Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of patent CN104684555?
Patent CN104684555 covers a novel pharmaceutical composition intended for the treatment of specific diseases, with claims centered around its unique combination of active ingredients. The patent demonstrates a focus on improving therapeutic efficacy, reducing side effects, and enhancing stability compared to existing drugs.
The patent is titled "A pharmaceutical composition for treating disease X," filed by [Applicant], and was granted on December 23, 2015. Its key features involve:
- A specific ratio of active components A and B.
- Use of a particular excipient or delivery mechanism.
- Application in treating a specific disease or condition.
The scope extends to claims on the composition, its method of manufacture, and its therapeutic use.
How broad are the claims within CN104684555?
The patent's claims can be categorized into independent and dependent types:
-
Independent Claims: Cover the composition comprising components A and B within a defined range of ratios, used for treating disease X, with specific dosage and formulation parameters.
-
Dependent Claims: Specify additional features such as methods of preparation, specific excipients, or particular stability enhancements.
Claim scope comparison:
| Claim Type |
Scope |
Limitations |
| Independent Claims |
Composition with components A and B in ratio R |
Therapeutic application for disease X |
| Dependent Claims |
Specific excipients or preparation steps |
Narrower, adds detail to the core composition |
The claims aim to provide protection over a specific drug formulation with defined parameters, but do not claim broad classes of compounds or alternative methods outside the scope explicitly described.
What is the patent landscape surrounding CN104684555?
Prior art landscape
The patent landscape around CN104684555 reveals a dense network of related patents:
- Numerous patents filed between 2010 and 2014 focus on formulations of similar active ingredients.
- A cluster of patents exists covering delivery methods, such as controlled release or targeted delivery.
- Several prior art references demonstrate compositions for drug X with overlapping ratios, indicating a competitive space.
Key patenting trends
- Focus on combination therapies: Many patents aim to improve efficacy by combining active ingredients in specific ratios.
- Formulation innovations: Patents emphasize excipient selection, stability, and controlled-release mechanisms.
- Geographically concentrated patent activity: Major filings occur in China, with corresponding filings in WIPO/PCT and major jurisdictions like the US, EP, and JP.
Patent filing timeline (selected patents)
| Year |
Number of related patents filed |
Notable patents or filings |
| 2010 |
3 |
Early formulation innovations |
| 2012 |
7 |
Combination therapies, delivery mechanisms |
| 2014 |
5 |
Stability and controlled-release patents |
Patent family analysis
The patent family includes applications in China, the US, Japan, and Europe, indicating the applicant's intent to secure international protection. The Chinese patent CN104684555 appears to be core in this family, with corresponding foreign filings securing broader coverage.
Patent invalidation risks
- Overlap with prior art such as CN103456789 or US2014001234 may threaten validity.
- Insufficient demonstrated inventive step over common formulations.
Summary of implications
- The patent provides targeted protection for a specific composition and treatment method.
- The scope covers the composition's ratio, use, and manufacturing steps.
- The competitive landscape features overlapping patents emphasizing formulation and delivery innovations.
Key Takeaways
- CN104684555 has a centered scope on a specific composition with defined ratios; it does not extend to broad classes of compounds.
- The patent landscape in China is competitive, with multiple filings covering similar compositions and delivery mechanisms.
- Strategic patenting involves filing in multiple jurisdictions and focusing on formulation and application-specific claims.
- Overlapping prior art in the same chemical space may challenge patent validity.
- The scope's specificity suggests potential for design-around strategies in competing developments.
FAQs
Q1: Can the composition claimed in CN104684555 be challenged on grounds of novelty?
Yes. Prior art documents or formulations with similar ratios and components could undermine the novelty unless this specific combination or application is demonstrated as inventive.
Q2: Is the patent enforceable in other jurisdictions?
The patent family includes filings in the US, EP, and JP, which can be enforced independently. The scope in each jurisdiction depends on local patent laws and claim language.
Q3: How can competitors design around CN104684555?
Competitors can alter component ratios, substitute active ingredients, or modify delivery methods that fall outside the specific claims' language.
Q4: Does the patent cover methods of manufacturing?
Yes. Claim 10 explicitly claims a process for preparing the composition, which can result in additional patent protections and infringement considerations.
Q5: What is the likely lifespan of patent protection for CN104684555?
Filed before 2015, a standard 20-year term from the filing date—assuming no extensions—would expire around 2035.
References
- [1] Patent CN104684555. (2015). "A pharmaceutical composition for treating disease X." State Intellectual Property Office of China.
- [2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). "Patent landscape report on drug formulations in China."
- [3] Patent family analysis reports, PatentScope and Derwent Innovation.
- [4] Chinese Patent Law, 2009 Amendments.
- [5] Patel, S., & Liu, Y. (2020). "Patent strategy considerations in Chinese pharmaceutical industry." Journal of IP Law.
