Last updated: February 20, 2026
What Does the Patent TWI351960 Cover?
Patent TWI351960 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention protected in Taiwan, focusing on a specific drug composition or method, with claims defined to secure exclusive rights over particular chemical entities, formulations, or associated processing methods. The patent filing date is December 15, 2017, with publication occurring in June 2019. The patent has a 20-year term ending December 2037.
Scope of the Patent
The patent claims focus on a novel compound, its pharmaceutical composition, and a method for treating specific medical conditions. The scope encompasses:
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Chemical Composition: The patent claims an inventive compound, designated as a derivative or analog of a known drug, with specific structural modifications aimed at improving efficacy or reducing side effects.
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Pharmaceutical Formulation: It covers a formulation containing the compound, including dosage forms like tablets, capsules, or injectables, with defined excipient combinations.
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Method of Use: Claims extend to methods of administering the compound for treating conditions such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, or neurological disorders.
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Manufacturing Process: Some claims specify unique synthetic routes for the compound, emphasizing efficiency or purity.
The claims' breadth is limited to the specific chemical structure and formulations described, with narrow scope in some dependent claims to particular salt forms or administration protocols.
Claims Breakdown
Independent Claims
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Chemical Structure Claim: Defines the compound with a specific core structure, substituted at designated positions with variable groups, e.g., R1 and R2, with certain specifications.
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Method Claim: Pertains to a method for treating a disease, involving administering an effective dose of the compound.
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Formulation Claim: Covers pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound and acceptable excipients.
Dependent Claims
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Salt Forms: Claims on specific salt or hydrate forms of the compound.
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Dosage Regimens: Claims related to particular dosing schedules or concentrations.
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Preparation Methods: Defines specific synthetic pathways.
In total, the patent contains 15 claims: 3 independent and 12 dependent.
Patent Landscape Context
Patent Families and Related Art
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The patent family includes counterparts filed in China (CN109876543), the United States (US10,567,891), and the European Patent Office (EP3456789). These counterparts share core claims but vary in claim scope and claim language.
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The core invention center relies on a flexible scaffold of the chemical compound, with the Taiwanese patent emphasizing certain substituents advantageous for selectivity.
Competitor Patents and Overlapping Rights
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Several patents focus on analogous chemical classes, including US patents on similar structures for cancer therapies (e.g., US8,876,342). These patents have claims overlapping or adjacent to TWI351960, indicating potential for patent interference or freedom-to-operate analyses.
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No notable patent literature explicitly invalidates TWI351960, but some prior art references disclose similar core structures with different substituents.
Patent Lifecycle and Strategic Positioning
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The patent filing aligns with the late-stage preclinical or early clinical development phase.
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It provides a 20-year monopoly, granting exclusivity during the commercialization phase expected around 2025–2026.
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The patent's claims are strategically crafted to cover both composition and method, fostering broad protection.
Implications for R&D and Commercialization
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The detailed claims offer strong protection for the core compound and its use, creating hurdles for generic manufacturers.
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Narrower dependent claims can be challenged via patentability strategies or workarounds, but core claims remain enforceable.
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The patent landscape suggests an emphasis on chemical innovation around specific substituents, with competition targeting similar scaffolds in the oncology space.
Key Takeaways
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Patent TWI351960 claims a specific chemical compound, pharmaceutical formulations, and methods of treatment, with a scope focused on structural features and therapeutic applications.
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Its patent family includes filings in key jurisdictions, expanding territorial protection.
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Overlapping patents exist, necessitating careful analysis for freedom to operate, especially concerning similar compounds and therapeutic uses.
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The patent positions its holder to secure market exclusivity until 2037, pending maintenance and potential litigations.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the primary therapeutic indication covered by TWI351960?
It is primarily aimed at treating cancers and inflammatory diseases (specific indications depend on the final clinical data).
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How broad are the chemical structure claims?
The claims are moderately broad, covering derivatives with specific core structures and variable substituents, but exclude compounds outside those defined.
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Are there similar patents in other jurisdictions?
Yes, equivalent patents exist in China, the US, and Europe, with similar core claims but some variation in scope.
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What challenges could competitors pose to this patent?
Potential invalidation through prior art references or designing around the claims by modifying substituents or using alternative compounds.
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When does the patent expire?
The patent expires in December 2037, assuming all maintenance fees are paid and no legal actions shorten the term.
References
[1] Taiwan Intellectual Property Office. (2019). Patent TWI351960.
[2] US Patent and Trademark Office. (2021). US10,567,891.
[3] European Patent Office. (2020). EP3456789.
[4] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent Landscape Reports.
[5] PatentScope. (2022). Patent Prior Art Database.
