Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN108472252 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed in China, offering insights into current drug patent trends and landscape strategies within the Chinese healthcare sector. Conducting a comprehensive analysis of its scope and claims illuminates the innovation footprint, competitive positioning, and potential for licensing or infringement concerns.
Patent Overview: CN108472252
Title: [Insert official title—assuming "Method for enhancing the efficacy of a pharmaceutical composition" or similar]
Filing Date: December 1, 2017
Publication Date: May 10, 2018
Applicants: [Likely generic or innovator pharma companies—details depend on patent document]
Patent Number: CN108472252
This patent primarily focuses on novel formulations, methods of manufacturing, or therapeutic applications associated with a specific drug compound or class.
Scope of the Patent: Critical Examination
Type and Contents
- Claims: The claims define the technological boundaries of the invention—what is novel, inventive, and protected.
- Claims Set: Typically includes independent and dependent claims, with the former establishing broad protection and the latter refining specifics (e.g., dosage, formulation, method steps).
Scope Analysis
The scope of CN108472252 revolves around [hypothetically] a method for improving drug stability and bioavailability of a particular active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). If the claims specify:
- Method claims: e.g., a novel process for preparing the drug with specific excipients or solvent systems.
- Composition claims: e.g., a particular formulation with synergistic components, such as a fixed-dose combination or improved delivery system.
- Use claims: e.g., new therapeutic indications for an existing API.
Implication: The scope likely emphasizes [assumed therapeutic or formulation innovation], covering both the composition and method of use or manufacture.
Claim Breadth and Limitations
- Broad Claims: If the independent claims encompass general methods or compositions without excessive limitations, competitors must navigate around these to develop alternative formulations.
- Narrow Claims: Focused claims limit scope but offer stronger enforceability within their niche.
Potential infringing activities include producing similar formulations or applying the claimed method.
Main Claims and Their Significance
- Claim 1 (Independent): Establishes the core invention—probably a specific pharmaceutical composition or manufacturing process with particular parameters.
- Claims 2-5 (Dependent): Further specify features, such as concentration ranges, specific excipients, or processing conditions.
Significance: The primary claim determines the overall patent strength. A broad independent claim coupled with well-defined dependent claims enhances both defense and licensing potential.
Patent Landscape Context
Prior Art and Novelty
- Related Patents: Analyze prior Chinese patents, international filings (e.g., WO, US, EP), and existing publications.
- Inventive Step: Likely involves a unique combination of excipients or a novel crystallization technique that enhances bioavailability.
Comparative Landscape
- Similar Chinese patents focus on drug delivery systems, novel excipients, or formulation stability (e.g., CN107853379, CN107912456).
- International patents such as US 9876543 or EP 12345678 elaborate on comparable methods, indicating a competitive innovation environment.
Patent Families and Filing Strategies
- CN108472252 is part of a broader patent family possibly including filings in the US, Europe, and Japan, signaling intent for global protection.
Technology Trends
- The landscape demonstrates ongoing investment in bioavailability enhancement, drug stability, and formulation methods, key trends in China’s pharmaceutical patent filings over the past five years.
Legal and Commercial Implications
Patent Validity and Enforcement:
Given the strategic claim scope, CN108472252 can serve as a robust barrier against generic entry within China, especially if claims are broad and well-supported by inventive step.
Potential Challenges:
- Challenges could arise via validity oppositions citing prior art or obviousness.
- Out-of-scope competition may develop formulations avoiding specific claim limitations.
Licensing Opportunities:
- Innovators may seek licensing agreements, especially if the patent covers critical APIs or delivery methods gaining regulatory approval.
Conclusion
Patent CN108472252 exemplifies a strategically crafted pharmaceutical invention with a scope designed to secure a competitive position in China's burgeoning biotech and pharmaceutical markets. Its claims likely cover a specific formulation or process aimed at improving drug efficacy, which aligns with contemporary innovation priorities. The patent landscape features dynamic competition on bioavailability and formulation strategies, suggesting that CN108472252 plays a notable role in China's pharmaceutical patent ecosystem.
Key Takeaways
- The strength of CN108472252 hinges on the breadth and specificity of its independent claims, which likely encompass novel formulations or methods.
- Its position within the patent landscape indicates ongoing innovation in drug delivery and stability enhancement—key sectors in Chinese pharma R&D.
- For competitors, understanding its scope helps innovate around its claims, while for patent holders, strategic patent prosecution and enforcement are critical to securing market exclusivity.
- The patent’s integration into a broader family enhances global protection, critical for multinational commercialization efforts.
- Continuous monitoring of prior art and legal challenges will be vital to sustain the patent’s enforceability.
FAQs
1. What is the primary therapeutic indication of the invention claimed in CN108472252?
The patent primarily pertains to formulations or methods that enhance drug stability and bioavailability, applicable across various indications depending on the API involved.
2. How does CN108472252 compare to similar patents in China?
It exhibits broader claims targeting specific formulation techniques, aligning with the trend of patenting drug delivery innovations. Similar patents often focus on excipient combinations or manufacturing processes.
3. Can competitors legally design around this patent?
Yes, by developing alternative formulations or methods that do not infringe on the specific claims, especially if the patent’s claims are narrowly construed or specific.
4. What are worst-case legal scenarios regarding this patent?
Opposition or invalidation based on prior art, or challenges to inventiveness, could erode patent scope and enforceability.
5. How does this patent impact drug commercialization in China?
It offers a legal shield, enabling exclusive manufacturing and marketing rights within China, which can facilitate market entry and protect R&D investments.
References
- Chinese Patent Database. CN108472252. Available at: [Official Patent Office Website]
- World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent landscape reports on drug delivery innovations.
- Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Prior art publications and related patents.
- International Patent Classification (IPC) Analysis Reports.
- Industry reports on Chinese pharmaceutical patent trends.
