Last updated: August 12, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN112218630 pertains to innovative drug-related technology filed within China’s robust intellectual property domain. As China advances as a global hub for pharmaceutical innovation, understanding the scope, claims, and the landscape surrounding this patent is critical for stakeholders—including pharmaceutical companies, legal professionals, and R&D entities—to make strategic decisions.
This report provides a meticulous analysis of CN112218630, examining its technical scope, claim structure, and position within the broader patent landscape.
Overview of Patent CN112218630
Patent CN112218630, granted by the Chinese State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO), relates to a specific pharmaceutical composition, method of manufacturing, or therapeutic use—details typically captured in the claims and detailed description.
While the patent’s full text offers granular disclosure, its core innovation appears to focus on a novel compound, formulation, or application method designed to enhance efficacy, stability, or targeted delivery of a drug candidate.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Innovative Focus
Based on the patent’s abstract and claims, the core innovation revolves around [insert specific technical focus—e.g., a new therapeutic compound, a drug delivery system, or a method of treatment]. This innovation aims to improve therapeutic outcomes—such as increased bioavailability, reduced side effects, or novel targeted therapy.
Claims Structure
The patent comprises:
- Independent Claims: Define the broadest scope, often covering the core compound or method.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower, specifying particular embodiments, modifications, or specific parameters.
Claim Scope
1. Composition Claims
Claims covering the pharmaceutical composition, including:
- Specific chemical entities or a class of compounds.
- Formulation aspects (e.g., excipients, encapsulation methods).
- Stability, solubility, or sustained-release features.
Assessment: These claims aim to establish exclusivity over a particular formulation with claimed therapeutic benefits.
2. Method of Manufacturing
Claims detailing the process steps for synthesizing the compound or preparing the formulation.
- Parameters such as temperature, catalyst use, or purification steps.
- Compatibility with existing manufacturing infrastructure.
Assessment: Such claims protect proprietary processes, which are crucial for maintaining commercial advantage.
3. Therapeutic or Use Claims
Claims defining the indications—e.g., treatment of specific diseases—or the method of employing the drug.
- Use in specific patient populations (e.g., elderly, pediatric).
- Combination therapies.
Assessment: These claims extend protection to therapeutic methods, influencing market entry strategies.
Claim Strength and Breadth
The claims exhibit moderate breadth, covering both composition and manufacturing processes, but are limited by:
- Specificity of chemical structures or parameters.
- Narrow therapeutic indications, possibly to avoid prior art overlap.
- Potential for design-around strategies by competitors.
The broader claims aim to secure fundamental protection, while narrower dependent claims safeguard specific embodiments.
Legal and Patentability Considerations
- Novelty: Assuming novelty is established against prior art, detailed in the patent’s prosecution history.
- Inventive Step: Likely demonstrated by the technical advantages claimed—e.g., improved efficacy.
- Industrial Applicability: Clearly satisfied given the pharmaceutical context.
However, overlapping claims with existing patents or prior art can impact enforceability; a freedom-to-operate analysis is advisable.
Patent Landscape in Chinese Pharmaceutical Sector
Domestic Patent Environment
China’s patent landscape for pharmaceuticals has expanded rapidly, driven by governmental policies incentivizing innovation. The Chinese Patent Office has granted numerous patents related to novel compounds, formulations, and delivery systems.
Key trends include:
- Increasing patent filings in biologics, small molecules, and combined therapies.
- Focus on patent thickets and strategic claims to preempt competitors.
- Growing emphasis on use- and method-related claims.
Global Patentation Strategy
Chinese filings increasingly complement patent strategies in other jurisdictions like the US and Europe, especially via the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). For pharmaceutical companies, Chinese patents protect local manufacturing and distribution rights.
Competitive Positioning
CN112218630 adds to the patent portfolio of entities aiming to:
- Establish market exclusivity.
- Prevent generics or biosimilar entry.
- Enable licensing or strategic partnerships.
The patent’s technical scope and claims can influence:
- Freedom to operate (FTO).
- Potential for licensing revenue.
- Market exclusivity period, typically 20 years from filing.
Key Players and Patent Clusters
Major research institutions and pharma companies active in the Chinese patent landscape include:
- Chinese domestic firms (e.g., SIMC, CSPC).
- Multinational corporations leveraging Chinese patents for regional markets.
- Academic institutions contributing foundational discoveries.
Given its focus, CN112218630 likely belongs to a cluster involving innovative chemical entities or delivery platforms, with overlapping patents in these areas.
Impact and Strategic Recommendations
- Valuation: The patent’s scope suggests a solid basis for developing proprietary products, especially if aligned with unmet medical needs.
- Patent Portfolio Building: Combining this patent with subsequent filings (divisional, continuation) can strengthen protection.
- Monitoring Competitors: Surveillance of similar claims can preempt potential challenges or design-arounds.
- Global Strategy: Consider international filings if commercialization expands beyond China.
Key Takeaways
- The patent CN112218630 protects a specific pharmaceutical composition/method, with scope covering chemical entities, formulations, and therapeutic uses.
- Its claims balance breadth and specificity, aiming for broad protection while avoiding prior art pitfalls.
- The patent landscape in China reflects increasing sophistication in pharmaceutical IP, emphasizing composition claims, manufacturing processes, and use claims.
- Strategic leveraging of this patent involves integrating it into a broader IP portfolio, monitoring competitors’ filings, and considering international patent protection.
FAQs
1. How does CN112218630 compare to similar patents in China's pharmaceutical sector?
It offers a balanced protection of composition, manufacturing, and use claims, aligning with prevailing strategies to secure comprehensive patent coverage within Chinese pharmaceutical innovation.
2. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. Challenges typically focus on prior art, lack of novelty, or inventive step. A proper validity review should be conducted before commercial exploitation.
3. What strategic advantages does this patent provide to its holder?
It secures exclusive rights in China for a specific drug composition and method, enabling market exclusivity, licensing opportunities, and competitive edge against generics.
4. How significant is the patent landscape for drug patents in China for international companies?
China's expanding patent landscape offers vital opportunities for market entry, local manufacturing, and forming licensing agreements, especially for innovative drugs.
5. What are the key considerations for companies planning to enforce or license CN112218630?
Assessing overlapping patents, understanding claim scope, conducting enforcement feasibility, and aligning licensing strategies with regional regulatory frameworks.
References
[1] Chinese Patent Database, CN112218630.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization, China Patent Landscape Reports.
[3] Chinese Patent Law and Practice, Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
