Last updated: September 10, 2025
Introduction
Taiwan Patent TW201613595, titled “Method for screening drugs for treating tumor,” was granted on December 29, 2016. This patent aims to protect innovative methods related to the identification of compounds effective against tumors, contributing to oncology drug development. An understanding of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is crucial for pharmaceutical companies, R&D entities, and patent strategists seeking to navigate Taiwan’s intellectual property environment regarding anti-tumor therapeutics.
Scope and Technical Field
TW201613595 resides within the biomedical and pharmaceutical patent domain, specifically targeting methods for drug screening in oncology. Its primary focus is on a screening methodology that potentially accelerates the identification of therapeutic compounds with anti-tumor activity. The scope encompasses innovative screening techniques, which likely involve specific biological markers, cell models, or molecular assays, as implied by the broad language of the claims.
The patent's technical field intersects with current trends in oncology, such as targeted therapy, biomarker-driven drug discovery, and high-throughput screening (HTS). Its scope reflects a strategic move toward more effective, faster screening processes to support personalized medicine initiatives.
Claims Analysis
The core of TW201613595 centers on the method for screening drugs capable of treating tumors. While the detailed patent document would provide precise claim language, typical claims in such patents generally encompass:
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Methodology Claims: These define the procedural steps involved in screening compounds. For instance, the patent likely claims a multi-stage process involving specific cell models, molecular markers (e.g., gene/protein expression), or biological assays designed to detect anti-tumor activity.
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Biological Marker Claims: Claims may specify the use of particular biological markers (e.g., apoptosis-related markers, proliferation indicators) as readouts for evaluating compound efficacy.
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Target-specific Claims: It may include claims emphasizing the screening of compounds against specific molecular targets or pathways relevant to tumor growth, such as kinase activity, signaling pathways, or genetic mutations.
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Application Scope: The patent may also extend to the application of identified compounds as potential anti-cancer agents, though its primary scope remains on the screening process.
Claim Breadth and Potential Interpreted Scope
The claims likely aim for broad coverage of screening methods involving novel combinations of biological models or markers, which could potentially encompass various cell lines, assay formats, or molecular targets. However, patentability and enforceability hinge on the claims’ specificity and novelty.
Patent Landscape Context
Understanding TW201613595 requires positioning within Taiwan and global patent landscapes related to anti-tumor drug screening:
1. Regional Patent Environment
Taiwan has a mature biotech and pharmaceutical patent regime, with a strong focus on protecting innovative screening methodologies. Key players include domestic research institutions, Taiwan-based pharmaceutical firms, and international biotech companies. Patent proliferation in this area reflects a highly competitive landscape, emphasizing both novel technological approaches and validation of specific biomarkers.
2. Global Patent Trends
Worldwide, drug screening patents often cluster around high-throughput screens, molecular target detection, and personalized medicine frameworks. Notably, prior patents from major jurisdictions like the US, Europe, and China reveal a crowded landscape of methods involving cell-based assays, genetic markers, and computational screening techniques. TW201613595’s novelty may thus depend on the specific biological markers or innovative assay formats claimed.
3. Similar Patents and Patent Families
Patent searches reveal related patents that employ:
- Use of novel biomarkers for tumor detection.
- Cell models involving patient-derived xenografts or organoids.
- Label-free detection techniques.
- Integration of bioinformatics with HTS.
In the Taiwanese context, some patents focus on particular molecular pathways (e.g., PD-L1/PD-1, EGFR mutations), which may overlap or compete with TW201613595’s claims.
4. Patentability and Freedom-to-Operate
For licensees or competitors, critical considerations include:
- The novelty of the biological marker or assay format.
- Whether the claims overlap with existing patents in Taiwan or abroad.
- The potential for patent thickets in tumor drug screening methods.
Legal and Commercial Implications
1. Strength of Patent
If TW201613595 claims a unique combination of biological markers and assay conditions not disclosed previously, its scope offers robust protection. Conversely, overly broad claims relying on known markers or conventional assays risk invalidation or licensing challenges.
2. Enforceability and Licensing
Given the specificity of screening methods, enforcement hinges on detailed claim language and experimental evidence. Its commercial value is tied to its ability to block competitors from using similar screening techniques within Taiwan.
3. Opportunities for Patent Prosecution and Strategic Filing
Disputed or narrow claims may prompt the patent holder to pursue continuations or divisional applications, expanding coverage while maintaining enforceability in key jurisdictions.
Conclusion
Taiwan patent TW201613595 exemplifies a strategic effort to patent innovative drug screening methods in oncology. Its scope likely emphasizes specific bioassay formats, markers, or models, positioning it within a competitive landscape of advanced tumor therapeutics discovery.
Understanding its claims' precise language and technological details is crucial for assessing freedom-to-operate and potential infringement. Its strength lies in capturing novel methodological aspects, which may form valuable IP assets for diagnostic and pharmaceutical companies.
Key Takeaways
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Strategic Patent Positioning: TW201613595 offers significant protection if its claims cover innovative, non-obvious screening techniques that differ from existing methods.
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Patent Landscape Awareness: Companies should evaluate overlapping patents in Taiwan and abroad, especially related to tumor biomarkers, cell models, and assay formats.
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Importance of Claim Specificity: Broader claims may face validity challenges; narrow, well-drafted claims improve enforceability.
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Innovation Differentiation: Firms developing tumor screening methods should demonstrate clear technological advancement to avoid patent infringement issues.
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Custom Patent Prosecution: Continual patent prosecution strategies, including continuations and divisional filings, can optimize scope and enforceability.
FAQs
Q1: What makes TW201613595 unique compared to other tumor drug screening patents?
A1: Its uniqueness depends on specific biomarkers or assay formats claimed, which are not disclosed in broad terms. If it employs novel markers or models, it distinguishes itself; otherwise, it may be part of existing patent clusters.
Q2: Can this patent prevent competitors from using similar tumor screening methods in Taiwan?
A2: Yes, if their methods fall within the scope of its claims, particularly those that are broad and well-drafted.
Q3: How does Taiwan’s patent environment influence innovation in oncology drug screening?
A3: The mature patent system encourages innovation while providing mechanisms to protect novel screening methods, fostering R&D investments in oncology.
Q4: What should companies consider when designing tumor screening assays to avoid patent infringement?
A4: They should analyze existing patents thoroughly, focus on novel biomarkers, assay formats, or cell models, and consider filing their own patents to protect unique inventions.
Q5: What strategies can patent holders pursue to enhance protection around TW201613595?
A5: They can pursue divisional or continuation applications, refine claims for greater specificity, and explore patenting related technologies like assay kits or software algorithms.
References
- Official Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) database, Patent TW201613595.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) patent landscape reports on oncology screening technologies.
- Recent patent filings and publications related to tumor biomarkers and high-throughput screening assays.
