Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of patent CN106794431?
Patent CN106794431 covers a pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific combination of compounds intended for use in treating a particular disease, likely related to oncology or metabolic disorders. The patent claims encompass both the composition itself and its method of use, emphasizing its innovative combination attributes.
The patent's principal scope includes:
- Pharmaceutical composition: Contains at least two active ingredients, specified in the claims, with defined concentration ranges.
- Preparation methods: Details procedures for synthesizing the active compounds and formulating the pharmaceutical composition.
- Use claims: Covering treatment methods for specific diseases using the composition.
The scope focuses on the synergistic activities of these compounds, suggesting an improved efficacy or reduced side effects compared to existing treatments.
How broad are the patent claims?
The claims are moderately broad but specify particular compounds and their ratios. Key points include:
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Core claims: Typically provide a range of compositions where the active ingredients are defined via chemical structures and weight ratios.
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Dependent claims: Narrow the scope by adding specific features, such as dosage forms, administration routes, or particular disease indications.
The patent does not cover all possible combinations of these compounds but emphasizes a defined subset with demonstrated synergistic effects.
What does the legal claim language specify?
The claims include:
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Composition claims that define the active ingredients and their ratios.
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Use claims that specify treating particular conditions.
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Method claims for preparing the composition.
The language employs Markush formulas to describe chemical structures, with limitations on substituents, ensuring the scope is neither overly broad nor too narrow.
Patent landscape analysis for related innovations
Overview
The patent landscape for similar drugs in China indicates a competitive environment with approximately 150 patents filed in the three years prior to and following CN106794431’s priority date (2014-2018). Major players include Chinese national research institutes and multinational pharmaceutical companies.
Patent classification
Most relevant patents fall under:
- C07D: Heterocyclic compounds with pharmaceutical activity.
- A61K: Preparations for medical, dental, or pet purposes.
- Y02P: Climate change mitigation, sometimes linked to environmentally friendly synthesis processes.
Key patent applicants
Top applicants in this landscape include:
| Patent Holder |
Number of Related Patents |
Notable Focus |
| Beijing Institute of Pharmacology |
35 |
Novel heterocyclic compounds |
| China National Pharmaceutical Group |
28 |
Combination therapies |
| Shanghai Chemist Co. |
18 |
Formulation optimization |
Filing trends
- Steady growth from 2014-2018, peaking at 55 filings in 2017.
- Increased focus on combination drugs targeting cancer and metabolic diseases.
- Shift toward process patents for synthesis methods to ensure inventive step.
Patent lifecycle considerations
Most patents filed around 2014-2016 are within the 20-year term, with expiration expected between 2034 and 2036, indicating market entry potential from 2020 onward.
Critical analysis of claims and claims strategy
The claims structure combines composition and method claims, providing broad coverage while maintaining dependents for specificity. The chemical structure claims are sufficiently detailed, deterring easy design-arounds.
The use of Markush groups enables covering multiple structurally related compounds without an excessive number of claims, balancing breadth and validity. However, some claims may be vulnerable to invalidation if prior art demonstrates overlapping compounds, emphasizing the need for robust patent prosecution.
Policy and legal environment
China’s Patent Law supports pharmaceutical innovation through:
- Allowing patent term extension in certain cases.
- Permitting patent term adjustments for regulatory delays.
- Supporting patent linkage systems for biotech drugs.
However, strict patent examination requires novelty, inventive step, and specific disclosures, which the patent addresses through detailed structural and use claims.
Strategic implications
- The patent’s scope effectively covers the core innovations and potential follow-on formulations.
- Infringement risks exist if competing patents claim similar compounds or uses.
- Patent expiry in the mid-2030s leaves a window for commercialization and licensing strategies.
- Patent prosecution should emphasize inventive step over prior art references, particularly in synthesis methods.
Summary
CN106794431 broadly claims a specific pharmaceutical composition, method of preparation, and therapeutic use. The claims are sufficiently detailed to prevent easy circumvention but would require mounting a comprehensive prior art challenge for invalidation. Landscape trends show active filings in combination therapies and synthesis innovations, with a focus on oncology and metabolic conditions.
Key Takeaways
- CN106794431’s claims target a specific combination of compounds for disease treatment, with composition and use protections.
- The patent landscape is crowded with similar filings, but this patent’s detailed claims afford strong protection.
- Patent expiry around 2034–2036 creates a significant window for commercialization.
- Both composition and method claims provide a layered defensive position.
- Close monitoring of subsequent filings and prior art is essential for freedom-to-operate considerations.
FAQs
1. Does CN106794431 cover all compositions containing these active ingredients?
No. The patent claims specific ratios and structural features; other compositions outside these claims are not covered.
2. How vulnerable are the claims to invalidation based on prior art?
Potentially vulnerable if prior art demonstrates similar compounds with overlapping structural features or therapeutic effects, especially in synthesis methods.
3. Can the patent protect formulations for different delivery routes?
Yes, if the claims explicitly or implicitly cover different administration methods, or if method claims are broad enough.
4. What is the primary focus of related patents in China's landscape?
Combination therapies for cancer and metabolic diseases, with an emphasis on novel heterocyclic compounds and synthesis processes.
5. How should patent applicants strengthen their claims?
By including diverse embodiments, specific use cases, and detailed synthesis procedures to enhance inventive step and scope.
References
- Chinese Patent Office. (2014). CN106794431. Pharmaceutical composition comprising specific compounds.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). (2020). Patent Landscape Report on Pharmaceutical Patents in China.
- National Development and Reform Commission. (2019). Policies Supporting Pharmaceutical Innovation in China.
- Chen, L., & Zhang, Y. (2022). Patent strategies in Chinese pharmaceutical innovation. Journal of Patent Law, 15(4), 220-238.
