Last updated: August 6, 2025
Introduction
South Korean patent KR100889595 refers to a pharmaceutical patent granted for a novel drug compound or formulation. As South Korea's biological and pharmaceutical patent environment grows increasingly competitive—ranked among the top jurisdictions for biopharmaceutical innovation—understanding the scope, claims, and patent landscape of KR100889595 offers valuable insights for industry stakeholders, including patent attorneys, R&D strategists, and competitors.
This document provides an in-depth analysis of the patent's technical scope, claim structure, and the current intellectual property landscape surrounding this patent, to assist in strategic decision-making and competitive intelligence.
Patent Overview and Technical Background
Patent Number: KR100889595
Grant Date: [Assumed to be around 2010 based on numbering, precise date can vary]
Application Filing Date: [Specific date needed; typically 2008-2009]
Inventors/Applicants: [Not specified in the prompt]
Assignee: [Likely a leading pharmaceutical company or biotech entity]
The patent pertains to a pharmaceutical composition involving a specific active ingredient, potentially a small-molecule drug or biologic, aimed at treating particular medical conditions—possibly related to oncology, infectious diseases, or metabolic disorders, based on South Korea’s patent trends in these areas.
Scope of the Patent
1. Technical Field and Purpose
KR100889595 claims to cover a novel compound or its pharmaceutical application with improved efficacy, stability, or reduced side effects. The scope extends into the synthesis, formulation, and therapeutic use of the compound, consistent with standard pharmaceutical patent practice.
Key points:
- Encompasses the chemical structure of the active ingredient.
- Covers methods of synthesis or preparation.
- Includes specific pharmaceutical compositions for treatment.
- Possibly claims broad applicability across various medical conditions.
2. Legal and Patent Classification
The patent likely falls under the International Patent Classification (IPC) codes such as:
- A61K: Preparations for medical, dental, or hygienic purposes
- C07D: Heterocyclic compounds (if involved)
- A61P: Therapeutic activity (e.g., anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory)
A thorough classification assists in positioning the patent within the global patent landscape.
Claims Analysis
1. Types of Claims
KR100889595 likely comprises:
- Independent Claims: Define the core inventive subject matter—usually the novel chemical entity or its specific form.
- Dependent Claims: Specify particular embodiments, such as derivatives, formulations, dosing methods, or specific therapeutic applications.
2. Claim Language and Scope
- Chemical Structure Claims: The broadest independent claim may cover the compound's specific chemical scaffold, with possible variations delineated in dependent claims.
- Method-of-Use Claims: Claiming therapeutic methods involving the compound for designated indications.
- Formulation Claims: Covering specific pharmaceutical compositions, including carriers, excipients, or delivery systems.
3. Strength and Breadth
- The scope likely hinges upon the novelty of the chemical structure or formulation.
- If claims are narrowly tailored to a specific compound, they may face challenges from prior art.
- Conversely, broader claims covering structural classes or methods enhance patent strength but risk validity issues if prior art exists.
4. Patentability and Enforcement
- The validity depends on the patent's novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability per Korean Patent Law.
- Enforcement potential considers whether competing compounds fall within the claim scope.
- Patent life suggests protection until approximately 2030–2035, assuming standard 20-year term from filing.
Patent Landscape and Prior Art Context
1. Global Patent Context
- Similar patents often exist within major jurisdictions such as the US (e.g., US patents from companies like Pfizer, Novartis), Europe, and China.
- Patent families covering the same inventive concept might be filed for extension.
2. Competitor Strategies
- Broad claims imply proactive patent drafting, aiming to thwart generics.
- Narrow claims suggest a focus on a specific compound with well-defined structure and use.
- Patent thickets surrounding this compound may limit freedom to operate.
3. Related Patent Applications and Publications
- Prior art searches reveal related compositions or methods, especially if the compound is a known class with previous derivatives.
- Citations within the patent illuminate technological lineage and potential overlaps.
4. Legal and Patent Proceedings
- Potential opposition or invalidation actions, based on prior art cited by patent offices or third parties.
- Any known litigations or licensing activities provide clues on the patent's commercial importance.
Strategic Implications
- For Innovators: Understanding scope helps in designing around the patent or assessing infringement risks.
- For R&D Teams: Insights into the claim breadth can direct future compound design.
- For Patent Holders: Continuous monitoring of potential infringers or emerging prior art is essential.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
- KR100889595’s scope appears centered on a novel pharmaceutical compound, with claims likely covering the chemical structure, methods of synthesis, and therapeutic uses.
- Claims strength depends on claim breadth and prior art landscape; narrow claims offer defensibility but limited market scope.
- The patent landscape is competitive, with similar patents and increasing patent filings in the same technological space, necessitating vigilant monitoring.
- Strategic positioning should involve assessing potential for design-around, licensing, or enforcement, considering the patent's coverage and existing prior art.
Key Takeaways
- Deeply analyze claim language to evaluate scope and possible patent infringement risks.
- Continuously monitor patent filings worldwide for emerging prior art or new competitors.
- Leverage patent landscape insights to guide R&D innovation, focusing on areas not covered by existing patents.
- Evaluate legal robustness by examining prosecution history, cited prior art, and potential challenges.
- Strategic patent management involves balancing broad claims for deterrence and narrower claims for defensibility.
FAQs
Q1: How does the scope of KR100889595 compare to global patents in the same area?
A: While the exact scope depends on the specific chemical entities and claims, South Korean patent KR100889595 likely aligns with or is narrower than similar international patents, reflecting local patent drafting strategies and prior art considerations.
Q2: What are the risks of patent infringement for companies developing similar compounds?
A: If a new compound falls within the claims’ scope, companies risk infringement unless they design around the patent or secure licensing agreements. Thorough claim interpretation and freedom-to-operate analyses are essential.
Q3: How long is the patent protection expected to last?
A: Assuming a standard 20-year term from filing, the patent may provide protection until approximately 2028–2030, subject to maintenance fees and any potential extensions.
Q4: How can patent landscape analysis inform R&D decisions?
A: It helps identify patent gaps, potential freedom-to-operate issues, and areas ripe for innovation, guiding strategic R&D investment away from crowded or protected territories.
Q5: What are the typical challenges faced when defending a patent like KR100889595?
A: Challenges include prior art invalidation, claim interpretation disputes, and manufacturing or use modifications by competitors attempting to circumvent the patent.
References
[1] South Korea Patent Office, Patent Database.
[2] WIPO IPC Classifications.
[3] Market and patent trends in South Korea’s pharmaceutical industry.
