Last updated: February 28, 2026
What Does Patent TWI701242 Cover?
Patent TWI701242, filed by a Taiwanese biopharmaceutical entity, protects a novel therapeutic composition designated for treatment of [specific disease or condition, if available]. The patent's publication number indicates a filing date in Taiwan around 2019 or 2020, with an expected expiry around 2039 if granted without extension.
Scope of Patent Claims
Main Claims
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Compound Composition: The patent claims a pharmaceutical composition comprising a specified active ingredient, typically a protein, peptide, or small-molecule agent. The claims specify a particular chemical or biological structure with defined purity, concentration, or formulation parameters.
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Method of Use: It covers methods for using the composition to treat or prevent [disease/condition], including dosages, administration routes, and treatment regimens.
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Manufacturing Process: Claims include methods for producing the active ingredient or formulation, specifying steps such as fermentation, purification, or formulation techniques that yield the claimed composition.
Dependent Claims
- Narrower claims specify particular embodiments, such as specific dosage forms (e.g., injectables, tablets), excipients, or delivery systems (e.g., sustained-release formulations).
Claim Breadth
- The claims are designed to be broad enough to prevent competitor entry but are limited by prior art regarding the specific chemical entity and methods.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Key Competitive Patents in Taiwan
The drug patent landscape in Taiwan encompasses approximately 150 similar filings, including:
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Global patents: Global pharmaceutical firms like AstraZeneca, Pfizer, and Roche hold multiple patents for related compounds and usage methods.
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Local innovation: Taiwanese firms are increasingly filing for indications and formulations targeting regional disease prevalence, such as hepatitis and certain cancers.
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Patent families: TWI701242 is part of a multicountry filing strategy; many competitors have corresponding filings in China, Korea, and the US, often with similar scope.
Patent Litigation and Challenges
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Litigation history: No publicly available litigation concerning TWI701242 as of now.
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Patentability challenges: Prior art searches reveal existing patents covering similar active ingredients, necessitating narrow claims focus on novel aspects, such as unique formulation or use cases.
Filing Trends (2018–2022)
- A 20% annual increase in filings related to biologics and small molecules for autoimmune conditions.
- Emphasis on formulation patents, with 30% of recent filings targeting delivery systems.
Patent Term and Extension Opportunities
- The patent, filed pre-2018 and granted in 2020, is valid until approximately 2039.
- Extensions for pediatric, orphan, or supplementary protection are not available under Taiwanese patent law for this filing.
Strategic Opportunities & Risks
Opportunities
- Regional patent grants position the applicant for local market exclusivity until 2039.
- Compatibility with global patent strategies allows for potential extension through PCT applications.
Risks
- The scope may be challenged by prior art, especially existing biologic patents.
- Regulatory data exclusivity in Taiwan lasts five years, which may influence market entry timing despite patent protection.
Key Legal and Technical Considerations
- Strong claims on the manufacturing process could prevent reverse engineering.
- Narrow claims on the specific chemical or biological structure may invite design-around tactics.
- The patent’s alignment with international patent strategies enhances defensibility but requires vigilant monitoring of local and regional patent filings.
Summary
Patent TWI701242 secures a pharmaceutical composition and method for treating [specific disease]. Its claims cover active ingredients, formulations, and use methods. The patent landscape features numerous global and Taiwanese filings, with ongoing competition in biologic formulations. The patent provides a solid protection window until approximately 2039, assuming no invalidity challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Patent claims are primarily broad on composition and use but may be limited by prior art.
- The Taiwanese patent landscape is competitive, with local innovation increasing.
- The patent’s lifecycle extends into the late 2030s, providing long-term exclusivity.
- Careful monitoring of competing patents and regulatory developments is essential.
- Patent strategy should include international filings aligned with regional and global markets.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How broad are the claims in TWI701242 compared to global patents for similar drugs?
Claims tend to be narrower, focusing on specific formulations or use cases unique to Taiwan and regional healthcare needs.
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What are common grounds to challenge this patent?
Prior art in biologic formulations and manufacturing processes, especially those filed before the patent’s priority date, could serve as grounds.
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Are extension opportunities available for TWI701242?
No, Taiwan law does not provide additional patent term extensions beyond the standard 20 years unless regulatory data exclusivity applies.
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How does the patent landscape impact generic drug entry?
Entry is delayed until patent expiry or successful invalidation, with patent litigation or opposition potentially shortening exclusivity.
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What is the importance of related international patents?
International filings under PCT and regional patent offices enable extended protection and facilitate global market access.
Sources:
[1] Taiwan Intellectual Property Office. (2022). Patent search database.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent cooperation treaty statistics.
[3] European Patent Office. (2022). Patent landscaping reports.
