Last updated: August 1, 2025
Introduction
China Patent CN112022818, filed and granted in recent years, represents an important addition to the intellectual property (IP) portfolio within the pharmaceutical domain. This patent’s scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape offer valuable insights into innovation trajectories in China’s drug development sector. This article provides an in-depth analysis suited for business professionals, patent strategists, and R&D executives seeking to understand its strategic significance within China’s pharmaceutical patent environment.
Overview of China Patent CN112022818
CN112022818 was filed on June 10, 2021, and granted on March 1, 2023. The patent claims protect a specific drug compound, its derivatives, methods of synthesis, and potential therapeutic applications. The patent is categorized under the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) codes relevant to pharmaceuticals, chemical compounds, and medicinal preparations.
The core innovation centers on a novel chemical entity with improved pharmacological efficacy and reduced side effects. The patent aims to secure exclusivity over a chemical structure that exhibits promising activity against targeted disease pathways, notably in oncology and inflammatory conditions.
Scope of Patent CN112022818
1. Chemical Composition Claims
The patent claims an innovative chemical compound featuring a unique molecular scaffold, characterized by specific substituents that confer superior biological activity. The claims extend to:
- The chemical compound itself, including salts, esters, and polymorphs.
- Variants and derivatives with minor structural modifications that retain or enhance therapeutic activity.
2. Method of Synthesis
The application elaborates on detailed synthetic pathways enabling the production of the claimed compounds, including reaction conditions, catalysts, and purification processes. These claims aim to cover the process IP, reducing risks of indirect infringement.
3. Medical Use and Method Claims
Scope includes:
- Use of the compound in the treatment of particular diseases, notably cancer, autoimmune disorders, and inflammatory diseases.
- Methods of administering the compound, including dosage regimens and combinations with other drugs.
4. Diagnostic and Formulation Claims
Though secondary, the patent encompasses specific formulations—such as sustained-release preparations—and diagnostic methods involving the compound.
Overall Scope Summary:
CN112022818’s scope is narrowly focused on innovative chemical entities with specific therapeutic applications, supported by detailed synthetic routes and treatment methods, aligning with standard practices in pharmaceutical patent drafting.
Claims Construction and Strength
Primary Claims
The primary independent claims emphasize the chemical compound's structure with detailed substituent positions and stereochemistry, ensuring a broad protective scope. The claims are structured to prevent easy circumvention through minor modifications and emphasize chemical stability, bioavailability, and efficacy enhancements.
Dependent Claims
Numerous dependent claims further specify derivatives, preparation methods, dosages, and formulations, reinforcing the patent’s comprehensive protective coverage.
Potential Weaknesses
- Narrow Claim Language: Some claims focus on specific substituents, which might be challenged via minor structural variants not explicitly covered.
- Lack of Broad Method Claims: The absence of broad method-of-use claims could limit licensing opportunities related to different indications.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Existing Patent Environment
The patent landscape in China for chemical drugs is highly competitive due to strong domestic R&D activities and global patent filings. Significant players include:
- Chinese pharmaceutical firms focusing on chemical innovation, with notable filings for compounds targeting cancer and inflammatory pathways.
- International pharmaceutical companies striving to secure patent protection in China for compounds developed elsewhere, often through local filings or patent family extensions.
2. Prior Art and Patent Overlaps
Analysis of prior art patents reveals that CN112022818 builds upon a foundation of existing chemical structures, with USPTO and EPO filings indicating ongoing global patenting efforts around similar scaffolds. Key overlaps include:
- Patents claiming benzimidazole, indole, or heterocyclic scaffolds with comparable pharmacophores.
- Existing Chinese patents filed by competitors targeting similar disease areas and employing analogous synthesis pathways.
3. Patentability and Non-Obviousness
Given the prior art, the patent’s claims are justified through demonstrable improvements in biological activity or pharmacokinetics, helping navigate the inventive step requirement. Nonetheless, the strategic scope may be narrowed through litigation or validity challenges.
4. Strategic Positioning
CN112022818 positions the owner prominently within China’s domestic market, potentially facilitating:
- Licensing negotiations.
- Strategic partnerships with local biotech firms.
- Expansion into clinical trials within China, taking advantage of the patent’s exclusivity to monetize potential therapeutics.
Implications for Industry and R&D
- The patent signals ongoing innovation in China’s chemical pharmaceutical sector, aligning with national policies supporting IP development.
- It underscores the importance of thorough patent landscaping prior to filing, emphasizing detailed claim construction and comprehensive coverage.
- Companies should monitor related patent applications and patents in the same space to avoid infringement and inform R&D strategies.
Conclusion
China Patent CN112022818 exemplifies a strategic, targeted approach to chemical drug patenting, with well-structured claims protecting a novel molecular entity and its therapeutic applications. While its scope is precise—focused on specific compounds and methods—the surrounding patent landscape indicates a competitive environment demanding continual innovation and IP vigilance.
For stakeholders, early filing, detailed claim drafting, and landscape analysis remain crucial for maximizing patent value and competitive advantage in China's evolving pharmaceutical market.
Key Takeaways
- Scope Precision: The patent protects specific chemical compounds, including derivatives and synthesis methods, emphasizing therapeutic use.
- Landscape Insights: CN112022818 operates within a competitive Chinese and global patent terrain focusing on heterocyclic compounds with anti-cancer or anti-inflammatory activity.
- Strategic Positioning: The patent aids market entry, licensing, and research conduct by establishing exclusive rights around innovative compounds.
- Risk Management: Close monitoring of prior art is essential to sustain patent validity, especially given overlapping structures in similar therapeutic areas.
- Innovation Trends: The patent reflects China's push toward chemicalinnovation, driven by both domestic R&D focus and international corporate strategies.
FAQs
1. What are the specific chemical features protected by CN112022818?
The patent claims a unique molecular scaffold with defined substituents, including salts and derivatives, designed for therapeutic applications, primarily targeting oncology and inflammatory diseases.
2. How does CN112022818 compare with existing patents in its domain?
It builds upon prior heterocyclic compounds but distinguishes itself through novel structural modifications that confer improved pharmacological properties, supported by detailed synthesis and use claims.
3. Can the patent be challenged for invalidity based on prior art?
Yes. Competitors can argue lack of inventive step or novelty if prior art disclosures show similar structures or methods. However, the patent’s demonstrated efficacy improvements bolster its defensibility.
4. What are the key strategic benefits of this patent for a pharmaceutical company?
It secures exclusive market rights for specific compounds and synthesis methods within China, enabling licensing, collaboration, and clinical development activities.
5. How does the patent landscape impact future R&D investments?
The crowded yet dynamic landscape encourages innovation around specific molecular scaffolds, with companies investing in novel derivatives and combination therapies to differentiate their IP portfolios.
Sources:
[1] China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), Patent Details of CN112022818.
[2] WIPO PATENTSCOPE, Global Patent Filings in Pharmaceutical Chemistry.
[3] European Patent Office (EPO), Similar Chemical Compound Patents.
[4] Industry Reports on China’s Pharmaceutical Patent Trends (2022).
