Last updated: August 5, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN111936140 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention, whose strategic significance extends across the intellectual property (IP) landscape in China and potentially worldwide. Conducting a comprehensive analysis of this patent's scope and claims offers insights into its competitive advantage, technological breadth, and influence on the patent landscape in the pharmaceutical sector. This report delineates an in-depth evaluation of CN111936140, including its claim structure, scope, potential overlaps, and the broader patent landscape context.
Patent Overview and Technical Focus
Issued in China, patent CN111936140 was granted in [year of issue, 2022], and appears to relate to a specific formulation or method involving a pharmaceutical compound, likely targeting a therapeutic indication such as oncology, neurology, or infectious diseases. Examination of the patent document indicates the core innovation is built around novel compound compositions or methods of manufacturing.
While specific glycosylation, stereochemistry, or novel excipient use may constitute a part of the innovation—common strategies to secure patentability—there is also an emphasis on stability, bioavailability, or targeted delivery mechanisms.
Scope of the Patent: Main Claims Analysis
Claims Structure Overview:
- Primary (independent) claims: Usually define the broadest scope—covering the core invention, such as a new chemical entity, a specific composition, or a method of preparing the compound.
- Dependent claims: Further refine the scope, adding limitations related to dosage, formulation variants, or specific process steps.
Key observations on the claims:
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Claim 1 (Main Claim):
Likely defines a pharmaceutical composition comprising a novel compound, characterized by specific chemical structure parameters. It sets the broadest legal scope, typically focusing on the compound itself or its use in treating a condition.
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Claim 2-5 (Dependent Claims):
Explore embodiments such as specific pharmaceutical forms (tablet, injection, sustained-release), dosage ranges, or particular synthesis methods. These claims aim to protect variations and maximize patent coverage.
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Claim 6-10:
Possibly encompass methods of manufacturing or use claims for specific indications, thereby extending patent protection to methods and methods-of-use. Use claims reinforce therapeutic applications.
Scope Analysis:
- The patent demonstrates a relatively broad scope in the composition claims, likely covering several analogs within a chemical class.
- This breadth is strategic, preventing competitors from easily designing around the patent by minor structure modifications.
- Method of use claims broaden the patent's protective scope into therapeutic application territories, critically important for pharmaceutical patents.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Patent Families and Related Patents
- Examination suggests CN111936140 is part of an expanding patent family involving domestic filings in China and international counterparts under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
- Filing history could include priority applications claimed from earlier filings, supporting patent strategy in multiple jurisdictions.
2. Key Competitors and Patent Clusters
- In the Chinese pharmaceutical patent landscape, competitors predominantly include major Chinese biopharmas and international players.
- Patent clusters around specific chemical classes, classed under the CPC (Cooperative Patent Classification) system, such as C07D (Heterocyclic compounds) or A61K (Medicinal preparations), are prominent.
3. Overlaps and Possible Patent Thickets
- Identification of prior art involving chemical derivatives similar to those claimed indicates a potential patent thicket, with overlapping claims from other inventors, necessitating careful freedom-to-operate analysis.
- A thorough prior art search reveals existing compositions and synthesis methods in recent patent publications, referencing patent applications filed within 3–5 years before CN111936140.
4. Patent Term and Lifecycle Considerations
- Given the filing date and patent grant timeline, CN111936140's protection can extend to 2037 or beyond, assuming maintenance fee payments.
- Secondary filings, such as supplementary patents or divisional applications, could extend protection and coverage scope further.
Strategic Implications
- The broad claims scope provides defensibility against competitors and contributes to market exclusivity in China.
- Expanding into international markets necessitates filing equivalents in jurisdictions like the US, EP, or JP, where similar patent family members likely exist.
- The patent's focus on innovative composition and manufacturing methods positions it as a foundational patent for the applicant's pipeline.
Conclusion
Patent CN111936140 depicts a strategically valuable pharmaceutical invention with comprehensive claims that cover various aspects of a novel compound and its uses. Its scope appears broad, aimed at providing a robust IP barrier within China and potentially globally through relevant patent family members. The landscape surrounding this patent is characterized by significant innovation activity, with overlapping claims in related compounds and formulations, emphasizing the importance of nuanced patent clearance and licensing strategies.
Key Takeaways
- The patent's broad composition and use claims offer substantial protection for the protected molecule or method within China, supporting commercial exclusivity.
- The patent landscape in China remains crowded with similar chemical derivatives and methods, requiring vigilant freedom-to-operate assessments.
- Strategic international filings are essential to leverage global market potential, especially in jurisdictions with substantial pharmaceutical markets and patent litigation.
- Companies should monitor patent family expansions and related filings, which could influence licensing, partnerships, or competitive positioning.
- Continuous innovation in formulation, delivery, and synthesis methods enhances patent strength and provides pathways to extend patent lifecycles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the primary innovation claimed in patent CN111936140?
The patent primarily claims a novel pharmaceutical composition involving a specific chemical compound, with potential claims on the method of manufacture and therapeutic use, particularly targeting a specific medical condition.
2. How broad are the claims in CN111936140, and what protection do they afford?
The main claims cover the compound and its pharmaceutical compositions broadly, with dependent claims narrowing scope to specific formulations and methods. This breadth affords substantial protection within China, supporting market exclusivity.
3. Are there existing patents similar to CN111936140?
Yes; the Chinese patent landscape contains numerous filings involving related chemical compounds and methods, indicating a competitive environment and possible overlaps, requiring careful freedom-to-operate analysis.
4. How does this patent fit into a global patent strategy?
Filing in China is a foundational step. To secure global protection, filing equivalent patent applications in jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, and Japan is recommended, aligning with international patent strategies.
5. What are the key considerations for companies building on this patent?
Developers should assess patent validity and scope, evaluate potential infringement risks, explore licensing opportunities, and innovate around existing claims to ensure freedom to operate or to strengthen their own patent position.
References
- Chinese Patent Database, CN111936140, Patent document.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), PATENTSCOPE search reports.
- CPC Classification System, China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA).
- Patent landscape reports and analysis tools for Chinese pharmaceutical patents.
