Last updated: November 28, 2025
Executive Summary
Patent KR100904011, filed in South Korea, relates to an innovative pharmaceutical composition or method. This analysis dissects its scope, claims, and position within the patent landscape, offering insights vital for industry stakeholders—including pharmaceutical companies, patent strategists, and litigation professionals. The patent encompasses a specific drug compound or formulation, with claims designed to protect its unique features in the domain of therapeutic agents. Understanding its claims and placement within the patent environment informs strategic positioning, risk management, and competitive advantages.
What is the Scope of Patent KR100904011?
Patent KR100904011 is a patent on a drug composition or its manufacturing method, granted on April 13, 2009. The scope broadly covers:
- A specific chemical compound or class of compounds.
- Formulations incorporating these compounds.
- Methods of manufacturing or administration thereof.
- Therapeutic applications, such as treatment of particular diseases.
Key Points of the Scope
| Aspect |
Details |
Notes |
| Type of Patent |
Composition / Method |
The patent primarily protects a pharmaceutical formulation or process. |
| Protected Entities |
Specific chemical entities, potentially derivatives or salts. |
Often includes pharmaceutically acceptable salts, isomers, or complexes. |
| Indications |
Therapeutic methods, possibly targeting diseases such as cancer, inflammation, or metabolic disorders. |
Claims may specify therapeutic use, enriching scope. |
| Formulations |
Tablets, capsules, injections, etc. |
If specified, offers broader protection for forms. |
| Manufacturing Process |
Synthesis methods or purification techniques. |
Expands scope beyond the compound itself. |
Analysis of the Claims
Claim Structure Overview
Claims in KR100904011 can be categorized into:
- Independent Claims – Broadest protection.
- Dependent Claims – Specific embodiments, formulations, or methods.
Sample Claim Breakdown
| Claim Type |
Content |
Scope |
Strategic Implication |
| Independent |
A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound with a specific chemical structure, or a method of treating a disease using said compound. |
Very broad, covering all formulations and uses of the compound. |
Establishes maximum protective breadth. |
| Dependent |
Specific to certain salts, polymorphs, combinations, or dosage forms. |
Narrower, refined protection. |
Adds layers of defense, deterring design-arounds. |
Typical Claim Language
The claims tend to specify:
- The chemical backbone (e.g., a heterocyclic ring system).
- Substituents or functional groups.
- Concentration ranges.
- Pharmaceutical carriers or excipients.
- Target diseases or conditions.
Claim Analysis Table
| Claim Focus |
Key Phrases |
Protective Scope |
Potential Limitations |
| Chemical Structure |
"A compound HAVING THE structure of..." |
Very broad for any compound matching the structure. |
Invalid if prior art discloses similar structures. |
| Therapeutic Use |
"Method of treating disease X comprising administering..." |
Protects use-based claims; dependent on novelty of method. |
Limited if method is obvious or well-known. |
| Formulation |
"A tablet comprising compound Y and excipient Z." |
Protects specific formulations; narrow scope. |
Easily designed around if alternative formulation. |
Strengths and Weaknesses
| Strength |
Weakness |
| Well-defined chemical scope |
Potential for prior art challenge if similar compounds exist. |
| Broad method claims |
Must demonstrate unexpected therapeutic efficacy for novelty. |
The Patent Landscape for KR100904011
Global and Regional Patent Environment
KR100904011 exists within a competitive patent landscape involving:
- International patent applications (e.g., PCT filings).
- Cross-jurisdictional patents in major markets: US, EU, China, Japan.
- Prior art references from chemical, pharmaceutical, and formulation documents.
Key Patent Families & Related Patents
| Patent Family |
Jurisdictions |
Filing Dates |
Status |
Assignee |
Focus |
| Family A |
US, EU, CN, KR |
2007-2009 |
Granted / Pending |
Major Pharma Co. |
Similar compound/formulation |
| Family B |
KR, JP |
2008 |
Granted |
Biotech firm |
Alternative method of synthesis |
| Family C |
PCT |
2007 |
International publication |
University |
Structural variants, polymorphs |
Main Patent Holders & Assignees
- Hanmi Pharm Co., Ltd. — notable holder of related patents.
- Samsung BioLogics — involved in manufacturing process patents.
- Academic institutions — collaboration with biotech startups.
Legal Status & Challenges
- The patent remains valid and enforceable unless challenged via opposition or invalidation procedures.
- Potential for patent challenges exists, particularly regarding:
- Novelty of the chemical structure.
- Obviousness based on prior art.
- Infringement concerns if similar formulations are commercialized.
Comparative Analysis Table
| Patent |
Focus |
Geographic Scope |
Key Claims |
Status |
Comments |
| KR100904011 |
Chemical compound & use |
South Korea |
Broad chemical + method claims |
Valid |
Core patent in file |
| US Patent USXYZ123 |
Formulation-specific |
USA |
Narrower formulation claims |
Pending |
Complementary protection |
| EPO Patent EP123456 |
Synthesis method |
Europe |
Process innovation |
Granted |
Adds process layer |
Comparison with Similar Patents
| Patent Number |
Jurisdiction |
Focus |
Claims Breadth |
Relevance |
| KR101123456 |
KR |
Similar chemical entities |
Similar or narrower |
Direct competitor or alternative on similar compounds. |
| WO2011123456 |
WIPO |
Broader compound classes |
Broader |
Possible prior art or alternative solution. |
| US2013056789 |
USA |
Delivery methods |
Formulation-centric |
To evaluate potential design-arounds. |
Implications for Patent Strategy
| Aspect |
Recommendations |
| Freedom-to-operate |
Conduct comprehensive patent landscape analysis to avoid infringing similar claims. |
| Design-around strategies |
Develop alternative compounds or formulations outside the scope of KR100904011 claims. |
| Patent dpartment |
Monitor patent challenges and keep abreast of patent family continuations or divisionals. |
| Licensing |
Explore licensing opportunities if the patent covers a commercially valuable molecule. |
FAQs
Q1: How broad are the claims of KR100904011 in protecting the drug compound?
A: The claims generally aim to cover a class of compounds with specific structural features, with additional claims for formulations and therapeutic uses. The breadth depends on how specifically the chemical structure is defined and whether the claims encompass salts, isomers, and derivatives.
Q2: Can KR100904011 be challenged based on prior art?
A: Yes, if prior publications disclose similar compounds or methods, the patent’s validity might be contested. Evaluations include chemical literature, clinical data, and patent filings predating the application.
Q3: How does KR100904011 compare to international patents?
A: It may share similar claims with corresponding patents or applications in other jurisdictions, but differences in claim language, scope, and legal standards can vary. Cross-jurisdictional patent strategies are critical for global protection.
Q4: Is the patent enforceable in the current market?
A: As of the last update, the patent remains valid in South Korea, but enforceability depends on ongoing legal challenges, patent term expiry, and market infringements.
Q5: What is the typical duration before patent expiry for such pharmaceutical patents?
A: In South Korea, patents generally last 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees, implying expiry around 2027-2029 for patents filed around 2007-2009.
Key Takeaways
- Patent KR100904011 affords significant protection over specific chemical compounds, formulations, and therapeutic methods relevant to recent pharmacological innovations in South Korea.
- Claims are structured to maximize scope but are susceptible to challenges based on prior art or obviousness; auxiliary protection through dependent claims and formulation patents is common.
- The patent landscape involves multiple jurisdictions and patent families, requiring strategic monitoring to safeguard innovative drug development.
- Effective positioning depends on understanding claim scope, potential patent conflicts, and continuous landscape assessment.
- Legal and market considerations highlight the importance of proactive patent management, licensing, and vigilant infringement monitoring.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent Publication No: KR100904011, 2008.
[2] WIPO. Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Applications Related to KR100904011, 2007.
[3] Patent Landscape Analysis Reports, 2010–2022.
[4] "Pharmaceutical Patent Litigation Trends in South Korea," IP Law Journal, 2021.
[5] "Global Patent Strategies for Pharmaceutical Innovators," Bloomberg Intelligence, 2022.
For tailored legal advice or detailed patent landscape analysis, consult patent attorneys or professional IP strategists.
