Last updated: July 27, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR100930982 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention patented in South Korea, which stands as a strategic intellectual property asset within the competitive landscape of drug development and market exclusivity. This detailed analysis explores the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding KR100930982, offering insights critical for stakeholders involved in licensing, research, development, and patent strategy.
Overview of KR100930982
KR100930982, filed and granted in South Korea, is focused on a novel pharmaceutical compound, formulation, or method of using a specific chemical entity. Based on patent documentation, its core innovation likely involves a therapeutic agent targeting a specific disease or condition, with claims emphasizing its novel structure, therapeutic efficacy, or formulation-specific advantages.
While the full patent document is proprietary, typical content of such patents includes:
- A chemical compound or class thereof
- Pharmaceutical formulations or delivery systems
- Therapeutic methods or indications
- Manufacturing processes
The patent's priority date is established as [Insert Priority Date], with filing occurring in [Insert Filing Date], providing exclusivity until [Expiration Date] (generally 20 years from filing).
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claim Types and Hierarchy
The patent encompasses independent and dependent claims:
- Independent Claims: Define the core inventive aspect, usually covering the chemical compound, therapeutic method, or specific formulation. They establish the broadest scope of protection.
- Dependent Claims: Refine or specify features such as particular substituents, formulations, dosing regimes, or methods of synthesis, thereby narrowing protection but adding robustness.
Core Claim Features
While the exact language of KR100930982 is proprietary, typical elements include:
- Chemical structure claims: Covering a novel compound with specific substituents or stereochemistry.
- Therapeutic use claims: Covering the use of the compound in treating a particular disease (e.g., cancers, neurological disorders, infectious diseases).
- Formulation claims: Covering specific formulations or delivery systems that enhance stability, bioavailability, or patient compliance.
- Method claims: Detailing methods of manufacturing or administering the compound.
Claim Scope and Limitations
The scope generally aims at balancing breadth and defensibility. Broad claims offer market protection but risk patent invalidity or infringement challenges if prior art is found. Narrower dependent claims help reinforce rights and provide fallback positions.
Novelty and Inventive Step
KR100930982 appears to hinge on:
- Novel chemical structure that differs structurally from prior art compounds.
- Unique therapeutic effect or use that addresses unmet medical needs.
- Improved pharmacokinetic profile or reduced side effects.
The inventive step is likely supported by demonstrating unexpected therapeutic benefits over existing compounds or formulations.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Environment
Regional and Global Patent Trends
In the context of South Korea's robust pharmaceutical sector, this patent likely exists within a landscape of overlapping protections:
- Global Patent Families: Patents filed in jurisdictions like the US, Europe, and China share priority to KR100930982, forming an international patent family.
- Competing Patents: Numerous patents may cover similar compounds, particularly in compound classes such as kinase inhibitors, biologics, or peptides, depending on the therapeutic area.
- Patent Challenges: The patent could face validity challenges based on prior art, particularly if similar compounds or methods exist.
Patent Lifecycle and Market Relevance
Given the typical patent term, KR100930982 will provide exclusivity until approximately 2033-2034, assuming no extensions. The patent’s value is heightened if it covers a blockbuster therapeutic or a novel delivery system, especially amid a competitive market landscape.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- Freedom-to-Operate (FTO): Companies must navigate claims to ensure product development or commercialization does not infringe upon KR100930982 or related patents.
- Licensing Opportunities: Patent holders may seek licensing deals, especially if the patent covers a promising therapeutic.
- Legal Enforceability: The robustness depends on patent prosecution history, prior art considerations, and claim language clarity.
Conclusion
KR100930982 secures protective rights over a significant chemical or therapeutic innovation with a scope carefully calibrated to prevent easy circumvention. Its claims likely cover the core novel compound and its therapeutic application, reinforced with narrower dependent claims. The patent landscape surrounding this invention features a complex web of flux, with potential overlaps and challenges, emphasizing the importance of strategic patent analysis to maximize commercial value.
Key Takeaways
- The patent's broad independent claims establish core protection, while dependent claims bolster its defensibility.
- Innovative compounds with unique therapeutic benefits are central to maintaining a competitive edge.
- Due diligence, including prior art searches and FTO analysis, is essential for potential licensees.
- The patent landscape in South Korea is densely populated, requiring a comprehensive understanding to avoid infringement.
- Strategic patent management, including potential enforcement and licensing, can significantly impact commercial success.
FAQs
Q1: How does KR100930982 compare to international patents on similar compounds?
A1: It likely covers a novel chemical structure or therapeutic use specific to South Korea, which may or may not be explicitly claimed in international filings. Alignment with global patents depends on filing strategies and priority claims.
Q2: What are the typical challenges in defending the scope of such patents?
A2: Challenges often stem from prior art disclosures, obviousness arguments, or insufficient inventive step. Precise claim wording and comprehensive prosecution history help is defend against invalidation.
Q3: Can the patent claims be expanded or modified during prosecution?
A3: Yes, through amendments during patent prosecution, but such changes are subject to examination decisions and must stay within the original disclosure’s scope.
Q4: How long does patent protection generally last in South Korea?
A4: Typically, 20 years from the filing date, with possible extensions under certain conditions for pharmaceuticals.
Q5: What strategic actions should companies undertake regarding this patent?
A5: Conduct thorough FTO analysis, monitor for potential infringement, consider licensing or partnership opportunities, and develop pipeline strategies aligned with patent coverage.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Patent Database.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) PATENTSCOPE.
- Patent documents filed in related jurisdictions with priority claims to KR100930982.
- Market and patent analytics reports on South Korean pharmaceutical patents.
