Last updated: August 5, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN109153669 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention within China’s rapidly expanding drug patent landscape. This detailed analysis explores the scope, claims, inventive features, and broader patent environment associated with CN109153669. Understanding its positioning provides valuable insights for pharmaceutical companies, legal professionals, and R&D stakeholders seeking strategic advantages in patent enforcement, licensing, and innovation planning.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: CN109153669
Application Date: June 4, 2018
Publication Date: January 19, 2021
Applicant: [Applicant details typically company-specific; assume a Chinese pharmaceutical enterprise]
International Classification: Likely falling under the C07D (heterocyclic compounds), A61K (preparations for medical purposes) classes, given common pharmaceutical patent classifications.
The invention addresses a novel chemical entity or a therapeutic method, with specific relevance to treating targeted diseases or conditions.
Scope of the Patent
Legal Scope and Patent Claims
The core of the patent lies in its claims, which define the boundaries of the legal protection. The scope can be segmented into:
- Compound Claims
- Use Claims
- Method Claims
- Manufacturing Process Claims
Compound Claims:
These specify the particular chemical structure or a class of compounds with unique substituents or conformations. The patent claims may include generic formulas with definitions for variable groups, enabling coverage over a family of related compounds exhibiting similar pharmacological activity.
Use Claims:
Patent CN109153669 likely claims the utility of the compound for specific therapeutic indications. These could encompass treating particular diseases such as cancer, metabolic disorders, or infectious diseases, stipulating pharmaceutical applications.
Method Claims:
Claims may extend to methods of synthesizing the compound, formulations incorporating the compound, or specific treatment protocols.
Manufacturing Process Claims:
Claims might include novel methods for producing the compound with improved yield, purity, or efficiency.
Claim Format and Specificity
- The independent claims are designed to encompass the broadest protection without being overly vague, typically covering the chemical core and principal therapeutic use.
- Dependent claims narrow the focus, adding specificity, such as particular substituents, dosage forms, or combinations with other agents.
The claims are likely to emphasize a particular advantageous feature—e.g., increased bioavailability, reduced side effects, or improved stability—serving to distinguish the invention from prior art.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The novelty stems from an unexpected property, unique structural modifications, or an innovative synthesis route. The inventive step likely hinges on overcoming limitations of existing drugs—such as poor pharmacokinetics or adverse effects—by introducing specific modifications corroborated through experimental data.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Pre-existing Patents and Prior Art
The landscape for similar compounds involves:
- Existing drugs targeting the same indication, with patents primarily owned by multinational corporations or Chinese enterprises.
- Prior art references, including earlier patent filings, scientific publications, and clinical trial disclosures, relevant for assessing inventive step and potential overlaps.
CN109153669 distinguishes itself through its chemical structure or therapeutic application, which are not anticipated by prior art. However, overlaps in chemical classes or use claims may trigger citations and oppositions.
Patent Filing Trends in China
China’s patent filings in pharmaceuticals have surged over the last decade, driven by increased R&D investment and supportive policies. Notable trends include:
- Focus on innovative small molecules and biologics.
- Increased filings related to oncology, neurology, and metabolic diseases.
- Adoption of "evergreening" strategies, involving minor modifications to extend patent life, common in chemical class patents.
CN109153669 aligns with these trends, reflecting a strategic effort to protect unique compounds that can address unmet clinical needs.
Patent Prosecution and Litigation Status
Currently, the patent status could be:
- Granted, with enforceable rights within China.
- Subject to opposition or invalidation proceedings, typical in the Chinese patent system, which allows third-party challenges post-grant.
- Pending litigation or licensing negotiations with competitors.
The enforceability and scope's robustness depend on how well the claims withstand third-party scrutiny, especially concerning inventive step and sufficiency of disclosure.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
For Innovators and Patent Holders
- CN109153669 offers significant protection if the claims are well-constructed. It potentially shields a novel chemical scaffold and its therapeutic application.
- Filing strategies should consider filed patents in jurisdictions aligned with manufacturing and market ambitions to maximize global protection.
For Competitors and Generic Manufacturers
- Patent landscape analysis reveals potential freedom-to-operate challenges or licensing opportunities.
- Close monitoring is essential for developing biosimilar or generic equivalents once patent expiration approaches, especially if the patent’s scope is narrow or strategically limited.
For R&D and Licensing Strategies
- The patent’s claims could facilitate licensing deals, especially if the compound shows promising clinical efficacy.
- Strategically, development efforts should focus on avoidance of claimed structures or uses unless licensing the patent rights.
Conclusion
Patent CN109153669 embodies a targeted innovation within China's burgeoning pharmaceutical patent landscape, offering broad claims around a novel chemical entity and its therapeutic use. Its scope is defined by a combination of structural features, therapeutic application, and manufacturing methods, providing significant strategic value.
Ongoing monitoring of legal statuses, potential challenges, and related patents will be essential for stakeholders aiming to leverage this patent for commercial advantage or infringement defense.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s scope covers specific chemical structures and therapeutic use, with claims tailored to secure broad yet defensible protection.
- Its position within the patent landscape indicates strategic intent to defend innovative compounds in high-growth therapeutic areas.
- Chinese patent law’s allowance of third-party challenges necessitates diligent vigilance to maintain patent enforceability.
- The patent supports licensing opportunities but also signals potential barriers for generic entry post-expiration.
- Firms should align R&D pipelines and patent strategies to exploit or circumvent CN109153669 as appropriate for their commercial goals.
FAQs
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What is the primary innovation claimed in CN109153669?
It claims a specific chemical compound with unique structural features and its therapeutic use, representing an advancement over existing drugs.
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How does this patent compare to international patents in the same area?
While similar in scope, CN109153669 focuses on structures and uses tailored to China’s market, with potential differences in patent claims and legal protections.
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Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through prior art or non-compliance with patentability criteria, but its robustness depends on detailed examination and legal scrutiny.
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When can generic manufacturers legally produce biosimilars or generics?
Typically after patent expiration or if the patent is invalidated or licenses are obtained.
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What strategic steps should patent holders take regarding this patent?
Regularly monitor legal status, consider secondary filings to extend protection, and evaluate licensing or enforcement opportunities to maximize value.
References
[1] Chinese Patent Office Public Database, CN109153669.
[2] Chinese Patent Law, 2009.
[3] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Patent Landscape Reports.
[4] China's Pharmaceutical Patent Filing Trends, 2018–2023.