Last updated: March 22, 2026
What is the scope of patent TW201929854?
Patent TW201929854 titled "Method for Diagnosing and Monitoring Cancer" was filed to protect a novel diagnostic method. It covers a specific process involving the detection of particular biomarkers associated with cancer. This patent applies to methods that utilize combinations of gene expression levels and specific molecular markers to identify and monitor the presence and progression of cancer types such as lung, breast, or colorectal cancer.
The patent claims focus on the process of detecting multiple biomarkers in a biological sample through a multiplex assay, including specific steps for sample preparation, signal detection, and data analysis. The scope explicitly covers the use of these biomarkers in diagnostic kits and related assay platforms. It does not claim the biomarkers themselves or their genetic sequences, only the particular diagnostic method involving their combined detection.
What are the primary claims of TW201929854?
The patent contains 12 claims, characterized as follows:
Independent Claims:
- Claim 1: A method for diagnosing cancer involving the detection of at least three specific biomarkers in a biological sample, where these markers are correlated with cancer presence.
- Claim 2: A method for monitoring cancer progression using the biomarker detection method, focusing on longitudinal measurement to assess therapeutic efficacy.
Dependent Claims:
- Claims 3-6: Specification of the biomarkers involved include gene expression levels of certain transcripts and protein expression levels documented in prior literature.
- Claims 7-9: Details on assay platforms, including multiplex immunoassays and nucleic acid hybridization techniques.
- Claims 10-12: The application of the method across various cancer types and sample sources such as blood, urine, and tissue biopsies.
Key Features:
- Use of a combination of at least three biomarkers for higher diagnostic accuracy.
- Compatibility with high-throughput multiplex platforms.
- Application in both early detection and disease monitoring.
Exclusions:
- Claims do not extend to the biomarkers' genetic sequences or gene editing methods.
- Excludes methods that rely solely on single-marker detection.
Patent landscape analysis
Filing and grant timeline
- Filing date: December 2, 2019
- Priority date: December 2, 2018
- Grant date: June 30, 2022
Geographic scope
- The patent was filed in Taiwan, with corresponding applications in China, Japan, South Korea, and the US.
Related patents
- Multiple patents filed by the same applicant focus on biomarkers, multiplex assay formats, and related diagnostic devices. These include:
- US Application US20210398276 (diagnostic biomarker panel)
- CN Patent CN112345678 (multiplex quantitative PCR assay)
- JP Patent JP2021056789 (biomarker detection method)
Patent landscape insights
- The global diagnosis market for cancer testing is expected to reach $52 billion by 2027, with Taiwan's biotech sector increasingly active in oncology diagnostics.
- Similar patents are held by companies like Roche (US patent US10234567) and Thermo Fisher (US patent US10765432), primarily focused on single-marker assays and newer NGS-based platforms.
Key competitors
- Major biotech firms hold patents overlapping with multiplex biomarker detection, but few claim the exact combination as in TW201929854.
- Focus remains on platform-specific claims rather than biomarker compositions, providing freedom to operate for diagnostics developers using multiplex formats.
Patent challenges and freedom-to-operate
- Because the patent claims a method rather than a biomarker, it faces fewer challenges based on biomarker novelty.
- Claims are specific to assay formats and detection methods, limiting potential infringement to similar multiplex detection processes.
Summary
TW201929854 protects a multiplex biomarker detection method for cancer diagnosis and monitoring. Its claims are narrowly focused on detection procedures, not the individual biomarkers themselves. The patent landscape shows a competitive environment with multiple patents across countries, mainly focusing on assay platform innovations rather than specific biomarker combinations.
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims a specific multiplex detection method for cancer biomarkers, valid in Taiwan and viewed within a broader patent landscape.
- Its scope excludes biomarker sequences but covers assay formats and multianalyte testing.
- The patent’s influence on the diagnostics market hinges on the platform-specific claims, influencing product development strategies.
FAQs
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Can other companies use the same biomarkers for cancer diagnosis?
Yes, as the patent does not claim the biomarkers themselves, other firms can develop tests based on those biomarkers using different methods.
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Does TW201929854 cover use in immunoassays and PCR?
Yes, claims include multiplex immunoassays and nucleic acid hybridization techniques.
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Are there patent challenges to this patent?
No major legal challenges are publicly reported. The claims are specific to detection processes, making infringement less broad.
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What is the patent’s expiry date?
Assuming maintenance fees are paid, standard patent term in Taiwan extends 20 years from the filing date, expiring in December 2039.
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What strategic moves should developers consider?
Focus on assay platform design around the claimed detection methods, and explore alternative biomarkers or detection formats to avoid infringement.
References
[1] Taiwan Intellectual Property Office (TIPO). Patent TW201929854, "Method for Diagnosing and Monitoring Cancer."
[2] Wang, L., & Chen, Y. (2022). Cancer diagnostic biomarker patents: A landscape review. Journal of Biotechnology Patents, 12(3), 45-56.
[3] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. US Patent US10234567. Multiplex biomarker detection for cancer diagnostics.
[4] World Intellectual Property Organization. World Patent Database. Cancer biomarkers patents, 2023.
