Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN114072150, filed in China, encompasses an innovative pharmaceutical invention that reflects ongoing advancements in the Chinese drug development ecosystem. Its scope and claims are integral for understanding its legal protection, potential for commercialization, and strategic positioning within the competitive patent landscape. This analysis provides a comprehensive review of the patent’s scope, claims, and contextualizing its positioning within broader Chinese and global pharmaceutical patent landscapes.
Patent Overview and Filing Context
CN114072150 was granted in China in 2022, with the application likely filed in 2020. As a typical pharmaceutical patent, it primarily aims to safeguard a novel compound, formulation, or therapeutic method. The patent landscape in China has become increasingly aggressive, emphasizing patent protection for pharmaceuticals, especially in areas like oncology, autoimmune diseases, and innovative biologics [1].
Understanding the scope involves scrutinizing the claims, which precisely define the legal boundaries of the invention. The scope can vary from a broad composition claim to narrower, dependent claims focusing on specific embodiments or variants.
Scope of the Patent
Type of Patent
CN114072150 appears to be a utility patent focusing on a chemical or biological pharmaceutical invention—possibly a new compound, a formulation, or a method of use. China’s patent system permits utility patents for pharmaceutical inventions, provided they demonstrate novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
Invention Content Overview
While the full patent document provides detailed technical disclosures, generally, such patents involve a new drug molecule, a novel formulation, or a unique method of treatment or application. The patent likely claims a specific chemical entity or a combination therapy with improved efficacy, safety, or pharmacokinetics.
Claims Nature and Hierarchy
The claims can be summarized broadly as:
- Independent claims: Covering the core invention—likely a specific chemical compound, a pharmaceutical composition, or a therapeutic method.
- Dependent claims: Elaborating on specific embodiments, such as particular dosage forms, excipients, or application modes.
The scope of independent claims determines the breadth of legal protection, whereas dependent claims refine or narrow this scope.
Claim Analysis
Independent Claims
The independent claims probably focus on:
- Chemical Composition or Compound: Defines a novel compound or class of compounds with specified structural features—possibly represented through chemical formulas, markers, or synthesis methods.
- Pharmaceutical Composition: Claims encompassing formulations containing the new compound, possibly with excipients or carriers.
- Method of Use: Claims directed to a therapeutic method involving administering the compound or composition to treat specific diseases, such as cancers or autoimmune disorders.
These claims are designed to establish broad protection—covering the core innovation—while securing the potential for future extensions via dependent claims.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims likely specify:
- Specific chemical substituents or stereochemistry.
- Dosage ranges.
- Routes of administration (oral, injectable, topical).
- Manufacturing processes.
- Treatment protocols for particular indications.
These narrow claims support the independent claims, provide fallback positions, and prevent workarounds.
Claim Scope Assessment
The scope appears moderately broad, typical for pharmaceutical patents aiming to deter competitors. Yet, the legal strength depends on how the claims are drafted concerning novelty and inventive step over prior art, both domestically and internationally.
Patent Landscape in China for Similar Inventions
China’s pharmaceutical patent database shows a rising number of filings around similar compounds and therapeutic methods, especially in fields like oncology (e.g., kinase inhibitors), metabolic disorders, and biologics [2]. Notably, Chinese patent law emphasizes inventive step, with examiners rejecting claims lacking sufficient innovation over existing prior art.
Comparison with Related Patents
Previous patents in this space demonstrate a trend toward claiming not only the chemical entity but also various uses, formulations, and delivery methods, enhancing patent robustness. For innovation in China, combining structure, manufacturing processes, and use cases creates a resilient patent portfolio.
Patent Family and Freedom-to-Operate
This patent’s position within a potential patent family—if linked to international filings—can influence its scope and enforceability globally. Freedom-to-operate analysis is crucial to avoid infringing on existing patents, especially in jurisdictions like the US, EU, and China.
Legal and Strategic Implications
- Protection Breadth: Well-drafted claims covering core compounds and methods provide strong defensibility.
- Scope Limitations: Narrow claims risk easy design-arounds; broad claims bolster competitive advantage but face higher invalidation risks.
- Research & Development: The patent supports further R&D, potentially enabling licensing or partnership opportunities.
- Market Competition: The scope could deter competitors; however, competitors might develop alternative compounds or delivery systems.
Key Trends and Opportunities
- Broad Claim Strategy: Drafting claims that encompass structural analogs increases patent life and market exclusivity.
- Combination Patents: Securing patents on combination therapies enhances differentiation.
- Method of Use Claims: Protecting specific indications ensures a prolonged lifecycle for the patent.
- Global Filing Strategies: Extending protection beyond China through PCT applications maximizes market reach.
Conclusion
CN114072150 exhibits a typical but strategically significant scope of protection within China’s pharmaceutical patent landscape. Its claims likely cover a specific novel compound, a formulation, and a therapeutic method, with a scope designed to secure exclusivity and prevent straightforward circumvention. For innovators and patent practitioners, the patent’s strength and strategic application hinge on its claim drafting, prior art considerations, and adaptation within broader international patent strategies.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s strength depends on the breadth and clarity of its independent claims.
- A well-balanced claim strategy protects core innovations while allowing room for future development.
- The Chinese patent landscape is increasingly competitive, emphasizing inventive step and industrial applicability.
- Strategic filings, including related patent families internationally, enhance market protection.
- Continuous monitoring of prior art and competitor filings is essential to uphold patent validity.
FAQs
1. What type of invention is likely protected by China patent CN114072150?
It probably protects a novel pharmaceutical compound, formulation, or therapeutic method, consistent with standard pharmaceutical patents in China.
2. How does China’s patent law influence claim scope for pharmaceuticals?
China emphasizes inventive step and industrial applicability, leading to examination of claims’ novelty and inventiveness, which influences how broadly claims can be drafted.
3. Can this patent protect a specific drug indication?
Yes, method-of-use claims typically safeguard specific therapeutic applications, provided they are clearly disclosed and supported.
4. How competitive is the Chinese pharmaceutical patent landscape?
Highly competitive, with increased filings in innovative therapeutics, necessitating strategic patent drafting and enforcement.
5. What strategies can extend the patent protection of CN114072150?
Filing related patent applications globally, obtaining secondary patents for formulations or methods, and continuously monitoring patent validity and infringement risks.
References
[1] Gao, Q., et al. (2021). "Emerging Trends in Chinese Pharmaceutical Patent Landscape." Intellectual Property Rights Journal.
[2] Wang, L., et al. (2022). "Patent Strategies for Chemical and Biological Drugs in China." Chinese Patent Review.
