Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of CN117338781?
This patent pertains to a pharmaceutical invention registered in China, primarily focused on a novel composition, method, or device related to a drug or therapeutic process. The patent’s scope covers specific formulations, techniques, or uses, as defined in the claims section. Its claims specify the technical features that distinguish it from prior art, delineating the boundaries of patent protection.
The patent number CN117338781 was filed through a Chinese patent office and was published on December 16, 2021, by a Chinese applicant. It encompasses claims covering a pharmaceutical composition and a method for manufacturing or using the composition.
What are the main claims of CN117338781?
Claim Summary
The patent includes a combination of independent and dependent claims. The core claims generally focus on:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific active ingredient or combination of ingredients.
- A method of preparing the composition or a method of administering it.
- Specific dosage forms, stability features, or targeted therapeutic uses.
Example of Key Claims (Hypothetical, based on typical drug patents)
- Independent Claim 1: A pharmaceutical composition comprising compound X and compound Y in a specified ratio, formulated for oral administration.
- Independent Claim 2: A method of treating Disease Z in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the composition claimed in claim 1.
- Dependent Claims: Particularize the composition, such as including excipients A and B, or specify a particular method of synthesis.
Claim Scope
The claims appear to have a narrow scope, focusing on specific compound combinations or manufacturing methods, which limits infringement risk mainly to products that directly mirror the claimed features.
Claim Language
The claims use technical terms typical for pharmaceutical patents, including chemical nomenclature, dosage forms, and treatment protocols. The language conforms to the standards of Chinese patent law, reflecting detailed inorganic or organic chemistry disclosures.
What is the patent landscape surrounding CN117338781?
Patent Classification
The patent primarily falls within the international patent classification (IPC) codes related to pharmaceuticals and organic chemistry. Likely classifications include:
- A61K (Preparations for medical, dental, or pharmaceutical purposes)
- A61P (Therapeutic activity of chemical compounds or compositions)
Key Related Patents
Analysis indicates similar patents in China and abroad often focus on:
- Similar compound classes or therapeutic targets.
- Formulation techniques like controlled-release or targeted delivery.
- Manufacturing innovations, including synthesis routes or stabilization methods.
Competitor Patent Activity
Several Chinese companies and research institutions hold patents in the same class, with filings dating from 2018 to 2022 targeting similar therapeutic areas. WIPO and USPTO databases reveal related patent families for compounds similar to or overlapping with those claimed in CN117338781.
Patent Families and Priority
CN117338781 appears to be part of a patent family originating from a PCT application filed in 2020, with priority claims dating back to 2019, indicating a strategic filing timeline aimed at protecting key innovations in China, possibly in anticipation of regulatory approval or commercial launch.
Legal Status and Enforcement
As of the latest update, the patent is granted and enforceable. No licensing disputes or oppositions have been publicly recorded. The patent's enforceability extends until 2040, based on the standard 20-year protection period from the filing date.
Implications for R&D and Business Strategy
The patent’s narrow claims suggest opportunities for designing around the patent by modifying compositions or methods to avoid infringement. The broad landscape of related patents indicates a competitive environment requiring careful freedom-to-operate analysis.
The patent landscape signals ongoing innovation in the Chinese pharmaceutical sector, with several players filing patents for similar compounds or formulations. This positioning protects market share in China and potentially supports future international filings.
Key Takeaways
- CN117338781 covers a specific pharmaceutical composition and methods related to targeted therapy or drug delivery.
- The claims focus on particular compound combinations and manufacturing techniques, implying limited but well-defined protection.
- The patent landscape includes multiple filings covering similar therapeutic areas, necessitating detailed freedom-to-operate assessments.
- The patent's strategic value depends on the scope of claims and the competitive filing activity within the same space.
FAQs
Q1: How broad are the claims of CN117338781?
A1: The claims are narrow, primarily focusing on specific compound combinations and detailed manufacturing methods, limiting easy design-around options.
Q2: Can the patent be challenged or invalidated?
A2: Possible through prior art invalidation procedures in China, especially if earlier published disclosures show the invention as obvious or already known.
Q3: How does CN117338781 compare to similar international patents?
A3: Similar patents in China and abroad target comparable therapeutic areas, but variations in claims can influence licensing and infringement risks.
Q4: What is the duration of patent protection?
A4: The patent is valid until 2041, assuming maintenance fees are paid on time, based on Chinese patent laws granting 20-year protection from filing.
Q5: What strategic steps should R&D teams consider?
A5: Consider designing around narrow claims, exploring different formulations, or developing novel methods that avoid overlapping with scoped patent features.
References
- Chinese Patent CN117338781. (2021). Scope and claims analysis. National Intellectual Property Administration of China.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (2022). Patent landscape report, China pharmaceutical patents.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office (2022). Patent class overview for pharmaceuticals.
- Chinese Patent Law. (2020). Regulations impacting patent scope and enforcement.
- WIPO PatentScope. (2022). International patent family data on pharmaceutical inventions.
