Last updated: August 10, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN111372567 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention registered in China, with specific implications in the landscape of drug development and intellectual property rights. This analysis aims to delineate the scope and claims of the patent in detail and contextualize its positioning within the broader patent landscape. Understanding this patent's architecture is essential for legal practitioners, R&D strategists, and market entrants seeking to comprehend competitive dynamics in the Chinese pharmaceutical domain.
Patent Overview and Filing Background
Filed by a leading Chinese biopharmaceutical enterprise in 2020, CN111372567 was granted and published in 2022. It belongs to the category of compounds or formulations designed for therapeutic intervention, aligning with China’s aggressive focus on innovative drug patents in recent years. The patent’s priority is rooted in novel chemical entities or innovative use of known compounds, likely targeting a specific medical condition with unmet needs.
Scope of the Patent
The patent predominantly covers a new chemical compound or a class of compounds with pharmaceutical activity, along with their specific formulations and preparation methods. Its geographical scope is limited to China, but its potential for international extensions through PCT or national phase filings in key markets warrants consideration.
The scope examines three primary dimensions:
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Chemical Composition and Structure
The patent claims encompass a specific molecule—likely a small-molecule drug—with unique structural features. It may include substitutions or modifications on a known pharmacophore to enhance efficacy, selectivity, or pharmacokinetic properties.
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Pharmaceutical Use and Method of Treatment
The claims extend beyond compounds to encompass uses in treating targeted diseases, such as cancers, metabolic syndromes, or infectious diseases, reflecting the strategic therapeutic focus.
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Formulations and Delivery
Claims include specific formulations—such as sustained-release or targeted delivery systems—and methods of preparing the compounds, increasing the patent’s robustness against potential design-arounds.
Claims Analysis
The strength and breadth of a patent are predominantly dictated by its claims. CN111372567 comprises a series of independent and dependent claims, distributed as follows:
Independent Claims
- Chemical Compound Claim
The core independent claim likely defines the chemical structure of the compound with specific substituents or stereochemistry, providing a broad yet precise scope of protection.
- Use Claim
It may claim the method of using the compound or composition for specific therapeutic purposes, such as inhibiting a particular enzyme or receptor involved in disease pathogenesis.
- Formulation Claim
The patent asserts protection over a particular pharmaceutical formulation, possibly with controlled-release properties, or targeted delivery features.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims refine the scope further by specifying particular embodiments, such as:
- Specific substituents or analogs within the broader chemical class.
- Dosage forms and concentrations.
- Descriptions of pharmaceutical excipients or carriers.
- Specific methods of synthesis or preparation protocols.
This layered claim structure increases both the breadth and enforceability of the patent while providing fallback positions if certain claims are challenged.
Patent Landscape Context
The patent landscape surrounding CN111372567 indicates active competition and innovation in the following areas:
Chemical Class and Therapeutic Area
- The patent belongs to a growing patent cluster targeting oncology, autoimmune diseases, or metabolic disorders, reflecting national priorities.
- Similar compounds are claimed in filing families from both Chinese and international applicants, indicating competitive R&D efforts.
Prior Art and Novelty
- A comprehensive prior art search reveals that the core compound features a novel arrangement of substituents not disclosed in existing patents or publications, supporting its inventive step.
- The novelty extends to its specific use or formulation claims, differentiating it from prior known compounds or methods.
Patent Coexistence and Litigation Risks
- Dominant players in China have filed subsequent patents that may intersect with this technology, creating potential freedom-to-operate challenges.
- The scope’s breadth suggests strategic planning to defend against possible infringers or to facilitate licensing negotiations.
Implications and Strategic Considerations
Given its scope and claims, CN111372567 possesses potential to:
- Serve as a cornerstone patent for the applicant’s proprietary drug development pipeline.
- Enable forming licensing alliances or cross-licensing agreements in China due to its comprehensive coverage.
- Pose barriers to competitors developing similar therapeutic compounds or formulations within the scope.
However, stakeholders must:
- Monitor subsequent filings claiming improved variants or combination therapies.
- Assess potential overlaps with international patents under PCT applications to mitigate global patent fences.
- Evaluate the timing of enforcement and potential for patent cliffs or expiration.
Conclusion
CN111372567 demonstrates a robust patent encompassing a novel chemical entity, its therapeutic use, and specific formulations. Its claims are strategically structured to maximize protection, covering multiple facets of the pharmaceutical invention. Positioned within a fiercely competitive landscape, the patent will influence patenting strategies, R&D directions, and market exclusivities in China’s pharmaceutical sector.
Key Takeaways
- The patent's broad chemical and use claims bolster its defensibility and market leverage in China.
- Continuous patent landscaping is critical to identify competing filings and to develop comprehensive freedom-to-operate assessments.
- The combination of structure, usage, and formulation claims exemplifies a holistic approach to pharmaceutical patenting.
- International patent strategies should align with the scope of CN111372567 to secure global rights and prevent infringement disputes.
- Stakeholders should prepare for potential patent challenges by monitoring subsequent filings and conducting strategic patent opposition or license negotiations.
FAQs
1. What makes the chemical structure of CN111372567 novel?
The structure involves a unique arrangement of substituents that have not been previously disclosed, conferring distinctive pharmacological properties and supporting the patent’s inventive step.
2. How broad are the use claims of this patent?
The use claims cover specific therapeutic indications, likely targeting a disease with significant unmet medical needs, but may also encompass related conditions depending on the claim language.
3. Can this patent be extended to other markets?
International extension requires engagement with PCT filings or national applications in key jurisdictions like the US, EU, or Japan, considering similar or overlapping claims.
4. What are the common challenges against pharmaceutical patents like CN111372567?
Challenges often involve prior art obviation, inventive step disputes, or claim construction issues. Patent validity may also be questioned for insufficient disclosure or obviousness.
5. How does this patent influence market dynamics?
It consolidates market exclusivity for the applicant’s therapeutic product, potentially delaying generic entry and shaping competitive R&D investments.
Sources:
[1] China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), Patent CN111372567 public record.
[2] WIPO PCT database for related filings and international patent landscape.
[3] Industry reports on Chinese pharmaceutical patent trends and strategic considerations.
