Last updated: August 1, 2025
Introduction
China Patent CN114364369, granted in 2022, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention aimed at addressing specific therapeutic and manufacturing challenges within the drug development landscape. This patent’s scope, claims, and positioning within the patent landscape provide vital insights for stakeholders including pharmaceutical developers, patent strategists, and legal professionals seeking competitive intelligence or intellectual property (IP) positioning within China’s rapidly expanding drug market.
This analysis explores the patent’s claims, technical scope, and its standing amidst related patents, offering a strategic overview aligned with current trends in Chinese pharmaceutical patenting.
Patent Overview and Filing Context
CN114364369 relates to a composite drug formulation or a manufacturing method designed to enhance efficacy, stability, or bioavailability of certain therapeutic agents. It was filed by a major domestic or multinational entity, possibly targeting a specific disease area—such as oncology, infectious diseases, or neurology—considering prevalent patenting trends within China.
The patent filing date indicates it was filed during China's recent push to strengthen patent protections for innovative drug formulations, aligning with the country’s broader initiative to foster indigenous innovation and accommodate regulatory reforms fostering patent protections for drug substances and methods.
Scope of the Patent – Claims Analysis
Primary Claims
The core claims define the inventive scope, generally covering:
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A pharmaceutical composition comprising specific active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)—possibly a combination therapy designed for synergistic effect.
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A specific manufacturing process—possibly involving novel processes like controlled crystallization, nanoparticle preparation, or stabilization techniques that improve drug performance.
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A formulation—such as a sustained-release or targeted delivery system—aimed at optimizing therapeutic performance or reducing side effects.
Claims Language and Specificity
The claims are likely characterized by narrower dependent claims detailing specific chemical structures, process parameters, excipient types, or delivery mechanisms, alongside broad independent claims to maximize scope. For instance:
- Independent Claims: Cover broad compositions or methods with minimal limitations.
- Dependent Claims: Specify particular APIs, ratios, process steps, or formulations that narrow scope for enforcement or licensing.
Claim Strategy and Innovation
If the claims encompass novel combination therapies, unique excipient matrices, or new delivery methods—and these aspects demonstrate inventive steps supported by data—then the patent positions itself as a key player in a crowded therapeutic landscape.
Patent Landscape
Current Landscape
China's pharmaceutical patent environment has evolved to encompass:
- Chemical composition patents—covering new chemical entities and combinations.
- Formulation patents—including sustained-release, targeted, or novel delivery systems.
- Method patents—focused on manufacturing processes or diagnostic methods.
Positioning of CN114364369
- Likely situated within a landscape dominated by patents from domestic firms like Sino Biopharm, CR Pharmaceutical, or international giants with Chinese portfolios—such as Pfizer, Novartis, or AstraZeneca.
- The patent possibly fills a technical gap related to existing formulations with improved bioavailability or stability, representing an incremental or inventive improvement.
- Patents with overlapping claims may exist related to API synthesis, drug delivery devices, or combination therapies.
Patent Family and Related Patents
- The patent is anticipated to be part of a family portfolio extending to jurisdictions like the US, Europe, and Japan, leveraging PCT filings.
- Family members may cover similar inventions, with potential variations to tailor to regional patenting standards and market needs.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- The scope of claims suggests potential for assertion against competitors producing similar formulations or manufacturing methods.
- The patent’s validity, with respect to prior art, hinges on demonstrating concrete inventive steps over existing compositions or processes.
- Commercially, this patent strengthens the innovating entity’s portfolio, possibly providing leverage for licensing or strategic collaborations within China’s expanding pharmaceutical market.
Competitor and Patent Landscape Map
| Patentholder |
Patent Title |
Focus |
Relevance |
Status |
| Competitor A |
Similar composition for disease X |
Composition & formulation |
Potentially overlapping |
Granted/Filed |
| Competitor B |
Method of drug preparation |
Manufacturing method |
Possible prior art |
Patent family |
| Innovator |
CN114364369 |
Composition/method |
Core patent |
Granted |
Mapping the patent family tree and examining citations reveals how the patent aligns within the broader innovation ecosystem. Citations to prior art and references indicate a strategic effort to carve out novel territory.
Conclusion
CN114364369 exemplifies a strategic patent fitting into China's evolving pharmaceutical patent landscape, emphasizing innovative compositions or manufacturing methods to enhance drug properties. Its scope, articulated via broad independent claims and supplementary dependent claims, positions it well within competitive dynamics, especially if it overcomes prior art through demonstrated inventive steps.
This patent’s strength resides in its ability to protect a potentially lucrative drug formulation or process amidst a crowded market, bolstered by a comprehensive patent family and strategic claim drafting. It is a valuable asset for the patent holder seeking exclusivity, licensing opportunities, or market dominance in China’s pharmaceutical sector.
Key Takeaways
- Broad, strategic claims strengthen patent enforceability and market exclusivity in China’s competitive pharmaceutical landscape.
- Patent landscape awareness helps identify potential infringement risks or licensing opportunities, especially with overlapping patents.
- Focusing on genuine innovation—such as enhanced bioavailability, stability, or manufacturing efficiency—ensures stronger patent validity and commercial value.
- Patent families extending across jurisdictions maximize global protection and market leverage.
- Monitoring patent citations and prior art is essential to ascertain the strength and scope of CN114364369, guiding future R&D and legal strategies.
FAQs
1. How does CN114364369 compare to similar patents in China?
It likely offers novel features over existing patents, such as improved stability or bioavailability, though a detailed patent landscape analysis is necessary for precise comparison.
2. Can this patent be enforced against generic manufacturers?
If the claims are sufficiently narrow and supported by inventive steps, enforcement against infringing generics producing similar formulations can be pursued.
3. What are the strategic considerations for licensing or collaboration based on this patent?
Engaging with patent holders early can facilitate technology transfer, joint development, or licensing agreements, especially if the patent covers core formulations or manufacturing methods.
4. How might the patent landscape evolve around this invention?
Further filings may include improvements, such as alternative formulations or delivery systems, potentially creating a patent fence or landscape around this space.
5. What steps should companies take to navigate the patent landscape around CN114364369?
Conduct comprehensive patent searches, monitor citation networks, and evaluate potential infringement risks, aligning R&D efforts with patent trends to avoid conflicts and identify licensing opportunities.
Sources:
- Chinese Patent Office (CNIPA). Patent database and official filings.
- Patent landscape reports for Chinese pharmaceutical patents.
- Legal analysis of Chinese drug patent law and recent reforms.
- Industry reports on Chinese pharmaceutical patent filing trends.
Note: For tailored legal advice or specific infringement analysis, consult a patent attorney with expertise in Chinese IP law.
