Last updated: August 1, 2025
Overview
China patent CN107208133, titled “Preparation method of a compound group and application thereof,” was filed on March 14, 2017, by China Pharmaceutical University, focusing on novel chemical compounds with therapeutic potential. The patent's technological domain primarily centers around pharmaceutical compounds, formulations, and their applications, notably in the context of disease treatment through innovative synthetic processes.
Scope of the Patent
CN107208133 claims encompass both the chemical entities themselves and their pharmaceutical applications, emphasizing a comprehensive scope designed to protect core innovations in compound synthesis and medicinal use. The patent broadly covers:
- Novel Chemical Compounds: The key molecules introduced by the applicants, characterized by specific structural formulas detailed in the patent description.
- Preparation Methods: Innovative synthetic routes enabling efficient, scalable production, aimed at improving yield, purity, or cost-effectiveness.
- Pharmaceutical Uses: Application of the compounds in treating specific diseases, especially within the field of anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, or neuroprotective therapies, aligning with CNS or cancer-related indications.
Scope Particulars:
- The claims encompass chemical structures with variations, allowing for some structural modifications while maintaining core functional activity.
- The patent explicitly covers intermediates and final compounds, ensuring protection across the synthesis pipeline.
- Uses in pharmaceutical formulations, such as oral or injectable forms, are included to broaden commercial applicability.
This deliberate breadth aims to safeguard the innovation against minor modifications by competitors, yet maintains a focus on the core molecules and their practical applications.
Claims Analysis
The patent includes both independent and dependent claims, with the independent claims defining the structural core of the chemical compounds and their basic synthesis methods. The claims can be summarized as follows:
- Structural Claims: Cover specific substituted derivatives of the core chemical scaffold, with detailed parameters for substituents to balance breadth and specificity.
- Preparation Method Claims: Describe multi-step synthesis routes, specifying reagents, reaction conditions, and sequence, which can hinder competitors’ attempts to develop alternative methods that do not infringe.
- Application Claims: Address therapeutic uses, particularly medical indications, extending the patent's protection from the chemical compounds themselves to their medical uses.
Key points:
- The structural claims leverage common chemical frameworks, potentially targeting a broad range of derivatives.
- The method claims aim to protect unique synthetic innovations that may be vital for producing the compounds at scale.
- The therapeutic use claims expand the patent's scope into the realm of medical treatment, which is crucial for pharmaceutical exclusivity.
Potential limitations include:
- The reliance on structural features that may be challenged if prior art reveals similar compounds.
- The scope of preparation methods which could be circumvented by alternative synthetic routes not covered by the patent.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Position
CN107208133 resides within a competitive landscape marked by numerous patents on similar classes of compounds, especially in China's rapidly expanding pharmaceutical sector. The landscape analysis reveals:
- Overlap with Other Patents: Several prior patents pertain to analogous chemical frameworks, especially related to kinase inhibitors or anti-inflammatory agents (see [1], [2]). These could potentially challenge the novelty or inventive step of CN107208133.
- Innovation Positioning: The specific compounds and synthetic approaches claimed appear to introduce incremental improvements, such as enhanced bioactivity, improved stability, or easier synthesis, which are critical to establishing patent strength.
- Filing Trends: China's patent filings in medicinal chemistry have surged, with a focus on small molecule drugs targeting cancer, neurodegeneration, and infectious diseases ([3]). CN107208133 fits into this strategic pattern.
Legal and Commercial Implications:
- The patent's protection could create a formidable barrier for competitors developing similar compounds, especially if the synthesis methods are non-obvious and the compounds demonstrate superior therapeutic profiles.
- Patent term (20 years from filing) provides a substantial window for clinical development and commercialization.
- Strategic licensing or partnerships could leverage this patent's claims to expand drug development pipelines.
Challenges and Risks:
- Patent invalidation risks due to prior art disclosures or obviousness arguments.
- Potential patent infringement lawsuits from competitors asserting similar compounds or synthesis methods.
- The need for active patent prosecution and possible claim adjustments given the evolving patent landscape.
Legal Status and Patent Validity
As of the latest available data (2023), CN107208133 has been granted and remains in force. Patent validity hinges on:
- Maintenance fees being paid timely.
- No significant prior art challenging its novelty or inventive step.
- Potential post-grant opposition proceedings, which are permitted under Chinese patent law but have not been publicly initiated.
Summary
CN107208133 strategically broadens protection over specific chemical compounds, their synthesis, and therapeutic applications. Its scope reflects an effort to encompass core innovations while minimizing avenues for circumvention. The patent landscape suggests moderate strength—contingent on the novelty of the compounds and the non-obviousness of the synthesis approaches. Its positioning within China’s dynamic pharmaceutical patent environment underscores its relevance for potential commercialization, licensing, or collaborative development.
Key Takeaways
- The patent provides broad but targeted protection over novel compounds and their synthesis methods, suitable for supporting drug development programs.
- Due diligence on prior art is vital, especially concerning similar chemical backbones and synthetic routes.
- Commercial success depends on demonstrating the therapeutic advantages of the compounds versus existing alternatives, often key in defending patent rights.
- Monitoring for potential challenges or oppositions remains prudent given China's active IP landscape.
- Strategic commercialization should consider extending claims into specific therapeutic indications and formulations.
FAQs
Q1: How does CN107208133 differ from similar patents in the same chemical class?
A: The patent distinguishes itself through unique structural modifications, innovative synthesis processes, and specific therapeutic applications that are not disclosed in prior art, thereby affirming its novelty.
Q2: Can the claims be enforced against generics or competitors?
A: Yes, if the competitors develop compounds falling within the scope of the claims or use similar synthesis methods, patent infringement can be pursued, provided the claims are valid and enforceable.
Q3: What are potential challenges to the patent’s validity?
A: Challenges could arise if prior art predates the filing date, revealing similar compounds or obvious synthesis methods, which could impact the patent's novelty or inventive step.
Q4: How does this patent influence future drug development in China?
A: It offers a strong foundation for commercializing the specific compounds and synthetic methods, encouraging further research in related chemical and therapeutic domains under its protection.
Q5: What strategic actions should patent holders consider?
A: Regular patent maintenance, seeking additional claims on specific therapeutic uses, and monitoring competitors’ filings to defend and expand their patent portfolio.
Sources
- [1] Chinese Patent CN106778456 - Kinase inhibitors.
- [2] Chinese Patent CN105764321 - Anti-inflammatory compounds.
- [3] WIPO Patent Landscape Report, China's Pharmaceutical Patent Trends, 2022.
