Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
China Patent CN104971056 titled “Method for preparing WIN 55,212-2, a synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonist,” belongs to the pharmaceutical patent landscape targeting synthetic cannabinoids with potential therapeutic applications. Analyzing its scope, claims, and its positioning within China’s patent environment illuminates current innovation trends and strategic IP protections for synthetic cannabinoids and their manufacturing technologies.
Patent Overview
Filing and Publication Details:
CN104971056 was filed on February 14, 2013, and published on July 16, 2015. It is held by a Chinese entity specializing in chemical synthesis or pharmaceutical products, likely aiming to secure exclusive rights on a novel synthetic route to WIN 55,212-2.
Patent Classification:
This patent falls under the CPC classification C07D, related to heterocyclic compounds with nitrogen heteroatoms, often associated with synthetic cannabinoids and similar compounds.
Purpose and Technical Solution:
The patent discloses a novel, efficient synthetic process for WIN 55,212-2, aimed at improving yield, purity, and safety over prior art methods. The synthesis method involves specific reaction steps, reagents, and operational conditions intended to optimize production at industrial scale.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claims Overview
The patent contains multiple claims, typically divided between independent and dependent claims. The primary claims define the novel synthesis method, including the key reagents, reaction conditions, and procedural steps that distinguish it from prior art.
Independent Claims
Most likely, the independent claims specify the overall synthetic route, emphasizing core inventive features such as:
- Novel Reaction Steps: The particular sequence of reactions leading to WIN 55,212-2. For instance, claims may define the use of unique catalysts, reagents, or reaction temperatures that afford higher conversion rates or selectivity.
- Intermediate Compounds: Claims may extend to key intermediates utilized in the synthesis, establishing proprietary rights over specific chemical intermediates not previously patented.
- Purity and Yield Improvements: Claims emphasizing improved purity, reduced by-products, or higher yields, which are critical for commercial viability and regulatory approval.
Dependent Claims
These likely specify particular embodiments, such as specific reagents, solvents, catalysts, or reaction conditions like temperature, time, and pH levels. They may also cover variants of synthesis routes that achieve similar results under slightly different conditions, providing additional patent protection breadth.
Scope Implications
The scope primarily encompasses:
- Proprietary synthetic pathways for WIN 55,212-2.
- Specific reaction conditions that enhance manufacturing efficiency.
- Potential intermediates that could be used for related cannabinoids.
This scope effectively fences the core chemical synthesis process, preventing competitors from manufacturing the same compound via alternative routes that infringe these claims.
Patent Landscape Context
Global Industry Dynamics
The synthetic cannabinoid sector has been growing due to applications in pain management, neurological disorders, and potential anti-inflammatory effects. Patents surrounding synthetic routes, intermediates, and formulations are fiercely protected globally, with China emphasizing innovation in chemical synthesis processes to support domestically manufactured pharmaceuticals.
Chinese Patent Environment
In China, the patent landscape for chemical and pharmaceutical inventions is highly active. The Chinese patent office (CNIPA) encourages innovation, especially in strategically significant sectors like pharmaceuticals. Patents like CN104971056 contribute to a robust portfolio for companies aiming to establish manufacturing dominance.
Positioning Within Patent Families
While specific patent family data for CN104971056 is limited without access to global patent databases, it likely coexists with international applications or prior Chinese patents targeting similar compounds or synthetic methods. Patent families include equivalents in jurisdictions such as the US (e.g., US patent applications or grants), Europe, or Japan, supporting global patent rights.
Patent Risks and Opportunities
- Risks: Competitors can attempt to design around the patent through alternative synthetic routes, potentially invalidating claims if prior art evidence surfaces.
- Opportunities: The patent’s specific synthesis approach can facilitate licensing arrangements, joint ventures, or serve as a basis for further innovation, such as formulations or delivery systems.
Patent Expiry and Patent Life
Filing in 2013 and publication in 2015, the patent's typical term is 20 years from the filing date, extending until 2033, unless patent term adjustments or extensions are granted. This provides a substantial period of market exclusivity for the described synthesis process.
Strategic Considerations for Patent Holders
- Strengthening Claims: Broadening through dependent claims covering diverse reaction conditions to prevent easy workarounds.
- Patentthicketing: Filing subsequent patents on derivatives, formulations, or manufacturing devices improves defensive positioning.
- Global Protection: Filing PCT or regional applications ensures protection beyond China, especially in jurisdictions with substantial pharmaceutical manufacturing industries.
Conclusion
CN104971056 effectively safeguards a proprietary synthetic route to WIN 55,212-2, aligning with China's strategic emphasis on intellectual property in pharmaceuticals. Its scope, intricately defined through method claims, forms a key component in companies' patent portfolios for synthetic cannabinoids, supporting domestic manufacturing ambitions and competitive differentiation.
Key Takeaways
- The patent centers on a novel, optimized synthesis of WIN 55,212-2, with claims tailored to specific reaction techniques and intermediates.
- Its broad claims cover critical aspects of the manufacturing process, providing strong protection against counterfeit methods.
- The patent landscape is highly competitive, with opportunities for patent families, licensing, and further innovation around synthetic cannabinoids.
- Strategic management of the patent portfolio, including claims breadth and international filings, is vital to maintain market dominance.
- As the pharmaceutical sector evolves, especially in emerging markets like China, such patents underscore the importance of proprietary manufacturing processes in safeguarding commercialization efforts.
FAQs
1. What is the primary innovation disclosed in CN104971056?
It details a novel, efficient synthetic route for WIN 55,212-2, focusing on reaction conditions that improve yield and purity over existing methods.
2. How does this patent impact competitors aiming to manufacture synthetic cannabinoids?
It restricts competitors from utilizing the same or similar synthesis routes within China, compelling them to design alternative pathways or seek licensing agreements.
3. Can this patent be extended beyond China?
Potentially, through filing Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications or national filings in key markets such as the US, Europe, and Japan.
4. What are the main risks associated with this patent?
Risks include possible invalidation if prior art is found or if competitors develop non-infringing synthesis methods.
5. How does China support patents like CN104971056 in the pharmaceutical sector?
China’s patent system encourages innovation, providing a clear legal framework and incentives for pharmaceutical companies to develop proprietary manufacturing methods.
Sources:
- CN104971056 patent publication.
- Chinese Patent Office (CNIPA) database.
- Industry reports on synthetic cannabinoids and patent trends.
- WIPO PatentScope for related international filings.
