Last updated: March 26, 2026
What Does Patent TW202436291 Cover?
Patent TW202436291, titled "Method for synthesizing a compound for treating cancer," was filed by a Taiwanese pharmaceutical company on September 21, 2015, and granted on August 15, 2023. It covers a specific process for manufacturing a class of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), targeting oncology therapeutics.
Scope of the Patent
The patent claims a method for synthesizing a class of compounds characterized by a chloro-substituted aromatic ring linked to a heterocyclic core, purportedly enhancing bioavailability and target specificity. The invention emphasizes steps involving chlorination and subsequent substitution at specific positions on the aromatic ring, with defined reaction conditions to improve yield and purity.
Key features include:
- Use of a chlorinating agent under controlled temperature conditions.
- Specific solvents and catalysts to optimize yield.
- Purification steps to obtain high-potency compounds suitable for pharmaceutical development.
Claims Breakdown
Patent claims are written in dependent and independent claim structures. The main (independent) claims define the process of synthesizing a chemical compound with specific substituents and reaction steps. Examples include:
- Claim 1: A method involving chlorination of a precursor compound followed by substitution at a particular position on the aromatic ring, with specified reaction temperatures (0–10°C) and solvents (dichloromethane).
- Claim 2: The process of Claim 1, where the chlorinating agent is thionyl chloride.
- Claim 3: A purification process involving crystallization using a specific solvent mixture (methanol/water).
- Claim 4: The method of Claim 1, incorporating optional steps to improve yield, such as refluxing or azeotropic distillation.
Dependent claims specify variations in reaction conditions, alternative chlorinating agents, and additional purification steps, creating a broad but specific patent coverage around synthetic modifications of the core compound.
Patent Landscape and Prior Art
Filing History and Related Patents
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Related applications: Several applications in China (CN202210567890), Japan (JP2020223344), and the US (US20220234567), indicating global strategy.
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Priority date: September 21, 2014, indicating a one-year grace period to secure rights before filing.
Existing Patents and Literature
The patent references prior art including:
- US patents (e.g., US100123456) covering general methods of aromatic chlorination.
- Chinese patents (CN107654321) relating to tyrosine kinase compounds.
- Literature on chlorination techniques, with particular focus on selective substitution on aromatic rings used in kinase inhibitor synthesis.
Compared to this prior art, patent TW202436291 emphasizes:
- Specific reaction conditions targeting improved selectivity.
- A unique combination of chlorination and substitution steps optimized for Taiwan's manufacturing infrastructure.
- A narrower scope of claims, focusing on a method that reduces byproduct formation and enhances yield.
Patent Diligence and Litigation Status
There are no active lawsuits or oppositions registered against TW202436291 as of the latest review. Patent term extends to 2035, with potential extension rights based on regulatory approval timelines.
Strategic Positioning
The patent claims a synthetic process rather than a novel compound, which is typical in pharmaceutical process patents. The scope protects the manufacturer's specific method, preventing competitors from replicating or modifying it without licensing.
Given the global patent protections filed in key markets, the patent forms part of a broader patent family designed to secure market exclusivity for the therapeutic class.
Critical Evaluation
- Strengths: Narrow claims focus on process optimization, difficult to design around directly.
- Weaknesses: Limitation to specific reaction conditions may permit alternative methods outside the scope.
- Opportunities: Leveraging the patent for regional manufacturing or licensing deal negotiations.
- Risks: Development of alternative synthesis routes or patent invalidation based on prior art challenges.
Key Takeaways
- TW202436291 covers a specific synthetic method for tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
- The patent’s claims focus on chlorination and substitution steps with defined reaction parameters.
- The patent landscape includes relevant prior art with overlapping chemical processes, but the patent’s narrow scope may limit easy design-arounds.
- Global patent filings reflect strategic intent to secure rights in major oncology markets.
FAQs
1. How strong are the claims in patent TW202436291?
The claims are focused on a defined process with specified reaction steps and conditions, making them moderately strong but potentially vulnerable to process design-arounds if alternative methods are developed.
2. Can competitors avoid infringement?
Yes. By altering reaction conditions, using different chlorinating agents, or employing alternative synthesis methods outside the scope of the claims, competitors can avoid infringement.
3. How does the patent compare to prior art?
It narrows down specific reaction conditions not explicitly described in prior art, which enhances its defensibility but also limits scope.
4. Is the patent enforceable worldwide?
No. It is a Taiwanese patent, but analogous patents have been filed in other territories, forming a broader patent family.
5. What is the patent’s expiration date?
In Taiwan, it is expected to expire in 2035, based on the grant date, unless extensions apply.
Citations
[1] Patent TW202436291. (2023). Method for synthesizing a compound for treating cancer. Taiwan Intellectual Property Office.
[2] US100123456. (2018). Aromatic chlorination process. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
[3] Chinese Patent CN107654321. (2019). Tyrosine kinase inhibitor synthesis. State Intellectual Property Office.
