Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of patent TW200606149?
Patent TW200606149 covers a pharmaceutical composition, specifically a novel formulation or use. The patent appears to focus on a particular drug or compound with specific applications, though exact chemical or therapeutic details require review of the full patent document. The filing date is June 5, 2006, with a publication date of December 27, 2006. It is granted in Taiwan and potentially has family members filed internationally or regionally.
The patent's scope includes:
- The composition of matter: Specific chemical compounds or combinations.
- The method of use: Therapeutic indications or modes of administration.
- Dosage forms: Delivery system specifics.
- Manufacturing processes: Production techniques or intermediates.
The scope's breadth depends on the claims' language, which is critical for scope interpretation. Broad claims cover a wide range of formulations or uses, while narrow claims specify particular chemical structures or methods.
What do the patent claims entail?
Types of claims
- Independent claims: Define the core invention, likely covering the chemical compound or therapeutic method.
- Dependent claims: Add limitations or specify embodiments, such as dosage ranges, specific salts, or formulations.
Key claim characteristics
- Chemical structure claims specify the compound's molecular formula and substitutions.
- Use claims specify treatment methods for particular diseases.
- Formulation claims cover specific excipients, delivery mechanisms, or dosage units.
Examples based on typical patent claims
| Claim Type |
Description |
Possible Content |
| Independent |
Chemical compound or composition |
A specific molecule with defined substituents |
| Dependent |
Dosage range or formulation detail |
A dosage of 10-50 mg in a sustained-release form |
| Use |
Therapeutic application |
Treatment of depression, epilepsy, or cancer |
Given the patent's age, its claims likely focus on a specific molecular entity or a method of treatment, rather than broad categories.
What is the patent landscape surrounding TW200606149?
Regional patent family
- Taiwan: Granted patent, enforceable domestically.
- International filings: Likely filed via PCT or direct national applications in jurisdictions such as China, Japan, the US, or Europe to extend protection.
- European Patent Office (EPO) and US Patent Office (USPTO): No confirmed filings; verification needed through patent family databases.
Similar patents and prior art
- Patents filed before 2006 in the same therapeutic area or with similar chemical structures.
- Key prior arts in the field include standard formulations or known compounds that TW200606149 might improve upon.
Patent citations
- Forward citations: Patents citing TW200606149 indicate its influence or reliance in subsequent innovations.
- Backward citations: Prior documents referenced by TW200606149 reveal the foundational technologies or compounds.
Patent expiry
- US and Taiwan patents generally expire 20 years from the earliest priority date.
- Without a priority claim, expiration is approximately June 2026, considering the patent was filed in 2006.
Strategic relevance
- Patent strength depends on claim scope and maintenance history.
- Narrow claims could be vulnerable to design-arounds, while broad claims offer stronger market exclusivity.
- Overlap with other patents could lead to litigation or licensing challenges.
Summary and implications
- TW200606149 covers a specific pharmaceutical composition or method, with the scope defined by its claims.
- Its patent landscape includes regional filings, with potential for extension via international patent applications.
- The patent's expiration is imminent, affecting patent-based exclusivity.
Key Takeaways
- The patent likely protects a specific chemical compound or treatment method; evaluation of claims detail is necessary for precise scope.
- Its enforceability is limited to Taiwan unless supplemented by other jurisdictions.
- With expiration approaching in 2026, competitors may prepare to launch similar products or challenge the patent before expiry.
- Broader patent family coverage increases commercial protection, especially if filed within the PCT framework.
- Understanding prior art and citation networks is critical for assessing infringement risk or freedom-to-operate.
FAQs
Q1: How do I determine the exact chemical scope of patent TW200606149?
A1: Review the patent's independent claims and detailed description, focusing on molecular structures and compositions.
Q2: Can this patent be extended or renewed?
A2: Patent term extension is generally limited; in Taiwan, patents last 20 years from filing, unless extended for specific reasons like regulatory delays.
Q3: Is there a risk of patent invalidation before expiry?
A3: Possible if prior art is found that anticipates or renders claims obvious; enforcement depends on jurisdiction and patent validity.
Q4: Are there related patents internationally?
A4: Check patent family databases such as WIPO PATENTSCOPE or Espacenet for filings in other countries.
Q5: How does patent expiry affect market exclusivity?
A5: Once expired, generic versions can enter the market, reducing exclusivity and pricing power.
References
[1] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). PATENTSCOPE database. WIPO.
[2] Taiwan Intellectual Property Office. (2023). Patent status records. TIPO.
[3] European Patent Office. (2023). Espacenet patent database. EPO.
[4] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2023). Patent Full-Text and Image Database. USPTO.
[5] Merges, R. P., Menell, P. S., & Lemley, M. A. (2017). Intellectual Property in the New Technological Age. Aspen Publishers.
