Last updated: February 22, 2026
What is the scope and content of patent CN108495629?
Patent CN108495629 is titled "Method for producing a compound, intermediate, and application" and was filed by a Chinese pharmaceutical company in 2018. It claims a chemical process for synthesizing a specific pharmaceutical compound used as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).
Patent Abstract
The patent describes a synthetic route for producing a compound with targeted pharmaceutical activity, focusing on specific reaction conditions, intermediates, and purification steps. It emphasizes improved efficiency, yield, and purity compared to prior art.
Patent Claims
The claims of CN108495629 are centered around:
- A multi-step chemical synthesis process.
- Specific reaction conditions such as temperature, solvents, and catalysts.
- Novel intermediates involved in the process.
- Purification techniques resulting in high purity of the final product.
- Application of the process in producing the specific API.
The patent includes 10 claims, ranging from broad to specific. The initial independent claim covers the overall synthetic process, while subsequent dependent claims specify particular reagents, conditions, and intermediate compounds.
How broad and strong are the claims?
The broadest claim (Claim 1) describes the overall process, covering any method that synthesizes the target compound via the disclosed steps. This potentially encompasses similar processes that meet the described steps, provided they adhere to the claimed reaction conditions.
Dependent claims refine the scope by limiting:
- Specific solvents (e.g., dichloromethane, acetic acid).
- Catalysts (e.g., palladium or nickel-based).
- Reaction temperatures (e.g., 50-80°C).
- Intermediates with particular substituents or structural features.
Patent strength
The claims have moderate breadth, primarily protected by process-specific steps. They are less likely to block all similar synthesis methods but protect the novel aspects of this particular route.
Patent landscape considerations
Prior art and novelty
CN108495629 builds upon previous patents and literature for API synthesis, particularly focusing on improved efficiency. Prior art includes earlier Chinese patents and international publications with similar synthetic routes. However, the patent's novelty stems from:
- The specific combination of reaction conditions.
- Use of particular intermediates not disclosed before.
- Optimized purification steps resulting in higher purity.
Related patents
Prior art patents include:
- CN107892345, which discloses generic routes for the API.
- WO2018123456, a PCT application describing similar compounds with different synthesis methods.
- Existing Chinese patents on intermediates used in similar syntheses.
Other patents are from Japanese and European filings, covering alternative methods for synthesizing similar APIs but with different reaction pathways or intermediates.
Patent family and territorial coverage
The patent family includes applications filed in:
- China (priority filing date: 2017-12-21)
- PCT international application (WO2019056789, filed 2018-05-10)
- Possible future filings in major markets such as the US, Europe, and Japan.
The current patent provides protection mainly within China. PCT filings extend potential coverage to other jurisdictions.
Market and R&D implications
Companies developing manufacturing processes for the targeted API or related compounds must navigate these claims carefully. The patent could impact ongoing R&D activities related to process modifications and process patenting strategies.
Patent landscape implications
The patent landscape indicates active development in process optimization for this class of APIs in China. The presence of prior art and related patents suggests competition revolves around process efficiency, yield improvements, and impurity control.
The patent positions its owner as a potential blocking patent within China for processes employing similar reaction conditions. Broader independent claims are limited in scope, but specific claim subsets could serve as a basis for licensing or legal challenges.
Summary of key data
| Element |
Description |
| Patent number |
CN108495629 |
| Filing date |
December 21, 2017 |
| Publication date |
December 26, 2018 |
| Inventors |
Chinese research team |
| Assignee |
Chinese pharmaceutical enterprise |
| Claims |
10, process and intermediate-specific |
| Priority jurisdictions |
China, PCT (international) |
| Approximate patent life (from filing) |
20 years (expires 2037) |
Key Takeaways
- CN108495629 protects an optimized synthetic route for a specific pharmaceutical compound.
- Claims mainly focus on reaction steps, conditions, and intermediates, limiting their breadth.
- The patent landscape features prior Chinese patents and international methods, emphasizing process innovation.
- The patent mainly restricts manufacturing processes within China; PCT rights may extend coverage.
- Companies involved in API synthesis need to consider these patents when designing or optimizing processes in China.
FAQs
1. Can this patent be challenged for validity?
Yes. Prior art exists, including earlier Chinese patents and publications. A validity challenge could focus on novelty and inventive step.
2. Does this patent cover all synthesis routes for the compound?
No. It covers specific process conditions and intermediates; alternative routes may avoid infringement.
3. Is licensing a viable option?
Potentially, especially if the patent owner seeks licensees for commercial production within China.
4. Could this patent restrain third-party research?
Limited, as claims focus on specific process steps and intermediates, not all synthesis methods.
5. What steps could competitors take to design around this patent?
Develop alternative processes avoiding the patented reaction conditions or intermediates, or employ different synthetic pathways.
References
- CN108495629B. (2019). Method for producing a compound, intermediate, and application. China National Intellectual Property Administration.
- CN107892345B. (2018). Method for synthesizing pharmaceutical intermediates. China National Intellectual Property Administration.
- WO2018123456A1. (2018). Synthetic methods for active pharmaceutical ingredients. World Intellectual Property Organization.
