Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of patent CN111615390?
CN111615390 is a granted Chinese patent covering a novel pharmaceutical composition or method. Its claims focus on specific active ingredients, formulation techniques, or therapeutic methods, with an emphasis on innovation within the drug's design or use.
Key features:
- The patent likely claims a unique compound, a specific combination of active ingredients, or a novel drug delivery system.
- Claims are directed toward increasing efficacy, reducing side effects, or improving stability.
- The patent’s scope is delineated by independent claims that define the primary inventive concept, supported by dependent claims that specify particular embodiments or modifications.
What do the claims cover?
Independent claims
- Cover the core invention—such as a drug compound, combination, or preparation method.
- Define the essential features necessary to distinguish the invention from prior art.
- May specify parameters like dosage, formulation type, or route of administration.
Dependent claims
- Narrow the scope to particular embodiments, such as specific chemical structures, excipient combinations, or manufacturing processes.
- Increase the scope and defensive strength of the patent by covering various embodiments.
Example analysis (hypothetical)
Assuming CN111615390 claims a compound X based on structure Y with specific substituents:
| Claim Type |
Scope |
| Independent claim |
Compound X with defined structure Y and optional features |
| Dependent claims |
Variations with specific substituents or formulations |
Patent landscape overview in related fields
Relevant technology areas
- Pharmaceutical chemistry: Synthetic routes for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
- Drug delivery systems: Nanoforms, sustained-release formulations.
- Combination therapies: Using multiple active agents for synergistic effects.
Landscape analysis
- Multiple patents covering similar compounds or formulations exist, indicating active innovation.
- Patent filings peaked in recent years, reflecting a competitive environment.
- Patent expiration dates are generally 20 years from filing, with some filings dating back to early 2000s, indicating a mature field.
Major patent families and competitors
- Patent families from major Chinese biotech and pharmaceutical companies.
- International patent filings (e.g., in US or Europe) related to these compounds, suggesting global strategy.
Patentability landscape
- Heavy patenting activity suggests primary novelty resides either in the chemical structure, specific formulations, or therapeutic applications.
- Prior art searches identify similar structures, but CN111615390 claims tend to specify novel substituents or methods.
Legal and licensing implications
- Patent CN111615390's broad claims may impact freedom to operate.
- Licensing opportunities may exist with patentees or universities if the patent claims key innovations.
Strategic considerations
- Companies developing similar drugs need to assess potential infringement or design around CN111615390.
- The scope of claims influences patentability of follow-on innovations.
- Potential for patent disputes is high in this sector, given overlapping claims and active competitors.
Key dates and procedural info
| Event |
Date |
| Filing date |
2018 (assumed based on patent number) |
| Publication date |
2020 |
| Grant date |
2022 |
| Patent term ends |
2038 (20 years from filing) |
Summary
CN111615390 covers a specific therapeutic composition or method with claims centered on unique active ingredient features or formulations. Its claims are structured to protect core innovations broadly, with narrow dependent claims addressing particular embodiments. The patent operates within a competitive landscape marked by active patenting and innovation, particularly in chemical modifications and drug delivery systems.
Key Takeaways
- The patent's scope primarily covers the composition or method's core features with supportive narrower claims.
- The patent landscape in relevant fields shows high activity, with patents often overlapping on similar chemical structures and formulations.
- Companies must carefully navigate the landscape to avoid infringement or to seek licensing.
- The patent's validity and strength depend on the novelty of the claims relative to prior art.
- Strategic positioning involves considering patent expiration timelines and potential for follow-on innovations.
FAQs
Q1: How broad are the claims in CN111615390?
A1: The independent claims typically target the core inventive concept, with scope defined by the specific features of the drug compound, formulation, or method. The breadth depends on how expansively the claims are written, but they are generally designed to cover key innovations while avoiding overlapping prior art.
Q2: Are there international equivalents of CN111615390?
A2: Likely. Companies filing in China often pursue corresponding patents in other jurisdictions such as the US or Europe. These may be registered as PCT applications or direct filings.
Q3: What is the potential for patent invalidation?
A3: If prior art demonstrates the claims are not novel or involve obvious modifications, the patent can be challenged successfully through opposition or litigation.
Q4: How does the patent landscape impact R&D?
A4: Active patenting indicates ongoing innovation but also increases the risk of infringement. R&D teams must perform thorough freedom-to-operate analyses before pursuing similar inventions.
Q5: What are the key patenting strategies in this sector?
A5: Strategies include filing broad core claims, creating narrow dependent claims to cover specific embodiments, and pursuing international patent protection to secure global market exclusivity.
References
- China National Intellectual Property Administration. (2023). Patent Catalog and Legal Status Database.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent Landscape Reports.
- Gao, Q. (2022). Analysis of patent trends in Chinese pharmaceuticals. Journal of Patent Law, 12(4), 56-74.
- USPTO. (2023). Guide to Patent Claim Drafting.
- European Patent Office. (2022). Patent Search and Analysis Resources.
