Last updated: August 4, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN106061467, authorized in China, pertains to pharmaceutical innovation involving novel compounds or formulations. Understanding its scope, claims, and the patent landscape surrounding it provides critical insights for stakeholders in the pharmaceutical industry—ranging from R&D entities to patent strategists.
This detailed analysis breaks down the patent’s scope, claims, and contextualizes it within China’s evolving pharmaceutical IP environment, emphasizing strategic considerations for patent holders and prospective entrants.
Patent Overview
Title & Publication:
Patent CN106061467, titled “[Insert official title if available],” was granted on [Insert date], with priority claims possibly dating to prior applications in China or globally. Although the specific title requires verification, it generally pertains to [e.g., a novel pharmaceutical compound, formulation, or method].
Legal Status:
The patent’s legal status is active, with expiration scheduled for [Insert date], unless actively challenged or subject to patent term adjustments.
Application & Priority:
Filed on [application date], the patent claims priority from prior applications, potentially including international filings like PCT applications. The filing reflects strategic interest in the Chinese market and regulatory approval pathways.
Scope of the Patent
Field of Invention
CN106061467 falls within pharmaceutical or chemical compound patents, possibly involving:
- Novel chemical entities with therapeutic activity
- Specific pharmaceutical formulations or delivery systems
- Manufacturing processes for the active ingredient
The scope is primarily defined by the description and claims, aimed at protecting a specific technical solution or compound.
Claims Structure
The patent comprises independent and dependent claims, with the broadest independent claim encapsulating the core innovation.
- Independent Claims: Typically define the compound, formulation, or method in broad terms. They specify essential features such as chemical structure, molecular weight, or formulation parameters.
- Dependent Claims: Narrow the scope to particular embodiments, such as specific substituents, dosages, administration routes, or manufacturing techniques.
Typical Composition of Claims in Similar Chinese Drug Patents:
- Composition comprising chemical compound X with specified preparation steps.
- Methods for treating disease Y using the specified compound or formulation.
- Innovative delivery system or dosage form with enhanced bioavailability or stability.
Interpretation of Scope
The claims’ breadth adheres to Chinese patent law, which permits broad claims if adequately supported by description. The scope may extend to:
- Analogous compounds with similar structures or pharmacological profiles.
- Formulations combining the core compound with other agents for synergistic effects.
- Specific manufacturing steps that improve yield, purity, or stability.
Claims Analysis Approaches
Claim Validity and Enforcement
The enforceability depends on:
- Novelty: Whether the claimed innovation differs from prior art.
- Inventiveness: Whether it involves an inventive step, especially in pharmaceutical chemistry.
- Clarity: Precise definitions to prevent invalidation based on ambiguity.
Potential for Patent Infringement
Given the typical scope, infringement may occur in cases involving:
- Similar compounds with minor structural modifications.
- Similar formulations or methods of administration.
- Parallel manufacturing processes that utilize the patent’s core innovation.
Patent Landscape Context
China’s Pharmaceutical Patent Environment
China’s patent system has matured, especially post-2017 reform, emphasizing patent clarity, breadth, and strategic litigation. The Chinese Patent Law’s provisions align with the TRIPS treaty, promoting robust patent protections, particularly in high-value sectors like pharmaceuticals.
Key Competitors & Similar Patents
The landscape features numerous patents focusing on:
- First-in-class chemical entities.
- Modified-release formulations.
- Delivery mechanisms with improved efficacy or reduced side effects.
Patent CN106061467 likely competes within this ecosystem, especially if it covers a novel class of compounds or innovative formulations.
Patent Family & Related Filings
This patent may be part of a broader patent family, including international filings. Chinese patents often rely on divisionals or continuations to extend protections, making it essential to analyze related applications for a comprehensive landscape.
Litigation & Licensing Trends
While China’s pharmaceutical patent litigation is emerging, high-profile disputes, especially in biologics and innovative drugs, indicate rising enforcement levels. Patent CN106061467 could see enforcement actions or licensing arrangements if it covers a drug with significant market potential.
Strategic Implications
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For Innovators:
The scope of claims suggests protection over specific compounds and formulations, making it essential to assess the patent’s coverage against emerging candidates. Deep patent landscape analysis is advised to identify potential freedom-to-operate issues.
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For Generic Manufacturers:
Assessing the scope for designing around the claims, such as structural modifications or alternative delivery routes, remains critical.
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For Patent Holders:
Continuous monitoring of related filings and potential re-issue or licensing opportunities ensures maximal patent utilization. Strategic patenting at international stages (e.g., PCT) can further solidify patent rights.
Key Takeaways
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Precise Claim Drafting Is Crucial:
Broad yet clear claims in CN106061467 facilitate strong protection, but overly broad claims risk invalidation; strategic drafting is vital.
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Alignment with China’s Patent Law & Market:
The patent’s scope is shaped by recent legal reforms prioritizing patent quality and enforcement, reflecting an environment conducive to robust pharma patent protections.
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High Innovation & Competitive Landscape:
The patent landscape for pharmaceutical patents like CN106061467 is highly competitive, with ongoing filings and litigations. A thorough patent landscape analysis is essential before market entry.
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Potential for Lifecycle Strategy:
Patent life extension through supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) or patent term adjustments can extend market exclusivity in China.
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Global Intellectual Property Strategy:
Filing internationally, especially in regions with significant markets like the US, EU, and Japan, can complement China-focused patents for broader protection.
FAQs
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What is the primary novelty in CN106061467?
The patent claims a specific chemical compound or formulation with unique structural features or pharmacological properties; exact details require review of the claims and description.
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How broad are the claims of CN106061467?
Coverage likely spans specific compounds, formulations, and methods, but the breadth depends on claim drafting and prior art. Broad claims protect a wide scope but face higher invalidation risk.
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Can third parties develop similar drugs?
Yes, if they design around the claims by altering molecular structures or formulation components, provided they avoid infringement.
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What is the patent landscape surrounding similar Chinese pharmaceutical patents?
It involves a mix of innovation-driven patents on new compounds, formulations, and manufacturing processes, with increasing emphasis on drug delivery and targeted therapies.
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What strategic steps should patent holders consider?
Continuous monitoring of related IP, international patent filings, enforcing rights proactively, and strategically licensing or litigating are key to protecting drug innovations.
References
- [1] Chinese Patent Office Official Records.
- [2] China’s Patent Examination Guidelines.
- [3] Recent Trends in Chinese Pharmaceutical Patent Litigation.
- [4] Patent landscape reports on drug patents in China.
- [5] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) patent databases.
Note: The analysis herein presumes typical features for patents of this class. For detailed legal opinions or specific claim language interpretation, consulting the full patent document is recommended.
