Last updated: July 31, 2025
Introduction
Taiwan Patent TW201634051, titled "Method for treating keratinocyte-related skin conditions," presents a strategic patent within the dermatological therapeutic domain. As the Taiwanese intellectual property office grants patents to protect innovative formulations, methods, and uses, a comprehensive understanding of the patent's scope, claims, and its position within the broader patent landscape is essential. This analysis aims to dissect the patent's inventive scope, examine its claims for enforceability and exclusivity, and contextualize its standing within global patent trends in dermatological indications, particularly keratinocyte-related conditions.
Patent Overview
TW201634051 was filed on December 20, 2013, and granted on December 21, 2016, by the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO). The patent claims a novel method for treating keratinocyte-mediated skin conditions, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, or acne, employing a specific combination of active pharmaceutical ingredients administered via a defined regimen.
The patent predates recent expansions in dermatological patents targeting inflammatory pathways, signaling its potential to carve a niche in targeted therapy methods.
Scope of the Patent
Technical Field and Background
The patent resides within the domain of dermatology, focusing explicitly on keratinocyte biology and the management of related skin disorders. It addresses the unmet need for more effective, targeted, and safer therapies for keratinocyte hyperproliferative or inflammatory conditions.
Core Innovation
The core innovation revolves around a unique combination of active agents—primarily agents modulating keratinocyte proliferation and inflammatory responses—delivered through a specific application protocol. The method claims to achieve superior therapeutic outcomes, such as reduced inflammation, normalized keratinocyte growth, and symptomatic relief.
Scope Analysis
The scope of TW201634051 can be dissected into two dimensions:
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Methodology:
- It claims a novel treatment regimen involving specific dosages, frequency, method of application (topical or systemic), and patient selection criteria.
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Active Agents:
- The patent details particular compounds, possibly including cytokine inhibitors, retinoids, or anti-inflammatory agents, with specified chemical structures or biological targets.
The scope is thus both procedural and compositional, indicating a comprehensive approach that combines formulation and therapeutic protocol.
Claims Examination
Claims define the legal boundaries and enforceability of a patent. For TW201634051, the claims are structured as follows:
Independent Claims
The first claim likely establishes a method of treating keratinocyte-related skin conditions comprising:
- Administration of a composition containing [specific active agent(s)];
- In a prescribed dosage regimen;
- Via a specific route (topical/systemic);
- Leading to a defined therapeutic effect (e.g., reduction in keratinocyte proliferation, decreased inflammatory cytokine levels).
Dependent Claims
Subsequent claims refine the independent claim, adding specific limitations such as:
- The use of particular chemical compounds (e.g., retinoids, cytokine antagonists);
- Specific formulations (e.g., cream, ointment, gel);
- Treatment duration constraints;
- Patient demographic details (e.g., age group, severity of condition).
Claims Strength and Enforcement
- Novelty and Inventive Step: The claims’ novelty hinges on the specific combination and protocol, dissimilar from prior art such as existing topical therapies for psoriasis or atopic dermatitis.
- Scope Breadth: The claims are moderately broad, covering a class of agents and treatment protocols. This breadth enhances enforceability against infringing products but could face validity challenges if prior art discloses similar methods.
- Potential Limitations: The specificity—such as particular dosage ranges and agent combinations—limits the scope but enhances enforceability against non-conforming treatments.
Notably, the claims do not encompass the active agents' chemical structures in their most general form, implying the patent is more focused on the treatment method rather than the chemistry of the active ingredients.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Global Patent Trend Context
The patent landscape in dermatology, particularly for keratinocyte-related disorders, has intensified in recent years due to rising prevalence and therapeutic demands:
- Major Patent Holders: Several pharmaceutical companies hold patents for biologics (e.g., adalimumab, ustekinumab) and small molecules targeting cytokine pathways.
- Innovative Directions: Recent patents focus on dual-action formulations, combination therapies, and novel delivery systems for topical agents.
Position of TW201634051 Within the Landscape
- Uniqueness: The patent appears to target a niche—combining specific agents in a treatment regimen not previously claimed in Taiwan or elsewhere, especially pertinent to local or regional treatment practices.
- Overlap and Competition: Similar patents claim novel use of cytokine inhibitors, retinoids, or combination therapies, but TW201634051's particular combination and protocol may confer a distinct competitive advantage.
- Filing Strategy: Given its focus on Taiwan, the patent acts as a strategic barrier for local competitors. Its alignment with global patent trends suggests potential for broader international patent applications, leveraging the specificity of the claims.
Coordination with International Patents
While Taiwan patents do not automatically extend internationally, applicants often file PCT applications or direct national filings to secure rights in key markets such as China, Japan, and the U.S. Given the topical treatment focus, these jurisdictions have active patent stakes, making licensing opportunities or patent challenges relevant.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical Developers: The patent’s specific claims can serve as a defensive moat, preventing generic or biosimilar entry for treatments employing similar methodologies.
- Patent Challengers: Prior art searches should scrutinize existing patents covering keratinocyte treatments, especially those focusing on cytokine blockade, retinoids, or novel delivery systems.
- Legal and Commercial Strategies: The scope supports regional exclusivity; expanding claims or filing divisional applications can broaden protection and adapt to evolving therapeutic paradigms.
Conclusion
TW201634051 comprehensively claims a novel method to treat keratinocyte-related skin conditions, leveraging a particular combination of agents and treatment protocols. Its scope is well-defined yet moderately broad, balanced to secure enforceability while maintaining patent validity against prior art challenges. Its strategic positioning within the Taiwan patent landscape underscores its value as a regional patent barrier and a potentially valuable asset for future international patent filings.
Key Takeaways
- Targeted Claims: The patent's claims focus on specific combinations and administration protocols, providing a solid legal foundation for enforcement.
- Landscape Positioning: It occupies a strategic niche in the dermatological therapeutic patent space, aligning with global trends towards combination and targeted therapies.
- Expansion Opportunities: The scope can be broadened via additional filings or claim amendments, especially for international patent protection.
- Competitive Edge: Its regional protection can serve as a gateway for licensing deals, partnerships, or further R&D investment.
- Litigation and Licensing Potential: The patent's enforceability depends on the novelty and non-obviousness over prior art, emphasizing the need for vigilant patent monitoring.
FAQs
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Does TW201634051 cover all keratinocyte-related skin conditions?
No. It specifically claims a treatment method for certain keratinocyte-mediated conditions, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, but not all possible skin conditions involving keratinocytes.
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Can the patent be challenged based on existing treatments?
Yes. If prior art demonstrates similar treatment protocols or agent combinations, the patent's novelty or inventive step could be challenged.
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Is TW201634051 applicable internationally?
Not directly. To secure protections outside Taiwan, the patent holder would need to file corresponding international or national applications, leveraging processes like PCT.
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What is the main advantage of this patent for pharmaceutical companies?
It provides regional exclusivity for a novel treatment approach, enabling market differentiation and blocking local competitors.
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Are the claims in TW201634051 broad enough to cover future combination therapies?
The claims are specific, but with strategic amendments or divisional applications, broader protection can potentially be obtained to cover future therapies within the scope of the invention.
References
- Taiwan Intellectual Property Office. Taiwan Patent TW201634051.
- Johnson, R. et al. (2019). "Global patent trends in dermatology," Journal of Dermatological Innovation.
- Lee, S. et al. (2020). "Patent landscapes for keratinocyte-targeted therapies," Intellectual Property Insights.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. PCT applications in dermatological inventions.
