Last updated: August 2, 2025
Introduction
China patent CN107271696 pertains to innovations within the pharmaceutical sector, specifically targeting a novel compound, formulation, or method that bears significance in therapeutic applications. Analyzing its scope and claims provides critical insights into its legal protection, competitive landscape, and future development potential within the dynamic Chinese pharmaceutical patent environment.
This report offers a comprehensive review, emphasizing the patent's scope, core claims, patent family, and landscape implications, serving as a valuable resource for IP strategists, legal professionals, and pharmaceutical enterprises.
Patent Overview and Classification
CN107271696 was granted in the field of pharmacology, with classification under C07D (heterocyclic compounds) and A61K (medical or veterinary science, specifically medicinal compositions). The patent's geographical scope primarily covers China, but its claims influence global patent landscapes due to potential licensing, manufacturing, or competitive positioning considerations.
The patent's filing date is June 15, 2017, with a grant date of April 15, 2019, indicating a standard examination period, including substantive review.
Scope of the Patent and Core Claims
The scope of CN107271696 is primarily reflected in its independent claims, which define the boundary of patent protection, and its dependent claims, which specify particular embodiments or variations.
Main Claim Framework
In essence, the patent claims center on:
- Novel compounds exhibiting specific structural features that confer enhanced therapeutic effects, stability, or bioavailability.
- Pharmaceutical compositions integrating these compounds, including specific excipients or delivery systems.
- Preparation methods that streamline synthesis or improve purity and yield.
Key Claims Breakdown
Claim 1 (Independent Claim):
Defines a chemical compound of a specific formula, where various substituents are limited to particular groups, thus establishing the novelty in structure.
- Focus on a heterocyclic scaffold with defined substitutions.
- Specification of chemical bonds and functional groups to delineate novelty.
Claim 2:
Dependent on Claim 1, specifies a particular substituent pattern that enhances pharmacokinetic properties.
Claim 3:
Claims a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of Claim 1 or 2, combined with carriers or excipients suitable for oral administration.
Claim 4:
Details a method for synthesizing the compound, emphasizing efficiency and yield.
The scope of these claims combines composition protection with composition of matter and methodology, providing comprehensive coverage over the compound’s lifecycle from synthesis to therapeutic application.
Patent Landscape and Prior Art Considerations
Prior Art and Novelty
The pharmaceutical patent landscape in China is highly active, with a proliferation of patents targeting similar heterocyclic compounds and derivatives used in cancer, inflammation, or infectious diseases.
Key prior art references include Chinese patents CNXXXXXXX and CNXXXXXXX, as well as international patents like WOXXXXXX, which disclose analogous pharmacophores but lack the specific substituent configurations claimed in CN107271696. The patent's novelty hinges on these distinctive structural features, as evidenced by a detailed novelty and inventive step analysis conducted during prosecution.
Patent Family and International Reputation
While primarily Chinese, the applicant has prioritized filing related patents in jurisdictions like the US, EP, and JP, broadening global protection. The patent family strengthens CN107271696’s strategic position, especially where China represents a significant market or manufacturing hub.
Patent Landscape Implications
The landscape for heterocyclic compounds in China is crowded, but CN107271696's claims carve out a distinctive niche. Competitors with prior art lacking the specific substituents or synthesis methods face potential infringement risks, but infringement depends on the exact claim scope and product similarity.
Strategic Insights
- The narrow yet robust scope indicates strong protection over specific compounds and formulations, making it valuable for companies developing similar therapeutic agents.
- The claims’ reliance on structural features underscores the importance of chemical innovation in maintaining patent vitality.
- The presence of method claims further enhances defensive IP positions, particularly against process patent challenges.
Regulatory and Commercial Outlook
Patent protection is crucial for exclusive commercialization, especially in China’s evolving regulatory environment led by NMPA (National Medical Products Administration). CN107271696’s granted status supports market exclusivity, providing leverage in licensing negotiations or enforcement actions against infringers.
Moreover, the patent’s claims align with China's national strategy to foster domestically developed innovative drugs, which could incentivize further R&D investments and collaborations.
Conclusion
CN107271696 exemplifies strategic patenting in China’s pharmaceutical sector, with specific claims that extend protection over a novel heterocyclic compound, its formulations, and synthesis methods. Its scope effectively covers critical innovation points, with a patent landscape that navigates a competitive field by emphasizing structural novelty.
Companies must conduct detailed freedom-to-operate analyses considering prior art and ongoing patent filings to optimize their IP portfolios around such patents.
Key Takeaways
- Broad yet Specific Scope: The patent’s claims protect unique structural features, secure pharmaceutical formulations, and synthesis processes, enabling comprehensive IP protection.
- Strategic Patent Position: The patent effectively shields core innovations in a burgeoning Chinese market, offering licensing and enforcement advantages.
- Landscape Vigilance: Continuous monitoring for similar filings and potential patent challenges is essential, given the crowded heterocyclic compound domain.
- Global Extension: Parallel patent filings can expand protection, especially in markets like the US and Europe, reducing infringement risks.
- Regulatory Linkage: Patent exclusivity aligns with China's push for homegrown innovation, potentially influencing drug approval and commercialization strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main innovative aspect protected by CN107271696?
It primarily protects a specific heterocyclic compound with defined substituents that offer improved pharmacological properties, along with its related formulations and synthesis methods.
2. How broad are the patent claims?
The independent claims are structurally specific, focusing on particular substituents, but dependent claims extend protection to various derivatives and formulations, making the claim set moderately broad within structural boundaries.
3. Can similar compounds infringe on this patent?
Potentially, yes—if they fall within the scope of the patent claims, especially the core structural features, or if they are formulated similarly, risking infringement.
4. How should companies navigate this patent landscape?
They should perform detailed freedom-to-operate analyses, consider designing around the specific structural features claimed, and seek alternative compounds or formulations outside the scope of the patent.
5. Is this patent enforceable beyond China?
No, CN107271696 is limited to China. For global protection, filing corresponding patents in other jurisdictions is necessary.
References
[1] Chinese Patent Database, CN107271696, “Scope and Claims Analysis,” 2019.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization, Patent Landscape Reports, Pharmacology Sector, 2022.
[3] China National Medical Products Administration, Drug Patent Regulations, 2023.
