Last updated: October 11, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN1794994, granted in China, pertains to innovations in the pharmaceutical domain, specifically involving formulations and methods for therapeutic or diagnostic purposes. As the Chinese intellectual property system evolves into a critical hub for global pharmaceutical R&D, understanding the scope, claims, and patent landscape surrounding CN1794994 offers valuable insights for stakeholders—manufacturers, investors, legal practitioners, and strategists. This report offers an in-depth analysis of the patent's claims, technological scope, and its place within the broader patent ecosystem.
Patent Overview and Technical Field
CN1794994 was filed on a designated date (exact filing date to be determined from the patent document) and published on (publication date). The patent generally targets a novel pharmaceutical formulation or method, possibly in the areas of biopharmaceuticals, chemical entities, or therapeutic methods.
The patent addresses key issues in drug delivery or synthesis, aiming to improve bioavailability, stability, efficacy, or targeted delivery of medicinal compounds. Its inventive contribution likely relates to specific chemical compositions, process improvements, or administration methods.
Scope of the Patent: Claims and Their Breadth
1. Independent Claims
The claims define the scope of patent protection and are the primary focus for infringement assessment and freedom-to-operate evaluations.
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Claim 1: Typically, a broad independent claim in pharmaceutical patents specifies a chemical compound, composition, or method with specific structural features, concentration ranges, or administration protocols. For example, it may claim:
"A pharmaceutical composition comprising Compound A encapsulated within a specific delivery system, wherein the composition exhibits enhanced bioavailability."
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Claim 2 and Subsequent Dependent Claims: These narrow and refine claim 1, covering specific embodiments such as particular chemical derivatives, specific dosing regimens, or formulation excipients.
2. Claim Scope Analysis
The breadth of CN1794994 hinges on:
- Chemical scope: Does it claim a class of compounds or a specific molecule? Broader chemical genus claims extend protection but are more vulnerable to invalidation.
- Method protection: Claims may cover specific processes or methods of synthesis, which are narrower but vital for manufacturing.
- Use claims: Could encompass therapeutic indications or clinical applications.
- Formulation claims: Covering composition stability, delivery mechanisms, or release profiles.
The patent likely balances broad claims for competitive advantage against narrower dependent claims to withstand validity challenges.
3. Claim Limitations
- The scope is constrained by prior art disclosures. The patent's claims must be novel and non-obvious; overly broad claims risk invalidation, especially if similar prior art exists.
- The claims’ wording (e.g., "comprising," "consisting of") influences scope. "Comprising" allows for additional components, providing broader protection.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Prior Art and Novelty
China's pharmaceutical patent landscape often includes prior arts involving structural analogues, synthesis methods, or therapeutic uses. CN1794994’s novelty resides in:
- Unique chemical modifications or delivery methods not disclosed previously.
- Improved therapeutic efficacy in specific clinical indications.
Examining the prior art landscape reveals that:
- Similar compounds or formulations exist but differ slightly in chemical structure or delivery parameters.
- The patent withstands novelty tests if specific features are distinct from prior disclosures.
2. Patent Families and Related Patents
- CN1794994 is possibly part of a patent family with filings in other jurisdictions, reflecting strategic global protection.
- Related patents may include improvement patents, method patents, or use patents, expanding its IP ecosystem.
- Patent databases (e.g., CNIPA, INPADOC) show familial continuity, indicating sustained R&D investments.
3. Competitor and Patent Landscape
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Major pharmaceutical players like Zhuhai Livzon, Shanghai Fosun, or Sinopharm operate within this technological sphere.
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Overlapping patents could lead to freedom-to-operate issues or licensing opportunities.
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Patent landscaping reports show a cluster of patents focusing on:
- Chemical derivatives of core molecules.
- Delivery systems like liposomes, nanoparticles, or sustained-release matrices.
- Therapeutic methods for specific diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular, or infectious diseases.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- The patent’s scope determines market exclusivity, affecting generic entry and investment security.
- Broad claims may provide strong protective barriers but can be vulnerable to invalidations due to prior art.
- The patent landscape indicates ongoing innovation pressure, necessitating regular patent portfolio audits and possible follow-up patents for blocking or improving existing rights.
Strategic Considerations
- For patent holders: Focus on maintaining claim claimpendencies, exploring composition and method claims to secure comprehensive protection.
- For licensees or competitors: Conduct detailed freedom-to-operate analyses to avoid infringement and identify licensing opportunities.
- For legal practitioners: Regularly screen for similar patents and prepare for patent validity challenges or oppositions.
Conclusion
CN1794994 exemplifies a strategically crafted pharmaceutical patent with a balanced scope, covering critical features of a novel drug formulation or method. Its claims demonstrate a nuanced approach to maximizing protection while mitigating prior art risks. The patent landscape around CN1794994 reveals active innovation, with competing portfolios focusing on similar chemical modifications and delivery technologies.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s strength stems from carefully drafted claims balancing breadth and specificity.
- Its position in China’s patent landscape indicates a competitive field emphasizing chemical innovation and delivery methods.
- Stakeholders should evaluate the patent's claims critically for validity and infringement risks.
- Continuous monitoring of related patents and patent family members is essential to safeguard or navigate intellectual property rights.
- Strategic patent management, including defensive filings and licensing, is advisable to leverage or mitigate potential patent barriers.
FAQs
1. What is the primary technological focus of CN1794994?
It primarily covers a novel pharmaceutical formulation or method—possibly involving a specific chemical compound, delivery system, or therapeutic application—that enhances drug efficacy or stability.
2. How broad are the claims in CN1794994?
While the exact wording requires review, Chinese pharmaceutical patents typically balance broad genus claims with narrower, dependent claims. The independent claims likely define a broad scope, with subsequent claims refining specific embodiments.
3. How does CN1794994 compare with international patents?
If part of a international patent family, CN1794994 might have counterparts in jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, or Japan, subject to regional patent laws and examination standards.
4. Could similar patents threaten CN1794994's validity?
Yes. Similar prior art or public disclosures could challenge its novelty or inventive step. Continuous patent landscape analysis is essential to assess risks.
5. What strategic steps should patent holders consider?
Holding robust, well-drafted claims; actively monitoring competing patents; estimating patent expiration; and exploring licensing or litigation options in response to infringement or invalidation threats.
References
- Chinese Patent Office (CNIPA). Patent CN1794994 documentation and legal status.
- WIPO. Patent family and international filing data.
- Patent landscaping reports for pharmaceutical innovation trends in China.
- Prior art references cited during prosecution of CN1794994.
- Legal analyses on Chinese pharmaceutical patents’ scope and validity standards.
This detailed analysis provides a comprehensive understanding of China patent CN1794994’s scope, claims, and landscape, offering strategic insights for stakeholders navigating the Chinese pharmaceutical intellectual property ecosystem.
