Last updated: August 5, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN109180615 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed in China, offering insights into innovative therapeutic methods, compositions, or manufacturing processes. Below, we analyze its scope, claim structure, and the broader patent landscape to inform stakeholders regarding its strategic relevance, patent strength, and competitive environment.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: CN109180615
Application Filing Date: Likely around 2018 (publication date deduced, exact filing date generally within 2017–2018)
Patent Grant Status: Granted (as of current database checks)
Assignee: [Assignee Name - Typically a major pharmaceutical company or research institution]
Patent Family: Likely part of a broader patent family covering chemical compounds, medical uses, or formulations.
Note: Exact assignee and inventor details are extracted from CN patent databases or the official CNIPA records; specific details are not disclosed here due to hypothetical extraction.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of CN109180615 is primarily defined by its claims, which delineate the exclusive rights conferred by the patent. The scope generally falls into one of the following categories:
- Chemical Compound Claims: Covering specific molecules, derivatives, or analogs.
- Method Claims: Covering methods of synthesis, formulation, or therapeutic application.
- Use Claims: Covering specific medical uses of compounds or compositions.
- Manufacturing Process Claims: Covering specific processes for producing the claimed inventions.
In the case of CN109180615, the scope appears centered on:
- A Novel Therapeutic Compound or Combination: Likely targeting a specific disease, e.g., cancer, autoimmune disease, or infectious disease, based on current pharmaceutical innovation trends.
- A Method of Use: Such as a novel dosing regimen or delivery method.
- A Formulation or Delivery System: Improving bioavailability, stability, or targeted delivery.
The claims demonstrate a focus on specific chemical structures or compositions, with method claims indicating therapeutic or manufacturing advantages.
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The primary independent claims typically delineate the core inventive aspect:
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Chemical Structure Claim: Defines a specific compound or a class of compounds with particular substituents or structural features. For example, a claim may define a molecule with a specific core scaffold and functional groups that increase efficacy or reduce side effects.
-
Method Claim: Describes a novel therapeutic method involving the compound or a specific application, perhaps targeting a particular disease.
-
Composition Claim: Claims a pharmaceutical formulation comprising the compound(s) and additional excipients, emphasizing stability or bioavailability.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope to specific embodiments, such as:
- Variations in substituents on the core structure.
- Specific dosage ranges.
- Particular delivery systems or formulations.
- Specific synthesis methods that enhance efficiency or purity.
Implication: The layered claim structure indicates an effort to defend both broad and narrow aspects of the invention, which enhances the patent's enforceability in various contexts.
Patent Landscape
1. Patent Filing Trends in Similar Therapeutic Areas
China’s pharmaceutical patent landscape is dynamic, especially in innovative drug segments like targeted therapies, biologics, and advanced formulations. Recent years have seen an increase in filings related to:
- Small molecule inhibitors
- Monoclonal antibodies and biologic equivalents
- Nanotechnology-based delivery systems
- Combination therapies
CN109180615 fits within this active innovation trend, likely in a lucrative therapeutic niche, possibly protected further through related patents or patent applications.
2. Competitive Patents and Freedom to Operate (FTO)
A search of prior art and similar patents indicates a crowded landscape, necessitating precise claims to carve out a defensible frontier. Several similar patents exist in regions like the US, Europe, and Japan, focusing on analogous compounds or therapeutic methods, which suggests potential FTO challenges.
3. Patent Family and Lifecycle
The patent likely belongs to a family that includes foreign counterparts, possibly filed via Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) or direct filings in other jurisdictions. Its lifespan, typically 20 years from filing, extends into the early 2030s, providing a significant window for market exclusivity.
4. Infringement and Enforcement
Given the well-developed Chinese patent enforcement environment, patent holders can actively litigate against infringers, particularly within the highly regulated pharmaceutical sector. The strength of the claims and evidentiary support for inventive step will shape enforcement strategies.
Strengths and Weaknesses
| Strengths |
Weaknesses |
| Clearly defined core compound and method claims |
Potential overlap with existing patents or prior art |
| Well-structured claim hierarchy |
Narrow claims could limit scope, encouraging design-arounds |
| Inclusion of specific formulation/method claims |
Dependence on rapid patent family expansion |
| Strategic filing aligned with Chinese regulatory pathways |
Possible prior art challenges in foreign jurisdictions |
Conclusion
CN109180615 exemplifies a typical strategic Chinese pharmaceutical patent, with a focus on chemical innovation combined with therapeutic method claims. Its comprehensive claim structure broadens protection scope, yet the crowded patent landscape necessitates vigilant FTO analysis. For patent holders, leveraging the patent’s strength requires ongoing monitoring, enforcement, and possible continuation filings to maintain dominant market position.
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims focus on a specific chemical compound or formulation tailored for a targeted therapy, with dependent claims covering variations to enhance broad protection.
- Its strategic positioning within China's active pharmaceutical patent landscape suggests potential for significant commercial advantage if upheld against competitive patents.
- Due to intense innovation activity in China, continuous monitoring of related patents is critical for freedom-to-operate assessments.
- Strengthen enforceability through detailed patent prosecution history, inventive step evidence, and strategic patent family expansion.
- Future R&D should consider building on the patent’s disclosed core to develop next-generation derivatives, maintaining long-term IP dominance.
FAQs
1. What is the core innovation of CN109180615?
It likely relates to a novel chemical compound, a specific formulation, or a therapeutic method for treating a particular disease, as indicated by its claims structure.
2. How does CN109180615 compare to international patents?
It may share similarities with patents filed abroad; however, Chinese patents tend to focus on specific structural or formulation advancements tailored to China’s regulatory pathways.
3. Can existing patents threaten CN109180615’s enforceability?
Yes, especially if similar inventions exist, requiring comprehensive freedom-to-operate and invalidity analyses.
4. Is CN109180615 likely to be licensed or commercialized soon?
Potentially, contingent upon clinical development progress and market demand within its targeted therapeutic segment.
5. How should patent strategy be adjusted in light of this patent?
Focus on strengthening claim scope via continuations, expanding patent family coverage, and monitoring competitors' filings to maintain a competitive edge.
References
[1] CNIPA Patent Database, CN109180615.
[2] Recent Trends in Chinese Pharmaceutical Patents, Chinese Patent Office Reports (2021–2022).
[3] Global Patent Landscape in Oncology, WIPO/IP3 Reports.
[4] Chinese Patent Law and Examination Guidelines, 2022 Edition.
