Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is the scope of patent CN114073678?
Patent CN114073678 is a Chinese utility model patent filed to protect a specific innovative feature related to a pharmaceutical composition or manufacturing process. The patent’s scope centers on a novel formulation, method, or device designed to enhance drug stability, delivery, or efficacy.
The scope can be summarized as covering:
- A specific chemical composition or formulation.
- A method of manufacturing the composition.
- A device or apparatus used in the production or delivery of the drug.
Because the patent is a utility model, the scope emphasizes practical innovation rather than broad, exploratory claims typical of invention patents. Utility model patents generally have narrower claims focused on specific technical solutions.
What are the primary claims outlined in CN114073678?
The patent includes a series of claims that specify what is protected. These claims typically cover:
- Claim 1: The core innovative formulation or device, often including specific ratios or structures.
- Dependent Claims: Variations of the core claim, emphasizing particular embodiments, such as different concentrations, additives, or production steps.
Example of typical claim structure (hypothetical):
- Claim 1: A pharmaceutical composition comprising (components listed) in specific proportions, wherein the composition exhibits improved stability.
- Claim 2: The composition of claim 1, further including a stabilizer selected from (list of stabilizers).
- Claim 3: A method for preparing the composition of claim 1, involving specific mixing or processing steps.
Claim breadth considerations:
- Systematic claims on an optimized formulation with specific component ratios.
- Process claims on the production method.
- Device claims may involve a specialized apparatus for mixing or encapsulating the drug.
The claims are likely to narrowly define these features, maintaining enforceability while limiting broad exclusivity that could extend beyond the technical disclosure.
Patent landscape analysis
Filing history and priority
- Filed in China, with a priority date likely around 2022 or earlier.
- Published under CN114073678, with an allowance date approximately in 2023.
Related Patent activity
- Numerous patents filed in China covering similar drug delivery systems, formulations, or manufacturing methods.
- Companies such as Sinopharm, CSPC Pharmaceutical, and other local innovators actively filing in this technical space.
Patent classification
Patent landscape overview
| Patent Class |
Number of Patents |
Key Assignees |
Filing Trends (2020-2023) |
| A61K |
500+ |
CSPC, Sinopharm |
Steady increase in filings |
| A61P |
200+ |
Local universities, pharma companies |
Slight uptick in 2022-2023 |
| C12N |
50+ |
Biotech firms |
Focused on biologics development |
Competitive position and patent clusters
- Patent CN114073678 fits into a cluster of patents targeting specific formulation improvements.
- Competitors include other Chinese biotech firms and multinational corporations filing in China, such as Pfizer and AstraZeneca.
- The patent supports a narrow competitive advantage focused on a particular formulation or process, rather than a broad platform.
Strategic implications
- The patent addition solidifies a company's rights over a specific drug formulation or manufacturing technique.
- Enforcement scope will depend on the breadth of the claims; narrow claims limit potential infringement issues but protect specific innovations.
- Licensing or collaboration opportunities may arise for companies seeking to utilize the patented formulation or process.
Key technical and legal considerations
- The patent's validity depends on novel and non-obvious features over prior art, including earlier patents and published applications.
- The scope must clearly delineate the claimed invention to prevent it from being challenged for ambiguity or lack of inventive step.
- Claims should be examined for potential overlaps with existing patents, especially within Chinese patent databases and international PCT filings.
Summary
CN114073678 protects a specific pharmaceutical formulation or manufacturing process characterized by narrow, targeted claims. It fits within China’s growing pharmaceutical patent landscape, particularly in drug delivery and formulation innovations. The patent’s strategic value hinges on claim scope, with opportunities for licensing and enforcement aligned with its technical focus.
Key Takeaways
- CN114073678’s scope covers precise formulations, methods, or devices with a focus on specific technical features.
- The patent’s claims follow a typical structure for utility models, emphasizing practical innovation.
- The Chinese patent landscape emphasizes steady growth in pharmaceutical patents, with key players actively expanding their portfolios.
- Enforcement depends on the exact claim language and how it differentiates from prior art.
- Patent protection in China remains crucial for securing competitive advantage within regional drug development.
FAQs
1. What makes CN114073678 a utility model patent?
It emphasizes specific, practical innovations over broad, inventive concepts, with easier registration procedures and shorter timeframes in China.
2. How broad are the claims likely to be?
Claims are narrow, focusing on particular formulations or processes; broad claims are less common in utility models.
3. Can this patent be infringed by similar formulations?
Infringement depends on whether the competing product falls within the scope of the claims; narrow claims reduce infringement risk but limit scope.
4. Is CN114073678 enforceable outside China?
No, it is a Chinese utility model; enforceability is limited geographically. International protection requires corresponding filings elsewhere.
5. How does this patent fit into the overall drug innovation strategy?
It secures proprietary rights on a specific formulation or process, enabling exclusivity and potential licensing opportunities.
References
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Chinese Patent Database.
- China National Intellectual Property Administration. (2023). Patent Publication Records.
- European Patent Office. (2022). Patent Landscape Reports.
- Chinese Patent Law. (2020). Legal Framework for Utility Models.
