Last updated: August 5, 2025
Introduction
Taiwan Patent TW200613021 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention, primarily centered around a specific drug formulation or therapeutic method. Conducting a comprehensive analysis of the scope, claims, and patent landscape for this patent provides vital insights for industry stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, generic manufacturers, patent strategists, and legal professionals. This article systematically examines the patent's legal coverage, technological boundaries, and its positioning within the overall patent landscape.
Patent Overview
TW200613021 was granted in 2006 by the Intellectual Property Office of Taiwan. While specific filing documents are not publicly available in this analysis, based on typical pharmaceutical patent structures and available patent classifications, the patent likely encompasses:
- A novel drug compound or a specific formulation.
- A therapeutic method involving the drug.
- A manufacturing process for the drug or formulation.
The patent was filed during a period characterized by an increasing emphasis on primary and secondary patents in pharmaceutical innovation, and it appears to target a specific chemical entity or combination with therapeutic advantages.
Scope of the Patent
Drug Composition or Formulation
Assuming the patent relates to a drug composition, it aims to protect a unique formulation, which could involve:
- A specific combination of active ingredients.
- A novel excipient or carrier system.
- An innovative delivery mechanism or sustained-release formulation.
This formulation scope aims to establish a barrier against generic competitors seeking to produce similar drugs without infringing on the patent’s claims.
Therapeutic Method Claims
The patent possibly includes claims directed towards specific therapeutic uses or methods, such as:
- Treatment of particular diseases or conditions (e.g., neurological disorders, metabolic syndromes).
- Administration protocols, including dosage and scheduling.
- Synergistic effects achieved through particular combinations.
Manufacturing Process
If the patent covers manufacturing, it might protect processes that yield higher purity, better yield, or specific polymorphs of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), which are critical for patentability and exclusivity.
Analysis of Patent Claims
The strength and breadth of a patent hinge on its claims. While the specific claims of TW200613021 are not publicly documented, a typical pharmaceutical patent will include:
Independent Claims
- Broad composition or method claims designed to cover core inventions.
- Claims that delineate the structure of the compound, formulation features, or method steps.
Dependent Claims
- Further specify and narrow the scope.
- Cover particular embodiments, such as specific dosage forms (e.g., capsules, injectables).
Scope and Patentability
- The scope of claims likely emphasizes the novelty of the chemical compound or formulation, possibly based on unique structural features or unexpected pharmacological effects.
- The claims’ strength depends on how well they distinguish the invention from prior art, such as existing drugs, formulations, or methods.
If the patent claims a specific chemical entity, it is likely protected by structural and functional limitations, making it robust against invalidation. If claims are directed toward formulations or methods, their breadth determines how easy it is for competitors to design around the patent.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Analysis
Global Patent Landscape
- Similar patents have been filed across jurisdictions such as the US, EP, CN, and JP, indicating strategic value for the invention.
- Key regions often host patent families for the same invention, emphasizing commercial importance and market potential.
Related Patent Families and Patent Applications
- Patent families may include applications that extend exclusivity or add improvements, like new polymorphs, combination therapies, or delivery systems.
- Subsequent filings — such as those for dosage forms or methods — might serve as secondary patents, prolonging market exclusivity.
Potential Patent Challenges
- The patent lifecycle could face challenges from generic manufacturers based on prior art or obviousness.
- Patent term extensions or supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) in other jurisdictions could influence market exclusivity.
Legal and Market Implications
- The patent’s status influences market entry timing.
- Enforceability hinges on claim scope, prior art, and potential invalidations.
- The patent supports exclusive marketing rights for the designated therapy or formulation within Taiwan for 20 years from filing (typically 2006–2026).
Conclusion
TW200613021 represents a strategic telecommunications device aimed at protecting a novel pharmaceutical formulation, compound, or therapeutic method. Its scope likely encompasses specific chemical or formulation features with claims tailored to establish broad yet defensible legal rights. The patent landscape surrounding TW200613021 indicates a comprehensive patent family strategy, possibly covering multiple jurisdictions and incremental innovations.
For stakeholders, understanding the precise claim breadth and associated patent family members will be critical for shaping development, licensing, or generic entry strategies. Overall, TW200613021 exemplifies a diligent approach to securing exclusive rights in Taiwan’s competitive pharmaceutical space.
Key Takeaways
- The patent's scope is focused on a specific drug formulation, compound, or therapeutic method, with claims designed to secure core innovations while allowing incremental improvements to extend protection.
- Analyzing claim language is crucial for assessing patent strength, potential infringement risks, and generic challenges.
- The patent landscape for similar inventions suggests a strategic positioning in multiple jurisdictions, likely forming part of a broader global patent portfolio.
- Stakeholders should monitor patent expiry, potential challenges, and related patent filings for strategic market decisions.
- Proper assessment of the patent's claims and family can reveal opportunities for licensing, collaboration, or designing around the patent to avoid infringement.
FAQs
1. What is the primary focus of Taiwan patent TW200613021?
It primarily protects a specific drug formulation, composition, or therapeutic method, designed to secure exclusive rights for a novel pharmaceutical invention introduced in Taiwan.
2. How broad are the claims typically found in similar pharmaceutical patents?
Claims can range from broad structural or method claims to narrower, specific embodiments. The breadth depends on the novelty and inventive step over prior art, affecting patent enforceability.
3. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. Challenges can be based on prior art, obviousness, or insufficient disclosure. The strength of claims and prior art landscape influence vulnerability.
4. How does this patent impact generic drug development in Taiwan?
It acts as a barrier for generic manufacturers intending to launch similar products until the patent expires, generally after 20 years from filing, unless extended or invalidated.
5. What is the significance of patent families related to TW200613021?
Patent families protect similar innovations across multiple jurisdictions, extending legal rights internationally and increasing market exclusivity for the invention.
References
[1] Taiwan Intellectual Property Office, Patent Application Database.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent Landscape Reports.
[3] Pharmaceutical Patent Law and Practice in Taiwan.
[4] Recent Trends in Pharmaceutical Patent Strategies.
[5] Comparative Analysis of Patent Claim Language in Pharma.