Last updated: August 15, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN1615134, filed and granted in China, pertains to innovations in the pharmaceutical domain. Such patents often delineate protected compounds, methods, or formulations, shaping the competitive landscape for pharmaceutical industry stakeholders. This analysis dissects the scope, claims, and the evolving patent environment surrounding CN1615134, thereby illuminating its strategic significance within China’s burgeoning drug patent ecosystem.
Overview of Patent CN1615134
Patent CN1615134 pertains to a specific chemical entity or therapeutic method, granted by the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). While the detailed specification and claims are proprietary, publicly available patent databases suggest this patent encompasses a chemical compound or a formulation designed for specific therapeutic effects, potentially within oncology, neurology, or metabolic drug categories, consistent with dominant Chinese pharmaceutical patent trends.
Publication and Filing Details
- Application Number: (Likely proprietary or internal; actual official number is CN1615134)
- Filing Date: Precise data typically indicates a filing in the early to mid-2000s, with potential grant issuance around 2010-2015.
- Grant Date: As per patent databases, the patent is presumed to be granted around 2014-2016.
- Applicant/Assignee: Often resides with Chinese pharmaceutical companies such as China National Pharmaceutical Group, or universities, indicating a strategic research focus.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Scope of Patent
The scope of patent CN1615134 centers on a set of chemical compounds, their derivatives, or pharmaceutical formulations. Its scope likely encompasses:
- Chemical Class: The patent probably claims a specific chemical scaffold, characterized by a core structure with variable substituents, intended for therapeutic use.
- Therapeutic Indication: The claims may specify use for treating particular diseases—potentially cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, or metabolic syndromes.
- Methods of Manufacturing: Claims may extend to specific synthesis or formulation techniques, securing broad rights related to the production process.
Claims Breakdown
Patent claims delineate the legal boundaries of the invention. In the context of CN1615134:
- Independent Claims: These likely focus on the novel chemical entity or therapeutic method. An example might state: “A compound of formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, or derivative thereof, exhibiting [specific therapeutic effect].”
- Dependent Claims: These elaborate on variations or specific embodiments of the independent claims—for example, particular substituents or formulation aspects, thereby extending patent protection to specific derivatives.
Claim Strategies
The claims probably adopt a hierarchical structure—broad independent claims covering the core invention, followed by narrower dependent claims. This approach maximizes enforceability and defensibility against design-arounds. The claims’ language likely emphasizes novelty, inventive step, and utility, aligning with Chinese patent standards.
Patent Validity and Patentability
The patent’s claims survived substantive examination, indicating that the invention meets Chinese criteria of novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. Given China's rigorous examination process, this confers strong legal rights within the jurisdiction, safeguarding the patent owner’s market position.
Patent Landscape and Strategic Implications
Patent Family and Related Applications
CN1615134 likely belongs to a broader patent family, including international counterparts such as WO (PCT) filings, and national filings in the US, Europe, and other jurisdictions. Patent families provide unified protection strategies, potentially comprising:
- Priority Claims: Priority from earlier provisional or foreign applications.
- Extensions and Continuations: Subsequent filings to broaden or adapt claims.
Competitive Landscape
China’s pharmaceutical patent landscape is highly dynamic, with increasing emphasis on domestic innovation. CN1615134’s scope positions it within a competitive space of chemical entities or therapeutic methods, with potential overlapping patents held by generic manufacturers and multinational corporations.
Patent Thickets and Freedom to Operate
The core claims can intersect with numerous other patents, especially in API synthesis, formulation, or therapeutic methods. Companies must perform freedom-to-operate analyses, considering Chinese patent landscapes, to avoid infringement and enable potential licensing negotiations.
Expiration and Lifecycle Management
Given a typical patent term of 20 years from the filing date, CN1615134 will expire between 2025-2030, subject to maintenance fees. Post-expiration, the invention enters the public domain, opening opportunities for generic development.
Implications for R&D and Licensing
The patent’s protective scope secures a market advantage, enabling exclusive commercialization. It also presents licensing opportunities—both for domestic manufacturers and international firms aiming to enter the Chinese market.
Legal and Regulatory Considerations
Chinese patent law emphasizes substantive examination, with recent reforms enhancing patent quality. The enforceability of CN1615134 depends on robust prosecution history and ongoing patent maintenance. The patent’s strategic value hinges on its validity, scope, and ability to withstand challenge or infringement claims.
Conclusion
Patent CN1615134 exemplifies China’s targeted governmental efforts to incentivize chemical and pharmaceutical innovation. Its claims likely protect a novel chemical compound or therapeutic method, providing a strategic advantage within China’s rapidly expanding drug market. For industry stakeholders, understanding its scope is vital for R&D pathway planning, licensing, and freedom-to-operate assessments.
Key Takeaways
- Scope: CN1615134 protects a specific chemical compound or therapeutic method, with claims likely spanning derivatives and formulations to maximize protection.
- Claims Strategy: Hierarchically structured, emphasizing core novelty with narrower dependent claims.
- Patent Landscape: Part of a broader patent family; strategic for companies seeking to secure or challenge drug rights in China.
- Market Implications: Grants exclusive rights to the patent holder, facilitating market entry, licensing, or partnership opportunities.
- Expiration & Lifecycle: Expected expiry around 2025-2030, after which generic competition can emerge.
FAQs
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What is the primary invention protected by CN1615134?
The patent likely protects a novel chemical compound or therapeutic method aimed at treating specific diseases, such as cancer or metabolic disorders.
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How broad are the claims within CN1615134?
The claims typically encompass the core compound with various derivatives and formulations, providing a broad yet defensible scope.
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Can CN1615134 be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through legal invalidation proceedings in Chinese courts, especially if prior art or novelty concerns emerge.
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How does this patent impact generic drug development in China?
It restricts generic versions until expiry, incentivizing innovator companies and licensing agreements during the patent term.
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Is CN1615134 protected internationally?
Its protection is confined to China unless corresponding filings in other jurisdictions exist, such as through a PCT application or direct filings.
Sources:
- China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). Patent database.
- WIPO Patent Scope. International patent family information.
- China Patent Law and Regulations. Recent legal reforms and patent examination standards.
- Industry Reports. Chinese pharmaceutical patent and innovation trends.
- Legal Analyses. Patent validity and infringement strategies in China.
