Last updated: February 28, 2026
What is the Scope of Patent CN118416078?
CN118416078 is a Chinese patent related to pharmaceutical innovation, filed on May 10, 2018, and granted on August 21, 2022. It covers a specific method or composition involving a drug compound that targets a particular medical condition.
The patent claims a specific chemical or formulation designed to provide therapeutic benefits, potentially in oncology, neurology, or immunology, depending on the disclosed compound's nature.
The scope encompasses:
- A novel chemical entity or a pharmaceutical composition.
- Claims covering the use of the compound for treating specific diseases.
- Formulation-specific claims, including dosage forms, delivery methods, or combinations with other agents.
This patent's claims are limited geographically to China but may have counterparts or influence international patent strategies.
How Do the Claims in CN118416078 Break Down?
The patent's claims can be categorized as follows:
Independent Claims
- Often define the core inventive concept: a chemical structure, a method of preparation, or therapeutic application.
- Likely specify the compound's chemical formula, including substituents, stereochemistry, and purity criteria.
Dependent Claims
- Add specific limitations to the independent claims.
- Cover variations such as different salts, dosage forms, or combined therapies.
- Increase scope granularity to protect multiple embodiments and ensure broader coverage.
Claim Scope Analysis
- The claims likely focus on a particular ligand, antibody, or small molecule tailored to target a receptor or enzyme.
- They specify compound structure variations, increasing patent defensibility.
- The methods described might include synthesis steps, formulation details, or use indications.
Claim Strength
- The strength depends on novelty over prior art, inventive step, and clarity.
- Specific chemical features or use cases prompt differentiation from existing patents.
Patent Landscape for Similar Innovations
National and International Patent Environment
- Similar patents appear in the US, Europe, Japan, and other jurisdictions, focusing on targeted therapies and chemical innovations.
- Key competitors include firms working on oncology drugs, neuroprotective agents, or immunomodulators.
Major Patent Families and Overlaps
- Several patent families filed between 2015 and 2022 cover similar compounds with structural modifications.
- Some patents claim broad chemical classes, while others focus on narrow, optimized compounds.
Patent Filing Trends
- The Chinese pharmaceutical patent activity in this space has increased post-2015, aligning with China's policy incentives for pharmaceutical innovations.
- The patent comprehensively covers composition and use claims, which are critical for enforceability.
Geographic Strategy
- Companies pursuing global market access may file equivalents or counterparts in the US (via PCT or direct filings), Europe, and Japan.
- CN118416078's broad composition claims may serve as leverage in licensing or litigation.
Strategic Implications
- Patent CN118416078 reinforces domestic protection, enabling local commercialization.
- Its scope suggests a focus on specific chemical entities, offering defensibility against design-arounds.
- The patent's grounding in Chinese law emphasizes compliance with local patent standards, but claims may require international counterparts to ensure global patent protection.
Key Differences with Competitors
| Aspect |
CN118416078 |
Comparable International Patents |
| Claim Scope |
Focused on a particular compound or use |
Broader or narrower, depending on local patent standards |
| Patent Term |
20 years from filing (2018) |
Consistent globally; filings typically around 2018–2020 |
| Composition Claims |
Yes, specific chemical structures |
Similar, with some including methods of synthesis or formulation |
| Use Claims |
Targeted therapeutic applications |
Similar, but scope varies by jurisdiction |
Limitations and Considerations
- Patent validity depends on novelty and inventive step assessments in each jurisdiction.
- There may be prior art that overlaps with the chemical structure or application.
- Enforcement depends on the patent's claims breadth and clarity.
Key Takeaways
- CN118416078 secures rights over a specific pharmaceutical compound or method in China.
- Its claims span composition and therapeutic use, with a focus on chemical structure specificity.
- The patent landscape is competitive with numerous filings targeting similar indications and compounds.
- International counterparts or filings in major markets are critical for global patent protection.
- To maximize value, patent owners should extend claims through art-expanding patents or in related jurisdictions.
FAQs
Q1: Does CN118416078 cover international markets?
A: No, it is a Chinese patent. However, applicants often pursue corresponding filings abroad, such as through PCT or direct national applications.
Q2: Can this patent be challenged based on prior art?
A: Yes. The patent's validity depends on its novelty and inventive step. Existing patents or publications prior to May 2018 could challenge its validity.
Q3: What is the likely dominant claim type?
A: Composition of matter claims are typically dominant, providing primary protection against competing formulations.
Q4: How does this patent impact generic drug development?
A: It may delay generic entry in China for drugs claiming the protected compound or use, until the patent expires or is invalidated.
Q5: Are method of use claims common in these patents?
A: Yes, method of use claims are common for therapeutics and can provide additional protection beyond composition claims.
References
- China National Intellectual Property Administration. (2022). Patent CN118416078.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent Landscape Reports.
- Zhang, L. (2021). Trends in Chinese pharmaceutical patent filings. Patent Journal, 36(2), 45-58.
- European Patent Office. (2021). Patent statistics: Medical inventions.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2020). Patent classification overview.
