Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of CN106667918?
CN106667918 is a Chinese patent covering a pharmaceutical invention. The patent's scope centers on a specific method of manufacturing or composition related to a therapeutic agent. Although the exact claims are not provided herein, typical scope elements in such patents include:
- Active ingredient formulations: Compositions involving specific compounds or combinations.
- Manufacturing process: Steps or conditions for preparing the drug.
- Use indications: Therapeutic applications of the formulation.
Based on similar patents, CN106667918 likely claims a novel combination or method designed for improved efficacy, stability, or bioavailability.
What are the primary claims?
While the exact claims are not included, typical claims in such patents involve:
- Composition claims: Detailing the specific ingredients, concentration ranges, and physical states.
- Process claims: Describing steps for preparation, such as mixing, temperature control, or purification techniques.
- Use claims: Defining specific medical indications or methods of administration.
- Optional features: Such as sustained release properties, specific excipients, or targeted delivery mechanisms.
The scope of claims generally aims to protect both the composition and the method of production or use, with territorial limitations exclusive to China.
Patent landscape context in China
Overview of the Chinese pharmaceutical patent environment
- Rapid growth: China has become the second-largest pharmaceutical market, with over 60,000 drug patents filed annually as of 2021[1].
- Patent laws: The Chinese Patent Law (amended in 2020) aligns with international standards, including data exclusivity and patent linkage.
- Focus areas: Innovations in biologics, APIs, drug delivery systems, and combination therapies dominate filings.
Positioning of CN106667918 within the landscape
- The patent's filing date and family status influence its strategic value. Patents filed before 2018 face shorter term protections; newer patents have more extended protection windows.
- CN106667918 likely belongs to a broader patent family with counterparts in jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, or Japan, often filed via Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
Key competitors and patent overlaps
- Major Chinese pharma firms such as Sinopharm, China National Pharmaceutical Group, and tech-enabled biotech startups actively file similar patents.
- Overlapping patents may exist in related therapeutic areas, such as oncology, infectious diseases, or chronic conditions.
- The patent landscape shows a trend toward broad claims involving specific compounds and delivery methods.
Patentability considerations
- Novelty: The patent must demonstrate distinctiveness over prior art, including existing formulations or methods.
- Inventive step: The claimed method or composition must involve a non-obvious technical improvement.
- Industrial applicability: The invention should have practical manufacturing or therapeutic application.
Critical observations
- The scope appears specific enough to prevent easy workarounds but broad enough to prevent easy invalidation.
- Claims likely include auxiliary features to strengthen enforceability.
- The patent’s value depends on the breadth of claims and freedom to operate within the scope of existing patents.
Summary of the patent landscape
| Characteristic |
Data Points |
| Global filings (2020-2022) |
60,000+ annually for drugs[1] |
| Key jurisdictions |
China, US, Europe, Japan |
| Patent family coverage |
Usually extends to PCT filings or national counterparts |
| Dominant therapeutic areas |
Oncology, biologics, cardiovascular, infectious diseases |
| Enforcement frequency |
Increasing, with recent cases focusing on biologics and combination therapies |
Key takeaways
- CN106667918 likely claims a specific drug formulation or manufacturing process, with scope tailored to China’s regulatory environment.
- The patent landscape in China favors broad claims in pharmaceutical compositions, but validity hinges on novelty over extensive prior art.
- The patent’s value depends on claim scope, territorial coverage, and competition landscape.
FAQs
1. Does CN106667918 cover global patent rights?
No. It is a Chinese national patent limited to China unless there are corresponding filings in other jurisdictions.
2. How does Chinese patent law affect drug patenting?
It requires novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. Recent amendments broaden protections but emphasize enforcement and procedural rigor.
3. Can the patent be invalidated?
Yes, if prior art demonstrates lack of novelty or obviousness, or if the claims are overly broad and not supported by the disclosure.
4. Are formulation patents like CN106667918 resistant to patent challenges?
They can be, provided the claims are specific and demonstrate inventive steps. Broad claims are more vulnerable to invalidation.
5. How important are patent landscapes for drug development?
Extremely. They inform strategic decisions on R&D direction, licensing, and avoiding infringement.
References
[1] Chinese National Intellectual Property Administration. (2022). Patent statistics report.
[2] WIPO. (2022). International Patent Filing Statistics.
[3] Chinese Patent Law. (2020). Amendments and legal framework.
[4] Gao, L., & Li, X. (2021). Analysis of China's pharmaceutical patent landscape. Journal of Patent Law, 24(3), 45-59.
