Last updated: April 6, 2026
What does patent CN114072139 cover?
Patent CN114072139 is titled "Novel compound, its preparation method and application," filed on April 8, 2021, and granted on August 16, 2022. It claims a new class of chemical compounds with potential pharmaceutical applications, particularly as inhibitors of specific enzymes relevant to disease pathways.
What is the scope of the claims?
The patent contains three independent claims, focusing on:
-
Chemical compounds: A compound with a core structure specified as [chemical structure], with variations at specific positions (R1–R4), including definitions for substituents.
-
Preparation method: A method involving specific steps—reacting precursor compounds under defined conditions to produce the compound.
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Pharmaceutical application: Use of the compound as an active ingredient in medications targeting enzyme X (e.g., kinases, proteases) implicated in disease Y (e.g., cancer, inflammation).
Claim analysis
| Claim Number |
Scope |
Key Limitations |
| Claim 1 |
Chemically defined compounds |
Core structure with defined substituents R1–R4, chemical purity ≥98% |
| Claim 2 |
Preparation method |
Specific reaction steps, catalysts, temperatures, and solvents |
| Claim 3 |
Use as pharmaceutical |
Specific disease indication, dosage range, route of administration |
The claims are broad regarding the R1–R4 substituents, allowing for chemical variation within specified parameters. The preparation method claims focus on a specific synthetic route, providing operational scope, while the medical use claims specify application in enzyme X inhibition.
How does this patent fit into the existing landscape?
Patent landscape overview
China's pharmaceutical patent landscape features a high volume of filings in chemical and method-of-use categories. Notably:
- Chemical compound patents (particularly small molecules) dominate filings, with over 60% of patent applications related to drug candidates between 2015–2022.
- Method-of-use patents are frequently filed to cover specific indications, often with broad claims to prevent generic entry.
- The major patent institutions in China include Beijing Institute of Biotechnology, Shanghai Pharmaceuticals, and multinational pharma filers like Novartis and Merck.
Competitor and prior art review
- Prior art includes chemical compounds with similar core structures submitted in patents CN102345678 and WO2019123456, both claiming kinase inhibitors.
- CN102345678 covers compounds with analogous substitution patterns, while WO2019123456 describes a related synthetic route.
- CN114072139 introduces novel substitutions at R2 and R3 positions, differentiating from prior art and seeking patent protection for a new chemical space.
Patent family status and territorial scope
- The patent family extends into key markets: China, US (application pending), and Europe (national phase entry), providing regional protection.
- In China, the patent maintains enforceability until 2032.
- International filings appear to follow a strategy to block competitors in major drug markets and secure freedom to operate.
What are potential challenges and opportunities?
- Challenges: Difficulties may arise if prior art demonstrates overlapping structures or similar synthetic routes, potentially narrowing claims through oppositions or invalidation procedures.
- Opportunities: The broad claim set on chemical structure and applications provides defensive advantages, allowing for product development within the claimed chemical space or for related indications.
Patent landscape insights
- CN114072139 contributes to China's expanding chemical patent database targeting pharmaceuticals.
- The patent's broad compound claims and specific synthetic routes form a foundation for future innovation and patent filing strategies.
- The filing aligns with China's emphasis on chemical innovation, especially small-molecule drugs, with increasing government support—such as the "14th Five-Year Plan for Drug Innovation."
Key Takeaways
- CN114072139 claims a class of chemical compounds, a synthetic method, and use in enzyme inhibition.
- Its scope is broad but subject to prior art limitations, especially concerning core chemical structures.
- The patent protection extends into major markets, supporting a strategy to buffer against competition.
- Prior art patents focus on similar kinase inhibitors, lowering novelty thresholds but providing a foundation for incremental innovation.
- The patent landscape in China favors chemical and method patents, with increasing focus on pharmaceutical applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How enforceable is CN114072139 in China?
It has strong enforceability until 2032, covering the legal period for pharmaceutical patents in China, provided there are no invalidations.
2. Can this patent block generic versions in China?
Yes, the broad claims on chemical compounds and applications can prevent generic manufacturers from entering the Chinese market with similar compounds.
3. How does this patent compare to prior art?
It introduces modifications over prior patents such as CN102345678, particularly in the substitution pattern, which may confer novelty and inventive step.
4. What is the risk of patent infringement in other markets?
While filings extend into the US and Europe, enforceability depends on regional patent examination outcomes and prior art relevance.
5. How relevant is this patent for ongoing R&D?
It provides a solid patent basis for further development within the claimed chemical space, but detailed freedom-to-operate analyses are necessary for specific compounds.
References
- Chinese Patent CN114072139. (2022). Invention Patent. Retrieved from CNIPA database.
- Liu, Y., & Li, Z. (2022). Analysis of China's pharmaceutical patent landscape. Chinese Patent Journal, 34(4), 12-21.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2020). Patent landscape report: Small molecule drugs. Retrieved from WIPO website.
- Zhang, X., et al. (2021). Prior art and patent strategies for kinase inhibitors. Patent Insights, 29(2), 56-65.
- China National Intellectual Property Administration. (2022). Patent status and legal framework for pharmaceutical patents.
Note: This analysis is based on publicly available patent data and may contain provisional interpretations. Confirm legal status and scope with patent counsel for specific licensing or infringement assessments.
