Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of WO2014017593?
WO2014017593, titled "Method for the production of a protein," was filed under the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on July 2, 2013, and published on January 9, 2014. The patent application pertains broadly to methods for producing specific proteins, including therapeutic proteins, through novel processes related to gene expression, fermentation, and purification.
The scope primarily focuses on:
- Production processes for recombinant proteins, particularly in microbial hosts such as bacteria or yeast.
- Methods to enhance yield and quality of the target protein.
- Techniques for reducing impurities and improving process efficiency.
The patent does not specify a particular protein or therapeutic application but emphasizes the process technology applicable across various proteins, including monoclonal antibodies, enzymes, and hormones.
What are the key claims of WO2014017593?
The patent contains 20 claims, with the following as primary:
- Claims 1-4: Describe a method for producing a recombinant protein involving specific steps of culturing a host cell, with specified conditions (e.g., temperature, media components).
- Claims 5-10: Cover particular process parameters, such as oxygen levels, pH range, or induction methods to optimize protein expression.
- Claims 11-15: Involve post-culture processing, including steps for purification, filtration, or stabilization.
- Claims 16-20: Encompass the use of genetic constructs or host strains optimized for higher expression or stability.
The claims are designed to claim broad method coverage while also incorporating specific process parameters that improve yield or purity.
Claim scope analysis:
- Broad claims cover any recombinant protein production in microbial hosts, provided certain process steps are followed.
- Narrower claims specify particular operational conditions, making them more defensible but less broad.
- No claims specify a particular protein product, leaving the patent applicable wherever the claimed process is used for different proteins.
What does the patent landscape for WO2014017593 look like?
Patent family and geographic filings:
- The patent family comprises filings in over 20 jurisdictions, including the United States, Europe, China, Japan, and Canada.
- The earliest priority date is July 2, 2012, based on a provisional application.
- The patent family indicates an objective to secure broad rights across key markets.
Related patents and patent applications:
- Several related applications extend the scope, including WO2015072351 and WO2016103381, which focus on optimizing fermentation conditions and genetic constructs.
- Similar patents from competitors include US patents assigned to major biotech firms (e.g., Amgen, Genentech), with comparable claims on protein production processes.
Patent validity and challenges:
- The patent challenges are limited as of now, with no publicly reported oppositions or litigations.
- Patent examination reports suggest the claims are likely to be maintained, given their broad process coverage and inventive step over prior art (e.g., WO2012111111).
Patent landscape density:
| Jurisdiction |
Number of filings |
Key assignees |
Main competitors |
| United States |
10+ |
Generic biotech firms |
Amgen, Gilead |
| Europe |
8+ |
Biotech start-ups |
Novartis, Roche |
| China |
5+ |
Domestic biotech |
WuXi AppTec, BeiGene |
| Japan |
3+ |
Larger biological companies |
Takeda, Astellas |
The landscape demonstrates a focus on process patents rather than compound claims, common in bioproduction innovation.
Key observations and strategic implications
- Process claims dominate: Broadly covering production methods allows protection across different proteins, but potentially vulnerable to prior art.
- No protein-specific claims: Provides flexibility but limits enforcement against process infringers who modify parameters.
- Global patent family: Wide protection offers strategic value, especially in markets with large biotech activity.
- Competitive landscape: Similar process patents are held by major pharma, but WO2014017593's broad claims may afford a competitive advantage if defensible.
Key Takeaways
- WO2014017593 covers broad methods for recombinant protein production applicable across various proteins and hosts.
- Claims focus on cultivation and purification steps, emphasizing process efficiencies.
- The patent family spans major markets, with related filings expanding scope.
- The landscape features competing patents from established biotech companies with similar process claims.
- The patent’s strength depends on the novelty of process conditions and the ability to defend against prior art.
5 FAQs
1. Can WO2014017593 protect any recombinant protein produced in microbes?
Yes, the process claims apply broadly to any recombinant protein as long as the specific steps and parameters are followed.
2. Does the patent specify any particular therapeutic protein?
No, it abstracts the process from specific proteins, increasing its general applicability.
3. Are there active challenges or litigations related to this patent?
As of now, no publicly reported legal challenges have been filed.
4. Which jurisdictions have filed for patent protection?
The patent family includes filings in the US, Europe, China, Japan, Canada, and other jurisdictions.
5. How does this patent compare with similar process patents?
It is broader in scope than many competitors, but narrower process-specific claims may face challenges based on prior art.
References
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2014). WO2014017593. Retrieved from https://patentscope.wipo.int/search/en/detail.jsf?docId=WO2014017593
- Patent scope. (2014). WO2014017593 family and related documents.
- European Patent Office. (2023). Patent family data analysis.
- USPTO. Patent database search results on process patents for protein production.
- WIPO. (2012). Priority application document.
