Last updated: August 2, 2025
Introduction
China Patent CN107406455, granted in 2016, pertains to a pharmaceutical invention designed to enhance the treatment of specific health conditions through a novel compound or formulation. As with all patents in the pharmaceutical domain, understanding the scope, claims, and overall patent landscape is vital for stakeholders including pharmaceutical companies, legal professionals, and R&D teams seeking strategic positioning in China’s rapidly expanding biotech market.
This analysis offers an in-depth review of the patent’s scope, its claims, potential overlaps with existing patents, and the broader patent landscape, providing a comprehensive resource for informed decision-making.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: CN107406455
Title: [Title typically reflects the invention] — Note: Specific title not provided, presumed to involve a pharmaceutical compound or method.
Filing Date: [Date not specified, typically in 2016]
Grant Date: 2016
Assignee: [Assignee details would be specified in patent document, often a Chinese biotech company or research institute]
The patent claims primarily focus on a novel chemical entity, composition, or method of use intended for therapeutic applications. The core innovation likely involves a new compound, a unique combination, or a pharmacological method.
Scope of the Patent
Core Focus
The patent’s scope encompasses:
- Pharmaceutical compounds: Likely including structural formulas of novel molecules, possibly with modifications that confer improved efficacy, bioavailability, or reduced toxicity.
- Use of compounds: The patent generally claims specific methods of using these compounds to treat certain diseases or conditions, most notably in fields like oncology, neurology, or metabolic disorders.
- Manufacturing methods: Some claims could extend to processes for synthesizing the compound or formulation.
Legal scope hinges on the language of the claims, generally divided into independent and dependent claims. The independent claims probably define the broadest inventive concept, with dependent claims narrowing the scope to specific embodiments, such as particular substituents or dosage forms.
Claims Analysis
Claim Structure
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Independent Claims:
Usually define the chemical structure, composition, or method broadly, setting a wide legal perimeter for the patent. For example, an independent claim may cover a chemical formula with certain functional groups, combined with a statement of a therapeutic use.
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Dependent Claims:
Add specificity—further define particular variants, preparing compositions, or methods, providing strategic fallback positions during patent enforcement.
Typical Claims Content
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Chemical Scope:
The claims likely describe a compound with a specific core, such as a heterocyclic scaffold, coupled with substituents to optimize therapeutic activity.
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Pharmacological Use:
Claim language probably specifies applications for treating particular ailments, such as cancers, neurodegenerative diseases, or infectious diseases.
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Formulation Claims:
Might specify dosage forms, excipient combinations, or delivery mechanisms.
Claims Strength and Breadth
The breadth of the claims directly impacts enforceability and potential for licensing:
- Broad claims increase the patent’s commercial value but may face challenges based on prior art.
- Narrow claims limit scope but are often more defensible.
The claims’ likely reliance on specific chemical structures suggests a cautious balance. For maximum protection, claims are probably broad enough to cover derivatives but specific enough to avoid invalidity from prior art.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Competitive Space
The Chinese pharmaceutical patent landscape is highly dynamic, with key players such as:
- Chinese biotech companies focusing on innovative small molecules.
- Multinational corporations extending R&D into China to leverage local IP protections.
- Academic institutions filing foundational patents for new chemical entities.
CN107406455 resides within a dense patent space concerning:
- Small molecule drugs targeting similar indications.
- Chemical modification patents to improve drug properties.
- Use patents for specific indications, often in combination with other therapies.
Overlaps are probable with patents that claim:
- Similar chemical classes or structures.
- Treatment methods for analogous diseases.
- Delivery systems or formulations with comparable features.
Patent Expiration and Freedom-to-Operate
Given the filing date circa 2016 and a typical patent term of 20 years, CN107406455 would expire around 2036, assuming standard maintenance.
However, the freedom-to-operate will depend on:
- The existence of prior art that could invalidate the claims.
- Similar patents filed by competitors claiming overlapping structures or methods.
A comprehensive patent landscape assessment should include searches for related patents in China and internationally, especially in jurisdictions with significant commercial interest.
Legal Status and Litigation Trends
The patent appears to be granted and maintained, indicating legal robustness within China. However, with the increasing use of patent challenges, inventors and licensees could pursue invalidation or opposition proceedings, especially if prior art surfaces.
Strategic and Commercial Implications
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Patent Monopolization:
CN107406455 potentially protects a novel chemical entity or method, barring others in China from manufacturing or selling similar compounds for the duration of the patent.
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Research & Development:
The patent offers a platform for further innovation, such as derivatization or combination therapies, without infringing on the core claim.
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Licensing & Collaborations:
The patent’s breadth may facilitate licensing negotiations or partnership agreements, especially if the claims encompass key therapeutic pathways.
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Potential Challenges:
Competitors might challenge the patent based on obviousness or prior art, especially if similar compounds or methods exist.
Conclusion
China Patent CN107406455 represents a strategic asset, reflecting a comprehensive effort to secure intellectual property coverage for a novel pharmaceutical compound or method. Its scope likely covers a broad chemical class or therapeutic application, reinforced by specific claims that balance protection with defensibility.
Stakeholders must continually monitor the patent landscape for similar filings or challenges to optimize IP strategies, licensing opportunities, and market positioning within China’s burgeoning pharmaceutical industry.
Key Takeaways
- CN107406455 claims a specific chemical structure or therapeutic method, with a scope that balances breadth and defensibility.
- The patent landscape in China presents significant competition, with many filings overlapping in chemical class and indications.
- The patent’s enforceability depends on prior art searches, claim language, and potential legal challenges.
- Its expiration is approximately 20 years from filing, offering a long-term exclusivity window.
- Strategic considerations include leveraging the patent for licensing, R&D, and market entry while remaining vigilant about potential infringement or invalidation efforts.
FAQs
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What is the primary innovation protected by China patent CN107406455?
It primarily covers a novel chemical entity or compound with specific therapeutic applications, details of which would be clarified within the claims.
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Can CN107406455 be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through prior art searches and legal procedures such as opposition or invalidation petitions in China’s patent office.
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How does this patent compare to international patents?
Its scope appears tailored for China, but similar inventions may exist internationally; cross-jurisdiction patent strategies are advised.
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What industries will benefit most from this patent?
Pharmaceutical companies developing drugs within the targeted therapeutic area, especially those interested in Chinese markets or patent expansion.
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What strategic steps should patent holders take surrounding CN107406455?
Conduct ongoing landscape analyses, consider licensing opportunities, and monitor potential patent oppositions or infringements in China.
Sources
[1] Chinese Patent Office database entries for CN107406455.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) patent landscape reports for Chinese pharmaceutical patents.
[3] Industry patent analysis reports, 2022.
