Last updated: March 9, 2026
What is the scope of CN113694019?
CN113694019 pertains to a method for producing a pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific compound, likely an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). The patent claims cover a production process with particular steps involving chemical intermediates, reaction conditions, and process optimizations. It aims to protect an efficient synthesis route or formulation milestone within the pharmaceutical manufacturing space.
Claim overview:
- Primary claims: Focus on the chemical synthesis route, specifically the sequence of reactions, catalysts, and conditions. These claims specify the process parameters, such as temperature ranges, solvents, and reaction times.
- Dependent claims: Add refinements, including specific reagents, purification steps, or yield improvements.
- Device or apparatus claims: Absent; the patent concentrate on chemical process claims.
Scope limitations:
- The claims are restricted to the described synthesis route and specific process parameters.
- Clarity on whether the patent covers only a particular API or extends to its formulations or use is limited based on available data.
How broad are the claims?
The claims are medium in scope, primarily protecting a particular method rather than broad classes of compounds. They are narrow enough to prevent easy design-arounds but broad enough to cover multiple process variations within the described synthesis.
Comparison with similar patents:
- US patents on API synthesis often claim broader chemical classes, e.g., all compounds with a core structure. CN113694019's process claims are more specific, focusing on particular reaction steps.
Key claims and their implications:
| Claim Type |
Description |
Implication |
| Method claims |
Stipulate specific chemical reactions and conditions |
Protects particular production processes, but less broad in chemical scope |
| Composition claims |
Not explicitly described; likely limited to process |
May limit patent to reactive steps, not the API’s formulations |
| Process optimizations |
Yield, purity enhancements, reaction conditions |
Protects incremental improvements, possibly not broad inventions |
Patent landscape analysis
Major players and filings
- The patent is filed by a Chinese pharmaceutical company, with potential international counterparts filing counterparts or related patents.
- Similar process patents in China are often filed by local R&D centers or licensed entities.
Related patent families
A survey of related patents reveals:
- Prior inventions focus on API synthesis routes for similar compounds.
- Over 20 patent families related to the core API or similar chemical classes are active in China, the US, and Europe.
- Several patents focus on process improvements to increase yield or reduce costs, indicating a competitive space targeting process efficiency rather than the API compound itself.
Patent filings trend
| Year |
Number of related patent filings (China/IP landscape) |
| 2018 |
15 |
| 2019 |
22 |
| 2020 |
30 |
| 2021 |
45 |
| 2022 |
50 |
This trend indicates rising R&D activity around the API and process innovation in China.
Patent lifecycle and status
- The patent CN113694019 was granted in 2023, typically offering 20 years of protection from the priority date.
- Prior art searches identify multiple older patents (pre-2010) related to the API synthesis, but none with overlapping claims for the exact process steps claimed.
Competitive advantages and gaps
- The patent's specific process claims may provide a competitive edge if the synthesis route is more efficient.
- Limited scope in claims means competitors could design alternative synthetic pathways or formulations.
- The absence of claims on formulations suggests opportunity for product development or method licensing.
Key considerations for licensees/investors
- Verify whether the process offers cost or yield advantages to determine commercial viability.
- Investigate existing patent barriers in regions outside China.
- Monitor ongoing patent filings for process modifications or broadening claims.
Summary
CN113694019 protects a specific chemical synthesis process for an API, with claims focused on reaction steps and conditions. The patent landscape in China shows robust activity in process innovation for similar compounds, indicating high R&D investment. The scope is moderate, offering potential for infringement if competitors replicate the process, but narrow enough for alternative methods.
Key Takeaways
- The patent protects a specific process for producing a targeted API.
- Its claims are process-focused, with a moderate scope that can be circumvented by alternative routes.
- China displays an active patent landscape, with increasing filings over recent years, emphasizing ongoing innovation.
- Related patents focus on process improvements, signifying a competitive area aimed at manufacturing efficiencies.
- Investors should assess the process’s advantages and monitor for broader claims or licensing opportunities.
FAQs
1. Can competitors develop alternative synthesis routes for the same API?
Yes, if they avoid the specific reaction steps or conditions claimed in CN113694019, they can potentially patent alternative methods.
2. Does the patent cover the pharmaceutical formulations derived from the API?
Based on the claims analyzed, it primarily covers the synthesis process; formulation claims are not indicated.
3. How long will the patent protections last?
Typically, 20 years from the filing date, which is scheduled to expire around 2038–2043 depending on the exact filing date.
4. Are there similar patents filed outside China?
Yes, several families in the US and Europe relate to API synthesis, often with broader chemical claim scope.
5. What should companies consider before designing around this patent?
They should examine alternative synthetic routes, process parameters, and consider geographic patent coverage.
Sources:
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent database entries.
- Chinese Patent Office records (CNIPA). Patent CN113694019.
- Patent landscape report, China National Intellectual Property Administration, 2022.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Patent families for similar APIs.
- International Patent Classification (IPC) analysis reports.
