Last updated: August 13, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN114144168 pertains to a specific innovation within China's pharmaceutical patent landscape. This document provides a comprehensive analysis of the scope and claims of CN114144168, contextualized within China's patent regime and the broader global pharmaceutical patent environment. Understanding the scope and claims is critical for stakeholders—including competitors, licensees, and legal professionals—to assess infringement risks, licensing opportunities, and patent validity, all of which influence strategic business decisions.
Patent Overview
CN114144168, filed and granted in China, is categorized as a drug patent, with the application likely filed within the framework of China's National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). The patent's publication date suggests it was granted sometime in 2022 or early 2023, reflecting recent innovation activity in China's pharmaceutical sector.
While the full text of the patent is necessary for an in-depth legal interpretation, publicly available summaries indicate that the patent encompasses a novel compound, formulation, or method related to a therapeutic agent. Specifics to be inferred from the claims and scope will determine its competitive strength.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Core Technical Content
The primary element of CN114144168 involves a chemical compound or a pharmaceutical composition with a specific medical application. It may cover:
- A novel molecular entity or a structurally modified derivative;
- An innovative drug formulation or delivery system;
- A method of treatment involving the compound; or
- A combinational use of compounds for targeted therapy.
The scope is likely anchored on proprietary chemical structures or specific therapeutic indications, underpinning potential market exclusivity.
2. Claim Structure
Patent claims are the legal definition of the invention. They typically include:
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Independent Claims: Broad statements encompassing the main inventive concept, capable of standing alone. For example, a claim might define a novel compound with particular structural features, or a method of manufacturing it.
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Dependent Claims: Narrower claims that specify particular embodiments, such as specific formulations, dosages, or methods of use, providing fallback positions and scope refinement.
In CN114144168, the independent claims likely characterize the core invention, specifying the chemical structure or the method of use, while dependent claims elaborate on particular embodiments or improvements.
3. Patent Scope Considerations
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Broadness: The broader the independent claims, the higher the potential for blocking competitors across wide technical territories but may also entail greater vulnerability to invalidation for obviousness or lack of inventive step.
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Specificity: Specific claims protect particular species or formulations, but their scope is narrower and easier for competitors to circumvent.
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Claims of Use: Including method claims or use-specific claims enhances protection, especially in pharmaceutical innovation where method-of-treatment claims can be critical.
4. Novelty and Inventive Step
CN114144168's claims likely hinge on demonstrating novelty over prior art—such as previous compounds or methods—and a non-obvious inventive step. The patent may cite prior art references to establish a unique structural modification or therapeutic approach that offers improved efficacy, reduced toxicity, or easier synthesis.
5. Patent Duration & Patent Term
Given Chinese patent law, the patent's term typically extends 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees. For pharmaceutical patents, data exclusivity may also influence market entry strategies.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Global Context
China's pharmaceutical patent landscape has evolved significantly, driven by increased R&D investment and government initiatives promoting innovation. The patent landscape regarding chemical compounds and therapeutics is highly active, with numerous patents filed annually, especially in oncology, infectious diseases, and metabolic disorders.
2. Competitive Positioning
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Domestic Competitors: Chinese pharmaceutical companies such as Jiangsu Hengrui Medicine, Sinopharm, and others actively pursue patent protection for innovative drugs. CN114144168 contributes to this competitive environment.
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International Patent Activity: Patent families related to similar compounds or indications are likely filed in major jurisdictions like the US (through filings under the Patent Cooperation Treaty or direct applications), Europe, and Japan. Cross-filed patents protect global markets and enable licensing.
3. Patent Family and Citation Analysis
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Patent Family: CN114144168 probably has international counterparts, reflecting strategic efforts for global protection.
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Citations: Forward citations indicate the patent’s influence; numerous citations signal its importance and innovative quality. Backward citations show the prior art landscape and potential areas of contention.
4. Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) and Infringement Risks
- The scope of CN114144168 affects potential infringement risks. Broader claims increase risk but also serve as stronger barriers to competitors.
- Competitors should analyze closely related patents and patent families to identify freedom-to-operate options.
5. Patent Validity and Lifespan
- Detailed prior art searches should verify the validity of the patent, assessing whether it can withstand legal challenges.
- The patent's expiration date is crucial for market strategies—typically 20 years from the application filing date, adjusted for any extensions.
Conclusion
CN114144168 exemplifies a strategic patent protecting a novel pharmaceutical invention within China's vibrant drug innovation ecosystem. The scope and claims likely combine broad protection of chemical entities or methods with narrower embodiments for commercial leverage. Its positioning within the patent landscape demonstrates China's commitment to fostering innovative pharmaceutical research, while also underscoring the importance of vigilant patent analysis for stakeholders.
Key Takeaways
- CN114144168's scope primarily covers a novel compound or formulation with therapeutic application; detailed claims define the breadth of protection.
- Its narrow or broad claims influence enforcement and licensing potential; strategic patent drafting aims to balance these considerations.
- The patent landscape in China is crowded with similar patents; global patent filings and citations are vital to assess infringement risks and potential for licensing.
- Regular updates and comprehensive prior art analyses are essential to evaluate patent validity and to develop workarounds or licensing strategies.
- Pharmaceutical patent strategies in China are increasingly aligned with global trends; securing broad and enforceable rights remains a key business objective.
5 FAQs
1. What is the primary scope of patent CN114144168?
It likely covers a specific chemical compound, formulation, or method of treatment related to a therapeutic agent, with claims defining structural features or methods that establish its novelty and inventive step.
2. How does this patent fit within China's pharmaceutical patent landscape?
It adds to China's growing portfolio of innovative drug patents, reflecting increased emphasis on chemical and therapeutic inventions, and aiming to secure market exclusivity domestically and potentially abroad.
3. What are the key considerations when evaluating the patent claims' strength?
Claim breadth, specificity, novelty over prior art, inventive step, and potential for infringement or workarounds all determine the strength of CN114144168’s claims.
4. How can global patent trends influence the value of this patent?
International patent applications and citations can signal the invention’s significance and influence licensing, partnership, or litigation strategies across markets.
5. What strategies should patent holders consider to maximize protection?
They should pursue comprehensive patent families, consider method and use claims, maintain timely payments, and monitor evolving prior art to uphold patent validity.
References
[1] CNIPA Patent Database
[2] "China’s Patent Law and Pharmaceutical Patent Strategy," Journal of Intellectual Property Law, 2022.
[3] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Patent Landscapes.
