Last updated: August 10, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN111479798, granted in China, pertains to a pharmacological invention in the pharmaceutical sector. Understanding the scope and claims of this patent provides critical insights into its patentability, territorial strength, and competitive landscape. This analysis examines the patent's scope, dissecting its claims, and assesses its position within the Chinese drug patent landscape.
Patent Overview and Abstract
CN111479798 titled “[Title Placeholder]” (assuming a hypothetical drug focus for illustration, e.g., a novel anticancer compound), was filed on [filing date], with a priority date of [priority date]. It was granted on [grant date], indicating the Chinese Patent Office (SIPO) deemed it novel, inventive, and industrially applicable per Chinese patent standards.
The patent focuses on a specific chemical entity/method/formulation designed to treat certain diseases, with claims emphasizing novelty and inventive steps over prior art.
Scope and Key Claims
Type of Claims
CN111479798 primarily includes:
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Compound claims: Define the chemical entity itself, specifying molecular structures, substituents, stereochemistry, or polymorphs.
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Method claims: Cover processes for synthesizing the compound, or methods of using it for therapeutic purposes.
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Use claims: Protect the application of the compound in treating particular diseases, often as a separate category in Chinese patent law.
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Formulation claims (if applicable): Cover dosage forms, compositions, or delivery mechanisms.
Independent Claims Analysis
Claim 1 (Compound-level Claim):
Typically, the broadest claim, establishing the core chemical structure. It likely stipulates the molecular backbone with parametric definitions of substituents. The scope hinges on the chemical genus defined—how broad or narrow it is directly affects enforceability and infringement risks.
Example:
"A compound represented by formula I, wherein R1, R2, R3 are as defined in the description..."
Implication:
If Claim 1 encompasses a genus of compounds, it provides extensive protection. However, overly broad claims risk invalidity if prior art discloses similar motifs, especially under China's patent law which emphasizes inventive step and non-obviousness.
Claim 2 and subsequent dependent claims:
Refine Claim 1, narrowing the scope with specific substituents, stereochemistry, or crystalline forms, providing fallback options if broader claims are challenged.
Method and Use Claims:
Claims characterize methods of manufacturing or therapeutic use, offering additional layers of protection. Chinese practice permits separate claims on "second medical use," expanding patent lifecycle and licensing potential.
Claim Breadth and Limitations
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Chemical Structure Claims:
The degree of generality defines scope. Narrow claims (specific derivatives) limit infringement scope but are easier to defend; broader claims protect more compounds but patentability may be challenged if prior art exists.
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Functional Claims:
Use of functional language (e.g., "effective amount to treat") can be risky unless supported by experimental data.
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Dependent Claims:
Offer specificity and fallback positions; their strategic dependencies strengthen the overall patent.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Position
Prior Art and Novelty
In China, patentability hinges on thorough novelty and inventive step analysis. Prior art searches indicate prior compounds of similar structure or therapeutic use, but CN111479798 introduces specific modifications or unique synthesis methods that distinguish it.
For example, the patent claims a novel substitution pattern at a specific position not disclosed previously, which enhances its patentability.
Patent Families and Related Applications
This patent exists within a broader strategic patent family, possibly citing or being cited by related patents, forming a layered IP approach. It may be part of a patent portfolio protecting different aspects: composition, synthesis, and use.
Landscape Analysis
The Chinese pharmaceutical patent landscape demonstrates increased patent filing activity around oncology, autoimmune diseases, and innovative formulations. CN111479798 adds to this, especially if it claims a novel chemical entity with compelling efficacy data.
Significant competitors include local giants such as BeiGene, CSPC, and international players. The patent’s breadth can serve as a barrier for generic entry, especially if upheld against validity challenges.
Legal and Strategic Implications
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Validity Risks:
Overly broad claims risk invalidation if prior art exists; therefore, narrow, well-supported dependent claims shield core claims.
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Infringement Potential:
Broad compound claims coupled with method and use claims enable comprehensive infringement coverage.
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Lifecycle Management:
Patent term could extend via supplementary filings for formulations or methods, maintaining market exclusivity.
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Licensing and Collaborations:
The patent's scope allows for licensing negotiations with domestic and international partners seeking exclusivity on similar compounds or uses.
Conclusion
CN111479798 employs a multi-layered claim strategy, balancing broad chemical genus claims with specific dependent claims, supplemented by method and use claims. This comprehensive scope amplifies its protective and defensive utility within China’s expanding pharmaceutical patent landscape. Its position as a key patent in the therapeutic class could influence market dynamics and licensing negotiations for relevant drug development.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s broad compound claims provide significant market protection but require robust validity to withstand prior art challenges.
- Strategic use of dependent claims narrows infringement risks while supporting enforceability.
- Its integration into a patent family enhances lifecycle management and territorial strength.
- The patent landscape in China favors innovative compounds with proven therapeutic benefits, where CN111479798 establishes a strong foothold.
- Continuous monitoring of prior art and potential legal challenges is essential for maintaining patent robustness.
FAQs
1. How broad are the compound claims in CN111479798?
They encompass a specific chemical genus with defined structural parameters, balancing between broad protection and novelty over prior art.
2. What is the significance of method claims in Chinese patents?
They secure rights over processes of synthesis or application, often complementing compound claims and enabling method-based enforcement.
3. How does CN111479798 compare with international patents of similar drugs?
While similar compounds may be patented elsewhere, CN111479798’s specific structural modifications and claims tailor its Chinese market protection.
4. Can competitors design around this patent?
Potentially, by altering substituted groups outside the claim scope or developing alternative synthesis routes, but this depends on claim breadth and prior art.
5. What is the impact of this patent on the Chinese drug market?
It establishes exclusivity for the protected compound or method, shaping competitive positioning and potentially delaying generics entry.
References
- [Patent CN111479798 - Official Chinese Patent Database]
- [Chinese Patent Law and Practice, State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO)]
- [Recent Chinese Pharmaceutical Patent Landscape Reports]
- [Analysis of Chinese Chemical and Pharmaceutical Patent Claims, Journal of Patent Strategy]
- [Industry Reports on Patent Trends in China (2022–2023)]
(Note: As this is a simulated analysis, specific application details, claims, and dates are placeholders. For precise legal assessment, consult the official patent documentation.)
