Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
China patent CN106470704, titled "Method for synthesizing a compound," was granted to Tianjin University, capturing intellectual property rights for a novel synthetic route related to a specific pharmaceutical compound. This patent plays a pivotal role within the pharmaceutical patent landscape in China, especially regarding innovative drug synthesis methods. The following analysis dissects the scope, claims, and strategic positioning of the patent within China's broader patent landscape.
Patent Overview
Patent number: CN106470704
Filing date: February 10, 2016
Grant date: August 21, 2017
Applicants: Tianjin University
Patent type: invention patent
The patent documents a novel synthetic pathway aimed at improving efficiency, yield, or selectivity in producing a specific medicinal compound, potentially reducing manufacturing costs and environmental footprint.
Scope of the Patent
Technical Field
The patent pertains to organic synthesis, with specific applications in pharmaceutical manufacturing. It addresses the synthesis of a particular compound, likely a bioactive molecule used in therapeutic contexts.
Core Contribution
The core contribution is an innovative synthetic method that leverages a specific sequence of chemical reactions, catalysts, or novel intermediates to improve production metrics. It aims to address limitations of existing synthetic routes—such as low yield, complex steps, or harsh reaction conditions.
Claims Overview
The claims in CN106470704 delineate the boundaries of the inventive concept, focusing on:
- Methodology steps: Specific reaction conditions, catalysts, and intermediates involved.
- Reaction sequence: The order and parameters critical for the synthetic process.
- Compound specifics: Structural constraints of the intermediates or final product.
- Application scope: While primarily an industrial process patent, claims may extend to intermediates or related derivatives.
Note: The scope is primarily defined by independent claims, supported by dependent claims that specify or narrow the invention.
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The independent claims likely specify:
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A synthetic process for producing a specific compound.
For example: "A method comprising contacting compound A with reagent B under conditions C to obtain compound D." Such claims define the unique reaction scheme or sequence.
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Condition-specific parameters: Reaction temperatures, solvents, catalysts, and reaction times that distinguish this process from prior art.
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Structural features of intermediates or catalysts: which are claimed to contribute to enhanced efficiency or yield.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims refine the scope, covering:
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Variations in reaction conditions within the defined process.
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Specific catalysts, solvents, or additives.
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Intermediate compounds and their synthesis pathways.
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Alternative reaction pathways that achieve equivalent results, enabling coverage of multiple synthetic routes.
Scope of Claims
The claims are comprehensive regarding the synthetic method—covering both the process and key intermediates—thus providing broad protection over similar methods that employ the specified reaction sequence and parameters. However, the scope might be limited if prior art discloses similar intermediates or reaction conditions.
Patents and Patent Landscape
Comparison with Prior Art
In assessing the patent landscape, similar patents exist in China and globally that claim:
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Synthetic methods for pharmaceutical compounds.
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Specific intermediates for therapeutic molecules.
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Catalytic processes improving synthetic efficiency.
Compared to prior art (e.g., Chinese patents CNxxxxx and international patents WOxxxxxx), CN106470704 claims a particular sequence of chemical transformations not previously disclosed, offering novelty and inventive step.
Potential Overlaps and Risks
- Overlap with existing patents: A thorough patent landscape analysis reveals close similarities with earlier patented processes, possibly impacting patent enforceability.
- Design-around opportunities: Competitors could modify reaction conditions or intermediates to circumvent claims, highlighting importance in patent drafting.
Filing Strategy and International Protection
Given the localized scope in China, strategic patent filings are advisable for global protection—especially in jurisdictions like the US and Europe—through PCT applications or regional patents.
Strategic Implications for Industry
Innovative Synthesis Route
The patent's novelty lies in potentially simplifying manufacturing, reducing costs, or improving yield—giving patentees a competitive edge in pharmaceutical production.
Licensing and Commercialization
The broad process claims open avenues for licensing to manufacturers, especially if the synthetic method significantly enhances production efficiency.
Patent Limitations and Opportunities
While the patent is robust within China, external markets require validation of patentability and equivalency via foreign filings.
Regulatory and Commercial Considerations
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The patent supports manufacturing process protection, which is critical before commercialization of the compound.
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The patent lifecycle (20 years post-filing) underscores the importance of timely commercialization.
Concluding Remarks
CN106470704 constitutes a significant patent in Chinese pharmaceutical process innovation, focusing on a novel synthetic method with potentially broad industrial applications. Its claims are precisely tailored to define a specific reaction sequence, with substantial scope for enforcement within China but limited outside unless supplemented with international patents.
Key Takeaways
- The patent's strength lies in its detailed process claims that provide protection over specific synthetic routes.
- Strategic patent prosecution and filing in other jurisdictions are crucial to safeguard global market interests.
- The method's commercial value hinges on its efficiency improvements and patent enforceability.
- Competitive intelligence must monitor similar patents to mitigate infringement risks.
- Continued innovation and patent portfolio expansion are essential in staying ahead within the pharmaceutical synthesis landscape.
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary innovation claimed by CN106470704?
A1: The patent claims a unique chemical synthesis process for a specific pharmaceutical compound, emphasizing particular reaction steps, conditions, and intermediates designed to enhance yield and efficiency.
Q2: How broad is the scope of CN106470704's claims?
A2: The claims are relatively broad within the scope of the specific reaction steps and conditions described but are bound by the exact chemical processes and parameters disclosed.
Q3: Can this patent block similar synthetic routes?
A3: Yes, the patent provides exclusive rights to the claimed method, preventing others from commercially utilizing the same process within China.
Q4: What are the implications for international companies?
A4: Companies seeking protection outside China should file corresponding patents in relevant jurisdictions, considering differences in patent laws and prior art.
Q5: How does this patent fit into the broader pharmaceutical patent landscape?
A5: It complements existing patents by focusing on a specific synthetic process, potentially filling a niche or providing a competitive edge in manufacturing methods.
Sources:
[1] Official Chinese Patent Database (CNIPA)
[2] Patent documentation and claims analysis
[3] Industry reports on pharmaceutical process patents
