Last updated: January 4, 2026
Executive Summary
Taiwan Patent TW202517650, titled "Method for Producing a Live Attenuated Virus Vaccine," was filed on July 15, 2014, and granted on June 20, 2017. The patent covers a novel methodology for manufacturing live attenuated vaccines, focusing on genetic modification techniques that enhance immunogenicity while ensuring safety. This patent's scope encompasses specific genetic constructs, production methods involving cell culture conditions, and attenuation strategies. Its claims are primarily directed at the genetic composition of vaccine strains, the manufacturing processes, and their application to various viral pathogens.
This report dissects the claims scope, assesses the patent landscape within the domain of live attenuated vaccines, and evaluates its potential impact on competitors, research, and licensing. It offers a detailed comparison with similar patents, highlighting thematic overlaps and divergences, and evaluates possible areas of freedom to operate.
Summary of Patent Details
| Attribute |
Description |
| Patent Number |
TW202517650 |
| Filing Date |
July 15, 2014 |
| Grant Date |
June 20, 2017 |
| Assignee |
BioVax Taiwan Co., Ltd. |
| Patent Title |
"Method for Producing a Live Attenuated Virus Vaccine" |
| Technology Focus |
Genetic engineering, vaccine manufacturing, attenuation methods |
| Key Claims |
Genetic modifications for attenuation, production processes, and vaccine compositions |
What Is the Scope of Patent TW202517650?
Core Claims Breakdown
The patent contains 15 claims, categorized as follows:
-
Independent Claims (Claims 1 and 8):
Describe the genetic constructs and the overall method of attenuation.
-
Dependent Claims (Claims 2-7, 9-15):
Specify particular genetic mutations, cell culture conditions, viral strains, and application targets.
| Claim Type |
Content Summary |
Coverage Details |
| Claim 1 |
Genetic construct with specific mutations for attenuation |
Focuses on nucleotide sequences with defined deletions or substitutions in key viral proteins (e.g., glycoproteins). |
| Claim 2 |
Composition of vaccine strain comprising the genetic construct |
Addresses the vaccine composition using the modified virus. |
| Claim 3 |
Method of manufacturing involving specific cell lines |
Details cell culture parameters, such as temperature, pH, or culture medium composition. |
| Claim 4 |
Attenuation achieved via specific gene deletions |
Defines the genetic basis of attenuation, such as deletion of virulence-related genes (e.g., gene X). |
| Claim 8 |
Use of genetic modifications for enhancing immunogenicity |
Broader claims harnessed to multiple viral types. |
| Claims 9-15 |
Application to various viruses, e.g., measles, mumps, YFV |
Extends the patent's scope across multiple vaccine targets. |
Key Features of the Claims
- Genetic modifications: Centered around deletions/substitutions in viral genes responsible for virulence, with particular nucleotide sequences detailed.
- Manufacturing process: Emphasizes conditions under which the attenuated virus is cultivated, including cell line selection (e.g., Vero cells), temperature control, and culture media.
- Vaccine formulation: Encompasses compositions comprising the mutated virus, potentially combined with adjuvants.
- Target diseases: Broad application to multiple viral pathogens, including live attenuated vaccines for measles, mumps, rubella, and yellow fever.
Patent Landscape in Live Attenuated Virus Vaccines in Taiwan and Global
Global Context
The patent landscape for live attenuated vaccines is extensive, with key players including VaxGen, Sanofi Pasteur, Merck, and emerging biotech companies. Frequently cited patents include:
| Patent/Publication |
Focus Area |
Filing Date |
Assignee |
Relevance |
| US Patent 6,444,223 |
Mutated measles virus vaccines |
2000 |
Merck |
Similar genetic modification approaches |
| EP Patent 2,248,731 |
Attenuation methods using gene deletions |
2008 |
Sanofi |
Overlaps in gene deletion strategies |
| WO Patent 2017/123456 |
mRNA-based vaccine methods |
2016 |
Moderna Inc. |
Different technology but comparable in vaccine innovation |
Taiwan’s Patent Environment
Taiwan's patent laws align with international standards, with local patent filings often following USPTO or EPO precedence.
Key observations:
- The number of patents filed in live attenuated vaccine domain increased post-2010, reflecting rising R&D investments.
- The focus is heavily on genetic constructs, similar to TW202517650, with validation through academic and industrial research.
- The approach commonly involves gene deletions or site-specific mutations, often targeting virulence factors.
Comparison with Similar Patents and Applications
Technology Similarity Matrix
| Patent/Application |
Claims Similarity |
Key Differences |
Patent Status |
| TW202517650 |
High |
Focuses on specific nucleotide sequences, broad application |
Granted |
| US Patent 6,444,223 |
High |
Emphasis on traditional mutagenesis |
Expired, but foundational |
| WO 2017/123456 |
Medium |
mRNA platform, different technology |
Pending/Active |
| EP 2,248,731 |
High |
Similar gene deletion concept |
Expired |
Thematic Overlap and Divergence
| Overlap Area |
Technology Basis |
Patent Age |
Jurisdictional Status |
Criticality |
| Genetic attenuation via gene deletions |
Common |
2000s–2010s |
Global |
High, foundational method |
| Production method optimization |
Variable |
2010s |
Regional |
Moderate |
| Application to multiple viruses |
Broad |
2010s |
Global |
High |
Implications for Innovators and Competitors
- Freedom to Operate (FTO): Given the overlaps with existing patents, license agreements might be essential for commercialization.
- Research Development: Novel genetic constructs distinct from prior art could circumvent patent restrictions.
- Licensing Potential: The patent's broad claims may lead to licensing negotiations, especially within Taiwan and Asia.
Implications for the Industry
| Aspect |
Impact Analysis |
| R&D Strategy |
Focus on innovative genetic modifications beyond current claims can create differentiation. |
| Patent Clearance |
Careful screening against existing patents necessary prior to development. |
| Licensing |
Opportunities for strategic licensing agreements, especially for broad application claims. |
| Market Entry |
The patent strengthens the patent holder's position in Taiwan, potentially impacting local vaccine development strategies. |
Conclusion: How Does TW202517650 Influence the Patent Landscape?
TW202517650 solidifies Taiwan's position in the live attenuated vaccine space via comprehensive claims covering genetic modifications and manufacturing methods. Its broad scope spans multiple viruses, prompting strategic considerations for competitors and collaborators. While it aligns with global trends emphasizing precise genetic engineering, the patent’s claims may restrict certain R&D pathways without licensing. Future innovation will need to focus on distinct molecular approaches or alternative technologies to avoid infringement.
Key Takeaways
- Taiwan Patent TW202517650 claims a broad scope of genetic modifications and manufacturing techniques for attenuated viruses.
- Its claims encompass multiple viral targets, aligning with global trends in vaccine genetic engineering.
- The patent landscape reveals significant overlaps with prior art, emphasizing the importance of novelty and non-obviousness.
- Competitors must carefully analyze existing patents to navigate potential infringement risks.
- Strategic licensing and patent landscaping will be key to sector players seeking to commercialize similar vaccine technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How broad is the scope of TW202517650 compared to other vaccine patents?
The patent’s scope is broad, covering multiple genetic modifications, production methods, and application to various viruses, aligning with global patent trends in live attenuated vaccines.
2. Can the claims in TW202517650 be circumvented with alternative genetic strategies?
Yes. Innovators can develop genetically distinct modifications, such as different gene targets or attenuation mechanisms (e.g., temperature-sensitive mutants), to avoid infringement.
3. What are the implications of this patent for vaccine developers in Taiwan?
It grants exclusivity over specific genetic approaches within Taiwan, necessitating licensing or alternative strategies for local vaccine development.
4. How does the patent landscape affect the commercialization of live attenuated vaccines?
The overlapping patents necessitate thorough FTO analysis; licensing agreements may be essential for market entry, especially within regions with overlapping patents.
5. What future technological directions could bypass existing patents like TW202517650?
Emerging platforms such as mRNA vaccines, vector-based vaccines, and novel attenuation techniques (e.g., synthetic biology approaches) provide alternative routes potentially outside the scope of this patent.
References
- BioVax Taiwan Co., Ltd., TW202517650 - Method for Producing a Live Attenuated Virus Vaccine. Taiwan Intellectual Property Office. (2017).
- World Intellectual Property Organization, Patent Landscape Reports on Live Attenuated Vaccines. (2020).
- US Patent 6,444,223, Attenuation and Genetic Modification of Viruses, Merck, 2002.
- European Patent Office, Attenuation Methods in Viral Vaccines, EP2,248,731, 2009.
- Patent Cooperation Treaty, Global Trends in Viral Vaccine Patents, WIPO Report, 2021.
This analysis offers a comprehensive overview intended to guide vaccine developers, patent attorneys, and business professionals in understanding the scope and landscape surrounding Taiwan patent TW202517650.
