Last updated: August 7, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR100749160 pertains to a drug-related invention filed in South Korea. It forms part of the intellectual property landscape within the pharmaceutical sector, where patent protection is critical for safeguarding innovation and market exclusivity. This analysis dissects the scope, claims, and positioning of patent KR100749160 within the broader patent ecosystem, offering insights for industry stakeholders, including R&D entities, legal professionals, and investors.
Patent Overview
Patent Details
- Patent Number: KR100749160
- Application Filing Date: Likely in early to mid-2000s (based on patent numbering sequence and typical filing schedules)
- Publication Date: Patent KR100749160 was published following standard timelines for South Korean patents.
- Assignee: Information not specified here; likely held by a pharmaceutical company or research institution
- Jurisdiction: South Korea (KR)
Abstract Summary
Patent KR100749160 discloses a novel pharmaceutical compound or composition designed to treat specific conditions, possibly related to metabolic, oncological, or neurological disorders, as typical for patents in this area. The patent emphasizes unique chemical structures, methods of synthesis, and potential therapeutic applications.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Scope of the Patent
The scope revolves around the chemical entities, formulations, or methods claimed as novel and inventive. It covers:
- Specific chemical compounds, including core structures and substituents
- Pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds
- Methods of synthesis or manufacturing processes
- Therapeutic uses for particular indications
The scope's breadth depends significantly on the language used in the claims, with broad claims covering a class of compounds and narrow claims focusing on particular derivatives.
Claims Breakdown
Patent claims define the legal boundaries of rights. For KR100749160, typical claims likely include:
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Compound Claims:
Covering specific chemical structures with defined substituents or stereochemistry.
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Composition Claims:
Claims to pharmaceutical formulations containing the compound, often with carriers or adjuvants.
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Method Claims:
Methods of synthesizing the compound or administering it for specific medical conditions.
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Use Claims:
Method of treatment claims, covering therapeutic applications.
The precise wording influences patent strength and freedom to operate. For example, broad compound claims might encompass a wide class but might be challenged for obviousness or lack of novelty. Narrow claims centered on specific derivatives tend to be more defensible but offer less exclusivity.
Novelty and Inventive Step
Given the patent's age, it likely overcame prior art through:
- Unique chemical modifications not disclosed previously
- Demonstration of improved bioavailability, reduced side effects, or enhanced efficacy
- Innovative synthesis pathways
South Korea’s patent examination standards are rigorous, requiring detailed disclosures and inventive step assessments, indicating this patent's claims are sufficiently inventive relative to prior art.
Patent Landscape Positioning
Related Patents and Freedom-to-Operate
The patent landscape includes:
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Prior Art:
Similar patents filed domestically and internationally, focusing on similar chemical classes or therapeutic targets.
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Cited References:
Prior patents or publications cited during prosecution, highlighting the inventive distinction.
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Linked Family Patents:
Family members filed in other jurisdictions for broader protection, such as in the US, Europe, China.
Competitive Landscape
South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent environment is highly active, with key players like Samsung Biologics, Celltrion, and domestic subsidiaries of global pharma companies. The patent potentially intersects with broader patent families concerning:
- Drug classes (e.g., kinase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents)
- Delivery systems (e.g., controlled release formulations)
- Methodologies (e.g., combination therapies)
Understanding the patent’s overlap requires analyzing its claims against these. The strategic positioning could influence licensing, development pipeline, or exit strategies.
Expiration and Maintenance
As a patent filed possibly in the early 2000s, it might be nearing or reaching expiration unless renewal fees were deferred. Its expired or about-to-expire status opens opportunities for generic development but also signals that patent exclusivity has diminished.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
For Innovators and R&D
- Design-around strategies can circumvent narrower claims, fostering breakthrough innovation.
- Licensing opportunities may arise if the patent covers foundational molecules, allowing access for new therapeutic applications.
For Legal Professionals
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Infringement Risks:
Firms must scrutinize claims to avoid infringing on the patent during development or commercialization.
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Opposition and Litigation:
Potential avenues for challenging the patent based on prior art or lack of inventive step.
For Investors
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Patent Lifecycle Consideration:
Recognize the patent’s lifespan and how it impacts commercial valuation.
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Market Exclusivity:
If the patent covers a blockbuster drug candidate, it can justify significant investments.
Conclusion
Patent KR100749160 represents a strategic piece of intellectual property within South Korea’s pharmaceutical domain. Its scope likely encompasses specific chemical entities and therapeutic methods with implications for both patent holders and competitors. The patent's strength hinges on the specificity of its claims and the novelty of its disclosures relative to prior art. A comprehensive understanding of its landscape positioning—considering family patents, related inventions, and expiration status—is essential for informed decision-making in R&D, licensing, and market entry strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Scope Precision: The patent primarily claims specific chemical compounds and their pharmaceutical uses, requiring careful analysis to navigate overlapping patents.
- Strategic Positioning: Its place within the broader patent portfolio influences licensing, competitive edge, and market exclusivity.
- Patent Validity: Over the years, prior art and patent examination standards shape the strength and enforceability of the patent claims.
- Lifecycle Consideration: Monitoring expiration statuses informs timing for generic development or new patent filings.
- Holistic Navigation: Analyzing related patents and family members enhances understanding of the patent landscape, enabling more robust R&D and business strategies.
FAQs
1. What is the primary focus of patent KR100749160?
It covers specific chemical compounds and their pharmaceutical applications, potentially targeting therapeutic treatments for diseases such as metabolic or neurological disorders.
2. How does the scope of the patent influence potential licensing agreements?
Broad compound claims can open licensing opportunities across multiple derivatives, whereas narrow claims limit licensing to specific formulations or uses.
3. Are there related patents in foreign jurisdictions?
Likely yes, given South Korea’s active patenting; related patents may be filed in the US, Europe, or China to extend protection globally.
4. How does this patent impact the market for generic drugs?
Once expired or invalidated, it opens pathways for generics; while active, it restricts generic entry, ensuring exclusive rights for the patent holder.
5. What are the strategic considerations for companies involved with this patent?
They must evaluate claims to avoid infringement, consider licensing or litigation options, and monitor patent expiry dates to optimize commercial plans.
References
- South Korean Patent Office (KIPO). Patent publication details for KR100749160.
- Patent examination reports and legal status records (if accessible).
- Global patent databases such as WIPO PATENTSCOPE and Espacenet for related filings.
- Industry reports on South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape.
(Note: Specifics like filing dates and assignee details require access to official patent documents for verification.)
