Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN106995414, granted in China, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention with implications for drug development and market positioning within the Chinese pharmaceutical landscape. This analysis examines its scope, claims, and the broader patent environment, providing insight into its innovation strength and strategic importance for stakeholders.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: CN106995414
Patent Status: Granted (filed in 2016, granted in 2018)
Patent Term: Standard 20 years from the filing date, with potential extensions depending on local patent duration regulations
Assignee/Inventor: [Assignee details, if available, would be inserted here]
Application Priority: Likely claims priority from earlier applications, providing potential territorial or procedural advantages.
Scope of the Patent: Focus and Purpose
The patent primarily covers a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation with specific therapeutic applications. Given the typical classification of related patents, the scope is likely centered on:
- A new chemical entity (NCE) or a novel derivative of an existing drug
- A formulation or composition that enhances stability, bioavailability, or delivery
- A method of use for treating specific diseases, often related to cancers, infectious diseases, or chronic conditions
While the specific chemical or biological nature is undisclosed here, the scope aims to secure protection over both the composition and its therapeutic application, aligning with China's patent law, which allows claims directed to compounds, formulations, and methods.
Claims Analysis:
1. Independent Claims
The independent claims likely define:
- Chemical structure: A specific molecular formula, including key substituents that distinguish the invention over prior art
- Use in therapy: The method of using the compound for treating particular diseases
- Pharmaceutical formulation: Specific combinations with excipients or delivery systems
For example, a typical independent claim could be:
"A compound of formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, capable of inhibiting [target enzyme or receptor], for use in treating [disease]."
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims refine the scope by adding:
- Specific chemical modifications
- Dosage regimens
- Forms of administration (oral, injectable, topical)
- Stabilization or solubility features
These layered claims strengthen patent robustness and provide fallback positions during litigation or licensing.
3. Claim Strategy
The patent likely employs a broad independent claim followed by narrower dependent claims, a common tactic to maximize scope while maintaining defensibility. This approach ensures protection across various embodiments, preventing competitors from designing around the patent.
Innovative Aspects and Patentability
The innovative core hinges on:
- Novel chemical structure: Demonstrating unexpected biological activity or improved pharmacokinetics
- Therapeutic efficacy: Showing superior activity or reduced side effects
- Formulation advancements: Enhanced delivery or stability
China’s patent examination emphasizes inventive step, with an increased threshold post-2015 to prevent patenting obvious modifications. This patent’s claims would have been scrutinized for inventive merit, especially regarding their molecular novelty and surprising therapeutic benefit.
Patent Landscape & Competitive Position
1. Domestic and International Patents
This patent is part of a broader landscape competing within China and potentially global markets. Likely corresponding patents or applications are filed in jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, and Japan, reflecting strategic global IP positioning.
Within China, numerous patents protect similar classes of drugs, particularly in oncology, neurology, and infectious diseases. The strength of CN106995414 derives from its claim scope, inventive step, and potential linkage to proprietary R&D pipelines.
2. Patent Families and Related Applications
Often, such patents are supported by patent families covering:
- Core compounds with various substitutions
- Method-of-use patents for different indications
- Formulation patents for optimized delivery
These families fortify patent protection and mitigate challenges from third-party patents.
3. Overlap and Freedom to Operate
Analysis indicates potential overlaps with existing patents, particularly from major pharmaceutical players or university research programs. A freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis would be critical before commercialization.
4. Patent Challenges
Given China's evolving patent landscape, contentious issues could include:
- Obviousness: Whether modifications are trivial or inventive
- Novelty: Confirmed with prior art searches
- Inventive step: Demonstrated by data showing unexpected efficacy
Any threats from third-party patent filings requiring licensing negotiations or patent invalidation actions must be anticipated.
Strategic Implications
Patent CN106995414 serves as a foundational IP asset for its holder, providing:
- Market exclusivity for the protected drug or formulation within China
- A platform for clinical development and licensing deals
- Competitive advantage against local and multinational competitors
However, to maximize value, continuous patent prosecution, narrowing claims to maintain validity, and expanding into international markets are advisable strategies.
Conclusion
Patent CN106995414 exemplifies a strategically crafted Chinese pharmaceutical patent, with well-defined scope and robust claims centered on a novel compound or formulation. Its placement within China's evolving IP regime highlights the importance of precise claim drafting, innovative chemistry, and thorough landscape analysis for securing and maintaining competitive advantages.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s scope most likely encompasses a novel chemical entity and its therapeutic use, with layered claims protecting various embodiments.
- Its strength relies on demonstrated novelty and an inventive step, crucial in China’s stringent patent examination environment.
- The patent landscape for this invention involves competing domestic and international patents, necessitating comprehensive FTO assessments.
- Strategic patent management—such as expanding claim scope or filing corresponding international patents—enhances market protection.
- Continuous innovation and vigilant IP monitoring are essential to sustain the competitive edge in China’s dynamic pharmaceutical sector.
FAQs
1. What is the primary innovation protected by CN106995414?
It protects a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation with specific therapeutic applications, likely involving a unique chemical structure or delivery method.
2. How does this patent strengthen the holder's market position in China?
It provides a legal monopoly over the claimed invention, enabling exclusive commercialization, licensing, and strategic dominance in the relevant therapeutic area within China.
3. Can the claims be challenged on grounds of obviousness?
Yes, during patent examination or enforcement, third parties may challenge claims based on prior art to argue obviousness, especially if modifications are straightforward.
4. How does this patent fit within the global patent landscape?
If corresponding applications exist internationally, it complements a broader IP portfolio, facilitating global commercialization; otherwise, it provides a competitive advantage solely within China.
5. What are recommended next steps for the patent owner?
Engage in international patent filings (e.g., PCT route), monitor patent landscapes for potential infringements or challenges, and refine patent claims to maintain strategic robustness.
References
[1] Chinese Patent Office official database (CNIPA) for patent CN106995414 details.
[2] Chinese Patent Law and Examination Guidelines, 2015 update.
[3] Industry reports on pharmaceutical patent strategies in China.
