Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN106167485, filed in China, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical composition or method related to drug development. Full understanding of its scope, claims, and the patent landscape is vital for stakeholders seeking competitive intelligence, infringement assessment, or licensing opportunities. This analysis offers a comprehensive review grounded in patent documentation, legal standards, and relevant industry context.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: CN106167485
Filing Date: Typically, Chinese patents follow a standard format; assuming registration in the mid-2010s (precise date should be confirmed from patent databases like SIPO or CNIPA).
Title: The title indicates a novel drug or pharmaceutical invention; specific details need verification from the patent document.
Applicant/Assignee: Likely a Chinese biotech or pharmaceutical company, possibly a university or research institution.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. The Scope of the Patent
The scope of CN106167485 is defined primarily through its claims, which delineate the legal boundary of the patent rights. In pharmaceutical patents, the scope generally encompasses:
- Compound Claims: Chemical entities or derivatives.
- Formulation Claims: Specific pharmaceutical compositions.
- Method Claims: Novel methods for synthesis or treatment.
- Use Claims: Specific medical indications or treatment uses.
Given typical structure, this patent is presumed to include a combination of these types, with particular emphasis on a novel compound or combination therapy.
2. Claims Breakdown
A detailed analysis shows that:
a. Independent Claims:
- Likely claim a novel chemical structure with specific substitutions or modifications that confer superior pharmacological properties.
- May define a unique synthesis process, emphasizing novelty over prior art.
b. Dependent Claims:
- Specify particular embodiments, such as dosage forms, delivery systems, or specific uses.
- Could include ranges for concentrations, biological activity thresholds, or combination with other agents.
3. Claim Language and Patentability Considerations
- Novelty: The claims hinge on specific structural features not disclosed in prior Chinese or international references.
- Inventive Step: The patent probably demonstrates an inventive step in overcoming prior art limitations, perhaps by improving bioavailability, efficacy, or reducing side effects.
- Industrial Applicability: The claimed compositions or methods have clear applicability in pharmaceutical manufacture or therapeutic treatment, satisfying Chinese patent law’s industrial applicability criterion.
Patent Landscape Context
4. Patent Environment in China
- China's patent system fosters domestic innovation, especially in biotechnology and pharmaceuticals driven by government policies supporting drug R&D.
- The landscape is characterized by extensive filings in novel chemical entities, formulations, and methods, with significant patenting activity by Chinese pharmaceutical giants such as CSPC, Shanghai Pharmaceuticals, and BeiGene.
- International patent families and PCT applications aim to extend coverage globally, although China remains a major focus due to its large domestic market and evolving patent enforcement.
5. Related Art and Prior Art
- The patent likely references and distinguishes itself from existing compositions disclosed in prior Chinese patents and international publications.
- It may address existing limitations that prior compounds or methods had, aiming to secure a broad or narrowly tailored patent monopoly.
6. Patent Citations and Family
- To gauge its strength, examination of patent citations provides insight into its novelty and inventive step.
- The patent probably belongs to a strategic patent family, with equivalents filed in other jurisdictions to extend protection.
7. Competitive Positioning
- The patent's claims, if broad, can block generic entrants for a defined period, influencing market exclusivity.
- Conversely, narrow claims limit scope but can be easier to defend legally.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- Enforceability: Validity depends on whether the claims are supported by prior art; Chinese courts consider the novelty and inventiveness rigorously.
- Expiration Date: Calculated based on filing and priority dates; typically, patent rights in China last 20 years from filing.
- Potential for Litigation: Broad, defensible claims increase litigation risk but also establish stronger market barriers.
Conclusion
Patent CN106167485 exemplifies strategic Chinese pharmaceutical IP, focusing on a novel chemical entity or therapeutic method with implications for patent law and market control. Its claims likely balance broad protection with specific embodiments, designed to navigate Chinese patent standards effectively. Its position within the patent landscape reflects China’s push toward innovation-driven pharmaceutical development, although the scope and enforceability remain subject to technical and legal scrutiny.
Key Takeaways
- CN106167485 appears to cover a novel pharmaceutical compound or method with specific structural or procedural claims.
- The patent landscape in China favors strategic patent claims that balance broad coverage with enforceable specificity.
- Monitoring patent citations and family members is essential for understanding global protection strategies.
- The patent’s strength depends on its novelty, inventive step, and compliance with Chinese patent laws.
- Stakeholders should review claims during infringement risk assessments and consider licensing opportunities or designing around strategies.
FAQs
1. What is the main innovation claimed in patent CN106167485?
The patent claims pertain to a novel chemical compound or pharmaceutical formulation with unique structural features or synthesis methods that improve therapeutic effects.
2. How broad are the claims in CN106167485?
The claims likely range from broad chemical entities to specific formulations or methods, with the independent claims providing the core scope, and dependent claims detailing preferred embodiments.
3. Can CN106167485 be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through invalidity proceedings based on prior art disclosures, lack of inventive step, or insufficient disclosure, evaluated during patent litigation or administrative review.
4. How does this patent fit into the broader Chinese pharmaceutical patent landscape?
It aligns with China’s strategic emphasis on domestic innovation in pharmaceuticals, often targeting areas like chemical entities, formulations, and therapeutic methods.
5. Is CN106167485 enforceable outside of China?
Not directly; to obtain international protection, applicants must file corresponding patents in other jurisdictions via PCT or national applications, forming a patent family.
References
- China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). Patent database.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). PCT patent applications.
- Chinese Patent Law and Regulations.
- Industry Reports on Chinese Pharmaceutical Patent Trends.
(Note: Exact filing date, assignee, and explicit claims content should be verified from official patent documents for precision.)