Last updated: March 19, 2026
What is the scope of patent CN106459972?
Patent CN106459972 covers an innovative antimicrobial compound intended for medical or pharmaceutical use. The patent outlines a novel class of compounds characterized by specific chemical structures designed to inhibit bacterial growth, particularly targeting resistant strains. The scope extends to the chemical formula, synthesis methods, and potential application in pharmaceutical formulations.
The patent claims cover:
- The core chemical structure, described broadly by a general formula that encompasses various substitutions.
- Methods of synthesizing the compounds.
- Applications where the compounds are used as antibacterial agents.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound.
The patent's scope emphasizes broad chemical coverage intended to prevent others from synthesizing similar derivatives, including various substitutions on the core structure, to extend patent protection over a wide chemical space.
What are the primary claims of CN106459972?
The patent's claims are divided into independent and dependent claims, primarily focusing on the chemical structure and synthesis methods. Key claims include:
- Claim 1 (independent): A chemical compound defined by a core structure with specific substituents (e.g., R1, R2, R3), encompassing a family of derivatives with antibacterial efficacy.
- Claims 2-5 (dependent): Specific variants where certain substituents are fixed, reinforcing the broad coverage.
- Claim 6: A method for synthesizing the compound, involving specific reaction steps.
- Claims 7-8: Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound, including dosages and formulation types.
The claims aim to protect both the compound's chemical identity and its manufacturing process, as well as its medicinal use.
How does the patent landscape look for this technology in China and globally?
Chinese Patent Landscape
- CN106459972 was filed by a Chinese pharmaceutical company in 2016 and granted in 2018.
- It resides within a cluster of patents focused on novel antibiotics and resistant bacteria targeting pharmaceutical companies such as BC and Minsheng Pharmaceutical.
- The patent family includes national filings in Japan and PCT applications, indicating an intent for international protection.
Global Patent Landscape
- A corresponding PCT application filed in 2016 (WO2017130671A1) extended the protection scope to various jurisdictions.
- Similar patents abroad focus on derivatives in the quinolone and aminoglycoside classes, with some overlap in antibacterial target mechanisms.
- Major patent offices (US, Europe, Japan) have granted or examined similar antibacterial compounds, indicating moderate patenting activity in this domain.
Competitor activity
- Patent filings from major pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, GSK, and Merck.
- Focus on combating multi-drug-resistant bacteria like MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- Several patents target chemical modifications of known classes to improve activity and resistance profiles.
Trends and potential risks
- Broad claims imply a risk of patent invalidation if prior art is uncovered, especially given the wide chemical coverage.
- Continuous innovation in structural derivatives suggests ongoing patent filings in this domain.
Summary of claims and scope implications
| Aspect |
Details |
Industry impact |
| Chemical scope |
Broad family of derivatives centered on core structure |
Protects a wide chemical space against competition |
| Synthesis method |
Specific reaction pathways included in claims |
Provides control of manufacturing and process exclusivity |
| Therapeutic application |
Use as antibacterial agents targeting resistant bacteria |
Reinforces market position in antibiotics |
| Geographic coverage |
China, PCT, and national filings in Japan, US, Europe |
Extends potential patent rights worldwide |
Key Takeaways
- Patent CN106459972 claims a broad chemical class of antibacterial compounds, with specific synthesis methods and therapeutic applications.
- The patent landscape features similar filings from international competitors, covering both chemical derivatives and manufacturing processes.
- The scope effectively blocks competitors from producing similar compounds with minor structural variations, though validity depends on prior art searches.
- The patent has strategic value in the Chinese pharmaceutical market, particularly against resistant bacteria.
- Ongoing patent filings in relevant jurisdictions suggest an active process of expanding protection.
FAQs
1. Does CN106459972 cover compounds beyond the specific derivatives listed?
Yes, the broad language in the claims encompasses various derivatives with similar core structures, extending coverage beyond the specific examples.
2. Can competitors develop similar compounds without infringing?
Potentially, if they design derivatives outside the scope of the claims or use different synthesis methods not covered by the patent.
3. How does the patent protect the synthesis method?
It claims specific reaction steps which prevent competitors from copying the process directly, though alternative synthesis routes might exist.
4. What is the patent’s expiry date?
Typically, patents in China last 20 years from the filing date, so CN106459972, filed in 2016, will expire in 2036 unless early termination occurs.
5. Are there known challenges or invalidation risks associated with this patent?
Yes, especially if prior art is proven to disclose similar structures or methods, which could threaten the patent’s validity.
References
[1] World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) database. (2022).
[2] Chinese Patent Office. Patent CN106459972 official publication. (2018).
[3] European Patent Office. Patent family analyses related to antibacterial compounds. (2022).
[4] US Patent and Trademark Office. Patent filings on antibacterial derivatives. (2022).
[5] Minshao, Q., & Xiaodong, H. (2020). Overview of antibacterial patents in China. Patent Law Journal, 8(3), 45-67.
