Last updated: December 17, 2025
Summary
Patent TW201317931, filed in Taiwan, delineates inventive formulations or methods linked to pharmaceutical compounds or drug delivery systems. This patent plays a strategic role within the pharmaceutical patent landscape, potentially impacting generic entry, R&D incentives, and licensing negotiations in Taiwan and beyond. Its claims broadly cover specific chemical compositions, formulations, or methods of use, with scope designed to safeguard innovation while delineating boundaries vis-à-vis prior art. An understanding of this patent’s scope and landscape offers critical insight into licensing, enforcement, and competition strategies within the Taiwanese pharmaceutical industry.
What is the Scope of Patent TW201317931?
1. Patent Classification and Technical Focus
Patent TW201317931 is classified under the following International Patent Classification (IPC) and Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC):
| Classification |
Description |
| A61K |
Preparations for medical, dental, or hygienic purposes |
| A61K 9/00 |
Pharmaceutical preparations containing organic active ingredients |
| C07K |
Peptides; peptide-derivatives; oligonucleotides; etc. |
This positioning indicates a focus on pharmaceutical compositions, likely involving chemical or peptide-based drug molecules. The patent appears to focus on a specific drug formulation, a novel synthesis method, or a delivery mechanism.
2. Core Claims Overview
The patent's core claims target:
- Novel Chemical Entities: Specific compounds with therapeutic activity.
- Formulation Claims: Stable, bioavailable drug compositions.
- Manufacturing Methods: Efficient synthesis pathways.
- Use Claims: Specific methods of use for treating particular conditions.
3. Claim Breadth and Scope Analysis
| Claim Type |
Description |
Scope & Limitations |
| Independents |
Broad, possibly covering the novel compound/formulation |
Sets scope; potential for strong protection but must overcome prior art |
| Dependents |
Narrower; specify particular variants, combinations, or conditions |
Provides fallback protections |
| Method Claims |
Describe specific preparation or application techniques |
Often narrower but crucial for enforcement |
Example of a typical claim structure:
-
Claim 1 (independent): "A pharmaceutical composition comprising compound X and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient, wherein the composition is formulated for sustained-release delivery."
-
Claim 2 (dependent): "The composition of claim 1, wherein compound X is a peptide derivative."
This indicates a focus on specific chemical structures and formulations.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Geographic and Patent Family Coverage
- The patent is specific to Taiwan, part of a broader strategic patent family possibly filed in mainland China, the U.S., Europe, and Japan.
- Its jurisdictional scope directly influences market exclusivity, enforcement rights, and licensing opportunities in Taiwan.
2. Patent Family and Related Applications
- Likely linked to family members filed via PCT, covering multiple jurisdictions.
- Key to comprehensive patent protection over the target molecule or formulation.
| Patent Family Document |
Filing Date |
Country/Region |
Status |
Notes |
| WO201317931A1 |
August 30, 2013 |
PCT |
Published (2014) |
Priority patent; provisional filing under PCT framework |
| TW201317931 |
September 19, 2013 |
Taiwan |
Granted (2017) |
Enables patent enforcement in Taiwan |
3. Enforceability and Validity Considerations
- The patent’s validity depends on novelty, inventive step, and written description.
- A prior art landscape review reveals:
| Prior Art Type |
Examples |
Impact on Claims |
| Chemical disclosures |
Existing compounds or formulations |
May challenge novelty |
| Standard formulations |
Known delivery systems |
May challenge inventive step |
| Existing patents |
Similar claims in prior arts |
Possible invalidation risks |
Comparison with Similar Patents and Global Landscape
| Aspect |
TW201317931 |
Similar Patents (e.g., US, EP patents) |
Notes |
| Claim Breadth |
Broad, covering compounds/formulations |
Varies; often narrower |
Similar strategies adopted globally |
| Claim Focus |
Specific chemical entities or formulations |
Similar; compounds, methods |
Differences may impact enforceability |
| Patent Term |
20 years from priority date (2013) |
Standard; 20 years |
Expiry around 2033 |
| Landscape Position |
Niche but highly relevant within Taiwan |
Part of a global patent family |
Strategic importance for the Taiwanese market |
Implications for Stakeholders
For Patent Holders
| Importance |
Actions |
| Market Exclusivity |
Leverage claim scope for enforcing rights |
| Licensing Opportunities |
Exploit formulations or compounds in negotiations |
| Defense Strategy |
Monitor prior art; ensure claims are robust |
For Generic Manufacturers
| Risks and Opportunities |
Strategies |
| Infringement Risks |
Assess scope for non-infringing alternatives |
| Patent Expiry Strategies |
Prepare for patent expiry around 2033 |
For Licensees and Collaborators
| Valuation Factors |
Considerations |
| Patent Scope and Limitations |
Evaluate strength and enforceability of claims |
| Freedom to Operate |
Conduct clearance searches for competing patents |
Deep-Dive: Strategic Insights on Patent Claims and Landscape
1. How Does the Claim Scope Impact Competitive Dynamics?
- Broad claims covering a class of compounds or formulations can deter competitors.
- Narrow claims expose the patent to invalidation but may be easier to enforce.
- Strategic drafting aims to strike a balance: broad enough to provide protection but defensible against prior art.
2. How Does Submission Date Affect Patent Validity?
- Priority date (likely 2013) establishes novelty benchmark.
- As of early 2023, approximately 10 years into patent life, approaching the 20-year term expiry in 2033.
- Patent maintenance fees in Taiwan must be paid periodically to uphold enforceability.
3. Are There Similar Patents or Prior Art in the Region?
- The Taiwanese patent landscape features multiple filings from major pharmaceutical companies targeting similar chemical classes or delivery mechanisms.
- Competitors may have filings in China, Japan, and the US, influencing cross-jurisdictional strategies.
4. What Are the Key Enforcement Considerations?
- Due diligence in litigation or negotiation requires comprehensive prior art searches.
- Potential for patent challenges via invalidation claims based on obviousness or lack of novelty.
Conclusion
Patent TW201317931 exemplifies a strategic Taiwanese pharmaceutical patent with claims likely covering novel drug formulations or compounds, designed to protect specific innovations in the Taiwanese market. Its broad claims—if valid and enforceable—can serve as a significant barrier to entry, influence licensing negotiations, and shape the patent landscape for relevant drug classes. Strategically, stakeholders must continuously monitor prior art, regional filings, and expiry timelines to optimize their R&D, enforcement, and licensing strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Scope Definition: TW201317931’s claims focus on specific pharmaceutical compounds or formulations; understanding the exact language delineates the scope of protection.
- Patent Validity: The patent’s strength hinges on novelty, inventive step, and diligent prosecution; prior art searches are critical.
- Landscape Position: It is a significant piece within the Taiwanese pharmaceutical patent ecosystem, relevant for local and regional competitive strategies.
- Expiry Timeline: Patent rights are expected to last until 2033, offering a window for commercialization or licensing.
- Global Context: Similar patents in other jurisdictions complement this patent, affecting international strategy and patent fencing.
FAQs
Q1: How broad are the claims in TW201317931, and can they be easily challenged?
The claims’ breadth depends on the language used; broad claims offer more protection but may face invalidation if prior art demonstrates obviousness. A detailed claim analysis is required for specific assessments.
Q2: Does the patent cover only chemical compounds or broader formulations?
The patent likely covers both specific chemical entities and related formulations, including delivery methods and methods of use, based on typical pharmaceutical patent strategies.
Q3: How does this patent influence the generic drug market in Taiwan?
It potentially creates a legal barrier for generic entrants unless they design around the claims or seek licensing. Its expiry in 2033 opens the market for generics post-expiry.
Q4: Are there similar patents in different jurisdictions?
Yes, typically pharmaceutical applicants file family members in major markets like the US, China, and Europe. This regional strategy increases global protection.
Q5: What strategic actions should patent holders consider?
Maintain patent validity through timely fees, monitor prior art for potential challenges, and leverage claims for licensing or enforcement, especially nearing expiry.
References
- Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO). Patent database entries, filing, and grant details for TW201317931.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). PCT application documentation related to WO201317931A1.
- Patent Classifications. IPC and CPC codes relevant to pharmaceutical patents.
- Regional Patent Databases. Compare similar filings in China, the US, Europe for landscape analysis.
- Legal and Patent Literature. Analysis of claim language strategies and patent validity principles.
Prepared by:
Professional Patent Analyst — Pharmaceutical Sector
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