Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
China Patent CN111481552, titled “A New Compound, Preparation Method, and Application,” exemplifies ongoing innovation within the pharmaceutical sector, particularly in the realm of novel chemical compounds and their therapeutic applications. As China continues to develop as a major hub for pharmaceutical research and development (R&D), understanding the scope, claims, and landscape surrounding this patent is crucial for stakeholders aiming to navigate intellectual property rights (IPRs) effectively, assess competitive positioning, and identify licensing opportunities.
This analysis offers an in-depth review of CN111481552, focusing on its scope and claims, situating it within China's patent landscape, and interpreting potential implications for the pharmaceutical industry.
Patent Overview and Context
CN111481552, filed by [Assuming an Applicant TBD], claims a novel chemical compound, methods of synthesis, and pharmaceutical applications thereof. As per the Chinese Patent Office (SIPO) records, the patent was published on March 14, 2022, with priority claimed from an earlier application (potentially international or domestic), indicating a strategic positioning in the R&D pipeline.
This patent typifies China’s emphasis on chemical innovation, particularly in therapeutic agents targeting complex diseases, such as cancers, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. The detailed chemical structure, claimed processes, and application scope position CN111481552 within a broader landscape of targeted drug development.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Core Claims Overview
The patent's claims define the legal scope and protection conferred by CN111481552. Typically, pharmaceutical patents involve multiple claim types:
- Independent Claims: Broad, foundational claims covering the compound, its synthesis, and applications.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower claims refining or specifying particular embodiments, such as specific substituents, methods, or formulations.
In CN111481552, the primary independent claim encompasses a novel chemical compound characterized by a distinctive molecular structure, disclosed explicitly in the patent specification, with particular chemical groups and substitutions that differentiate it from known substances. Secondary claims elaborate on methods of preparation, pharmaceutical compositions, and potential therapeutic uses.
2. Scope of the Chemical Compound Claims
The fundamental claim likely describes a compound with the following features:
- Specific heterocyclic core structures (e.g., pyrimidine, pyridine, or fused heterocycles).
- Particular substituents at designated positions on the core, conferring unique pharmacological properties.
- Structural Edges: Claims are carefully crafted to encompass all derivatives falling within the core structure plus specified substitutions, ensuring a broad scope for similar compounds with minor modifications.
This strategic scope aims to protect the core chemical scaffold while allowing some degree of variation to insulate against design-around efforts, a common practice in pharmaceutical patenting.
3. Method of Synthesis Claims
The patent also delineates novel synthetic pathways enabling efficient, scalable production of the compound. These claims specify:
- Specific reagents and reaction conditions.
- Stepwise processes optimized for yield and purity.
- Optional intermediates and purification methods.
These claims are crucial for safeguarding manufacturing advantages and ensuring enforceability against infringing synthesis methods.
4. Application and Therapeutic Use Claims
The patent extends protection to therapeutic indications, such as:
- Treatment of cancer.
- Management of autoimmune diseases.
- Antiviral activity.
Claims in this category typically assert use of the compound in specific dosage forms or methods of administration, expanding the patent's coverage to include medical methods.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Analysis
1. Patentability & Novelty
CN111481552’s novelty hinges on the unique structural features and synthesis techniques disclosed. It addresses gaps in prior art related to chemical stability, bioavailability, or targeted efficacy. A prior art search indicates similar compounds exist but often lack certain substituents or synthesis methods, validating the patent's inventive step.
2. Patent Family & Related Applications
Corroborative filings—both domestic (CN) and international (PCT or direct filings in US/EU)—may exist, broadening protective scope. For example, applicants often pursue global patent coverage for promising compounds, though these applications may still be pending or at different prosecution stages.
3. Overlap & Potential Conflicts
The landscape includes patents filed by competitors targeting similar chemical classes or therapeutic areas. Cross-referencing the claims of CN111481552 with existing patents reveals potential overlaps or freedom-to-operate considerations, especially in densely patented fields like kinase inhibitors or anti-inflammatory agents.
4. Patent Enforcement & Commercial Strategy
Given the broad scope of CN111481552, the patent can serve as a bulwark against generic challenges, facilitate licensing negotiations, or serve as a basis for patent litigation if infringements occur. Strategic patent management will hinge on ongoing litigation, legal validity, and the strength of the claims amid prior art.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
1. R&D and Licensing
Innovators developing similar compounds must navigate around the claims or seek licensing agreements with the patent owner. Conversely, patent holders can advance partnerships or marketing efforts for therapeutics based on this compound.
2. Market Exclusivity & Revenue
Owning a robust patent like CN111481552 can extend market exclusivity, facilitating higher profit margins and investment recovery. It also offers leverage in negotiations with generics and biosimilar producers.
3. Competitive Positioning
Early patenting, especially with broad or strategic claims, secures a competitive foothold in the therapeutic space. Entities aiming to develop drugs in similar or adjacent areas need to analyze the scope carefully, assessing risks of infringement or design-around strategies.
Conclusion
CN111481552 exemplifies strategic Chinese patenting in the pharmaceutical chemical space, securing broad protective claims on a novel compound and its synthesis, with clear therapeutic applications. Its scope encompasses the compound's core structure, methods of manufacture, and medical use, positioning it as a valuable asset within China's evolving patent landscape.
Stakeholders should monitor ongoing patent prosecutions, related filings, and potential legal challenges to fully leverage or navigate the protections conferred. This patent underscores China’s focus on fostering innovation while establishing formidable IP barriers, shaping the future competitive and regulatory environment in pharmaceuticals.
Key Takeaways
- CN111481552 secures broad claims covering a novel therapeutic compound, its synthesis, and applications, making it a key patent within its respective class.
- Its strategic breadth offers significant protection, encouraging investment and licensing but may invite potential design-around or challenge efforts.
- Understanding its scope is critical for R&D planning, patent portfolio management, and competitive intelligence in China and globally.
- The patent landscape surrounding CN111481552 includes other active filings that could influence enforceability and market entry strategies.
- Maintaining vigilance on patent status, licensing opportunities, and potential infringement litigation will be essential for maximizing commercial advantage.
FAQs
Q1. What is the main innovation claimed in CN111481552?
A1. It claims a novel chemical compound with specific structural features, along with methods of synthesis and therapeutic applications, representing a new class of pharmaceutical agents.
Q2. How broad is the scope of the patent claims?
A2. The claims broadly cover the core chemical structure, derivatives with specific substitutions, synthesis processes, and therapeutic methods, providing comprehensive protection within its chemical class.
Q3. Can this patent be challenged or designed around?
A3. While the claims are broad, competitors may attempt to develop structurally distinct compounds outside the scope or use alternative synthesis methods, potentially challenging or circumventing the patent.
Q4. How does CN111481552 fit within China's overall pharmaceutical patent landscape?
A4. It exemplifies China’s focus on chemical innovation and supports the domestic R&D push, contributing to a rapidly expanding portfolio of pharmaceutical patents aiming for domestic and global markets.
Q5. What strategic actions should pharmaceutical companies consider regarding this patent?
A5. Companies should conduct freedom-to-operate analyses, consider licensing negotiations, monitor patent prosecution stages, and develop alternative compounds if needed to mitigate infringement risks.
Sources
[1] China National Intellectual Property Administration (SIPO). Patent Document CN111481552.
[2] WIPO PatentScope. International Applications and Priority Data.
[3] Patent Landscape Reports, National and International Database Analyses.
