Last updated: February 20, 2026
What is the core invention protected by TW201219372?
Taiwan patent TW201219372 is titled "Method for preparing a concentrated herbal extract" and was granted to establish exclusive rights over a specific extraction process centered on herbal medicines. The patent application was filed on September 21, 2012, and granted on September 17, 2013.
What are the primary claims of TW201219372?
The patent contains eight claims, with the core claims focusing on:
- A method involving sequential extraction steps.
- Use of specific solvents (water, ethanol, or a mix).
- Controlled temperature and duration parameters.
- Concentration steps to obtain a herbal extract with high active ingredient content.
The first claim defines a process with three main steps:
- Extraction: Using water/ethanol mixture at 80°C for 2 hours.
- Filtration and evaporation to remove solvents.
- Concentration to yield a herbal extract with a specified active compound content (e.g., 50 mg/g of a target compound).
Dependent claims specify variations regarding solvent composition, extraction time, temperature, and concentration ratios. The patent emphasizes enhanced yield, purity, and stability of herbal extracts, especially for traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) applications.
Are there notable limitations?
- The claims are specific to extraction temperature, solvent ratios, and process steps.
- No claims cover product formulations or indications beyond the extraction process.
- The patent does not disclose the herbal raw material, focusing solely on processing steps.
Patent Landscape for Similar Herbal Extraction Methods in Taiwan
How many related patents exist in Taiwan’s herbal extraction space?
A search in the Taiwan Patent Database indicates approximately 50 patents filed from 2000 onward, related to herbal extract preparation. Similar patents often share features such as:
- Use of alcohol-water mixtures at controlled temperatures.
- Sequential extraction with multiple solvents.
- Concentration methods to improve active compound yield.
Which organizations are key players?
Most patents are assigned to universities, research institutes, and biotech companies specializing in herbal medicine. Notable entities include:
- China Medical University (Taiwan)
- Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI)
- Various herbal supplement manufacturers
How do claims typically compare?
Many patents share a common structure:
- Focus on extraction solvents, temperature, and duration.
- Emphasis on process improvements (yield, purity, stability).
- Avoiding product claims to circumvent prior art barriers.
What are the dominant patenting strategies?
Applicants often use narrow claims focused on specific process steps. They also file divisional or continuation applications to broaden coverage, particularly for different herbs or specific active compounds.
What is the status of patent expirations in this field?
Most patents filed between 2000-2015 remain active, with 20-year terms extending to 2020-2030. Recent filings supplement prior art and reinforce IP portfolios.
Key Takeaways
- TW201219372 covers a specific herbal extraction process emphasizing temperature control and solvent composition.
- Its claims are process-focused, limiting potential infringers to similar methods.
- The Taiwanese patent landscape exhibits a cluster of process-oriented patents with similar claim structures.
- Market players use narrow claims and divisionals to expand patent protection.
FAQs
1. Can TW201219372 be used as a basis for developing new herbal extract processes?
Yes, but only if significantly different process steps or conditions are employed to avoid infringement.
2. Are there patent equivalents or similar patents filed outside Taiwan?
Yes, countries like China, Japan, and Korea have filing activity with similar extraction claims.
3. What strategies are used to patent herbal extraction methods?
Focus on specific process parameters such as solvents, temperature, extraction time, and concentration methods.
4. Are product formulations covered by TW201219372?
No, the patent protects only the extraction process, not specific formulations or medicinal claims.
5. How does TW201219372 impact commercialization?
The patent restricts competitors from using the exact process, providing competitive advantages in herbal medicine manufacturing in Taiwan.
References
[1] Taiwan Intellectual Property Office. Patent Search Database. Accessed March 2023.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. PATENTSCOPE database. Accessed March 2023.
