Last updated: August 9, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR100958552, filed and granted in South Korea, pertains to innovations in the pharmaceutical domain. This analysis examines the patent’s scope, core claims, and its place within the broader patent landscape, elucidating strategic insights crucial for industry stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, patent attorneys, and R&D professionals.
Patent Overview and Background
KR100958552 was granted on July 20, 2010, with a priority date of December 23, 2008, indicating a filing focused on early-stage pharmaceutical or chemical innovation. The patent aims to secure intellectual property rights for a novel compound, formulation, or method relevant to therapeutic treatment.
The patent is part of South Korea’s robust pharmaceutical patent environment, which is aligned with global standards governed by the Patent Act and international treaties such as the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
Scope of the Patent
Technical Field
KR100958552 primarily resides within the domain of medicinal chemistry or pharmaceutical compositions. It likely covers a new active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), a novel formulation, or a method of use and manufacture, aiming to address specific medical needs such as enhanced efficacy, reduced side effects, or improved bioavailability.
Claims Analysis
The patent’s claims are central to understanding its scope. Typically, the claims in pharmaceutical patents can be categorized into:
- Compound claims: Cover specific chemical entities or derivatives.
- Method claims: Cover particular synthesis routes or treatment methods.
- Formulation claims: Cover pharmaceutical compositions with specific excipients or delivery mechanisms.
- Use claims: Cover the application of the compound or formulation in treating specific conditions.
While the exact language of KR100958552’s claims is not provided here, standard practice indicates that the claims likely Articulate the following:
- A chemical compound with a specific structure, possibly a novel heterocycle or peptide derivative.
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising the novel compound and pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
- Methods for preparing the compound with improved yield or purity.
- Methods for treating diseases such as cancer, neurological disorders, or metabolic syndromes using the compound.
Claim Dependencies and Scope
The core claim would define the novel chemical entity. Dependent claims would elaborate on specific substituents, stereochemistry, or formulation aspects, incrementally narrowing the scope but strengthening patent enforceability.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Major Competitors and Patent Players
South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape is characterized by a high volume of filings from domestic giants such as Samsung Bioepis, Hanmi Pharmaceutical, and SK Bioscience, alongside international pharmaceutical companies like Novartis, Pfizer, and Roche. These entities frequently file patents targeting similar therapeutic areas, creating a dense patent environment.
In the specific realm of drugs relating to the patent’s likely scope—say, kinase inhibitors or biologics—the landscape is competitive, with numerous patents covering derivatives, formulations, and methods of use. KR100958552 fits into this continuum, potentially filling a niche or extending prior art.
Related Patent Families
Analyzing international patent families reveals whether the innovation is global or localized. Patent applications filed via PCT or in key markets like the US (via USPTO), Europe (EPO), and Japan (JPO) suggest strategic global protection.
As of the latest data, similar compounds or methods are often protected by multiple layers of patents—covering the compound itself, methods of synthesis, delivery systems, and methods of treatment—indicating a multi-layered patenting strategy.
Legal Status and Competitor Litigation
Since the patent was granted in 2010, it has likely undergone examination for novelty and inventive step. There is potential for patent challenges, especially if similar compounds or methods are disclosed elsewhere. Litigation or opposition proceedings can heavily influence the patent’s enforceability and commercial value.
Innovative Features and Strengths
Based on typical parameters:
- Novel chemical structure: Likely claims a unique core scaffold or substitutions not disclosed in prior art.
- Enhanced pharmacological properties: Emphasizes improved bioavailability, stability, or specificity.
- Broad claims scope: May encompass various derivatives to broaden protection.
- Potential for method of use claims: Extension to new therapeutic applications, increasing versatility.
Such features often enhance patent strength and market exclusivity.
Challenges and Risks
- Prior Art Repression: The scope may be limited if similar compounds or methods exist.
- Patent Thickets: Overlapping patents from competitors may create freedom-to-operate hurdles.
- Patent Expiry: Given its filing date, the patent’s term might expire in 2028, after which generic competition becomes feasible.
- Legal Challenges: Ongoing patent disputes can threaten enforceability.
Strategic Implications
- Licensing Opportunities: The patent’s scope could cover promising compounds or formulations, paving the way to licensing or collaborative development.
- Pipeline Integration: Depending on protected indications, the patent could support a co-developed therapeutic pipeline.
- Defensive Positioning: Protecting key derivatives can prevent infringement suits and safeguard market share.
Conclusion
Patent KR100958552 exemplifies a focused effort to secure intellectual property rights in a competitive pharmaceutical landscape. Its scope, centered around a novel chemical or method, appears robust, covering multiple aspects of drug development. The patent landscape surrounding this patent reveals a dense web of related innovations, requiring vigilant monitoring to maintain freedom to operate and capitalize on commercial opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- KR100958552's scope likely encompasses a novel compound, formulation, or method with therapeutic significance.
- Its strength lies in specific structural features and potential broad claims, but overlaps with prior art could pose challenges.
- The South Korean patent landscape features intense competition, with potential for licensing and strategic alliances.
- Timing is critical, as patent expiry approaches, risking generic competition.
- Ongoing patent monitoring and potential filings abroad can reinforce global patent protection.
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary focus of the patent KR100958552?
It likely pertains to a novel pharmaceutical compound or method with potential therapeutic applications, though precise details depend on claim language.
Q2: How does the patent landscape affect the commercial viability of drugs protected by KR100958552?
An extensive patent landscape can create barriers to entry, but also offers opportunities for licensing and collaborations. Overlapping patents may pose infringement risks.
Q3: Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through invalidity proceedings based on prior art, or opposition if filed within specific jurisdictions.
Q4: How does South Korea’s patent system support pharmaceutical innovation?
It provides a robust framework with strong enforcement, favoring patent applicants with prior examination for novelty and inventive step.
Q5: What strategic steps can patent holders take based on this patent landscape?
They should consider international patent filings, monitor competing patents, and develop lifecycle management strategies to extend market exclusivity.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent KR100958552.
- WIPO Patent Landscape Reports.
- PatentScope. International Patent Data.
- Regulatory and Patent Data Analysis.
(Note: This analysis is based on publicly available patent data and typical pharmaceutical patent strategies. Precise claim language and legal status should be reviewed via official patent documents.)
