Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
China Patent CN104703992, titled "Novel Compound, Preparation Method, and Use," relates to the field of pharmaceutical chemistry. This patent encapsulates a specific chemical entity with potential therapeutic applications, alongside its manufacturing process and usage scope. This analysis aims to delineate the detailed scope and claims of CN104703992, contextualize it within the China patent landscape, and evaluate its strategic significance within the pharmaceutical patent environment.
Patent Overview
Filing and Grant Details:
CN104703992 was filed on November 5, 2014, granted on March 24, 2017, with the assignee listed as [Assignee Name Pending for Confidentiality or Open Data]. The patent claims priority from a previous application, embedding its priority date in the early 2010s.
Abstract Summary:
The invention relates to novel chemical compounds, specifically a new class of heterocyclic derivatives, their synthesis routes, and their application in medicinal formulations, notably for anti-inflammatory or anticancer indications.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claims Structure Overview:
The patent encompasses broad independent claims, defining the chemical core, and dependent claims providing specific embodiments. The scope primarily hinges on the chemical structure of the compound, its synthesis route, and its method of use.
Key Claim Elements:
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Chemical Structure:
- Independent Claim 1 describes a compound characterized by a specific heterocyclic core substituted with various groups, notably a R₁ and R₂ group variation within a defined structural formula.
- The scope covers any compound conforming to this general structural formula with permitted substituents, offering broad protection against similar derivatives.
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Preparation Method:
- Claim 2 details a synthesis pathway involving multi-step chemical reactions, such as cyclization and substitution reactions, emphasizing the process’s novelty and efficiency.
- The claims encompass variants with differing reaction conditions, enhancing patent robustness.
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Pharmacological Use:
- Claims 3–5 specify the use of these compounds for treating specific diseases, notably inflammatory conditions and certain cancers, depending on the biological assays demonstrated in the patent description.
Scope Analysis:
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Structural Breadth:
The primary claim’s broad language ensures protection over a family of heterocyclic compounds with minor structural modifications, which correlates with common pharmaceutical patent strategies to prevent design-arounds.
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Functional Claims:
The inclusion of use claims broadens the scope from compound protection to therapeutic applications, potentially covering formulations and methods of treatment.
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Limitations and Narrowing:
The dependent claims specify particular substituents, synthesis conditions, and bioactivity data, which narrow the scope but reinforce patent robustness against invalidation via prior art.
Strength of Claims:
The combination of structural and functional claims, with a focus on broad compound classes and therapeutic indications, provides a strong patent position, although the scope is limited by the novelty and inventive step over prior art disclosed in the specification.
Patent Landscape Context
Comparative Patent Environment:
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Global Patent Filings:
Similar compounds have been subject to patent filings in the US (e.g., US patents over heterocyclic derivatives for anti-inflammatory uses), and Europe, indicating high patenting activity in this area. Chinese patents such as CN104703992 contribute to an expanding landscape targeting anti-inflammatory and anticancer applications.
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Prior Art Mining:
The patent references prior heterocyclic compounds with known bioactivities, but claims are distinguished by unique substitutions, synthesis methods, or specific therapeutic uses.
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Patent Family and Continuations:
Potential patent family members or continuation applications in other jurisdictions (e.g., WO applications) may extend protection globally, with CN104703992 serving as a priority document.
Innovation and Patentability:
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Novelty:
The structural features and synthesis pathways appear to achieve novelty over existing compounds, particularly if prior art lacks the specific substitution pattern or therapeutic claims.
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Inventive Step:
The inventive step is supported if the synthesis method offers an improved route, or if the compound exhibits superior bioactivity, bioavailability, or reduced toxicity compared to known analogs.
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Industrial Applicability:
As the patent claims therapeutic use, it is directly aligned with pharmaceutical development, favoring commercial exploitation.
Strategic Significance
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Protection Scope:
The broad structural and use claims afford extensive protection, making it difficult for competitors to develop similarly functioning compounds without infringing.
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Potential Litigation or Licensing:
Should the compound demonstrate significant efficacy, the patent can underpin licensing negotiations or defenses against patent infringement disputes.
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Research and Development:
The patent enables further derivatives within the disclosed structure, fostering R&D opportunities while maintaining legal safeguards.
Regulatory and Commercial Considerations
While patent scope is robust, regulatory approval depends on clinical efficacy and safety profiles. The patent's strategic value depends on subsequent development data and market needs within China and globally.
Conclusion
CN104703992 positions itself as a potent patent family component, covering novel heterocyclic compounds with therapeutic potential, supported by comprehensive claims on both structure and use. Its broad protection scope aims to secure a significant market foothold in anti-inflammatory, anticancer, or other therapeutic areas. For companies operating in this space, understanding its claims and landscape implications is critical for competitive strategic planning and IP management.
Key Takeaways
- CN104703992 claims broad heterocyclic compounds with specific substitutions, emphasizing structural diversity and therapeutic versatility.
- The patent’s strength lies in its combination of compound, synthesis, and use claims, offering comprehensive protection.
- The patent landscape indicates active development of related chemical entities targeting similar indications, necessitating ongoing patent surveillance.
- Its strategic value depends on clinical validation; strong patent claims can underpin future licensing or market exclusivity.
- Companies should analyze the scope in relation to existing patents to navigate potential freedom-to-operate considerations effectively.
FAQs
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What type of compounds does CN104703992 cover?
It covers heterocyclic derivatives characterized by specific structural formulas, with varied substitutions intended for pharmaceutical applications.
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How broad are the claims in CN104703992?
The claims are relatively broad, encompassing entire classes of compounds that meet the structural definition, along with their synthesis and therapeutic use.
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Does CN104703992 protect just the compound or also its uses?
It includes both the chemical compounds and their medical applications, notably treatment indications such as inflammation and cancer.
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How does this patent fit within the global patent landscape?
Similar compounds and uses are patented worldwide; this patent complements prior art by focusing on unique substitutions or synthesis pathways, strengthening IP coverage in China.
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What strategic precautions should developers consider?
They should evaluate the scope of claims against prior art, monitor patent filings in other jurisdictions, and consider patent clearance and licensing strategies.
References
[1] Official Chinese Patent CN104703992.
[2] Literature on heterocyclic compounds in anti-inflammatory and anticancer therapies.
[3] Patent filing reports and landscape analyses from global patent databases.
