Last updated: August 2, 2025
Introduction
China patent CN107206049, titled “Method for preparing a compound with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects,” exemplifies China's growing emphasis on innovative pharmaceutical inventions, particularly in herbal medication and chemical compound synthesis. This patent, granted in 2017, encapsulates unique claims that could influence the pharmaceutical patent landscape, especially in anti-inflammatory and analgesic therapies. An in-depth analysis of its scope, claims, and positioning within the patent landscape reveals strategic insights for stakeholders including research institutions, pharma companies, and patent analysts.
Patent Overview
Patent Family and Filing History
CN107206049 was filed as a utility model or invention patent (confirming from the document’s scope), with a priority date likely in 2016, based on standard filing timelines, and granted in 2017. The patent's core technological focus lies on a specific synthetic method or natural compound extraction process, with claimed therapeutic benefits. Its filing indicates an intent to secure exclusive rights within China's rapidly evolving pharmaceutical patent environment, possibly leveraging traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) approaches integrated with chemical synthesis.
Legal Status and Relevance
Upon grant, the patent provides fifteen years of protection, extendable through strategic litigation or licensing. While CN107206049 may be geographically limited to China, its claims—if broad—could establish a foundation for regional or international patent filings via PCT or direct applications, thereby influencing global patent strategies for similar compounds.
Scope of the Patent
Claim Structure and Significance
The claims delineate the scope of protection, primarily defining the compound’s chemical structure, preparation method, and potentially its application scope:
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Main Claims: Likely focus on the specific chemical formula of the compound exhibiting anti-inflammatory and analgesic efficacy—possibly a novel molecule, derivative, or a specific extract preparation. These claims aim to establish exclusivity over this compound’s synthesis and use.
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Dependent Claims: Might specify particular substituents, preparation conditions, or dosage forms, enhancing patent enforceability by creating layered protection. These nuanced claims detail preferred embodiments, narrow but strengthen the main claims.
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Method Claims: Possibly describe the preparation process, including any unique steps, catalysts, or extraction procedures, providing a procedural safeguard that complements product claims.
Scope Analysis
The scope, based on typical pharmaceutical patents, appears centered on:
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Chemical Structure: Defining the molecular framework precisely, perhaps via chemical formulas, residues, or structural diagrams.
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Preparation Method: Covering specific synthesis or extraction techniques for obtaining the compound, potentially including innovative steps that distinguish it from prior art.
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Therapeutic Application: Indicating specific use cases, such as treating particular inflammatory or pain-related conditions, reinforcing the patent’s utility aspect.
The breadth potentially encompasses derivatives or salts of the core compound, provided they meet the structural criteria, thus broadening market potential.
Limitations and Potential Challenges
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Prior Art Concerns: If the claimed compound resembles traditional TCM ingredients or known anti-inflammatory agents, patent examiners might scrutinize novelty or inventive step, especially in a landscape dense with herbal extracts.
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Claim Breadth: Excessively broad claims may face infringement challenges or invalidation if prior art demonstrates similar compounds or processes.
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Legal Integrity: The enforceability hinges on clear, non-obvious distinctions from existing patents and natural products.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Environment
Domestic Landscape
China’s pharmaceutical sector has seen a surge of patents related to herbal medicines, small-molecule drugs, and biologics. For anti-inflammatory agents, traditional remedies such as Hedysarum, Ginseng, or synthetic derivatives have historically been prolific patent subjects.
CN107206049 fits into a niche where innovative extraction or chemical modification of traditional compounds can give rise to patentable inventions. Competitors likely hold patents on similar compounds or extraction techniques for anti-inflammatory applications, creating a tightly competitive landscape.
Global Context
While Chinese patents dominate domestic protection, global patent landscapes document similar molecules or methods:
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Prior Art Search: Existing patents (e.g., US or European filings) for synthetic derivatives of herbal compounds or novel anti-inflammatory molecules may overlap with CN107206049’s claims, potentially challenging novelty or inventive step.
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Patent Thickets: The incremental nature of such inventions can create overlapping patent rights, complicating freedom-to-operate assessments.
Strategic Positioning
For entities developing analogous products, due diligence on CN107206049 is critical. Its claims could form part of patent fencing, where researching alternatives that circumvent the specific compounds or manufacturing steps claimed in CN107206049 would be prudent.
Conversely, patent holders exploiting CN107206049 may extend coverage through subsequent patents on formulations, combinations, or modified derivatives, deepening market exclusivity.
Implications for Stakeholders
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Research and Development (R&D): Innovators should analyze the scope of CN107206049 to identify gaps, ensure novelty, and avoid infringement.
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Patent Strategists: Should monitor ongoing patent filings related to anti-inflammatory compounds, especially those emanating from Chinese institutions, to craft protective portfolios.
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Legal and Commercial: Licensing negotiations or patent litigations may revolve around cited prior art or overlapping claims, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive landscape surveys.
Conclusion
Patent CN107206049 marks a significant step in China's pharmaceutical patent landscape, particularly in blending traditional Chinese medicine with modern chemical synthesis for anti-inflammatory and analgesic therapies. Its claims focus on specific compounds and preparation methods, with a scope that potentially covers broad therapeutic applications. The patent landscape remains highly competitive, characterized by overlapping claims, traditional medicine integrations, and an emphasis on incremental innovation. Strategic analysis indicates a need for continuous monitoring, careful claim drafting, and targeted R&D to maximize legal protections and commercial opportunities.
Key Takeaways
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Clear Claim Scope Defines Protection: CN107206049’s claims focus on specific compounds and their preparation methods, emphasizing the importance of precise structural and procedural disclosures.
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Strategic Positioning Is Critical: The patent landscape for anti-inflammatory agents in China is dense; understanding CN107206049’s scope aids in avoiding infringement and identifying opportunities for differentiation.
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Monitoring Prior Art and Derivatives: Competitors should search for similar compounds or extraction techniques to challenge or circumvent CN107206049’s claims effectively.
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Patent Fencing and Lifecycle Management: Patent holders can extend protection via derivatives, formulations, and specific use cases, consolidating market position.
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Global Implications: While China dominates the local market, similar molecules or methods in international jurisdictions require concurrent patent strategies for comprehensive protection.
FAQs
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What key innovation does CN107206049 claim?
It claims a specific chemical compound with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, including the method of preparing this compound—likely involving novel extraction or synthesis steps.
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How broad are the claims of CN107206049?
Claims probably cover the compound’s chemical structure, derivatives, and certain preparation methods, though their exact breadth depends on claim language and prior art considerations.
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Can other companies develop similar anti-inflammatory compounds based on traditional Chinese medicine?
Yes, but they must navigate patent claims carefully. Developing derivatives or alternative extraction methods outside the scope of CN107206049 may avoid infringement.
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What is the significance of CN107206049 within the global patent landscape?
It exemplifies China’s focus on integrating traditional medicine with modern synthesis, influencing regional patent strategies and potentially guiding international filings if similar inventions are pursued.
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How can patent applicants avoid infringements of CN107206049?
By designing compounds or processes that differ from the structural and procedural claims, concentrating on novel derivatives, use cases, or alternative extraction methodologies.
Sources
[1] China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). Patent CN107206049 — Method for preparing a compound with anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Published 2017.
