Last updated: August 3, 2025
Introduction
Patent CN1929824, filed in China, represents an important intellectual property asset within the pharmaceutical sector, ostensibly covering a novel drug, compound, or formulation. To assess its strategic significance, understanding its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape in which it resides is crucial. This analysis provides a detailed examination of CN1929824, aligning its claims with key market players, patent trends, and legal considerations in the Chinese medicinal patent ecosystem.
Patent Identification and Bibliographic Details
- Patent Number: CN1929824
- Application Filing Date: [Note: As per available data, approximately 2007]
- Publication Date: [Likely around 2008]
- Applicants/Assignees: [Typically, university, biotech, or pharmaceutical corporations; specifics depend on actual data]
- International Classification: CPC codes related to pharmaceuticals (e.g., A61K), chemical compounds, or formulations.
Note: Precise bibliographic data is subject to confirmation via the Chinese Patent Office (CNIPA).
Scope and Claims Analysis
Type and Structure of Claims
CN1929824 encompasses a set of claims divided broadly into:
- Independent Claims: Usually covering the primary compound or formulation.
- Dependent Claims: Detailing specific variants, synthesis methods, or particular uses.
Main Claims Overview
The core claims likely define:
- Chemical Compound or Derivative: The molecular structure, possibly a specific chemical entity with therapeutic potential.
- Pharmaceutical Use: Indication for treatment of particular conditions (e.g., cancers, metabolic disorders).
- Preparation Methods: Specific synthesis routes, purification techniques, or formulation methods.
- Dosage Forms: Particular delivery systems such as tablets, injections, or sustained-release formulations.
The patent's scope hinges on the breadth of these claims: whether they encompass merely the specific compound/method described, or broader classes of related compounds.
Scope of Protection
- Core Compound or Composition: The primary claims probably focus on a specific molecule; the scope extends to bioequivalent derivatives if the claims are suitably broad.
- Method of Use or Treatment: Claims may include the use of the compound for certain indications.
- Formulation Claims: Covering specific pharmaceutical compositions.
Note: The scope's breadth and validity are often challenged by prior art, particularly for compounds with close structural similarities.
Claims' Strategic Significance
- Broad Claims: Offer maximum protection against competitors; however, may face legal challenges for obviousness or lack of novelty.
- Narrow Claims: Easier to defend but offer limited protection.
- Dependent Claims: Provide fallback positions during litigation, covering specific embodiments or improvements.
The patent landscape's robustness depends on how well the claims align with known compounds or methods and their specificity to inventive features.
Patent Landscape Context
Key Players and Related Patents
China's pharmaceutical patent environment is densely populated with:
- Multinational pharmaceutical corporations: Seeking patent protection in China for innovative drugs.
- Domestic biotech firms: Filing patents to establish local portfolios.
- Academic institutions: Often filing for foundational research discoveries.
CN1929824 fits into this landscape as one of potentially several patents covering similar compounds or therapeutic methods.
Similar and Cited Patents
The patent landscape reveals competitive pressure and potential for licensing or litigation.
Legal and Patent Examination Context
- The Chinese Patent Office emphasizes novelty and inventive step.
- During examination, prior art references tend to include existing compounds, methods, or publication disclosures.
- Patent scope adjustments may be required to withstand validity challenges, especially if claims are excessively broad.
Liability and Validity Risks
- Potential for invalidation exists if prior art discloses identical or obvious variants.
- Ongoing patent term progress (usually 20 years from filing) affects strategic decisions, alongside patent maintenance fees.
Implications for Business and Innovation Strategy
- Patent Strength: The coverage of CN1929824 directly influences licensing, research freedom, and market exclusivity.
- Freedom-to-Operate (FTO): Careful comparison with existing patents is essential before commercializing products based on the patent's claims.
- Patent Litigation and Enforcement: A well-maintained, broad patent provides leverage against infringers, but carefully navigating China’s patent laws is necessary.
Conclusion
Patent CN1929824 exemplifies the intricate balance between claim breadth and patent robustness within China’s rapidly evolving pharmaceutical patent framework. Its scope primarily hinges on the structural and functional claims concerning a specific compound or formulation, embedded within a highly competitive patent landscape. Companies seeking to leverage or navigate this patent should pursue comprehensive freedom-to-operate analyses and consider strategic patent positioning.
Key Takeaways
- Claims Scope: Understanding the precise language of claims is critical to assess patent protection scope and potential infringement.
- Landscape Position: CN1929824 exists amid a dense network of related patents, necessitating careful patent landscape mapping.
- Strategic Use: Broad, well-crafted claims bolster market exclusivity; however, validity hinges on novel and non-obvious features.
- Legal Risks: Vigilance against prior art and comprehensive patent maintenance ensure enforceability.
- Future Directions: Evolving patent trends in China point toward increased emphasis on strong inventive steps and specific data disclosures.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of patent CN1929824 in China's pharmaceutical landscape?
It represents a strategic intellectual property asset protecting specific drug compounds or formulations, providing market exclusivity and influence within China’s evolving pharma sector.
2. How broad are the claims typically found in CN1929824?
While the precise claims depend on the patent document, they usually focus on a specific compound or method. The breadth varies from narrow (specific molecule) to broader (classes of derivatives), impacting enforceability.
3. Can CN1929824 be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. Chinese patents are susceptible to invalidation if prior art discloses similar compounds or methods, or if claims lack inventive step. Ongoing patent examinations and third-party invalidity proceedings influence its strength.
4. How does the patent landscape affect the development of similar drugs?
An intricate patent landscape requires companies to perform detailed freedom-to-operate analyses, potentially leading to licensing, design-around strategies, or patent filings of their own innovations.
5. What are the key considerations for maintaining CN1929824’s patent rights?
Maintaining its validity necessitates timely payment of renewal fees, vigilance against legal challenges, and continuous monitoring of related patents to prevent infringement.
Sources:
[1] China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) Patent Database.
[2] Tian, H. et al. Analysis of Patent Strategies in Chinese Pharmaceutical Industry. Intellectual Property Rights Journal, 2020.
