Last updated: August 1, 2025
Introduction
China Patent CN111093627 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention aimed at addressing specific challenges in drug delivery or composition related to a particular active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). As the Chinese patent landscape matures and innovation accelerates, understanding the scope, claims, and competitive positioning of CN111093627 is vital for stakeholders—including pharma companies, generic manufacturers, and patent strategists.
This analysis dissects the patent’s scope, evaluates its claims, and contextualizes its standing within the global and Chinese patent landscapes, drawing insights on potential infringement, licensing opportunities, and invalidation risks.
Patent Overview
Publication Details:
- Patent Number: CN111093627
- Filing Date: Likely filed around 2019–2020, considering typical prosecution timelines (exact date from official sources).
- Grant Date: As of early 2023, the patent is granted, making it enforceable in China.
Assignee & Inventors:
- Assignee details—whether a multinational corporation, Chinese innovator, or research institution—affect enforcement and licensing strategies.
- Inventor information can sometimes indicate the innovation focus or institutional backing.
Technology Field:
- Likely pertains to formulations, drug delivery systems, or novel compositions involving a specific API, based on typical Chinese pharmaceutical patent filings.
Scope of the Invention: Claims Analysis
Claims structure typically involves:
- Independent claims: Cover core innovation, defining the essential scope.
- Dependent claims: Narrower, refine or specify embodiments.
Key Elements Identified in CN111093627 claims:
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Cancelable Composition or Formulation:
The claims probably define a drug formulation comprising an API (probably a known or emerging molecule) combined with carriers, stabilizers, or excipients that confer specific benefits.
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Novel Delivery System or Method:
The claims may describe a unique delivery mechanism—such as a sustained-release system, targeted delivery, or stability-enhancing features—that distinguish it from prior art.
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Specific Ratios or Ratios Ranges:
Claims often specify particular weight or molar ratios of components, which is critical for patent infringement scope.
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Preparation Process:
Claims may encompass a process for manufacturing or preparing the pharmaceutical composition, which broadens enforceability.
Scope Analysis:
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Broad vs. Narrow Claims:
If the independent claims broadly encompass any formulation of a specific API with certain carriers, the scope remains wide; however, narrow claims referencing precise ratios or specific process steps limit enforceability and potential infringing products.
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Potential Overlap with Prior Art:
To evaluate patent strength, the claims' novelty and inventive step against existing compositions and methods must be scrutinized.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Domestic Chinese Patent Landscape
China's pharmaceutical patent filings have surged, with a focus on innovations related to:
- Modified release formulations.
- Novel delivery systems (e.g., nanocarriers, targeted delivery).
- Process innovations improving stability or bioavailability.
Within this context, CN111093627’s claims likely position it within a competitive landscape involving both domestic and international players. The patent’s scope potentially overlaps with prior Chinese patents on similar APIs or formulations, which warrants thorough freedom-to-operate evaluations.
2. International Patent Landscape
- Corresponding or Related Patents:
Applicants often file PCT applications or national-stage filings in the US, Europe, and other jurisdictions referencing Chinese priority applications.
- Prior Art Considerations:
Existing patents—both Chinese and international—may disclose similar APIs, formulations, or delivery systems. The scope's breadth will influence its defensibility against challenges like invalidation or non-infringement.
3. Competitors and Patent Thickets
Key players in this space (e.g., Chinese biopharmaceutical firms, multinational corporations like Bayer, Roche, or Pfizer) have extensive patent portfolios covering APIs, formulations, and delivery methods.
- Patent Thickets:
The dense layering of overlapping patents requires careful clearance searches when commercializing products to avoid infringement.
4. Patent Strategy and Enforcement
The patent’s claims, if broad, could serve as a strong blocking patent, preventing competitors from entering specific segments of the market. Conversely, narrow claims might leave room for challenge or alternative formulations.
Legal & Strategic Implications
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Enforceability:
Once granted, CN111093627 can be enforced against infringing entities. Its scope indicates the areas where legal action could be pursued.
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Patent Licensing:
The patent provides prospects for licensing, especially if it covers a promising formulation or method.
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Invalidity Risks:
Broad claims risk invalidation if prior art is found, especially if the inventiveness argument is weak or similar formulations exist.
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Freedom-to-Operate (FTO):
Companies need to cross-examine patent claims against existing patents to ensure commercial activities don’t infringe and that CS111093627 remains enforceable.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
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Scope and Claims:
CN111093627 appears to secure a protective scope over a specific pharmaceutical formulation or delivery method involving a certain API, with claims likely combining composition ranges and manufacturing processes. Its patent claims balance between broad coverage and claim specificity, affecting enforceability and licensing potential.
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Patent Landscape Position:
Positioned amid a competitive Chinese pharmaceutical patent landscape, the patent may act as a strategic barrier or a licensing asset, safeguarding core formulation innovations.
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Strategic Insights:
Stakeholders should analyze the patent’s claims in relation to their products comprehensively. For innovators, understanding claim boundaries informs R&D direction and patent filing strategies to build robust portfolios. For licensees and generic manufacturers, careful FTO analyses are essential to prevent infringement and design around existing patents.
Key Takeaways
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The breadth of CN111093627’s claims determines its ability to prevent competitors from entering specific formulation or delivery system segments.
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Its positioning within China's rising patent landscape underscores the importance of proactive patent mapping and clearance.
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Ongoing patent examination and potential challenges could reshape its enforceability; monitoring related filings is critical.
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Cross-jurisdictional patent filings can amplify the patent’s strategic value or highlight infringement risks globally.
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Innovative formulation strategies should consider claim scope to avoid overlaps with CN111093627 and similar patents, particularly within China’s evolving IP environment.
FAQs
1. How does CN111093627 compare to international patents in the same field?
It likely covers specific formulations or delivery methods unique to China; comparison with international patents requires detailed claim-chart analyses to identify overlaps or distinctions.
2. Can CN111093627 be invalidated?
Yes. If prior art demonstrating similar formulations or methods predates the filing date, and if the claims are deemed obvious or lack novelty, invalidation is possible through administrative or judicial procedures.
3. What should companies consider before developing products similar to CN111093627's scope?
Perform comprehensive patent searches to understand claim boundaries, evaluate freedom-to-operate, and explore licensing opportunities or alternative formulations.
4. Does patent CN111093627 cover specific manufacturing processes?
If claims include process steps, then the patent also protects manufacturing methods, expanding its enforceability beyond formulations alone.
5. How effective is the Chinese patent landscape in protecting pharmaceutical innovations?
China’s patent laws are robust and increasingly enforceable, with a growing emphasis on pharmaceutical patent protection, making strategic patent filing and management crucial for innovators.
References
- Chinese Patent Office (SIPO), CN111093627 Patent Publication Details (official).
- China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) patent search database.
- WIPO PatentScope database.
- China Pharmaceutical Patent Landscape Reports (2021–2022).
- Patent Law of the People’s Republic of China, amended 2020.
