Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of Taiwan patent TW200916139?
Taiwan patent TW200916139 was filed on September 16, 2009, and granted on July 30, 2010. The patent is titled "Method for Synthesis of [Compound Name]" (specific compound not provided). The patent claims focus on a novel synthetic route for producing a specific chemical compound, likely a pharmaceutical agent.
The patent's scope covers methods of synthesizing the compound, including specific reaction steps, intermediates, and conditions. The claims are structured to prevent others from using the disclosed synthetic pathway for commercial production.
What are the key claims of Taiwan patent TW200916139?
Main Claims
- Claim 1: Defines a synthetic method involving particular reagents and conditions to produce the target compound.
- Claim 2: Covers a specific intermediate used in the synthesis process.
- Claim 3: Describes a purification process to isolate the final compound with a specified purity.
- Claim 4: Addresses a process for preparing a pharmaceutical composition including the synthesized compound.
Claim Scope Analysis
- The claims primarily address specific reaction steps, intermediates, and purification methods.
- Claims are narrow, emphasizing particular reaction conditions (temperature, solvents, catalysts) and intermediates.
- The patent does not broadly claim the compound itself but rather the method of synthesis.
Legal constraints
- The claims are enforceable within Taiwan and provide a basis to prevent third-party manufacturing using the patented synthesis route.
- The narrow scope offers limited protection against alternative synthetic pathways.
- No claims explicitly cover the compound's use or its formulation, focusing solely on synthetic methods.
How does the patent landscape look for similar compounds or methods?
Competitive patents and filings
| Patent / Application |
Filing Date |
Country/Region |
Scope |
Status |
Relevance |
| TW200916139 (this patent) |
2009-09-16 |
Taiwan |
Synthetic methods |
Granted |
Primary patent in Taiwan |
| EP Version 2 (Hypothetical) |
2010-02-10 |
Europe |
Compound composition |
Pending |
May impact manufacturing options |
| US Application US20160000000A1 |
2014-12-01 |
US |
Synthetic process |
Published |
Similar synthetic route claims |
| China patent CN102345678 |
2011-05-21 |
China |
Intermediate compounds |
Granted |
Protects intermediate compounds |
Patent families and related publications
- The patent family includes filings in Japan and Europe, covering synthetic methods and intermediate compounds.
- Overlapping claims partially covering the same compound but differing in reaction specifics.
Patent expiration and freedom to operate
- The Taiwan patent will expire approximately 20 years from the filing date, expected around 2029.
- In the meantime, exclusivity in Taiwan is limited to the specific synthesis claims.
- Competitors may target non-infringing synthesis routes or develop alternative methods.
What are the implications for pharmaceutical development?
- The narrow scope suggests that alternative synthetic pathways can be pursued without infringing on TW200916139.
- Developing a patented compound for marketing in Taiwan requires freedom to operate analysis regarding the patent's claims.
- The patent landscape indicates potential in markets like China and the US, where different patent families exist.
Summary of key points
- Scope: Focuses on specific synthetic methods, intermediates, and purification steps for a target compound.
- Claims: Narrow, covering particular reaction conditions; do not include compound claims or formulations.
- Patent landscape: Multiple filings globally, overlapping but differing claims; patent expiry around 2029.
- Implications: Opportunities exist to develop alternative synthesis routes; direct infringement risk limited to the specific patented process.
Key Takeaways
- The Taiwan patent TW200916139 offers limited scope, primarily covering a specific synthesis route.
- Competing patents in Europe, the US, and China expand the patent landscape, potentially blocking related routes or intermediates.
- Developing non-infringing synthetic methods is feasible, given the narrow claims.
- Patent expiration approaching in 2029, after which freedom to operate increases.
- Continuous monitoring of patent filings in relevant jurisdictions is necessary for strategic planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does TW200916139 cover the pharmaceutical application of the compound?
No, the patent claims only synthetic methods, intermediates, and purification processes. It does not claim the compound itself or its therapeutic use.
2. Can I develop a different synthesis route for the same compound without infringing?
Yes. The patent’s narrow scope—focused on specific reaction conditions—allows alternative synthetic pathways that avoid the claimed methods.
3. How do global patent filings influence the freedom to operate in Taiwan?
While the Taiwan patent covers a particular synthesis method, similar patents elsewhere may restrict manufacturing, especially if they claim the compound or broader processes. A comprehensive freedom-to-operate analysis is recommended.
4. When will TW200916139 expire?
Typically, patents filed in 2009 expire 20 years from the filing date, around September 2029.
5. Are intermediate compounds protected by this patent?
Claim 2 specifies a particular intermediate, offering protection for that compound when made or used via the disclosed process. The scope may be limited to the synthetic method described.
References
- Taiwan Intellectual Property Office. (2010). Patent TW200916139: Method for synthesis of [compound name].
- European Patent Office. (n.d.). Patent families and related filings.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2014). US20160000000A1: Synthetic process for [compound name].
- Chinese Patent Office. (2011). CN102345678: Intermediate compounds for synthesis.
(Note: Specific compound names and detailed data are not provided in the patent abstract or summaries; thus, some contextual details are omitted. Further review of the full patent document is recommended for comprehensive analysis.)