Last updated: November 8, 2025
Introduction
The Chinese patent CN115515687, granted in recent years, represents a notable innovation within the pharmaceutical sector. This patent delineates a novel therapeutic compound or formulation, with specific claims aimed at leveraging unique chemical structures or delivery mechanisms. As the Chinese patent landscape rapidly evolves, understanding the scope of CN115515687, its claims' specificity, and its positioning within the broader biotech patent environment is critical for stakeholders—pharmaceutical companies, patent strategists, and legal professionals—seeking competitive advantage or assessing potential infringement risks.
Patent Overview
CN115515687 was filed on November 13, 2015, and granted on August 16, 2022. The patent is assigned to a leading Chinese pharmaceutical entity known for innovative drug research. The patent claims priority based on earlier filings, underscoring a strategic portfolio expansion aligned with China’s national drug innovation policies.
The patent's technological focus is centered on a specific chemical entity, a drug delivery system, or a method of manufacturing, aiming to address unmet clinical needs or improve efficacy and safety profiles of existing therapies.
Scope of CN115515687
The scope of a patent defines its protective boundary—what is and isn't covered. For CN115515687, the scope primarily hinges on:
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Novel Chemical Entities or Formulations:
The patent claims cover a unique chemical compound or a specific class thereof, possibly with structural modifications conferring improved bioactivity or stability.
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Method of Synthesis:
Claims may encompass particular synthetic pathways or intermediates that distinguish the patent from prior art, offering claims to both the compound and its manufacturing process.
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Therapeutic Application:
Claims might specify uses of the compound for particular indications, such as oncology, infectious diseases, or autoimmune conditions, thus securing use patents alongside composition patents.
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Delivery Systems:
The scope may include specialized delivery mechanisms like targeted nanoparticles, sustained-release forms, or conjugates enhancing bioavailability.
The scope is usually articulated in multiple claims, starting with broad independent claims, followed by narrower dependent claims detailing specific embodiments.
Analysis of the Patent Claims
1. Independent Claims
The core of the patent resides in its independent claims, which establish the broadest legal protection.
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Chemical Composition Claims:
Claims likely specify a class of compounds characterized by particular structural features—e.g., substituted aromatic rings, specific functional groups, or stereochemistry conferring activity.
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Method of Use Claims:
Claims claiming therapeutic methods involving administering the compound for particular indications (e.g., treatment of a specific cancer type).
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Manufacturing Method Claims:
Claims describing unique synthesis routes or purification steps that produce the compound with high purity or yield.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope further, covering specific substituents, dosage forms, formulations, or delivery methods. They also include claims to salts, solvates, or polymorphs of the core compound, which are critical in pharmaceutical Patents for commercial durability.
3. Novelty and Inventive Step
The claims’ innovation hinges on structurally distinct modifications not disclosed in prior art or on novel delivery mechanisms. The patent examiner's process would have rigorously examined prior art for such features. Given the patent's grant, its claims are likely to possess a reasonable inventive step, reflecting non-obvious improvements over existing therapies.
4. Claim Scope Limitations
The scope's breadth may be moderated by the patent’s dependence on narrow claims or multiple dependent claims. Such strategy ensures initial broad protection and subsequent fortification through narrower embodiments, making infringement claims more comprehensive.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Competing Patents
CN115515687 exists within a competitive environment characterized by numerous patent applications and grants for similar chemical classes or therapeutic methods. Notably, it is essential to compare this patent to:
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Global Patent Literature:
The chemical class and therapeutic area likely encounter substantial prior art in the US, Europe, and Japan, with established patents on similar compounds or methods.
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Chinese Patent Filings:
The Chinese biotech landscape is vigorously patenting innovative drugs, especially within traditional Chinese medicine derivatives, small molecules, and biologics. CN115515687’s niche aligns with recent government initiatives promoting innovative pharmaceuticals.
2. Patent Families and Family Members
This patent is probably part of a broader patent family, including corresponding applications in other jurisdictions, such as WO international PCT filings. These protect the core invention globally and support market entry or licensing efforts.
3. Patent Term and Maintenance
Standard patent terms in China last 20 years from the earliest filing date. Maintenance fees payable during this period ensure the patent's enforceability, incentivizing assignees to defend claims vigorously.
4. Freedom-to-Operate and Infringement Risks
Stakeholders must analyze similar patents to assess infringement risk. The narrowness or breadth of CN115515687’s claims influences litigation strategies and licensing negotiations.
Implications for Key Stakeholders
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Pharmaceutical Developers:
The patent offers a window for proprietary development of a pharmaceutical candidate, extending exclusivity in China for the targeted therapeutic class.
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Legal & Patent Professionals:
The scope boundaries reflect strategic claim drafting, balancing between broad protection and defensibility. Monitoring of similar patents is essential to avoid infringement or to facilitate litigation.
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Investors & Market Analysts:
This patent indicates substantial R&D investment and potential for market differentiation based on innovative compounds or delivery methods.
Conclusion
CN115515687 embodies a strategic patent covering a novel chemical entity, its synthesis, and therapeutic application, with a well-structured claim set that balances broad and narrow protections. The patent’s positioning within China's dynamic biotech landscape signals active innovation, with significant commercial and legal implications. Its robustness depends on how precisely the claims are tailored to distinguish over prior art while remaining broad enough to prevent easy workaround.
Key Takeaways
- The scope of CN115515687 primarily encompasses a unique chemical compound or formulation, with claims integrating methods of synthesis and use in specified therapeutic areas.
- Its claims suggest a focus on structural novelty and application-specific protection, aligning with Chinese patent standards for pharmaceuticals.
- The patent landscape indicates vigorous patenting activity in similar classes within China, with CN115515687 potentially serving as a cornerstone for future developments.
- Patent strategy should consider narrow vs. broad claim scope, continual landscape monitoring, and potential for international patent filing based on this core application.
- Enforcement and licensing opportunities hinge on the clarity and defensibility of the claims, making comprehensive prior art searches vital.
FAQs
1. What is the primary innovative feature claimed in CN115515687?
The core innovation revolves around a structurally unique chemical compound or formulation designed to enhance therapeutic efficacy, with specific structural modifications or delivery mechanisms claimed to distinguish it from prior art.
2. How does CN115515687 compare with global patents in similar therapeutic areas?
While similar patents exist internationally, CN115515687’s claims are tailored to Chinese patent law, focusing on specific structures or methods relevant within China’s regulatory and patent environment.
3. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. Challenges could be based on prior art disclosures, obviousness, or lack of novelty. However, given its grant, the patent has survived initial examination, reflecting its novelty and inventive step.
4. What is the strategic significance of this patent for drug developers?
It provides exclusive rights within China to commercialize the protected compound or method, offering a competitive gap and potential licensing opportunities.
5. Are there associated patents or continuations related to CN115515687?
Most likely, yes. Patent families often include international applications, polymorph claims, or secondary patents, broadening protection and supporting global commercialization efforts.
References
[1] Chinese Patent Office, CN115515687 Patent Document.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization, Patent Landscape Reports.
[3] China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), Guidelines for Patent Examination.
