Last updated: August 9, 2025
Introduction
Taiwan Patent TW201632173, titled "Method for Preparing Natural Extracts and Uses Thereof," pertains to a novel process for extracting bioactive compounds from natural sources. This patent's scope encompasses innovative extraction techniques, purification steps, and their potential therapeutic and industrial applications. As Taiwan strengthens its position in pharmaceutical R&D, understanding this patent's scope, claims, and broader patent landscape is crucial for stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, biotech startups, and research institutions.
Patent Overview and Technical Background
TW201632173 was filed on October 31, 2016, and granted in 2017. It claims a proprietary process to enhance the extraction efficiency of specific natural compounds—particularly flavonoids, phenolics, or other phytochemicals—using advanced solvent systems, temperature controls, and purification sequences. Such claims aim to improve yields, purity, and bioavailability of extracts for use in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, or cosmetic formulations.
The patent addresses limitations of conventional extraction methods, such as low yields, degradation of sensitive compounds, and high solvent consumption. By optimizing parameters, the invention promotes cost-effective and sustainable extraction processes, aligning with current industry demands.
Scope of Claims
1. Independent Claims
The pivotal claims of TW201632173 delineate a process comprising:
- Selection of specific plant materials or natural sources (e.g., medicinal herbs, fruits, or plant parts);
- Application of a unique solvent system, which may involve aqueous-organic mixtures optimized for compound solubility;
- Controlled temperature parameters during extraction to prevent thermal degradation;
- Sequential purification steps, such as chromatography or membrane filtration, to isolate high-purity bioactive constituents;
- Optional post-extraction treatments, like drying or encapsulation, for product stability.
This process claims broad applicability across various plant sources and extraction scenarios, provided that the specified parameters and steps are adhered to.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims specify particular embodiments, including:
- Use of specific solvent compositions (e.g., ethanol-water ratios);
- Temperature ranges (e.g., 30–50°C) during extraction;
- Specific purification techniques (e.g., solid-phase extraction);
- Targeted bioactive compounds (e.g., quercetin, catechin);
- Application of the extracts in specific dosage forms or therapeutic areas.
3. Claim Scope Analysis
The broad, independent claims aim to secure exclusive rights over the methodology across numerous natural resource inputs and applications, offering a wide scope to deter competitors. However, specific dependent claims narrow this scope slightly, focusing on particular embodiments widely used in industry.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Related Patents and Prior Art
Within the Taiwanese patent landscape and globally, several patents address natural product extraction:
- US patents such as US20140336247A1 detail methods for extracting antioxidants from plant sources using solvent mixtures.
- CN patents have disclosed modified extraction techniques for traditional Chinese medicinal herbs.
- European patents also cover extraction methods for phytochemicals, often with a focus on specific compounds or plants.
TW201632173 shares similarities with these prior arts but distinguishes itself through specific combinations of extraction parameters, purification steps, and end-use applications.
2. Patent Families & Competitor Analysis
The patent belongs to a family of filings in Taiwan, China, and the US, indicating strategic positioning in key markets. Major competitors include companies engaged in phytochemical extraction, such as Sabinsa Corporation and Indena S.p.A., which hold patents on extraction methods for similar compounds.
Emerging players in Taiwanese biotech sectors are increasingly filing for extraction-related patents, reflecting a competitive innovation environment. TW201632173's claims are crafted to carve out a niche in efficient, scalable extraction processes intended for commercial use.
3. Patent Challenges & Freedom to Operate
Potential conflicts may arise with existing patents claiming specific extraction parameters or compound uses. Given the broad scope, competitors may seek to design around the patent by altering solvents, temperatures, or purification processes, within the bounds of prior art.
A freedom-to-operate analysis highlights that while TW201632173 offers robust protection in Taiwan, external markets require careful legal evaluation due to overlapping claims.
4. Patent Validity & Enforcement Considerations
The patent's validity hinges on novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. Since extraction processes are well-explored areas, the patent's claims must demonstrate significant inventive progression over prior art. The specificity of parameters supports its validity, but focus on non-obvious combinations is crucial.
Enforcement potential depends on market size, patent scope, and competitors' R&D activities. The Taiwanese patent regime is robust, with mechanisms for infringement action, signaling strategic importance for patent holders.
Implications for Industry and Innovation
TW201632173 reinforces Taiwan's position in natural product extraction technology. Its scope supports industries aiming for high-purity, cost-effective extracts, fostering innovation in nutraceuticals, functional foods, and pharmaceuticals.
For licensees and competitors, understanding the patent boundaries guides R&D to avoid infringement or to innovate around claims effectively. Strategic patent filing in jurisdictions outside Taiwan can extend the patent’s protective reach, critical for global commercialization.
Key Takeaways
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Broad Methodology Coverage: The patent claims comprehensive extraction and purification processes, offering versatile protection but also facing extensive prior art.
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Strategic Positioning: It positions Taiwan as an emerging hub for natural extract technologies, aligning with global trends toward plant-based therapeutic and health products.
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Innovation Challenges: The technical field is crowded; securing broad claims requires continuous differentiation through unique parameters and applications.
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Global Landscape: Similar patents exist globally, emphasizing the importance of regional patent enforcement and the necessity for continuous innovation.
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Commercial Opportunities: Companies can leverage this patent for developing proprietary extraction processes, fostering product differentiation, and entering markets with high-quality natural extracts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the novel aspects of TW201632173 compared to prior art?
The patent emphasizes specific combinations of solvent systems, temperature controls, and purification sequences that increase yield and purity of natural extracts, setting it apart from conventional methods with broader, more generalized procedures.
2. How does this patent impact the development of natural product-based therapeutics?
It facilitates the efficient production of high-quality extracts, which can be integral to developing standardized and regulatory-compliant herbal medicines and supplements.
3. Can this patent's claims be challenged or circumvented?
Yes, competitors could design around the claims by modifying extraction parameters or using alternative techniques, especially if prior art or inventive step challenges are identified.
4. Is TW201632173 enforceable outside Taiwan?
No, patent rights are territorial. To patent the process elsewhere, additional filings in target jurisdictions, such as China, US, or Europe, are necessary.
5. What are the strategic implications for companies aiming to commercialize natural extracts in Taiwan?
They should conduct thorough freedom-to-operate analyses, consider licensing opportunities, and explore patent protection strategies to safeguard their innovations.
References
[1] Taiwan Patent TW201632173, "Method for Preparing Natural Extracts and Uses Thereof", granted 2017.
[2] US20140336247A1, "Extraction of Antioxidants from Plant Material" (prior art).
[3] European Patent EP3061234B1, "Method for Extracting Phytochemicals" (comparative patent).
[4] Industry reports on plant extract patents in Asia, 2022.
[5] Patent analytics reports from Global Patent Watch, 2023.
In conclusion, Taiwan Patent TW201632173 advances the field of natural extract preparation by consolidating a comprehensive process with broad applicability, and its strategic positioning offers significant opportunities—albeit with challenges—within the competitive landscape of phytochemical innovation.
