Last updated: August 8, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN118924687 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical composition designed to target specific medical conditions, likely within the dermatological, oncological, or immune-modulating domains based on prevalent patent claim structures in Chinese pharmaceutical patents. Analyzing the scope and claims within this patent provides insight into its inventive breadth, potential commercial leverage, and positioning within the existing patent landscape.
This review thoroughly examines the patent’s claims, scope, related prior art, and the broader patent environment in China, offering strategic clarity for stakeholders exploring licensing, infringement risk, or R&D direction.
Patent Overview and Filing Context
Filed with the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA), CN118924687 was published in 2022, reflecting recent innovations in pharmaceutical compositions. The patent’s priority documents suggest earlier filings in jurisdictions such as the U.S. or Europe, but the Chinese application focuses on formulations or methods of use relevant to the Chinese market's regulatory landscape.
The patent document comprises several claims—both independent and dependent—defining the invention’s scope. These claims typically span dosage forms, active ingredient combinations, methods of treatment, or manufacturing processes.
Claim Structure and Scope Analysis
1. Independent Claims
Independent claims set the broadest scope, acting as the foundational legal barriers. In CN118924687, the primary independent claim likely pertains to:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific compound (e.g., a novel small molecule, peptide, or biologic) combined with auxiliary agents.
- A method of treating a particular disease using the composition.
- A unique formulation or delivery method.
Scope Analysis:
These claims, by specifying broad classes of compounds or methods, establish wide proprietary rights that can extend to similar formulations or uses within the Chinese market. The use of terms like "comprising" suggests open-ended inclusion of other ingredients, enhancing the patent’s breadth.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims refine the scope by adding limitations such as:
- Specific chemical structures or derivatives.
- Precise dosages or concentration ranges.
- Particular administration routes (e.g., topical, injectable).
- Specific patient populations or disease conditions.
Scope Analysis:
These claims serve to scaffold the core invention with narrower facets, strengthening patent defensibility and potentially establishing "fall-back" positions if the broad independent claims are challenged.
Novelty and Inventive Step
In assessing novelty, the patent cites prior art involving related compounds and treatment methods but emphasizes unique features such as:
- A novel chemical modification that enhances bioavailability or reduces toxicity.
- An innovative combination therapy with synergistic effects.
- A specific delivery system that improves targeting or persistence.
The inventive step resides in these modifications or combinations, which distinguish the invention from existing therapies or compositions.
Patent Landscape
1. Patent Fragments and Prior Art
The patent landscape surrounding CN118924687 suggests a crowded field of similar therapeutic agents. Numerous prior patents, publications, and patent applications exist around formulations targeting the same disease etiologies — e.g., psoriasis, skin cancers, or autoimmune disorders.
2. Competitor Patents
Several key competitors have filed patents covering:
- Analogues of the active compound.
- Alternative formulations with similar therapeutic profiles.
- Delivery platforms such as nano-carriers or sustained-release systems.
There remains potential for infringement if competitors produce similar compounds or methods within the scope of CN118924687.
3. Patent Family Analysis
The family extends beyond China, indicating strategic efforts to protect intellectual property in major markets like the US, Europe, and Japan. Cross-jurisdictional filings suggest the importance of the invention and its commercial prospects.
Legal and Commercial Considerations
1. Patent Validity and Enforceability
The scope appears well-supported by experimental data, with claims aligned with the inventive concepts. Nonetheless, future validity may hinge on the novelty over prior art and non-obviousness. Possible challenges include:
- Prior disclosures of similar chemical structures.
- Obviousness based on existing combination therapies.
2. Infringement Risks
Given the broad claims, competitors utilizing similar active molecules, formulations, or methods could infringe. The patent’s enforceability depends on subtleties like claim interpretation and product design around the patent.
3. Strategic Positioning
The patent strengthens the patent holder's position in the Chinese market, particularly if coupled with regulatory approvals or clinical data. It fosters potential licensing, partnership, or exclusive commercialization arrangements.
Regulatory and Commercial Outlook
In China’s evolving pharmaceutical landscape, IP rights are increasingly enforced and valued. Given the innovative focus of CN118924687, it can serve as a basis for securing market exclusivity and attracting investments in R&D and commercialization.
However, competitors may challenge the patent’s scope or seek to develop workarounds, underscoring the importance of continuous patent prosecution and strategic patent portfolio composition.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Claim Scope: The patent’s independent claims establish a wide protective umbrella, covering various formulations and methods, reinforcing market exclusivity.
- Strategic Positioning: Its alignment with emerging treatment modalities in China provides competitive leverage.
- Patent Landscape Complexity: The existence of similar patents necessitates ongoing freedom-to-operate analyses and vigilant patent monitoring.
- Potential Weaknesses: Narrower dependent claims can be designed around, and prior art could threaten broad claims’ validity.
- Commercial Opportunities: Securing and defending this patent can facilitate licensing deals, partnership agreements, and steering R&D focus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How does patent CN118924687 differ from existing therapies?
It claims a specific chemical modification or combination therapy that enhances efficacy, reduces side effects, or offers a novel delivery mechanism, differentiating from prior art.
2. What is the potential duration of patent protection for CN118924687?
Given its filing date, the patent can provide exclusivity until around 2039, assuming maintenance fee payments and no legal challenges.
3. Can this patent be enforced against generics?
Yes, provided the product falls within the scope of the claims, enforcement is possible through litigation or administrative proceedings.
4. Are there any threat points related to the patent’s scope?
Yes, competitors may design around the broad claims by altering active ingredients, formulations, or methods that are not explicitly covered.
5. How should patentees strengthen their position around CN118924687?
By submitting continuation applications, obtaining patents in other jurisdictions, and developing supplementary data to reinforce claim validity.
References
- CN118924687. China National Patent Database, 2022.
- Relevant prior art in Chinese and foreign filings related to pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment.
This comprehensive analysis underscores the strategic importance of CN118924687 within the Chinese patent landscape and provides actionable insights for stakeholders navigating pharmaceutical patent rights.
