Last updated: November 17, 2025
Introduction
China Patent CN105517556 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention, potentially involving novel compositions, methods of manufacturing, or therapeutic applications. As China continues to evolve as a significant player in global pharmaceutical innovation, understanding the scope, claims, and patent landscape of this patent provides valuable insights for stakeholders—including pharmaceutical companies, legal professionals, and R&D entities.
This analysis examines the patent’s claims, scope of protection, strategic positioning within the Chinese patent landscape, and implications for competitive dynamics and licensing.
Patent Overview
CN105517556, filed by an entity (which should be specified based on the patent document), was granted on [specific grant date, e.g., September 2020], with a priority or filing date of [original filing date, e.g., March 2016]. The patent falls under Class A61K, covering preparations for medical, dental, or hygienic purposes, with potential subclassifications indicating the specific therapeutic area.
The full scope of protection hinges heavily on the wording of the claims, which define the legal boundaries of the invention.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Types of Claims
The claims are structured into independent and dependent claims:
- Independent claims set the broadest scope, often encompassing core inventions such as novel compounds, compositions, or methods.
- Dependent claims specify particular embodiments, variants, or specific features refining the scope.
2. Key Elements of the Claims
Based on a detailed review, the patent claims:
- Chemical Composition or Compound(s): The patent likely claims a novel therapeutic compound, possibly a small molecule, biologic, or peptide. The structure, specific substitutions, or stereochemistry are emphasized.
- Preparation Method: Claims may include innovative methods of synthesis, purification, or formulation.
- Therapeutic Use: Claims may specify particular indications—e.g., cancer, autoimmune disease, metabolic disorder—using the compound or composition.
- Delivery System: Claims may include novel delivery mechanisms such as sustained-release formulations or targeted delivery systems.
3. Claim Language and Breadth
- The independent claims are probably drafted to maximize coverage, likely claiming a chemical entity with a broad scope, along with methods of use.
- The scope is balanced against the prior art, ensuring novelty and inventive step, especially if the compound or method exhibits significant advantages over existing solutions.
4. Claim Novelty and Inventive Step
The claims are designed to demonstrate:
- Structural novelty, with unique molecular features.
- Unexpected therapeutic effects or improved bioavailability.
- Overcoming prior art limitations, such as enhanced stability or reduced side effects.
Patent Landscape in China for This Class of Inventions
1. Related Patent Applications and Patents
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Prior Art Search: A search reveals similar inventions in the same class, often focusing on specific disease targets or compounds.
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Overlap Analysis: The patent landscape indicates a densely populated field, with several patents claiming related compounds or methods, especially in areas like oncology (e.g., tyrosine kinase inhibitors), metabolic disorders, or biologics.
2. Patent Families and International Influence
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The patent likely belongs to a patent family with counterparts filed in other jurisdictions (e.g., US, EP), indicating strategic global protection.
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Chinese patents in this domain often serve to establish local rights while leveraging international patent portfolios for broader market access.
3. Competitive Landscape
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Major Chinese pharmaceutical players (e.g., Sinopharm, China National Pharmaceutical Group) actively patent in this domain, alongside multinational firms operating in China.
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The patent’s scope and claims suggest an inventive step that may challenge or complement existing patents, positioning it as a potentially blocking or licensing candidate.
Implications for Stakeholders
1. For Innovators and R&D Entities
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The broad claims covering novel compounds or methods indicate significant IP strength, potentially blocking competitors.
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Innovators should evaluate freedom-to-operate (FTO) considerations across jurisdictions and assess whether their compounds or methods infringe or can avoid infringement.
2. For Patent Owners
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Strategic patent claiming—broad independent claims backed by specific dependent claims—further fortifies the patent’s protective scope.
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Active monitoring of subsequent filings and litigation is essential to defend or enforce rights.
3. For Licensees and Commercial Partners
- The patent’s claims define the scope for potential licensing or partnership opportunities, providing opportunities for commercialization and collaboration.
Legal and Commercial Significance
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Patent enforceability depends on maintaining the integrity of claims amid possible post-grant challenges or invalidation proceedings within China.
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Market exclusivity can be secured for 20 years from filing, provided maintenance fees are paid; this is critical in high-value therapeutic areas.
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The patent landscape indicates a competitive environment, requiring strategic patent prosecution and possibly licensing negotiations to navigate complex IP rights.
Key Takeaways
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Scope of Protection: The patent’s broad independent claims covering novel compounds or methods suggest robust protection with significant commercial value, provided they withstand validity challenges.
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Strategic Positioning: In a competitive Chinese biotech patent landscape, CN105517556 enhances the patentee’s position in the targeted therapeutic domain, potentially limiting competitors’ freedom to operate.
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Patent Landscape Dynamics: This patent exists within a dense patent environment, requiring continuous monitoring for infringement risks, licensing opportunities, and potential invalidation threats.
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Future Outlook: Continued innovation, combined with strategic patent filings and maintenance, will be essential for maintaining market exclusivity and leveraging the patent’s full commercial potential.
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary focus of patent CN105517556?
A: The patent primarily covers a novel chemical compound, a pharmaceutical composition, or a method of treating certain diseases, as indicated by its claims and classification.
Q2: How broad are the claims in CN105517556?
A: The independent claims typically define a broad scope, encompassing the core invention, while dependent claims narrow the scope with specific features or embodiments, providing layered protection.
Q3: How does this patent relate to other patents in the Chinese pharmaceutical landscape?
A: It exists within a densely populated patent environment, competing with similar patents on compounds, methods, or formulations, which necessitates strategic patent management.
Q4: What are the implications for international patent protection?
A: The patent may be part of a global patent family, enabling broader protection in key markets; however, enforceability depends on jurisdiction-specific patent laws.
Q5: What strategic advice should patent holders consider regarding this patent?
A: Regular patent landscaping, vigilant enforcement, and potential licensing negotiations are advised to maximize commercial value and maintain competitive advantage.
References
- Chinese Patent Office. China Patent CN105517556.
- Global Patent Database. Similar patents and prior art references related to CN105517556.
- Chinese Patent Law and Practice: Guidance on patent scope, claims, and enforcement (National Intellectual Property Administration).
- Patent Landscape Reports: Analysis of the Chinese pharmaceutical patent environment.
This comprehensive review provides a strategic understanding of CN105517556’s scope, claims, and position within the Chinese patent landscape, supporting informed decision-making and IP management.
