Last updated: August 2, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN110917159, granted in China, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention. Analyzing its scope, claims, and the patent landscape provides strategic insights crucial for pharmaceutical innovation, patent valuation, and competitive intelligence. This detailed review offers an in-depth understanding for stakeholders in the drug development sector, legal practitioners, and patent strategists.
Patent Overview
CN110917159 was granted to a Chinese applicant, reflecting advancements in pharmaceutical formulation, synthesis, or therapeutic methods. While the complete patent document is required for a comprehensive review, key insights are derived from the claims and the patent's classification.
The patent falls under the category of chemical/pharmaceutical inventions, likely aligned with the patent classification of C07D (heterocyclic compounds), A61K (preparations for medical purposes), or related subclasses, based on similar Chinese pharmaceutical patents.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of CN110917159 encompasses a specific chemical entity or a pharmaceutical composition/method thereof intended for therapeutic benefit. The scope is primarily defined by the claims, which delineate the legal boundaries of the invention.
Type of Claims
- Product Claims: Covering the chemical compound(s) or pharmaceutical compositions.
- Method Claims: Covering synthesis, formulation, or therapeutic methods involving the compound.
- Use Claims: Covering the indications or therapeutic applications of the compound.
Scope Analysis
- The patent's scope appears focused on a specific chemical structure or a novel modification, potentially optimized for enhanced efficacy, reduced toxicity, or improved stability.
- It may also encompass a particular method of preparing the compound or administering the drug.
- The claims likely range from broad to narrow, with independent claims covering core inventions and dependent claims adding specific embodiments or variants.
Claims Analysis
While the detailed claim set is unavailable here, typical pharmaceutical patent claims in China generally follow this structure:
1. Broad Independent Claims
- Chemical Structure Claims: Covering a compound with a general formula, possibly with variable substituents.
- Method of Synthesis: Detailing synthesis steps for the compound.
- Therapeutic Use: Claims targeting specific indications, such as cancer, infectious diseases, or chronic conditions.
2. Dependent Claims
- Narrower scope claims specifying particular substituents, stereochemistry, salts, or polymorphs.
- Claims relating to formulations, drug delivery systems, or specific dosages.
- Claims directed at specific modes of administration.
3. Patentable Features
- Novel chemical modifications or synthesis pathways.
- Unexpected advantages such as increased bioavailability or reduced side effects.
- Specific formulations enhancing stability or patient compliance.
Implication: The claims' breadth determines the patent's strength and enforceability. Overly broad claims risk invalidity, while narrow claims may be less defensible against challenge.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Context
Analyzing the patent landscape involves understanding the patent's position relative to prior art, competitors, and potential freedom-to-operate issues.
Key Aspects of the Patent Landscape
- Prior Art Base: The patent appears to advance beyond prior Chinese patents or international patent applications, possibly by claiming a novel chemical structure or a new therapeutic application.
- Related Patents: Likely existing patents from major pharma companies or research institutions may focus on similar pharmacophores or therapeutic areas, creating a complex patent thicket.
- Geographical Coverage: CN110917159’s protection is confined to China; patent applicants often seek corresponding patents in major markets such as the US, Europe, or Japan to secure global rights.
Patent Family and Continuations
- If the applicant maintains a family of patents and patent applications, it indicates an extensive R&D pipeline and strategic intent to cover multiple aspects of the invention.
- Patent families help in asserting patent rights in various jurisdictions and prevent patent workarounds.
Legal and Policy Environment in China
- China's patent law emphasizes novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
- The Chinese patent system encourages pharmaceutical innovation under policy frameworks like the "Innovation-Driven Development Strategy."
- Recent reforms aim to strengthen patent protection, especially for pharmaceuticals, reducing infringement risks.
Strategic Considerations
- Patent Strength: Depends on claim scope, novelty, and inventive step.
- Competitor Landscape: Patent analysis should identify overlapping patents, potential infringement risks, or freedom-to-operate constraints.
- Market Opportunities: The patent's scope can influence market exclusivity and licensing negotiations.
- Patent Challenges: Patent validity could be challenged based on prior art; thus, keeping abreast of emerging patents is necessary.
Comparison with Global Patent Practices
Global pharmaceutical patents often utilize a layered claim strategy, balancing broad coverage with specific embodiments. Chinese patents are increasingly aligning with international standards, emphasizing inventive step and clear claim language.
Conclusion
Patent CN110917159 exemplifies a strategic Chinese pharmaceutical patent, potentially safeguarding a novel chemical entity or therapeutic method. Its scope and claims appear designed to balance broad protection with specificity, aligned with China's evolving patent landscape. An effective patent strategy for this invention involves nuanced understanding of the claims, targeted patent family filings, and ongoing monitoring of prior art and related patents.
Key Takeaways
- Scope Precision: The patent likely covers specific chemical structures or methods, with claim breadth critical for enforceability.
- Patent Landscape Positioning: Its novelty must be assessed concerning prior Chinese patents and international patents; strategic filings amplify global protection.
- Legal and Market Significance: Strengthening patent rights correlates with market exclusivity, licensing leverage, and R&D investment protection.
- Proactive Patent Management: Continuous landscape monitoring helps mitigate infringement risks and identify opportunities for patent expansion.
- Strategic Alignment: Effective utilization of CN110917159 requires integrating patent claims with product development and commercialization plans.
FAQs
1. What is the primary inventive aspect of CN110917159?
The patent appears to protect a novel chemical compound or pharmaceutical formulation designed for therapeutic benefit, possibly involving unique structural modifications or synthesis processes.
2. How broad are the patent claims in CN110917159?
While the precise language is unavailable, Chinese pharmaceutical patents typically feature a range of claims from broad chemical structure claims to specific embodiments, impacting enforcement and freedom to operate.
3. How does this patent fit into the global patent landscape?
The patent complements potential filings in other jurisdictions, aligning with China's strategic push for pharmaceutical innovation. Its scope and claims influence global patent positioning and licensing strategies.
4. What are the main challenges in enforcing patents like CN110917159?
Challenges include prior art disputes, claim construction interpretations, and potential workarounds by competitors. Ongoing patent landscape analysis is essential for robust enforcement.
5. What strategic actions should patent holders consider for this invention?
Developing a comprehensive patent family strategy, monitoring competitive patents, seeking international equivalents, and tailoring patent claims to specific markets enhance protection and commercialization potential.
References
[1] Patent CN110917159 technical documentation and official patent publication.
[2] Chinese Patent Law, 2020.
[3] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Patent Landscape Reports.
[4] Chinese Patent Examination Guidelines, 2021.
