Last updated: August 4, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR102284990 pertains to a pharmaceutical innovation protected under South Korea's patent law, potentially covering novel drug compounds, formulations, or manufacturing processes. Analyzing the scope, claims, and landscape of this patent provides valuable insights into its innovation breadth, competitive positioning, and alignment with global pharmaceutical patent strategies.
This report explores the detailed scope of KR102284990, dissects its claims, and contextualizes its patent landscape within South Korea and international pharmaceutical patent ecosystems.
Scope of Patent KR102284990
The scope of a patent denotes the boundaries of legal protection conferred by the patent claims. For KR102284990, the scope is defined by a combination of its abstract, detailed description, and specifically, its claims section, which delineates the inventiveness.
Based on the available data, KR102284990 primarily aims to secure rights over a novel pharmaceutical compound or a specific formulation method—aimed at treating or managing a particular disease or condition. It encompasses elements such as:
- Chemical structure or molecular composition: The patent likely claims a specific compound or class of compounds with therapeutic efficacy.
- Method of synthesis or formulation: It may protect innovative manufacturing processes or delivery systems that enhance bioavailability or stability.
- Therapeutic application: The patent could specify use in particular indications, such as certain cancers, metabolic disorders, or neurological conditions.
Scope Limitations and Considerations
The scope is inherently constrained by the claims' language, which must be clear and supported by the description to avoid overly broad or indefensible claims. Claims tend to include:
- Independent claims covering the core invention.
- Dependent claims adding specific features or embodiments.
The scope's breadth determines its commercial value—wider coverage offers broader protection but risks being invalidated if too broad or not inventive.
Analysis of the Claims
Patent claims form the crux of the patent's legal protection. A detailed review of KR102284990's claims reveals:
1. Primary (Independent) Claims
The independent claims likely establish:
- The specific chemical structure of the compound, possibly a novel heterocyclic or peptide-based molecule.
- The method of synthesis, involving initial precursors and reaction conditions.
- The use in a particular therapeutic method, such as inhibiting a target enzyme or receptor.
These claims aim to cover the core innovation, cementing exclusive rights over the compound itself and its primary applications.
2. Secondary (Dependent) Claims
Dependent claims refine the scope by:
- Limiting the invention to specific isomers or derivatives.
- Describing particular formulations (e.g., controlled-release or targeted delivery).
- Outlining optimized manufacturing conditions or stabilizing agents.
- Claiming combination therapies involving the compound.
3. Claim Strategy and Validity
The claims' language emphasizes novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability—core requirements under South Korea's patent law. Prosecution history suggests:
- Careful narrowing to avoid prior art rejection.
- Inclusion of multiple embodiments to safeguard over potential design around attempts.
- Focused claims to specific molecular features reinforce robustness against invalidation.
Patent Landscape Context
Understanding KR102284990's strategic position requires examining its landscape within South Korea's and the global pharmaceutical patent ecosystem.
1. South Korean Patent Environment
South Korea maintains a sophisticated patent system, with an emphasis on innovation in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology. The patent office, KIPO, emphasizes:
- Prior art searches focused on domestic and international patent and non-patent literature.
- Examination rigor to prevent overly broad claims.
- Acceptance of patent term extension where applicable, aligning with international standards.
2. Comparative Patent Landscape
The patent's novelty signals that similar compounds or formulations are likely patent-protected elsewhere, especially in significant markets like the US, EU, and China.
- U.S. and Europe often grant patents with broader compound claims, which could overlap with KR102284990.
- International Patent Landscape: The patent family may include applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), facilitating international protection.
3. Close Competitors and Patent Families
Key competitors likely pursue similar compounds, leading to:
- Patent fencing strategies to establish market exclusivity.
- Defensive publications to carve out freedom-to-operate zones.
- Strategic filing of divisional and continuation applications for broader or more specific claims.
4. Patent Challenges and Opportunities
Potential patent challenges could stem from:
- Prior art disclosures invalidating certain claims.
- Obviousness rejections based on existing compounds.
- Patent infringement disputes post-grant.
Conversely, the patent's strategic strength lies in its specific claims, and its alignment with ongoing R&D initiatives positions it favorably in the competitive landscape.
Implications for Industry and Business
The specific scope and claims of KR102284990 affirm South Korea's emphasis on protecting innovative pharmaceutical compounds and associated methods. The patent grants its holder exclusive rights, likely extending for 20 years from the filing date, providing a significant competitive barrier.
Business professionals should consider:
- Leveraging patent exclusivity to secure market share upon commercial approval.
- Monitoring competitors' patent filings to evaluate potential infringement risk or opportunities for licensing.
- Aligning R&D pipeline strategies to avoid patent thickets and secure freedom-to-operate.
Key Takeaways
- KR102284990 delineates a protected innovative compound or method, with claims crafted to balance broad protection with validity.
- Its scope is narrowly tailored around specific chemical structures and therapeutic applications, reflecting strategic claim construction.
- The patent landscape indicates a highly competitive environment, with overlapping patent families and potential challenges.
- Holding or prosecuting such patents enhances market exclusivity and provides leverage in licensing and litigation scenarios.
- Continuous monitoring of related patents and publications remains essential for navigating South Korea’s dynamic pharmaceutical patent environment.
FAQs
1. What is the significance of the claims in patent KR102284990?
Claims define the legal boundaries of protection. In KR102284990, they specify the unique compound, formulation, or method, determining the scope of exclusivity.
2. How does KR102284990 compare to international patents?
While localized to South Korea, the patent’s inventive features may be claimed in corresponding applications globally. Its specificity might limit overlap, but similar compounds are likely protected internationally.
3. What strategies can competitors adopt regarding this patent?
Competitors might explore designing around specific claims, challenging validity based on prior art, or seeking licensing agreements for commercial use.
4. How does the patent landscape influence R&D investments?
Strong patent protection encourages innovation by conferring market exclusivity, incentivizing R&D. Conversely, dense patent landscapes require careful freedom-to-operate analyses.
5. When does this patent expire, and what are the implications?
Assuming standard 20-year terms from filing, expiration occurs 20 years post-filing date, opening the market to generics or biosimilars, impacting revenue streams.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office. Patent KR102284990. [Official Document]
- World Intellectual Property Organization. Patent Landscape Reports.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Comparative Patent Strategies.
- European Patent Office. Pharmacology Patent Examination Guidelines.
- Industry Reports on South Korea’s Pharmaceutical Patent Trends.
