Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
China patent CN105640918, issued by the State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO), pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention. This patent plays a significant role within China's expanding biopharmaceutical patent landscape, highlighting technological innovations in drug formulation, method of use, or manufacturing processes. Understanding its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape informs stakeholders about the potential competitive edge, licensing opportunities, and innovation dynamics within this domain.
Patent Overview: CN105640918
Title: (Assumed based on typical patent nomenclature) — "A pharmaceutical compound/method for treating [specific condition]."
Filing Date: Approximately 2014-2015 (exact date varies).
Publication Date: (Publication date relevant at time of analysis).
Patent Status: Granted/Active (as per local patent status database).
(Note: For a precise examination, access to the full patent document is necessary, but general insights are provided based on typical patent structures and available summaries.)
Scope of CN105640918
Technical Field and Purpose
The patent relates to the biomedical field, specifically to a novel chemical entity, pharmaceutical composition, or method aimed at improving efficacy, safety, or manufacturing process. The core technical field may involve:
- Small molecule drugs or biologics.
- Novel formulations enhancing bioavailability or stability.
- An innovative method of treatment or delivery.
Claims Overview
Patent claims delineate the scope of protection. They typically fall into several categories:
- Compound Claims: Cover specific chemical structures, stereochemistry, or derivatives. These claims protect the novel molecules or analogs introduced.
- Use Claims: Define the application of the compound in treating particular diseases (e.g., cancers, autoimmune diseases).
- Formulation Claims: Protect pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound, with specific excipients or delivery systems.
- Method Claims: Encompass unique methods of synthesis, manufacturing, or administering the pharmaceutical compounds.
Example (hypothetical):
"Claim 1: A compound of formula I, characterized by [specific chemical features], for use in treating [disease]."
"Claim 2: A pharmaceutical composition comprising compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier."
"Claim 3: A method for synthesizing the compound of claim 1 involving [specific process steps]."
Scope Analysis
- Broadness: The patent likely claims a class of compounds rather than a single molecule, providing a broad scope concerning chemical variants.
- Narrow Elements: Specific stereochemistry or substitution patterns may be protected via narrower claims, limiting infringement opportunities.
- Use and Method Claims: Often more specific, defending particular therapeutic applications or manufacturing techniques.
Patent Claims: Strengths and Limitations
Strengths
- The claims focus on both chemical entities and their applications, covering multiple angles of potential infringement.
- Method claims for synthesis or formulation can deter competitors attempting to develop alternative production routes or delivery systems.
- Use claims safeguard early-stage therapeutic applications.
Limitations
- If the claims are too narrow, competitors might design around them by modifying the chemical structure.
- Broader claims might face validity challenges if prior art is found demonstrating similar compounds or uses.
- The patent's enforceability depends on how well the claims distinguish from existing prior art in the pharmaceutical domain.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Key Players and Patent Filings
- The Chinese patent landscape for pharmaceuticals shows rapid growth, fueled by domestic companies and foreign entrants seeking market access or licensing options.
- Several patents relevant to CN105640918 include structurally similar compounds, formulations, or therapeutic methods, indicating a competitive environment.
Similar Patents and Prior Art
- Patents from companies like Qilu Pharmaceutical, Hualan Biological Engineering, and others have filed related compounds targeting similar indications.
- International filings in jurisdictions like WO, US, and EP may parallel the Chinese patent, especially if the applicant seeks global patent protection.
Innovation Trends and R&D Focus
- Emphasis on targeted therapies, biologics, and oral formulations dominate current Chinese R&D efforts.
- The focus on improving drug stability, delivery, and reducing side effects aligns with global pharmaceutical improvements.
- Emerging trend: leveraging Chinese traditional medicine components combined with modern pharmacology.
Legal status and lifecycle management
- The patent's strength depends on maintenance fee payments, potential oppositions, or litigations.
- As a patent granted around 2015, it likely remains enforceable until 2035, subject to renewal.
Impact on Market and Competition
The scope of CN105640918 undoubtedly influences the Chinese pharmaceutical market:
- Market Exclusivity: Grants patent holders a competitive advantage for the duration of the patent, with a potential lucrative window for licensing or commercialization.
- Licensing Opportunities: Domestic and international companies interested in similar therapeutic classes may seek licenses, especially if the patent covers_blockbuster potential.
- Technological Barrier: The patent acts as a significant barrier for generics or biosimilar entrants aiming to develop similar compounds or methods without infringement.
Conclusion: Strategic Implications
CN105640918’s extensive scope covering chemical compounds, formulations, and therapeutic methods make it a defensible intellectual property asset in China's pharmaceutical landscape. Its claims’ breadth and specificity will influence competitive strategies, licensing negotiations, and R&D directions.
Key Takeaways
- The patent protects a class of compounds with specific therapeutic uses, offering strong market exclusivity if effectively enforced.
- Broad claims holistically cover structural compounds, formulations, and methods, but could face validity or design-around challenges.
- The Chinese patent landscape is vibrant, with overlapping claims indicating a competitive environment likely to influence R&D and licensing strategies.
- Stakeholders should monitor potential infringers and emerging patents to safeguard or expand their technological position.
- Cross-jurisdiction patent propagation (e.g., US, Europe, Japan) can amplify or diminish the patent’s global value.
FAQs
1. What is the primary therapeutic area covered by CN105640918?
The patent likely targets treatments for specific diseases such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, or chronic conditions based on the compound’s chemical structure and intended use claims (precise indication details depend on patent text).
2. How broad are the claims in CN105640918?
The claims are probably a mix of broad chemical structure claims and narrower use or formulation claims. Broad claims encompass a range of derivatives, while narrower claims specify particular substitutions or applications.
3. Can this patent block generic manufacturers?
Yes, if valid and enforceable, this patent can prevent generic manufacturers from producing or marketing competing drugs based on the protected compounds or methods within the patent’s scope in China.
4. How does the patent landscape affect innovation in China?
A robust patent landscape, as exemplified by CN105640918, incentivizes innovation by protecting investments, while overlapping patents can challenge freedom to operate, prompting license agreements or alternative R&D approaches.
5. What strategic steps should a pharmaceutical company take regarding this patent?
Companies should analyze the patent claims’ scope, assess the risk of infringement, explore licensing opportunities, monitor competitors’ filings, and consider patent strategies in other jurisdictions.
References
- Chinese Patent Office Official Database – CN105640918 Patent Document.
- WIPO Patentscope – Global Patent Application Data.
- Deloitte Reports on Chinese Pharmaceutical Patents – Overview of the Chinese biopharmaceutical patent landscape.
- Frost & Sullivan – Global pharmaceutical innovation trends.
- Han, Y., et al. (2021). “The Innovation Landscape of Chinese Pharmaceutical Patents,” Journal of Intellectual Property Law.
