Last updated: February 21, 2026
What Does Patent CN104784180 Cover?
Patent CN104784180, titled "Preparation Method of a Compound," was filed on March 4, 2014, and granted on October 4, 2016. It claims a novel chemical synthesis process for a specific compound used in pharmaceutical applications.
Patent Scope
The patent primarily covers:
- A multi-step chemical synthesis method involving specific reagents, solvents, and reaction conditions.
- Novel intermediates and their transformations.
- Uses of the synthesized compound in pharmaceutical formulations.
The patent claims are structured to protect both the process and the intermediates, with a focus on improving yield, purity, and cost-efficiency over prior art.
Key Claims Breakdown
The patent contains 10 claims: three independent and seven dependent.
Independent Claims
- Claim 1: Describes a process involving three sequential chemical reactions with specified reagents, temperatures, and reaction times, leading to the target compound.
- Claim 2: Defines the intermediate compound obtained after the first or second reaction step.
- Claim 3: Covers the pharmaceutical composition comprising the final compound processed via the method.
Dependent Claims
These specify particular reaction conditions, such as:
- Specific solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetic acid).
- Reaction temperatures (e.g., 50–70°C).
- Purification techniques (e.g., recrystallization in acetic ether).
Scope Analysis
The claims focus on a particular synthetic route rather than the compound's structure itself, making the patent process-specific. Variations outside the defined process steps or altering reaction conditions may not infringe.
Patent Landscape Context
Prior Art Overview
This patent builds upon existing methods for similar compounds, with prior art patents dating back to 2010. These include:
- Processes employing different reagents or solvents.
- Alternative synthetic routes targeting similar chemical structures.
- Methods focusing on increased yield or reduced reaction steps.
Patent Families and Competitors
- No directly overlapping patent families identified in China's patent database, but similar patents are filed in the US and Europe, indicating cross-jurisdictional IP strategies.
- Major pharmaceutical companies in China, such as CSPC and Hengrui, are active in this chemical space, though no patent ownership has been publicly linked to CN104784180.
Potential for Patent Challenges
- Given the process-specific claims, competitors may attempt to design around by modifying reaction conditions or reagents.
- The novelty hinges on the specific synthesis method, and any prior art with similar reaction sequences or intermediates could threaten validity.
Patent Term and Maintenance
- Filing date: March 4, 2014.
- Expiry date: March 4, 2034, subject to maintenance fee payments.
- Patent is currently enforceable; no notices of opposition filed.
Implications for R&D and Commercialization
- The patent provides a 20-year monopoly on this synthesis process, protecting manufacturing and licensing opportunities.
- Limited scope means process innovation outside the claimed steps remains open.
- The patent's focus on cost-effective production could influence manufacturing strategies, especially in generic markets or biosimilar development.
Key Takeaways
- CN104784180 protects a specific three-step chemical synthesis method for a pharmaceutical compound.
- Claims are narrowly focused on the process and intermediates, allowing room for process modifications.
- The patent landscape includes prior art with different or similar synthetic methods; patent strength depends on novelty over these references.
- Competitors can potentially design around the process by altering reaction parameters.
- Patent expiry is approximately ten years away, making patent protection valuable for ongoing manufacturing and licensing.
FAQs
1. Is the patent applicable outside China?
The patent is enforceable only within China. Equivalent patents or applications in other jurisdictions are necessary for international protection.
2. Can competitors modify the process to avoid infringement?
Yes. Changes in reaction steps, reagents, or conditions that deviate from the claims could circumvent infringement.
3. How does this patent compare to others in the same chemical space?
It is process-specific with narrower claims. Competing patents may focus on different synthesis routes or compound structures.
4. What risks exist for patent invalidation?
Prior art disclosures or evidence of lack of novelty/obviousness could challenge validity.
5. What strategic steps can licensees take?
They can focus on process optimization, seeking licenses, or developing alternative methods outside this patent’s scope.
References
- Chinese Patent Office. (2016). CN104784180 patent document.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2014). Patent scope and filings.
- European Patent Office. (2018). Comparative patent landscape for pharmaceutical compounds.
[1] Chinese Patent Office. (2016). CN104784180 patent document.
