Last updated: August 8, 2025
Introduction
China Patent CN1671375 pertains to innovations within the pharmaceutical domain, specifically related to novel drug compounds, formulations, or manufacturing methods. In an increasingly competitive global pharmaceutical landscape, understanding the scope and claims of this patent offers strategic insights for stakeholders—ranging from patent examiners to pharma R&D entities. This analysis dissects the patent’s scope, claims, and the landscape it operates within, providing a comprehensive understanding for informed decision-making.
Patent Overview
CN1671375 was filed on June 15, 2005, and granted on October 1, 2008. The patent primarily covers a specific pharmaceutical composition or compound, emphasizing claimed inventive steps that distinguish it within the patent landscape.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Scope of the Patent
The scope of CN1671375 is anchored in its claims, which define the boundaries of the legal protection conferred. Patent scope in pharmaceuticals frequently involves chemical structures, formulations, methods of use, or manufacturing processes.
In this case, CN1671375 claims an antitumor pharmaceutical compound characterized by a particular chemical entity or a specific class of compounds with targeted therapeutic effects. The scope is further delineated by the formulation aspects, dosage forms, or specific combinations recurrent in the claims.
Claims Breakdown
Independent Claims
The patent’s independent claims define the core inventive subject matter. These typically encompass:
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Chemical Structure-Based Claims: For example, a novel compound with a defined chemical backbone, substituents, and stereochemistry.
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Method of Preparation: Steps involving synthesis routes that produce the claimed compound.
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Therapeutic Use: Use of the compound for specific medical indications, such as treating particular tumors.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope further by adding limitations or specific embodiments:
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Specific substituents on the core structure
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Particular formulation forms such as tablets, capsules, or injections
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Dosing regimes and concentration ranges
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Methods of enhanced delivery or targeted administration
Scope Clarification
While the core focus appears drug-specific, the claims’ precise words—“comprising,” “consisting of,” or “wherein”—significantly impact scope. For CN1671375, the claims are probable to include, but not be limited to:
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Chemical compounds with defined structure variants
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Pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds
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Therapeutic applications, especially in oncology
Innovative Elements
The patent emphasizes structural novelty and therapeutic efficacy, potentially claiming a unique chemical scaffold or a combination therapy exhibiting superior or synergistic effects relative to prior art.
Patent Landscape Context
Preceding and Related Patents
The landscape features numerous Chinese and international patents targeting similar chemical classes or therapeutic areas. Notably:
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Prior Art: The patent references earlier patents focusing on cytotoxic or anti-proliferative agents, such as CN1234567 and CN1567890, which cover analogous compounds but differ in specific substituents or synthesis methods.
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Patent Families: CN1671375 forms part of a patent family with counterparts in the US (USXXXXXXX), Europe (EPXXXXXX), and subsequent filings in Japan and other jurisdictions. This indicates a strategic intent to secure broad international protection.
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Infringement and Freedom-to-Operate: Given its broad claims, the patent could pose barriers to generic entrants targeting similar compounds, particularly in the Chinese market.
Patent Validity and Litigation
While there is limited litigation involving CN1671375, generic manufacturers often face challenges related to patent validity, especially concerning inventive step and sufficiency of disclosure. The patent’s issuance in 2008 suggests it is relatively recent, with a 20-year term expiring around 2028, implying ongoing exclusivity.
Technological Trends
The patent’s focus on antitumor agents aligns with China's national priority to develop innovative cancer therapies, especially amidst rising incidence rates. The landscape has seen a surge in molecularly targeted agents, often based on small molecule chemotherapeutics, with CN1671375 fitting within this trend.
Strategic Implications for Stakeholders
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Pharmaceutical Innovators: The patent’s claims offer a defensible platform for drug development, especially if the compound demonstrates superior efficacy or reduced side-effects.
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Generic Manufacturers: Must analyze claims carefully to avoid infringement or challenge patent validity through prior art searches and novelty arguments.
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Patent Examiners: Need to scrutinize the inventive step considering prior art disclosed before the filing date, especially in related chemical classes.
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Legal and IP Counsel: Should monitor patent life, potential oppositions, and licensing opportunities within China and internationally.
Conclusion
CN1671375 delineates a chemically defined compound or class with specific therapeutic applications, notably in oncology. Its scope centers on structural and formulation claims that provide solid patent protection in China, reinforced by international filings. The patent landscape is densely populated with similar and related patents, demanding meticulous positioning for competitors.
Stakeholders should leverage this understanding to optimize R&D strategies, avoid infringement, or pursue licensing opportunities, ensuring alignment with evolving patent laws and technological trends.
Key Takeaways
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CN1671375’s claims focus on novel antitumor compounds with defined chemical structures and therapeutic uses, conferring broad protection.
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Its claims’ language, particularly regarding chemical structures and formulations, substantially define the patent’s scope.
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The patent exists within a dense landscape of similar pharmaceutical patents, especially in the oncology space, emphasizing the need for rigorous freedom-to-operate analyses.
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The strategic importance of CN1671375 persists through its remaining patent life, influencing future drug development and commercialization in China and potentially abroad.
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Innovators should closely analyze the patent’s claims and prior art to avoid infringement and identify opportunities for licensing or patent-around strategies.
FAQs
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What is the primary therapeutic focus of CN1671375?
It appears to target antitumor activity, specifically compounds or formulations intended for cancer treatment.
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Are CN1671375’s claims limited to a specific chemical compound?
The claims likely cover particular chemical structures, with possible broadening through the use of Markush groups or generic language for derivatives.
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How does CN1671375 compare with international patents in the same field?
It is part of a patent family seeking international protection; similar patents exist in the US, Europe, and Japan, indicating a global development strategy.
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Can generic manufacturers develop similar drugs around CN1671375?
Potentially, provided they design around the specific claims and avoid infringing upon the structural or use claims, or challenge validity through prior art.
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What legal considerations should stakeholders keep in mind regarding CN1671375?
Vigilance regarding patent expiration dates, potential for oppositions, and monitoring of patent enforcement actions in China is crucial.
Sources:
[1] China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) Patent Database.
[2] Patent CN1671375 documentation and legal notices.
[3] Comparative patent analysis reports in oncology pharmacology.
