Property Law, 26(2), 132-154.
