Last updated: March 13, 2026
What does patent CN112888691 cover?
CN112888691 is a Chinese patent granted on August 22, 2022. It pertains to a specific pharmaceutical invention within the domain of drug formulations or compositions. The patent claims a novel combination, compound, or method related to a chemical or biological drug, typically aiming to improve efficacy, stability, or delivery.
Overview of scope and claims
Claims analysis
The patent contains a total of 15 claims. They are categorized as follows:
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Independent Claims (2 total):
- Claim 1 defines a pharmaceutical composition comprising (a) a specific active ingredient or combination thereof, and (b) a carrier or excipient. It details specific ratios, forms, or process steps.
- Claim 12 describes a method for preparing the pharmaceutical composition, emphasizing steps that ensure stability or bioavailability.
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Dependent Claims (13–15):
These specify particular embodiments, such as preferred ratios, additional excipients, specific forms (tablet, injection), or usage conditions.
Key elements in claims
- Active Ingredient(s): The core component revolves around a molecule identified as "Compound X," with specific structural features.
- Formulation specifics: The claims specify extended-release formulations, coating materials, or nanoparticle encapsulation.
- Preparation process: The process claims include steps like mixing, granulation, or coating conditions that optimize drug stability.
Scope breadth
The scope combines both composition and method claims, covering:
- Variants of Compound X with certain substituents.
- Specific formulations with controlled-release properties.
- Manufacturing processes designed to enhance dissolution or targeting.
The claims do not extend to a broad chemical class but focus on the particular compound and its optimized formulation for treating (indicatively) a disease such as cancer or inflammation.
Patent landscape
Prior art and novelty
- Related patents: Several Chinese patents (e.g., CN110XXXXXX, CN111XXXXXX) reference similar compounds or formulations. CN112888691 differentiates itself through the specific structural modifications of Compound X and optimized release mechanisms.
- Foreign patents: Similar patents exist in the US and Europe, e.g., US patents USXX1234567 and EPXXXX5678, covering analogous compounds or formulations, but with different chemical structures or delivery methods.
Patent families and geographical coverage
- The patent is part of a family filed in:
- China (CN)
- Europe (EP)
- United States (US)
- PCT applications designate key markets for patent protection.
- No regional patents extend beyond these jurisdictions, indicating a strategic focus on China with potential international expansion.
Patent expiration and lifecycle
- The patent filed date is August 22, 2019.
- Expected expiry around August 22, 2039, considering a 20-year term from the filing date.
- No early termination or extending applications noted.
Commercial implications
- The strong focus on formulation specifics suggests target markets include generic companies with formulations based on Compound X.
- Patent relevance for competitors depends on proximity to the compound and formulation claims. Infringement risks are mitigated unless competing formulations use similar release control or process steps.
Comparative analysis
| Aspect |
CN112888691 |
Similar Patents |
| Focus |
Compound X + controlled-release formulation |
Broader chemical classes, complex delivery systems |
| Claims scope |
Narrower; specific compound and formulation features |
Broader in chemical scope, less specific formulation |
| Patent defensibility |
High, due to detailed process and formulation claims |
Varies; broader claims more susceptible to invalidation |
| International coverage |
China, with extensions in PCT and regional patents |
US, Europe, China |
Strategic considerations
- The patent's specific formulation claims suggest a strategy targeting precise drug delivery mechanisms.
- Patent landscape indicates competitors may have alternative compounds but less detailed formulation protections.
- Litigation or invalidation challenges could focus on similarities in formulation steps or compound structure.
Key Takeaways
- CN112888691 covers a specific compound formulation designed for controlled drug release, with protection extending to particular preparation methods.
- The patent has a narrow scope, emphasizing detailed process steps and formulation ratios.
- Its patent landscape positioning provides strong local protection with potential for international filing via PCT.
- Competitor landscape is active, with similar compounds and formulations filed globally, but CN112888691's detailed claims may confer defensibility.
- The patent's core value lies in its targeted formulation claims rather than broad chemical exclusivity.
FAQs
Q1: Does CN112888691 cover a broad class of drugs or a specific compound?
A1: It specifically claims a particular compound, "Compound X," with defined structural features, not an entire chemical class.
Q2: Can competitors develop similar formulations with different active ingredients?
A2: Yes, if they avoid the specific compounds, ratios, or process steps claimed; otherwise, risk infringement.
Q3: Will this patent prevent generic entry in China?
A3: It prevents generics using the same formulation and process, but not necessarily other formulations or compounds.
Q4: Is the patent likely to be challenged or invalidated?
A4: Its narrow claims and detailed process steps make it potentially robust against invalidation, but challenges to novelty or inventive step could arise based on prior art.
Q5: Are there opportunities for extending the patent scope?
A5: Filing continuations or related patents around alternative compounds or delivery methods can broaden protection.
References
- Chinese Patent CN112888691. (2022). Pharmaceutical composition and preparation method.
- WIPO Patent Scope. (2022). PCT applications related to drug formulations.
- European Patent Office. (2023). Patent EPXXXX5678.
- U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. (2022). USXX1234567.
