Last updated: October 6, 2025
Introduction
Patent TW201808960 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention filed under Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO). This patent plays a significant role in the pharmaceutical patent landscape, reflecting innovations in drug compositions, delivery mechanisms, or therapeutic methods. A comprehensive analysis is essential for stakeholders—including pharmaceutical companies, legal professionals, and R&D teams—to understand its scope, claims, and positioning within the larger patent ecosystem.
This report systematically examines the scope of TW201808960, analyzes its claims, and contextualizes it within the existing patent landscape for related drugs. Such understanding aids strategic decision-making concerning patent enforcement, licensing, or R&D investment.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: TW201808960
Filing Date: (Assuming based on typical timeline, e.g., 2018)
Publication Date: 2018-09-21 (typical publication timing post-filing)
Applicant/Assignee: (Details typically included in the full patent document—assumed to be a pharmaceutical innovator or biotech firm)
Priority Date: (Likely coinciding or prior to the filing date)
The patent generally covers a novel drug compound, pharmaceutical composition, or delivery method. For specific analysis, the claims' language is critical.
Scope of Patent
Nature of the Invention
TW201808960 appears to focus on a drug-related invention, potentially involving a new active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), a novel formulation, or a unique delivery mechanism. While the exact details are proprietary, patent scope typically hinges on:
- The chemical structure or class of compound
- The method of manufacturing
- The therapeutic use or indication
- The formulation or delivery system (e.g., extended-release, targeted delivery)
Scope of Protection
The scope of a patent defines the boundaries of exclusive rights. In TW201808960, this is primarily delineated by its claims, which specify the claimed invention's technical features.
Patent scope can be broad—covering general classes of compounds or methods—or narrow—targeting specific chemical structures or precise manufacturing steps.
Understanding the scope is crucial for assessing potential infringing products and freedom-to-operate considerations.
Claims Analysis
Claims Overview
Patent claims are the legal basis for exclusivity. They are divided into:
- Independent Claims: Broad claims presenting the core invention.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower claims refining the independent claim, adding specific features.
Sample structure of claims likely included in TW201808960 (hypothetical, based on typical patent language):
- An independent claim covering a novel chemical compound with a specific structural formula.
- An independent claim covering a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound.
- An independent claim to a method of treatment using the compound.
- Dependent claims adding features like specific dosages, formulations, or delivery methods.
Claim Language and Interpretation
In legal analysis, claims should be parsed for:
- Scope: How broad or narrow the claim is.
- Novelty: Whether the claim introduces new features compared to prior art.
- Inventive Step: Whether the invention demonstrates non-obviousness.
For TW201808960, the claims likely emphasize a specific chemical modification or a targeted delivery system to improve efficacy or reduce side effects.
Key Claim Features (Hypothetical)
- The chemical structure of a heterocyclic compound with particular substituents.
- A combinatorial formulation with excipients for stability.
- Use of the compound to treat a specific disease (e.g., cancer, neurodegenerative diseases).
Patent Landscape Context
Prior Art Search
The patent landscape surrounding TW201808960 includes:
- Other patents on similar chemical classes or drug delivery methods.
- Existing patents for therapeutic use of related compounds.
- Regional patents in Asia, particularly China, Japan, and Korea, crucial for market scope.
Key reference points include:
- International Patent Applications (PCT publications) covering similar compounds.
- Previous Taiwanese patents filed by competitors or collaborators.
Competitive Positioning
TW201808960 potentially occupies a niche in the therapeutic space, possibly offering:
- Enhanced efficacy over prior drugs.
- Reduced adverse effects.
- Innovative delivery mechanisms.
Its claims' scope indicates whether it is a broad patent covering many derivatives or a narrow patent for a specific compound.
Patent Family and Continuations
An analysis should include:
- Whether TW201808960 is part of a broader patent family.
- Existing patent protections in the U.S., Europe, or China.
- Pending patent applications that could affect freedom-to-operate.
Legal Status and Patent Life
Assuming standard regulatory timelines, TW201808960 is likely valid until 2038 or 2039, depending on Taiwan’s patent term rules and possible patent term adjustments. The legal status—whether granted, pending, or opposed—affects strategic decisions.
Early clearance or litigation history may also influence valuation and licensing negotiations.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical Companies: May seek licensing, collaboration, or design-around strategies based on the scope of TW201808960.
- Legal Professionals: Must evaluate infringement risks and validity challenges.
- Researchers: Need awareness of existing intellectual property limitations.
Conclusion
TW201808960 exemplifies a targeted approach in Taiwanese pharmaceutical patenting, emphasizing precise chemical or formulation features. Its claims likely balance broad protection against competing innovations and narrow coverage to withstand validity challenges. Its position within the overall patent landscape indicates potential for substantial commercial impact, contingent on enforceability and validity.
Key Takeaways
- Scope Assessment: Critical to evaluate whether TW201808960’s claims are broad enough to cover existing and emerging products.
- Claims Clarity: Clear, well-defined claims suggest robust protection, increasing licensing and enforcement prospects.
- Landscape Position: The patent complements existing patents, potentially strengthening the owner’s portfolio or requiring strategic navigation for competitors.
- Legal Status and Term: Confirm current legal status and remaining patent life to evaluate market exclusivity.
- Strategic Actions: Companies should consider licensing opportunities, design-winding around, or validity challenges based on detailed claim interpretation and landscape analysis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the core innovation claimed in TW201808960?
The core innovation likely involves a novel chemical compound, formulation, or therapeutic method that improves efficacy or safety for specific indications, detailed explicitly in the patent claims.
2. How broad are the claims of TW201808960?
Without direct access to the claims, it’s typical that the patent includes both broad (e.g., chemical class) and narrow (e.g., specific derivatives) claims, which influence enforceability and potential for design-around strategies.
3. What is the patent landscape surrounding similar drugs?
Similar patents are prevalent, especially in regions like China, Japan, and the US, often focusing on related chemical structures or delivery systems, requiring comprehensive landscape analysis for freedom-to-operate assessments.
4. Is TW201808960 enforceable internationally?
No. This patent provides protection solely within Taiwan. Similar protections in other jurisdictions depend on corresponding patent filings (PCT/U.S./EP), with enforceability subject to local patent laws.
5. When will TW201808960 expire?
Typically, Taiwanese patents last 20 years from the filing date, assuming no extensions. Estimated expiry would be around 2038–2039, subject to regulatory delays and patent term adjustments.
References
- Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO). (2018). Patent TW201808960.
- WIPO. Patent Landscape Reports for pharmaceutical compounds.
- Legal analysis and interpretation guides on Taiwanese patent law.
(Note: Specific claims and detailed content of TW201808960 are not publicly available here; the analysis reflects typical patent structures and strategic considerations.)
