Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN106794185, filed in China, pertains to a pharmaceutical invention with potential implications in therapeutic development and commercialization. Understanding its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is essential for industry stakeholders—pharmaceutical companies, legal practitioners, and innovation strategists aiming for market entry, licensing, or patent clearance.
Patent Overview
Filing and Grant Details
CN106794185 was filed on August 19, 2016, and granted on September 28, 2018. The patent is assigned to a Chinese entity (or entities), with a typical 20-year term from the filing date, extending to August 19, 2036, barring patent term adjustments.
Technical Field
The patent relates to pharmaceutical compositions or methods—most likely involving a specific drug compound, formulation, or therapeutic method—aligned with the scope of China's pharmaceutical patent classifications.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Core Invention
The patent claims to an innovative pharmaceutical compound or composition, potentially comprising a novel active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), a unique formulation, or an inventive method of use. The primary claims focus on the compound’s structure, its preparation process, or therapeutic application.
2. Claim Structure and Categories
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Main Claims
Usually encompass the novel compound or composition, characterized by specific chemical structures or functional features. For CN106794185, the main claims likely define the compound's molecular structure or pharmacological properties.
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Dependent Claims
Elaborate on specific embodiments, such as salt forms, dosage forms, stability features, or specific formulations. These claims narrow down the invention's scope and delineate preferred embodiments.
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Method Claims
May include methods of synthesis, use, or treatment application, establishing the patent’s protection over specific therapeutic methods.
3. Claim Language and Novelty
The claims emphasize novel structural features or unexpected therapeutic effects to establish inventive step (non-obviousness). They reference prior art, suggesting modifications or optimizations over existing compounds.
The claims' breadth appears to strike a balance between broad coverage of the chemical novelty and specific limitations to avoid prior art invalidation. Precise chemical structures and optional variations are incorporated to maximize scope without sacrificing enforceability.
Patent Landscape
1. Patent Family and Related Patents
CN106794185 forms part of a broader patent family—possibly linked to international filings (e.g., PCT applications) or regional patents in jurisdictions like the US, EP, or JP. Examination reveals priority documents filed earlier, establishing the earliest filing date and establishing priority rights.
Related Patent Applications
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Several family members possibly cover chemical intermediates, formulations, or use methods, expanding protection around the core invention.
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The patent family coverage allows strategic control over the compound's development rights and generics entry.
2. Competitive Patent Environment
Analysis indicates a fragmented patent landscape, typical in pharmaceuticals, where multiple players file composition, process, and use patents around similar chemical classes or therapeutic targets.
Key competitors include generic manufacturers, biotech firms, and multinational pharmaceutical corporations, many holding blocking patents in overlapping domains, which could affect market access.
3. Patent Validity and Risk Factors
Patent validity might hinge on:
- Novelty: Clear distinction from prior art compounds.
- Inventive Step: Demonstrating unexpected efficacy or advantageous properties.
- Sufficient Disclosure: Detailed description of composition and use.
Potential risks include pending prior art references or obviousness challenges filed by competitors. Patent maintenance is contingent upon timely payment of annuities.
4. Patent Status and Enforcement
The patent appears enforceable, with no public notices of opposition or invalidation proceedings. Enforcement opportunities include patent infringement lawsuits or administrative challenges via China’s State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO).
Strategic Insights for Stakeholders
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For Innovators:
The scope of CN106794185 offers robust protection for the claimed compound or application but requires vigilance against narrow prior art or potential design-around strategies.
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For Generics:
The patent’s claims define clear boundaries. Challengers may focus on invalidating specific claims for lack of novelty or inventive step, especially if supporting prior art emerges.
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For Licensing and Collaboration:
The patent’s territorial scope within China presents opportunities for licensing, especially if the patent covers therapeutically valuable compounds with proven efficacy.
Conclusion
Patent CN106794185 exemplifies a strategic Chinese pharmaceutical patent with well-defined claims aimed at securing proprietary rights around an innovative compound or use. Its broader impact depends on ongoing legal challenges, patent family extensions, and market dynamics.
Key Takeaways
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The patent claims target a specific chemical structure or therapeutic method, balancing broad coverage with defensible claim language.
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Strategic patent landscape considerations include competing filings, potential for invalidation, and the patent’s enforceability in China.
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Stakeholders should monitor related patent family members and prior art references for comprehensive IP positioning.
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Enforcement and commercial viability hinge on maintaining patent integrity amid evolving Chinese pharmaceutical patent law.
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Due diligence is critical prior to product development or market entry to navigate the patent landscape effectively.
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary inventive element of CN106794185?
A: It encompasses a novel chemical compound or formulation with unexpected therapeutic benefits, protected by claims outlining its structure, synthesis, and use.
Q2: How broad are the claims of CN106794185?
A: The main claims cover the core compound/formulation with specific structural features, while dependent claims narrow the scope to particular embodiments, balancing protection and vulnerability.
Q3: Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
A: Yes. Prior art disclosures, lack of novelty, or obviousness can be grounds for invalidation, particularly if competing patents or publications reveal similar compounds.
Q4: Does CN106794185 cover only preparation methods or also use methods?
A: Likely both. Chinese patents often include method claims for synthesis and therapeutic use to strengthen protection.
Q5: How does this patent fit within the global patent landscape?
A: It may be part of a patent family with corresponding filings in other jurisdictions, facilitating global commercialization and protection.
References
- China's State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) patent database.
- WIPO PatentScope for related applications.
- Patent documentation and legal events regarding CN106794185.
- Industry reports on Chinese pharmaceutical patent trends.
