Last updated: September 27, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR100850133 pertains to an innovative pharmaceutical invention filed in South Korea, offering essential insights into the scope of protection, claims, and its position within the broader patent landscape. This patent appears to cover a specific drug composition or method, with implications for innovation, market exclusivity, and competitive dynamics within the pharmaceutical sector. The following analysis examines the patent’s claims, delineates its scope, contextualizes it within the global patent landscape, and assesses strategic patenting considerations.
Patent Overview
KR100850133 was granted on April 8, 2008, illustrating an early-stage patent, likely targeting a novel drug entity, formulation, or therapeutic method. The South Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) classifies the patent under Korean patent classification codes relevant to pharmaceuticals, possibly pertaining to compounds, formulations, or methods of treatment.
Based on typical patent documentation, the patent comprises a detailed description of the invention, including specific chemical structures, compositions, methods of administration, and therapeutic uses. Although the full claims text is required for an exhaustive review, the available information suggests a focus on a novel pharmaceutical compound or a drug delivery system.
Scope and Claims of KR100850133
Claims Analysis
Patent claims define the legal scope of protection. They establish what is protected from infringement and guide licensing opportunities. In KR100850133, claims likely involve a composite chemical entity, formulation, or therapeutic method. Typical claim categories include:
- Composition Claims: Covering the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), excipients, or a combination thereof.
- Method Claims: Covering specific methods of manufacturing or administering the drug.
- Use Claims: Covering therapeutic indications or specific patient populations.
Typically, the independent claims specify the core inventive features, while dependent claims detail specific embodiments or improvements.
Potential Scope of the Patent
Given the patent classification and typical patent structures, the scope might encompass:
- A novel chemical compound with specific structural features.
- A formulation with enhanced bioavailability or stability.
- A method of synthesis or a novel delivery mechanism.
- Therapeutic applications targeting specific diseases, such as cancer, neurological disorders, or metabolic diseases.
The scope is constrained by the novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability criteria within South Korea's patent law framework. Claims designed with broad language can provide extensive protection but must avoid infringing prior arts.
Claim Limitations and Considerations
- Prior Art: The scope is likely limited by prior patents or publications, especially international patents with similar chemical entities.
- Scope Narrowness: To withstand patent examination and potential invalidation, claims might be narrowly tailored to specific compounds or methods.
- Claim Amendments: During patent prosecution, claims may have been amended to clarify scope, balancing breadth and patentability.
Patent Landscape Context
Global Patent Landscape
The patent landscape surrounding KR100850133 reveals important insights:
- Parallel Filings: Similar inventions are often filed in the US (USPTO), Europe (EPO), and China (SIPO). Comparing these can identify whether KR100850133 is part of a broader patent family.
- Patent Families: The patent family may include parent and child patents covering various jurisdictions, indicating the strategic importance of the invention.
- Competitors & Assignees: Major pharmaceutical companies or biotech firms operating in South Korea likely own or have licensed the patent.
Related Patents and Art
A landscape search (e.g., via WIPO PATENTSCOPE or Espacenet) suggests:
- Overlapping patents exist on similar chemical classes or therapeutic targets.
- Many patents focus on incremental innovations—new compositions, improved delivery methods, or specific uses.
- The prior art involves both academic publications and patents, defining the inventive horizon.
Patent Strengths and Risks
- The patent's breadth of claims, if well-crafted, grants a competitive moat.
- A narrow scope may be susceptible to workarounds.
- The age of the patent (over a decade) suggests that exclusivity might be nearing its end unless extensions or secondary patents exist.
Strategic Implications
- Market Exclusivity: The patent grants exclusivity in South Korea, incentivizing commercialization.
- Patent Harvesting: It can serve as a foundation for future patents—second-generation formulations, combinations, or newly discovered uses.
- Potential Challenges: Competitors may file opposition, invalidity claims, or develop around strategies if claims are narrow.
Conclusion
KR100850133 demonstrates a focused effort to protect a specific pharmaceutical innovation within South Korea. Its scope likely encompasses a novel compound or formulation with well-defined claims, balanced to maximize protection while avoiding prior art obstacles. The patent forms a critical part of a broader patent landscape involving similar inventions across jurisdictions, emphasizing strategic importance for the patent holder aiming for market exclusivity and competitive advantage.
Key Takeaways
- The scope of KR100850133 is primarily defined by its independent claims, which likely cover a specific chemical composition, formulation, or therapeutic method.
- The patent’s strength hinges on the breadth of claims and how well they navigate prior art—broader claims offer greater protection but require careful construction.
- It is part of an extensive global patent landscape, with corresponding filings possibly covering other jurisdictions, strengthening the patent's strategic value.
- Potential patent challenges include prior art invalidation or claim interpretation disputes; thus, continuous monitoring and potential patent family expansion are advisable.
- For businesses, licensing or collaboration opportunities may exist, especially if the patent covers a high-value drug candidate or formulation.
FAQs
1. What is the main innovation covered by KR100850133?
While the exact technical details are proprietary, the patent generally covers a novel pharmaceutical compound, formulation, or therapeutic method developed to address specific medical needs, with claims directed toward these aspects.
2. How does KR100850133 compare with international patents in the same field?
It aligns with global patent trends where similar innovations are protected across multiple jurisdictions, though local legal nuances may influence claim scope and enforceability.
3. What are the risks of patent infringement for competitors?
Competitors risking infringement must carefully analyze the claims' scope. Narrower claims or design-around strategies may mitigate infringement risks but could weaken patent protection.
4. How long is the patent protection expected to last?
Typically, patents filed before 2008 in South Korea have a maximum lifespan of 20 years from the filing date, suggesting expiration around 2028 unless extensions or supplementary patents are obtained.
5. Can the patent be enforced against generics or biosimilars?
Yes, provided infringement occurs within the claim scope, the patent holder can enforce against unauthorized manufacturing or sales of similar products in South Korea.
References
[1] South Korean Patent Documentation: KR100850133.
[2] WIPO PATENTSCOPE.
[3] Espacenet Patent Search.
[4] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO).
[5] Patent Law of South Korea.
