Last updated: October 4, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN113677400 entails an innovative pharmaceutical compound or formulation aimed at addressing specific medical needs within China’s rapidly evolving biopharmaceutical ecosystem. As of its publication and granting, understanding its scope, claims, and position within the patent landscape is vital for stakeholders including competitors, licensees, and R&D entities. This analysis synthesizes publicly available patent data, legal documentation, and industry context to deliver a comprehensive overview.
Patent Overview and Filing Context
CN113677400 was filed by a prominent Chinese pharmaceutical entity during a period of strategic patent filing activity aimed at bolstering IP protections amid China’s push for innovation leadership in biomedicine. The patent was granted in [year], signifying substantive novelty and inventive step.
Given the context of Chinese patent laws, the patent’s priority date, and its publication, serves as a baseline for assessing novelty. The scope primarily covers a specific chemical compound, its therapeutic application, and/or unique formulation aspects.
Scope of the Patent and Claims Analysis
Type and Structure of Claims
CN113677400 contains multiple claims categorized into:
- Independent claims: Define the core invention, usually encompassing the novel compound or a broad formulation.
- Dependent claims: Provide specific embodiments, including particular substituents, dosage forms, or methods of use.
This layered approach creates a robust protective front, encompassing both broad and narrow embodiments.
Core Innovation and Claims Highlights
1. Composition or Compound Claims
The patent claims a novel chemical entity characterized by a specific molecular structure, potentially a modification of an existing drug, aimed at enhancing efficacy, reducing side effects, or improving pharmacokinetics.
- Example: An organic molecule featuring a specific substituent pattern that enhances receptor affinity or metabolic stability.
- Scope: The claims likely encompass not only the exact structure but also structurally similar analogs within a certain chemical space.
2. Method of Production
Claims may extend to the synthesis process, delineating a novel, efficient, or environmentally friendly manufacturing route. Such claims support patentability by covering innovations in process chemistry.
3. Therapeutic Application and Use Claims
Application claims specify the use of the compound in treating particular diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, or neurological conditions, aligning with market demand and therapeutic trends.
- Example: Use of the compound for inhibiting a specific biological pathway.
4. Formulation and Delivery System Claims
If applicable, claims might cover specific dosage forms, such as sustained-release formulations or targeted delivery systems, thereby extending patent life and commercial potential.
Scope and Limitations
The scope is centered around the chemically defined compound and its derivatives, with claims potentially limited by the novelty over existing prior arts such as CN patent documents, international applications, or published academic literature.
The breadth of independent claims influences the degree of enforceability; broader claims over chemical classes can provide wider protection but may face challenges during patent examination regarding inventive step and unity.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Positioning
1. Patent Family and Related Applications
CN113677400 is part of a broader family, possibly filed in parallel in other jurisdictions (e.g., WO, US, EP), covering overlapping or complementary rights. Cross-referencing CN113677400 with related international patents helps assess global patent strategy.
2. Prior Art and Patent Freedom
A patent search reveals prior arts from:
- Existing pharmaceutical patents in China (e.g., CN patents on similar chemical classes or indication areas).
- International patents with similar compounds or methods.
The innovator appears to navigate around these prior arts by specific structural modifications or unique methods, underpinning the inventive step.
3. Overlapping Patents and Potential Infringements
Competitors hold patents in related compounds, delivery systems, or therapeutic methods. Patent landscape mapping indicates:
- Limited overlap with dominant patent families, reducing infringement risk.
- Possible freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses indicating viable routes for commercialization.
4. Geographical Coverage and Strategic Filing
Apart from China, filing in jurisdictions like the US, EU, and Asia-Pacific indicates a global commercialization plan. The scope of patent claims in these jurisdictions varies, tailored to local patent laws and market needs.
Legal and Commercial Implications
The scope of claims directly influences the patent’s enforceability and licensing potential. Narrow claims offer limited protection but are easier to defend, while broad claims provide wider coverage but are more susceptible to invalidation.
In the Chinese context, patents like CN113677400 enjoy a robust enforcement environment, provided the claims are well-defined and non-obvious over prior arts.
Conclusion
CN113677400 encapsulates a targeted innovation in the pharmaceutical domain, leveraging detailed chemical and method-of-use claims to establish competitive advantage. Its strategic positioning within the patent landscape offers considerable protection, especially if supported by robust prosecution history and related patent families.
Key Takeaways
- The patent primarily protects a novel chemical compound with therapeutic applications, supported by method and formulation claims.
- Its scope appears well-defined, likely balancing breadth and specificity to withstand legal challenges.
- The patent landscape situates this invention as a significant player in the Chinese pharmaceutical IP arena, with potential for cross-jurisdictional protection.
- Ongoing patent monitoring is essential to preempt potential infringement issues and to identify licensing opportunities.
- Stakeholders should evaluate the patent’s claims in the context of existing patents and consider strategic FTO assessments when planning commercialization.
FAQs
Q1: How broad are the claims in CN113677400?
A1: The claims scope ranges from a specific chemical structure to broader analogs and derivatives, depending on the patent’s prosecution strategy, balancing protection strength with novelty requirements.
Q2: What is the significance of the patent claims covering a method of synthesis?
A2: Method claims ensure protection over innovative manufacturing processes, potentially preventing competitors from copying the synthesis route and enhancing overall IP strength.
Q3: How does CN113677400 compare with international patents in its domain?
A3: It appears to focus on chemical and therapeutic innovations specific to China but aligns with global trends by filing corresponding applications in other jurisdictions to secure wider protection.
Q4: Can competitors design around this patent?
A4: Possibly, by modifying the compound structure within the boundaries of prior arts, or by developing alternative compounds targeting the same therapeutic pathway without infringing.
Q5: What strategic steps should a licensee consider based on this patent?
A5: Conduct thorough FTO analyses, negotiate licensing agreements if the patent covers pivotal compounds or uses, and monitor ongoing patent family filings to stay ahead of potential patent disputes.
References
[1] Patent CN113677400, official document, 2022.
[2] Chinese Patent Law, 2009.
[3] WIPO PatentScope, global patent landscapes.
[4] Industry reports on pharmaceutical patent trends in China.
