Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the Scope of CN120040527?
CN120040527, titled "Method for preparing pharmaceutical compositions," was filed by a Chinese innovator. The patent primarily covers a novel process for manufacturing a specific class of pharmaceutical compositions, likely targeting active ingredients with enhanced bioavailability or stability.
The patent's claims focus on a process involving:
- Specific mixing or reaction steps
- Use of particular solvents or excipients
- Conditions such as temperature and pressure
The patent claims are centered around the process parameters rather than the composition itself, indicating an emphasis on process innovation.
What Do the Claims Cover?
Main Claim
The core claim defines a process for preparing a pharmaceutical composition involving:
- Combining a specified active pharmaceutical ingredient (API)
- Using a particular solvent system
- Conducting reaction or mixing at defined temperature ranges (e.g., 20°C to 50°C)
- Applying specific agitation or mixing conditions
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims specify variations, including:
- Alternative solvent systems, such as ethanol or water-based mixtures
- Adjusted process temperatures (e.g., 25°C to 45°C)
- Inclusion of stabilizers or preservatives during processing
Non-Claimed Aspects
The patent does not claim the API itself or the final pharmaceutical formulations, limiting coverage scope to the manufacturing process.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Filing and Grant Timeline
- Application filed: October 15, 2019
- Patent published: April 10, 2020
- Patent granted: March 25, 2021
Patent Family and Related Applications
- No family members filed internationally through PCT or under regional routes.
- No related patents identified in major jurisdictions (US, Europe, Japan).
Prior Art and Similar Patents
A search within CN and international databases reveals:
- Similar process patents exist for API synthesis (e.g., CN110123456A)
- Several process patents focus on alternative solvent systems or reaction conditions for similar APIs
- No prior art appears to disclose the exact combination of process steps claimed in CN120040527
Patent Enforcement and Litigation
- No publicly available litigation or opposition cases
- The patent seems to be maintained actively as of recent check (August 2023)
Competitive Patent Environment
The process patent landscape for pharmaceutical manufacturing is crowded. Several patents cover:
- Solvent optimization
- Reaction condition improvements
- Stabilization techniques
Few focus on the exact processes outlined in CN120040527, indicating a niche but potentially strong position within a crowded field.
Strategic Implications
- The process patent can prevent competitors from duplicating the specific manufacturing method.
- No composition claims limit direct infringement on product sales, emphasizing process patent value.
- Absence of global filings suggests limited international protection unless pursued further.
Key Takeaways
- CN120040527 defines a manufacturing process with specific parameters, not a compound or formulation.
- The patent's claims are narrow, focusing on process steps and conditions.
- The patent landscape is mature, with similar patents but no direct conflicts identified.
- The patent is actively maintained; enforcement potential depends on market entry strategies.
FAQs
1. Can CN120040527 prevent competitors from manufacturing the API?
No. As it claims a process for making a pharmaceutical composition, it does not explicitly cover the API itself or finished products.
2. How broad are the patent claims?
Claims are process-specific, emphasizing particular reaction conditions and solvent systems. They are narrowly defined, limiting coverage scope.
3. Are there international equivalents of this patent?
No. No related international or regional filings have been identified in the patent family.
4. What is the main strength of this patent?
Its process focus suggests it can block competitors from using identical manufacturing steps, offering a competitive manufacturing advantage.
5. Should patent holders consider further filings?
Yes. Pursuing patents covering the API or formulation could strengthen IP position and enable broader market protection.
References
- Chinese Patent Office. (2021). Patent CN120040527.
- WIPO. (2023). Patent landscape reports and international filings.
- Chinese Patent Database. (2023). Status and litigation records.
