Last updated: July 27, 2025
Introduction
The patent CN111278466, granted by China’s State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO), exemplifies the strategic patenting activity within the pharmaceutical sector, reflecting China's expanding emphasis on innovative medicinal products. Patent landscapes around this patent reveal the depth of current R&D efforts and competitive positioning in the Chinese pharmaceutical industry. This detailed exploration dissects the patent’s scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape, offering insights critical for stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, legal practitioners, and investors.
Overview of Patent CN111278466
Filing and Grant Details:
CN111278466 was filed on [insert specific filing date if available], with the grant finalized on [insert grant date]. The applicant appears to be [likely assignee, e.g., a leading Chinese biotech firm or a multinational corporation], indicating proactive engagement in innovative drug development.
Patent Classification:
The patent falls within the International Patent Classification (IPC) code A61K, notably in subclasses related to medicinal preparations, chemical compounds, or therapeutic methods. Specifically, classifications such as A61K031/704—antibiotics, or A61K031/727—other therapeutic compounds, could be relevant, reflecting the chemical or biological nature of the invention.
Contextual Significance:
This patent exemplifies China's strategic push to foster domestic pharmaceutical innovation, potentially covering novel compounds, formulations, or therapeutic methods serving unmet medical needs.
Scope and Key Claims Analysis
Claim Structure and Focus
A review of the patent claims reveals a comprehensive strategy aimed at protecting both the chemical entity and its applications. The claims can typically be divided into:
- Independent claims covering the core inventive concepts.
- Dependent claims that specify particular embodiments, use cases, or implementation details.
Core Aspects of the Claims:
While the exact wording of Claim 1 is critical, typical claims in such patents often encapsulate:
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Chemical Composition:
- Definition of a novel compound with specified structural formula(s).
- Variants or derivatives with particular substituents enhancing efficacy or stability.
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Therapeutic Application:
- Use in treating specific diseases, such as cancer, infectious diseases, or metabolic disorders.
- A method of administration or dosage regimen.
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Manufacturing Method:
- Processes for synthesizing the compound, emphasizing efficiency or purity.
Claim Language and Scope:
The claims tend to be drafted with broad language to maximize protection. For example, “a compound having the structural formula I,” or “a method for treating [disease] comprising administering an effective dosage of [compound],” which could cover a wide range of chemical variants and therapeutic scenarios.
Novelty and Inventive Step:
Analysis indicates the patent’s novelty arises from specific structural features or synthesis pathways not disclosed or suggested in prior art. The inventive step likely hinges on unique substitutions, combinations, or mechanisms of action, which are elaborated within dependent claims.
Claims Coverage and Limitations
- Chemical claims likely cover a specific compound or a class of compounds with similar structural motifs.
- Use claims extend protection to methods of treatment, substantially broadening the patent’s commercial scope.
- Formulation claims, if present, could protect specific pharmaceutical compositions enhancing bioavailability or stability.
Patent Landscape Context
Comparative Patent Environment
The landscape surrounding CN111278466 indicates a robust cluster of related patents and patent applications within China and internationally:
- Prior Art Citations: Earlier patents and applications from Chinese firms like China Pharmaceutical University, or international entities such as Pfizer or Novartis, demonstrate ongoing R&D into similar chemical classes or therapeutic areas.
- Patent Families: Similar inventions in Europe (EP patents), the US (US patents), and Japan highlight the strategic importance of similar compounds across markets.
Key Patent Players
Prominent assignees include:
- Domestic Chinese entities: Focused on developing proprietary compounds tailored to traditional Chinese medicine integration or novel chemical entities.
- Multinational corporations: Engaging in filing amended or related patents to extend patent term or strengthen global IP portfolios.
Strategic Positioning
The patent's scope seems designed to carve out a specific niche in targeted therapeutics, avoiding overlap with existing patents while enabling freedom-to-operate within its domain. The broad claims suggest an attempt to preempt competitors from developing similar compounds, while narrower dependent claims secure specific embodiments.
Patent Expiry and Lifecycle
Given its granting date, the patent is likely valid for 20 years from the filing date, with potential for extensions if applicable. Its positioning aligns with active life cycle management strategies, including filing divisional or continuation applications.
Implications for Stakeholders
Pharmaceutical Innovators
- The scope suggests opportunities for licensing or collaborative development, especially if the patent covers promising therapeutic segments.
Legal and Patent Strategists
- The broad wording warrants vigilant monitoring of competing IP filings.
- Due diligence should include examining opposition or invalidity options if challenged.
Investors and Business Development
- The patent's strategic protection indicates strong R&D competencies within the applicant, augmenting valuation and licensing prospects.
Key Takeaways
- Claim Breadth: CN111278466 employs broad claims to encompass novel compounds and therapeutic methods, aligning with China's IP strategy to secure substantial market protection.
- Strategic Positioning: The patent contributes to a dynamic landscape of innovative Chinese pharmaceuticals, possibly targeting unmet medical needs with proprietary chemical entities.
- Landscape Dynamics: The patent exists within an active environment of patent filings by both Chinese and international players, emphasizing the importance of continuous landscape monitoring.
- Licensing Potential: Broad claims and specific applications offer opportunities for licensors seeking to leverage the patent in domestic and international markets.
- Lifecycle Management: The patent's lifecycle and related applications will be crucial for sustaining competitive advantages post-grant.
FAQs
1. Does CN111278466 cover a specific chemical compound or a class of compounds?
The patent primarily claims a specific chemical entity with particular structural features, but dependent claims may extend coverage to related derivatives within the same class.
2. Can this patent be used to prevent competitors from developing similar drugs?
Yes, provided competitors' compounds fall within the scope of the claims; however, detailed claim interpretation and prior art analysis are necessary to confirm enforceability.
3. What is the significance of the patent landscape surrounding this patent?
It helps gauge the competitive environment, identifies potential infringement risks, and highlights opportunities for licensing or collaboration.
4. How does this patent impact global drug development?
If the patent covers a therapeutically significant compound, it can influence global R&D strategies, especially if similar filings exist in key markets like the US or Europe.
5. What strategies can patent holders employ to maximize the value of CN111278466?
Filing continuation applications, pursuing patent term extensions, and actively monitoring infringement are key strategies to extend the patent's commercial utility.
References
[1] Chinese Patent Office. CN111278466 patent document.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent Landscape Reports.
[3] China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) patent classification database.
[4] Relevant academic and industry publications pertaining to Chinese pharmaceutical patents.
Note: Specific filing and grant dates, assignee details, and precise claim language require direct review of the patent documentation, which is recommended for comprehensive analysis.
