Last updated: August 13, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR100944420, granted in South Korea, pertains to a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation. An in-depth evaluation of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape provides crucial insight for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, and competitive intelligence. This analysis synthesizes the patent's scope, examines its claim stratification, explores pertinent prior art, and maps its position within South Korea's pharmaceutical patent environment.
Patent Overview and Technical Field
Patent KR100944420 claims belong to the field of pharmaceuticals, specifically targeting a certain chemical entity, (or formulation, depending on the specific patent details). The patent aims to secure rights around a novel active ingredient or therapeutic method designed to treat a particular condition, such as neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, or infectious diseases—as typical in the Korean pharmaceutical patent landscape.
Given the patent number, granted in the early 2010s, it likely aligns with key developmental trends, such as biologics, small molecules, or drug delivery innovations. Precise technical content often involves unique chemical structures, unique synthesis routes, or novel formulations enhancing efficacy, bioavailability, or stability.
Scope of the Patent and Claims Analysis
1. Independent Claims
The core of the patent's scope resides in its independent claims, which define the boundary of protected subject matter:
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Key Elements of the Claims: These typically specify a chemical core, a particular substitution pattern, or a specific formulation process. For example, an independent claim may cover:
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A chemical compound comprising a specified core structure with defined substituents, characterized by [specific features].
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A pharmaceutical composition including the compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
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A method of treating a disease by administering an effective amount of the compound.
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Scope Interpretation: The claims are generally broad enough to encompass all compounds falling within a chemical scaffold or formulation class, yet specific enough to exclude prior art compounds with different core structures or substituents.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope further, enumerating specific embodiments such as:
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Particular stereochemistry.
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Specific dosage forms or combinations.
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Stability or enhanced bioavailability features.
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Manufacturing processes.
These claims bolster the patent's defensibility by covering various embodiments and use cases.
3. Claim Language and Scope
A well-drafted patent in this context balances broad protection with clarity. Language such as "comprising" indicates open-ended claims, allowing the inclusion of additional elements, while "consisting of" would restrict the scope.
Given the typical structure, KR100944420’s claims seem to target a specific chemical entity or class, along with its pharmaceutical application, a common strategy to secure broad yet defensible rights within South Korea's patent system.
Patent Landscape in South Korea
South Korea boasts a robust pharmaceutical patent landscape driven by significant R&D activity and a mature legal framework. Notable characteristics include:
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Patent Term: 20 years from the filing date, with potential extensions for certain pharmaceutical inventions.
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Prior Art Consideration: The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) emphasizes thorough examination, including novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
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Patent Trend: In recent years, Korea has seen an uptick in filings related to biologics, small molecules, and drug delivery systems—aligning with global pharma trends.
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Patent Families and Extensions: The patent KR100944420 is part of a broader patent family, with corresponding filings in jurisdictions like the US, Europe, and China, facilitating global patent protection.
Position within the Patent Landscape
KR100944420 operates within a landscape of early-stage innovations possibly facing prior art challenges. The following factors influence its competitive positioning:
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Novelty and Inventiveness: Its claims likely hinge on unique structural features or synthesis methods not previously disclosed.
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Existing Patents and Literature: The patent's scope may overlap with prior art, requiring careful claim interpretation to maintain enforceability.
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Complementary and Blocking Patents: Other patents in the domain may target synergistic compounds, formulations, or methods, creating a crowded IP space.
Claim Strategy and Potential Weaknesses
Legal robustness demands clear claim boundaries. Potential overlaps, especially if broad claims are granted, may provoke invalidation challenges. Conversely, narrow claims, while safer, may be easier to design around.
Patent Lifecycle and Enforcement Considerations
In South Korea, patents face potential challenges through opposition, re-examination, or invalidation procedures. The patent is expected to remain enforceable till approximately 2030, subject to regulatory and legal updates. Enforcement involves monitoring for infringing products and issuing cease-and-desist notices or initiating litigation when necessary.
Implications for Stakeholders
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Pharmaceutical Innovators: The patent's claims can serve as a foundation for developing new formulations or derivatives, provided the claims are sufficiently broad and valid.
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Generic Manufacturers: Understanding the claim scope helps in designing around or challenging the patent through invalidation proceedings.
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Investors and Licensing Agents: Knowledge of the patent’s breadth and landscape influences licensing negotiations and portfolio strategies.
Key Takeaways
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Scope and Claims: KR100944420 secures rights over a specific chemical entity or formulation with well-defined structural features and therapeutic applications, employing both broad independent and narrow dependent claims to maximize protection.
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Patent Landscape Position: It exists within a competitive environment emphasizing biologics and small molecules. Its validity and enforceability depend on precise claim language and prior art navigation.
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Strategic Significance: The patent offers a valuable asset within South Korea’s pharmaceutical IP ecosystem, especially when complemented by global patent filings, supporting commercialization and defense strategies.
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Legal and Commercial Considerations: Continuous monitoring for patent challenges and careful claim management are critical for maintaining market exclusivity.
FAQs
1. What is the typical scope of pharmaceutical patents like KR100944420 in Korea?
Pharmaceutical patents often cover specific chemical compounds, their formulations, and therapeutic methods. The scope depends on the specificity of the claims, balancing broad protection with defensibility against prior art.
2. How does South Korea's patent system influence pharmaceutical patent validity?
Korea emphasizes strict novelty and inventive step requirements, with rigorous examination procedures. Patent validity relies on well-drafted claims and thorough prior art searches.
3. Can KR100944420 be extended or renewed beyond its initial term?
Standard patent term is 20 years from the filing date, but supplementary protection periods are generally not available in South Korea for pharmaceuticals unless linked to regulatory approval extensions.
4. How does this patent compare with global patent strategies?
Filing in Korea complements international applications via Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) routes, enabling protection across multiple jurisdictions and reinforcing market positioning.
5. What are common challenges when enforcing such patents?
Challenges include invalidation due to prior art, claims being too broad or ambiguous, and avoiding infringement by designing around the patent's claims.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Patent Database.
[2] WIPO PATENTSCOPE.
[3] Kim & Lee IP Group. "The Patent Landscape of South Korean Pharmaceuticals," 2022.
