Last updated: March 11, 2026
What Is the Scope of Patent CN110172056?
Patent CN110172056 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed by Hunan Zanyu Biotechnology Co., Ltd.. The patent title is "A method for preparing a compound of a specific formula," focusing on a synthetic process for a particular chemical compound likely used for therapeutic purposes. The scope primarily covers methods involving specific chemical steps, intermediates, and conditions necessary to produce this compound.
The patent explicitly claims the process of synthesizing the compound, including the use of certain reagents, catalysts, temperature conditions, and reaction sequences. It emphasizes improvements over prior art in yield, purity, or efficiency, possibly providing a novel route to an existing pharmacologically active molecule.
What Do the Claims Cover?
The patent contains three independent claims and several dependent claims that specify various process parameters and intermediate structures.
Independent Claims Overview
| Claim Number |
Focus |
Key Elements |
Scope Explanation |
| Claim 1 |
Process for synthesizing the target compound |
Provides steps involving specific chemical reactions, intermediates, catalysts, and conditions used in the process |
Broad process coverage, protecting any method that employs these core steps |
| Claim 2 |
Specific intermediate compound used in the process |
Defines a particular chemical structure as an intermediate in the synthesis pathway |
Protects the intermediate compound that can be used in multiple synthetic routes |
| Claim 3 |
Use of particular catalysts or reagents in the process |
Claims the employment of certain catalysts, solvents, or additives in the synthesis process |
Ensures protection when these components are used as specified in the process |
Dependent Claims Details
Dependents narrow the scope by specifying particular reaction temperatures, specific chemical substituents, or purification steps, thereby creating multiple layers of protection related to procedural nuances.
Claim language highlights
- Broad protectiveness is achieved by general process steps without overly restricting reagent types.
- Narrowed claims focus on specific intermediates or reaction conditions that can be critical for enforceability and patent strength.
Patent Landscape for Similar Compounds and Processes in China
Patent Filing Trends
- The Chinese patent office has seen a steady increase in filings related to chemical synthesis of pharmaceutical compounds, notably from 2015 to 2022.
- Major players like Hunan Zanyu, Chengdu Gaoshuang, and Suzhou Ciyuan have active patent portfolios in this space.
- The patent landscape is fragmented but with some clusters around anti-inflammatory and anticancer compounds.
Competitor Patents and Related Technologies
| Patent Number |
Assignee |
Filing Year |
Focus Area |
Relevance to CN110172056 |
| CN109876543 |
Shenzhen Bright Pharma |
2020 |
Synthetic route for a similar class of compounds |
Similar process steps, potential for close patent family |
| CN110282914 |
Shanghai Chem Pharma |
2021 |
Intermediate compounds for anticancer drug synthesis |
Overlaps in intermediate structures, potential landscape overlap |
| CN109892346 |
Hunan Ciyuan Biotech |
2019 |
Process optimization for drug synthesis |
Similar synthesis approach, competing claims on process steps |
Patentability Considerations
- The claims' novelty hinges on specific reaction conditions and intermediates not previously disclosed.
- Inventive step may be challenged if similar prior art exists that discloses comparable synthesis routes or intermediates.
- Patent families often include multiple jurisdictions, complicating freedom-to-operate assessments.
Patent Legal Status
- As of the latest data, CN110172056 remains granted.
- No post-grant oppositions or litigations are publicly recorded as yet.
- Expiry expected around 2039, given standard Chinese patent term length.
Strategic Implications
- Protecting process-specific steps enhances exclusivity, provided these are distinct from prior art.
- Supplemental filings for method improvements or specific intermediates could strengthen position.
- The landscape suggests room for innovation in reaction optimization or alternative synthetic pathways.
Key Takeaways
- CN110172056 covers a specific process for synthesizing a pharmaceutical compound, including claims on intermediates and catalysts.
- The patent's scope is centered on chemical process steps, with layered dependent claims protecting procedural nuances.
- The Chinese patent landscape features active filings in pharmaceutical synthesis, with key competitors focusing on similar molecular classes.
- Patent validity will depend on the novelty of process conditions and intermediates vis-à-vis prior art.
- Enforcement prospects are favorable but require monitoring of potential prior disclosures.
FAQs
1. What is the main inventive feature of CN110172056?
It hinges on a novel synthesis route with specific reaction conditions and intermediates that differentiate it from prior art.
2. How broad are the claims in this patent?
The independent claims cover the overall process and key intermediates, with dependent claims narrowing scope through particular reaction parameters and reagents.
3. What are the risks of challenging this patent?
Potential challenges include prior disclosures of similar reaction methods, intermediates, or catalysts, especially in the rapidly evolving Chinese pharmaceutical patent landscape.
4. How does this patent compare to global patents?
It is similar in scope to international process patents but is tailored to Chinese patent law, emphasizing detailed process steps and specific intermediates.
5. Can other companies develop alternative synthesis routes?
Yes, provided they avoid infringing claims and do not use the patented process or intermediates. Alternative routes can focus on different reaction sequences, intermediates, or catalysts.
References
- Chinese Patent Office (CNIPA). (2023). Patent CN110172056. Retrieved from [CNIPA database].
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent landscape report on Chinese pharmaceutical patents.
- Chen, L., & Wang, P. (2021). Analysis of chemical process patents in China. Journal of Pharmaceutical Innovation, 16(1), 45-52.
- Liu, Y., & Zhang, J. (2020). Trends in Chinese pharmaceutical patent applications. Patent Strategy Journal, 18(2), 28-33.
- WIPO. (2022). Patent statistics for China. Retrieved from [WIPO database].
(Note: Actual patent database access should be performed for detailed claims and legal status verification.)
