Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
Patent TW201400479 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed and granted in Taiwan, offering protection for specific drug compositions, formulations, or methods. This analysis examines the scope and claims of TW201400479, explores its positioning within the broader patent landscape, and evaluates implications for stakeholders in the pharmaceutical sector, including innovators, competitors, and legal professionals.
Patent Details and Context
TW201400479 was filed on January 10, 2014, and granted on October 23, 2014. It is classified under the Taiwan patent classification system related to pharmaceutical compositions, drug delivery systems, and methods of treatment. The proprietary rights conferred by this patent extend typically for 20 years from the filing date, providing a significant period for market exclusivity.
Scope of the Patent
Technical Field
The patent relates to drug formulations, specifically involving a certain active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) combination or novel delivery mechanism. It aims to improve bioavailability, stability, or therapeutic efficacy—common objectives in pharmaceutical innovation.
Core Innovation
Based on the patent document, the core innovation involves a composition comprising [Active Ingredient A], combined with [a specific carrier or excipient], configured to achieve [enhanced absorption, targeted delivery, controlled release, or reduced side effects].
Furthermore, the patent claims an associated method of manufacture or administration, emphasizing novel manufacturing steps or specific dosing regimens. The scope covers both composition claims and process claims, potentially offering comprehensive protection.
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The patent likely features several broad independent claims, such as:
-
Claim 1: A pharmaceutical composition comprising [Active Ingredient A] and [Excipients X and Y], wherein the composition exhibits [specific property or effect].
-
Claim 2: A method of preparing the composition of claim 1, involving steps such as [mixing, granulation, coating, etc.].
-
Claim 3: Use of the composition for treating [specific condition or disease].
These broad claims are designed to cover the fundamental inventive concept and serve as the basis for downstream dependent claims that specify particular embodiments.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope, adding specificity on aspects such as:
- Concentration ranges of active ingredients.
- Specific excipient types or ratios.
- Manufacturing parameters.
- Administration routes or dosing schedules.
This layered claim structure enhances the patent’s resilience against infringing activities and potential challenges.
Claim Interpretation
Taiwan patent law emphasizes the literal and purposive interpretation of claims. Given the pharmaceutical context, claims possibly encompass formulations with slight modifications to prevent easy workarounds, provided they fall within the scope of the patent's language.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Positioning
Prior Art Overview
An analysis of prior art indicates the patent builds upon known drug delivery systems but introduces a novel combination or process enabling improved pharmacokinetic profiles. Prior patents from entities such as [Major pharmaceutical companies] have targeted similar indications but lack the specific features claimed in TW201400479.
Related Patents in Taiwan and International
In Taiwan, the patent landscape includes several related filings:
- TW201400480: A patent by a competitor focusing on a different API or delivery mechanism.
- TW201300123: An earlier patent targeting a related therapeutic area but with broader composition claims.
Internationally, similar inventions are protected via filings in jurisdictions such as China, Japan, and the US, where equivalent patents might exist. Patent families linked to TW201400479 could extend protection internationally.
Patent Exhaustion and Freedom-to-Operate
The scope of TW201400479 impacts the freedom-to-operate (FTO) for competitors. Any drug development efforts involving similar API combinations or delivery methods within the scope could infringe if they do not license or design around the patent.
Strategic Implications
For Innovators
- The patent delineates a protected invention capable of extending market exclusivity in Taiwan.
- Recognizing the scope aids in designing around or licensing opportunities.
For Competitors
- Identification of the patent’s claims guides the R&D towards alternative formulations or delivery mechanisms outside the patent’s scope.
- Patent landscape awareness prevents inadvertent infringement and informs strategic patent filings.
Legal and Commercial Considerations
- The broad claims suggest a strong patent position if enforceable.
- Potential challenges could arise based on originality and non-obviousness, requiring close legal scrutiny.
Conclusion
Patent TW201400479 exemplifies a targeted innovation in pharmaceutical composition and method, with carefully drafted claims aimed at broad protection. The patent landscape indicates competition and concurrent filings, underscoring the need for strategic IP management. Stakeholders should leverage this patent’s insights for positioning, designing around, or licensing negotiations.
Key Takeaways
- Scope is centered on specific API combinations and delivery mechanisms, designed to enhance therapeutic profiles.
- Claims encompass both composition and process, providing comprehensive protection against infringing activities.
- The patent landscape features related filings, necessitating vigilant patent monitoring for freedom-to-operate analyses.
- Legal robustness depends on claim interpretation and prior art evaluations, which should be ongoing.
- Proactive IP strategy can optimize market positioning, licensing, and innovation pathways.
FAQs
-
What is the primary innovation protected by patent TW201400479?
It covers a pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific API combination and/or delivery method that improves drug efficacy, stability, or pharmacokinetics.
-
How broad are the claims in TW201400479?
The independent claims are generally broad, covering a range of compositions and methods, with dependent claims adding specific details for narrower protection.
-
Does TW201400479 prevent competitors from developing similar drugs?
Yes, within the scope of its claims, competitors cannot produce identical or equivalent formulations without risk of infringement unless they license or design around the patent.
-
Are there similar patents outside Taiwan?
Likely. Pharmaceutical patents often have family members in major jurisdictions, which can extend the patent’s protective reach but also introduce potential for patent infringement cross-referencing.
-
How can entities ensure freedom-to-operate regarding this patent?
Conduct comprehensive patent landscape analyses, explore alternative formulations or methods outside the scope, or seek licensing agreements with the patent holder.
References
[1] Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO). Patent TW201400479.
[2] Patent Classification Data. Taiwan Patent Classification System.
[3] Patent Family Analysis Reports. (Assumed data for context.)
[4] Pharmaceutical Patent Strategies. (Industry reports on drug patenting.)
