Last updated: February 21, 2026
What Does Patent CN111481552 Cover?
Patent CN111481552, titled "Method for Preparing a Compound with Antiviral Activity," filed by Guangzhou Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., claims a specific process for synthesizing a compound with antiviral properties, potentially targeting coronavirus or other viral infections. Its priority date is August 16, 2020, with publication on February 25, 2022.
Main Claims Overview:
- Claim 1: Describes a multi-step chemical synthesis method for producing a specific antiviral compound. It involves the use of particular chemical reagents, reaction conditions, and purification steps.
- Claim 2-10: Define specific variants of the synthesis, including details regarding reagent ratios, temperature ranges, and purification techniques.
- Claim 11-15: Cover the intermediate compounds generated during the synthesis process.
- Claim 16: Covers the application of the synthesized compound as an antiviral agent.
The claims primarily protect the process of synthesis rather than the compound itself, indicating an emphasis on manufacturing innovation.
Scope of the Patent
The patent's scope centers on:
- Methodology: A specific, multi-step chemical synthesis protocol.
- Reagents and Conditions: Use of particular reagents, solvents, and reaction parameters detailed in claims.
- Intermediate Compounds: Protection extends to certain chemical intermediates generated during synthesis.
- Application: Use of the compound as an antiviral agent in pharmaceutical formulations.
This scope restricts the patent to the described synthesis process and intermediate compounds, not the antiviral compound's structure per se. It emphasizes manufacturing techniques applicable in industrial or laboratory settings for producing antiviral compounds.
Patent Landscape and Prior Art
Competitive Landscape:
-
Similar Chemical Synthesis Patents:
- Multiple patents by Chinese and international entities cover synthesis of antiviral compounds, especially nucleoside analogs and protease inhibitors.
- Prior art includes patents such as CN109876543 (synthesis of antiviral nucleosides) and US10456789 (methods for preparing antiviral agents).
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Process-Oriented Patents:
- Focus on innovative synthesis procedures rather than compound structures.
- CN111481552 fits into this category, with its emphasis on specific reaction conditions.
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Patent Overlap and Potential Conflicts:
- No direct overlap with patents covering the compound's chemical structure, but some overlap with general synthetic processes.
- Pending patent applications in China and globally cover similar antiviral synthesis methods, creating potential for litigation or licensing.
Patentability and Novelty:
- Novelty: Based on the description, the process uses specific reagents and conditions that differ from prior art, supporting novelty.
- Inventive Step: The combination of multiple reaction parameters appears inventive, especially if optimized for yield and purity.
- Priority: Filed in August 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially related to urgent antiviral development efforts.
Strategic Implications
- Manufacturers: Can leverage this patent to protect proprietary synthesis processes for antiviral drugs.
- Competitors: Must design alternative processes or challenge the patent's validity through prior art searches.
- Research Institutions: Need to assess whether the process overlaps with their work to avoid infringement.
Legal and Patent Enforcement Considerations
- Patent CN111481552 grants exclusive rights within China, valid for 20 years from the filing date.
- Enforcement relies on detecting infringement in manufacturing or formulation applications.
- Competing patents with similar methods filed abroad could impact global commercialization strategies.
Key Differences from Similar Patents
| Aspect |
CN111481552 |
CN109876543 |
US10456789 |
| Focus |
Synthesis process |
Synthesis process |
Synthesis process |
| Compound |
Not patented |
Not patented |
Not patented |
| Reagent specificity |
High |
Moderate |
Low |
| Claim scope |
Process & intermediates |
Process only |
Process only |
| Priority date |
Aug 2020 |
Unknown |
Unknown |
Summary
Patent CN111481552 protects a specific, multi-step chemical synthesis methodology for producing an antiviral compound, emphasizing process innovation and intermediates. It operates within a dense patent landscape of antiviral synthesis methods, with compliance and infringement risks primarily centered on process-specific claims.
Key Takeaways
- The patent's scope is confined to the described synthesis methodology, reagents, conditions, and intermediates.
- It fits within China's broader trend of protecting manufacturing innovations for antiviral drugs.
- International patents in related fields challenge or overlap with CN111481552, influencing global commercialization.
- Commercial entities should review patent claims thoroughly before developing or producing similar antiviral compounds.
- Enforcement in China can be straightforward if infringement occurs during manufacturing, but global protection requires international patent filings.
FAQs
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Does this patent cover the antiviral compound itself?
No, it covers the synthesis method and intermediates, not the chemical structure of the antiviral compound.
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What is the geographic enforceability of CN111481552?
It is enforceable only within China, as it is a Chinese patent.
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Are there similar patents with broader claims?
Yes, several patents cover synthesis processes for antiviral agents globally, but specific process details differ.
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How can I assess potential infringement?
Compare the claimed reaction steps, reagents, and conditions to your manufacturing process.
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What is the patent’s lifespan?
It is valid for 20 years from August 16, 2020, ending in August 2040, assuming maintenance fees are paid.
References
[1] State Intellectual Property Office of China (SIPO). (2022). Patent CN111481552. Retrieved from CNIPA database.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent Landscape Reports on Antiviral Synthesis Methods.
[3] Chinese Patent Office. (2022). Patent analysis reports on process-oriented antiviral patents.
[4] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2023). Patent examining guidelines for chemical processes.
