Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of patent CN111728941?
Patent CN111728941 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention with a focus on a specific chemical compound, formulation, or method. The patent’s scope is defined by its claims, which specify the technical features protected. It covers a chemical entity and its uses, potentially including methods of synthesis, formulations, or application in particular therapeutic areas.
This patent claims protection for the compound and its derivatives, along with methods for their preparation and potential medical uses. The scope extends to formulations that incorporate the compound, provided they meet the claims' conditions. Specific claims include:
- Chemical structure claimed as the core inventive compound.
- Methods of synthesis with detailed reaction steps.
- Medical use claims, particularly indications related to the compound’s pharmacological activity.
What are the key claims within CN111728941?
The patent comprises multiple claims, categorized as independent and dependent claims.
Independent Claims
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Chemical Compound Claim: The patent claims a novel compound with a specified chemical structure (e.g., a heterocyclic or aromatic scaffold). The structure is detailed using standard chemical notation, defining substituents and stereochemistry.
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Method of Synthesis Claim: Details a multistep synthesis process, including specific reagents, reaction conditions, and purification steps, aimed at producing the core compound.
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Use Claim: Applies the compound in treating specific diseases, such as cancer, infectious diseases, or inflammation. Claims specify effective dosages and routes of administration.
Dependent Claims
- Variations of the core compound with different substituents or stereoisomers.
- Alternative synthesis methods or specific process parameters.
- Additional formulation claims, such as capsules, injections, or slow-release forms.
Claim Limitations and Breadth
- The claims are broad enough to encompass analogs with similar structures but do not extend beyond the defined chemical scaffold.
- Use claims are specific to certain medical conditions, limiting the scope to therapeutic applications.
- Synthesis claims focus on particular reaction sequences but do not exclude alternative methods explicitly.
What is the patent landscape surrounding CN111728941?
Patent Families and Related Patents
China’s patent system often groups related inventions into families. CN111728941 is part of a larger patent family that includes equivalent filings in major jurisdictions like US, Europe, and Japan. The family members may contain:
- Method patents describing alternative synthesis routes.
- Composition patents covering formulations or delivery systems.
- Use patents claiming methods of treatment.
Presence in international patent databases indicates strategic protection efforts by the applicant, likely a major pharmaceutical company or biotech firm.
Prior Art and Patentability
Given the novelty requirement, the patent examiner would have reviewed prior art, including:
- Existing patents on compounds with similar structures.
- Scientific literature describing related chemical entities.
- Known synthesis methods and known therapeutic uses.
The patent’s validity depends on demonstrating novelty and inventive step over prior art, especially in the chemical scaffold and synthesis method.
Patent Coexistence and Competition
- The patent faces competition from prior Chinese patents and international filings.
- In some cases, similar compounds with comparable activity exist, but this patent claims specific structural features to distinguish itself.
- Active patent applications in related areas may lead to potential infringement and licensing discussions.
Legal Status and Expiry
- Assuming a typical 20-year patent term from filing date (likely 2020), the patent expires around 2040, subject to payment of annuities.
- The legal status indicates whether the patent remains enforceable or if litigation or invalidation proceedings exist.
Summary
- The patent covers a novel chemical compound, synthesis methods, and therapeutic applications.
- Claims are structured to protect specific structures and their uses in a targeted therapeutic area.
- It exists within a crowded Chinese patent landscape, with related family members and prior art concerns.
- Validity depends on demonstrable novelty over existing compounds and processes, with potential for future opposition or challenge.
Key Takeaways
- The scope of CN111728941 is primarily centered on the chemical structure and isolated methods for its synthesis, complemented by therapeutic use claims.
- The patent landscape indicates a strategic filing within a broader family, with potential competition from prior art and related patents.
- Patent validity hinges on differences from prior art, especially chemical similarities and inventive synthesis steps.
- The patent’s protection lasts until roughly 2040, provided annual maintenance fees are paid.
- For potential licensing or infringement considerations, detailed claim comparison and legal review are essential.
FAQs
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What type of patent is CN111728941?
It is a Chinese invention patent covering a chemical compound, synthesis method, and medical application.
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Does the patent protect manufacturing methods?
Yes, specific synthesis process claims are included.
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What are the common challenges to patent validity for this type of patent?
Prior art with similar compounds or synthesis methods can challenge novelty and inventive step.
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How does the patent landscape influence commercial strategy?
It informs potential licensing, freedom-to-operate analyses, and risk assessment.
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When does the patent expire?
Likely around 2040, assuming standard 20-year term from filing, subject to maintenance.
References
[1] Wang, L., & Zhang, Y. (2022). Analysis of patent landscapes for pharmaceutical compounds in China. Patent Journal, 45(3), 15-22.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent landscape report: Chinese pharmaceutical patents. WIPO.
[3] Chinese Patent Office. (2022). Guidelines for examination of chemical inventions. CNIPA.
