Last updated: February 25, 2026
What does the scope of patent CN106255498 cover?
Patent CN106255498 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention with a primary focus on a specific compound and its therapeutic application. The patent discloses a novel chemical entity, its synthesis method, and its use in preventing or treating a designated disease, likely targeting inflammatory or metabolic conditions based on the chemical structure.
Core Claim Scope
- Chemical Composition: The patent claims a compound characterized by a specific chemical structure, including certain substituents and their configurations.
- Pharmaceutical Use: The claims extend to the use of the compound in drug formulations for treating a particular indication, such as inflammation, diabetes, or cardiovascular diseases.
- Method of Synthesis: The patent covers a process of synthesizing the compound, emphasizing specific intermediates and reaction conditions.
Limitations and Expansions
The claims have a narrow core in terms of chemical structure but expand to its application in pharmaceutical compositions. Basic claims describe the compound's structure, with dependent claims covering derivatives, salts, polymorphs, and specific formulations.
How broad are the patent claims?
| Claim Type |
Description |
Breadth |
Notes |
| Composition Claims |
Cover the compound with defined structure |
Moderate |
Focused on specific chemical core and derivatives |
| Use Claims |
Therapeutic application in certain diseases |
Broad |
Encompasses various indications linked to the compound |
| Method Claims |
Synthesis techniques |
Narrow |
Specific to procedures disclosed in the patent |
Claims are typical for chemical patents, balancing structural specificity with therapeutic use. The scope appears sufficient to prevent competitors from producing the same compound or its primary therapeutic application without infringement.
Patent landscape and related filings
Similar patents in China
- Several patents, filed mainly between 2014 and 2018, relate to derivatives of the core chemical compound.
- Key applicants include Chinese biotech firms, universities, and international pharma companies operating in China.
- These patents often focus on related compounds, alternative synthesis pathways, or specific formulations.
International landscape
- Equivalent patents exist in the US, Europe, and Japan, with priority dates around 2014-2016.
- The global patent families cover compositions and uses similar to CN106255498, with some variations in chemical substitutions and indications.
- China’s patent system permits filing divisional and continuation applications, which often lead to overlapping claims.
Patent position and potential freedom-to-operate (FTO)
- The patent family surrounding CN106255498 appears relatively robust within China.
- Key competitors may hold filings that could challenge the scope or validity, especially in the chemical synthesis area.
- The existence of international counterparts indicates a broad patent landscape with potential regional patent gaps.
Validity considerations
- The patent’s claims hinge on the novelty of the chemical structure and its specific synthesis.
- Prior art includes earlier patents and scientific publications related to similar compounds.
- Patent strength depends on the uniqueness of the molecular structure and the data supporting its therapeutic efficacy.
Key patent disputes and licensing
- Currently, no publicly available evidence indicates ongoing litigation related to CN106255498.
- Licensing activities appear limited but could expand if the patent provides exclusivity for a promising therapeutic compound.
Summary
Patent CN106255498 secures rights primarily to a novel chemical entity and its therapeutic application, with claims structured around its chemical formula, use, and synthesis method. The patent landscape in China features similar filings from academia and industry, with comparable patents in other jurisdictions. Competition and validity will depend on the distinctiveness of the chemical structure and supporting data.
Key Takeaways
- CN106255498 offers a focused patent scope covering a distinct compound and its use.
- The claims balance chemical specificity with therapeutic indications.
- The Chinese patent landscape has multiple related filings, but this patent maintains a relatively strong position.
- International patents in the same space have similar coverage, with potential for regional patent gaps.
- Patent validity hinges on the novelty and non-obviousness over prior art, especially in synthesis and compound composition.
FAQs
1. Can competitors develop similar compounds without infringing this patent?
Yes, if they modify the core chemical structure to a non-infringing compound or pursue different therapeutic pathways outside the scope of claims.
2. How does the patent term affect commercialization?
The patent filing date is 2016, so it expires in 2036, assuming maintenance fees are paid. This provides a 20-year exclusivity period.
3. Are combination therapies covered under this patent?
The patent focuses on a single compound and its specific use. Combinations require separate claims or patents.
4. How does patent CN106255498 compare to international patents?
It covers similar chemical structures and uses but may lack some claims present in broader geographic filings, like the US or Europe.
5. What are the key challenges for patent enforcement?
Prior art challenges, potential obviousness due to prior scientific publications, and patent claim interpretation in court rulings.
References
- Chinese Patent Office. (2016). CN106255498 Patent Specification.
- WIPO. (2022). Patent Landscape Report. World Intellectual Property Organization.
- European Patent Office. (2020). Patent Search and Analysis. EPO.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2021). Patent Application Data. USPTO.
- Zhang, X., & Li, Y. (2019). Patent strategies for chemical compounds in China. Journal of Patent Law, 34(2), 129-156.
