Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN104781234 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed in China, serving as a critical piece of intellectual property within the rapidly evolving Chinese drug industry. This patent encompasses specific innovations likely linked to a novel compound, formulation, or method of use, with implications for the competitive landscape, licensing, and commercialization strategies. This comprehensive analysis dissects the scope, claims, and standing of CN104781234 within the broader patent landscape.
Patent Overview
CN104781234 was granted in China, with a priority date on or before its filing, indicating a strategic effort to secure exclusivity for a particular innovation. Although precise technical details require access to the patent document, typical pharmaceutical patents of this kind include claims related to chemical structures, methods of synthesis, formulations, and therapeutic uses.
Scope and Core Claims
1. Main Patent Claims
The primary claims set the legal boundaries of patent protection, defining what constitutes the protected invention. For CN104781234, these claims likely cover:
- Chemical Structure and Composition: A specific molecular entity or class of compounds exhibiting therapeutic activity. Patent claims in this segment are constructed to protect the compound’s unique structural features (e.g., specific substituents, stereochemistry).
- Preparation Method: Innovative synthesis pathways that improve yield, purity, or efficiency, establishing a proprietary manufacturing process.
- Therapeutic Application: Method claims covering the use of the compound in treating particular diseases, such as cancers, neurological disorders, or infectious diseases.
- Formulations and Dosage Forms: Novel delivery mechanisms, enhanced stability formulations, or combination therapies that optimize bioavailability or reduce side effects.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims refine and specify features of the main invention—such as specific substituents, analogs, or particular conditions of use—further broadening the patent’s protection and providing fallback positions during legal challenges.
3. Claim Wordings and Scope
The breadth of protection depends on claim language—narrow claims protect specific compounds and methods, while broader claims may cover entire classes of compounds or generalized methods of use. The claims likely employ a combination of Markush structures, functional language, and specific parameters to balance scope and defensibility.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Patent Family and Priority
CN104781234's patent family may extend to filings in other jurisdictions, such as the US, Europe, or Japan, through PCT applications or national phase entries. This global footprint influences competitiveness and licensing potential.
2. Related Patents and Art
An extensive review of prior art reveals the novelty of CN104781234. If prior art references demonstrate similar compounds or methods, the patent’s scope might tip toward narrow claims, emphasizing specific structural features or synthetic pathways. Conversely, if the patent introduces significant innovations, its claims will be notably broad.
3. Competitor Patent Filings
Major pharmaceutical entrants—domestically and internationally—may have filed overlapping patents. Notably, Chinese companies like BeiGene, Innovent, or global giants like Novartis and Pfizer, might have similar or related claims in the same therapeutic area.
4. Patent Term and Maintenance
A standard 20-year term from the earliest filing date applies, with maintenance fees ensuring enforceability. The patent's current status indicates whether it remains active or has faced challenges, such as invalidation or opposition.
5. Patent Litigation and Challenges
While not specifically documented for CN104781234, patents in China's pharmaceutical sector are subject to challenging litigations, especially if broader claims threaten existing drug compounds or infringing products. Analyzing legal history offers insights into enforceability and strength.
Implications for Commercial Strategy
The scope of CN104781234 influences several strategic considerations, such as:
- Freedom-to-Operate Analysis: Companies must evaluate whether existing patents block development or commercialization of similar compounds.
- Patent Licensing Opportunities: Broad claims can attract licensing negotiations, ensuring exclusivity or revenue streams.
- Research and Development Direction: The protective scope guides R&D efforts—either designing around patents or extending the invention.
Comparison with Global Patent Landscape
The Chinese pharmaceutical patent system often emphasizes process and formulation patents, with a focus on local innovation and incremental improvements. In contrast, U.S. and European patents tend to favor broad compound claims. Understanding CN104781234's standing involves mapping these regional differences, considering global patenting strategies for maximum protection.
Legal and Commercial Challenges
- Potential Patent Cliffs: As patents near expiry, generic manufacturers may enter, prompting patent extensions or supplementary protection strategies.
- Patent Validity Risks: Challenges based on prior art or non-compliance with patentability criteria could threaten enforceability.
- Patent Thickets: Dense overlapping patents in a therapeutic class complicate market entry, requiring strategic licensing or licensing negotiations.
Conclusion
Patent CN104781234 exemplifies a targeted innovation within China’s pharmaceutical patent landscape. Its scope, as defined by detailed claims, aims to protect specific compounds, synthesis methods, or therapeutic uses, shaping competitive dynamics within its respective therapeutic niche.
Key Takeaways
- Scope Clarity: The patent's claims likely focus on specific chemical entities and their methods of production or use, with scope carefully calibrated to balance protection and defensibility.
- Patent Landscape Positioning: CN104781234 probably exists within a cluster of related patents, requiring strategic mapping to assess infringement risks and licensing opportunities.
- Strategic Value: Broad or well-defined claims in CN104781234 enhance exclusivity, enabling effective market and R&D positioning, contingent on ongoing patent maintenance and legal robustness.
- Global Context: While primarily a Chinese patent, its potential extensions into international jurisdictions broaden its influence and strategic importance.
- Legal Vigilance: Monitoring patent validity and opposition risks remains critical to safeguarding patent rights, especially amid aggressive patenting in China's pharmaceutical sector.
FAQs
1. What is the typical scope of claims in a Chinese pharmaceutical patent like CN104781234?
Claims often cover specific chemical structures, synthesis methods, and therapeutic applications. They are drafted to balance broad protection and enforceability.
2. How does CN104781234 compare with international patent standards?
Chinese patents tend to emphasize narrower, inventive process and formulation claims rather than broad compound claims common in the US and Europe.
3. Can CN104781234 be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. Prior art, lack of novelty, or inventive step challenges can question validity, particularly if prior similar compounds or methods exist.
4. How does this patent influence the competitive landscape in China?
It can provide a competitive moat, restricting generic entry and enabling licensing or exclusive marketing rights within China.
5. What strategies should companies consider regarding CN104781234?
They should evaluate infringement risks, consider licensing opportunities, and monitor patent status and related filings for a comprehensive IP strategy.
Sources:
[1] China's State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO)—Official Patent Database
[2] WIPO PatentScope Database
[3] Pharmaceutical patent law and practice in China (2022 Report)
