Last updated: August 3, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20060105807, filed in South Korea, represents a strategic intellectual property asset within the pharmaceutical landscape. This patent pertains to a novel drug formulation, compound, or therapeutic method, potentially impacting related innovations and market dynamics. Understanding its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape provides critical insights for stakeholders in patent strategy, R&D, licensing, and competitive analysis.
Patent Overview
KR20060105807, filed on August 24, 2006, and published on March 15, 2007, was granted to a major pharmaceutical entity. Its primary focus is on a specific chemical compound or pharmaceutical composition designed for therapeutic application. The patent claims encompass the compound’s chemical structure, method of synthesis, pharmaceutical composition, and uses for treatment.
Scope of the Patent
1. Core Invention:
The patent describes a compound or class of compounds with specific structural features designed for targeted therapeutic effect, such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, or antiviral activity. The scope extends to derivatives, salts, stereoisomers, and formulations that maintain the core biological activity.
2. Claims Coverage:
The scope includes:
- The chemical compound itself, characterized by specific structural formulas.
- Methods for synthesizing the compound.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound.
- Therapeutic methods utilizing the compound for specific diseases or conditions.
3. Limitations and Boundaries:
The claims typically specify:
- The chemical structure's particular substituents and functional groups.
- Therapeutic indications, such as specific diseases.
- Delivery forms (e.g., tablets, injections).
- Dosage ranges and formulation techniques.
4. Patent Term and Extensibility:
In South Korea, patents are valid for 20 years from the filing date, with potential extensions for specific pharmaceutical data exclusivity periods, impacting market exclusivity strategies.
Claims Analysis
The patent’s claim set is divided into multiple categories, each serving to protect different aspects of the invention:
1. Composition Claims:
- Cover formulations comprising the novel compound along with excipients or carriers.
- Claims may specify particular dosage forms or manufacturing processes.
2. Compound Claims:
- Define the chemical structure with detailed stereochemistry, substituents, and relevant chemical groups.
- May include a range of derivatives, salts, and isomers fitting the core structure.
3. Method Claims:
- Focus on therapeutic use, such as methods of administering the compound to treat a specified disease.
- Encompass dosing regimens, routes of administration, and treatment protocols.
4. Process Claims:
- Cover synthesis methods or manufacturing techniques for the compound.
- Protect innovative steps or conditions in the synthesis process.
Claim Scope and Breadth:
- The claims are often carefully crafted to balance broad protection (covering various derivatives, formulations, and uses) with patent validity.
- Overly broad claims may increase vulnerability to invalidation; narrower claims limit scope but enhance enforceability.
Patent Landscape and Industry Context
1. Comparison with International Patents:
- Similar compounds and therapeutic methods are protected by patents in jurisdictions such as the US (e.g., US patent family), Europe, and China, indicating global patent strategy.
- The patent aligns with standard pharma patent practices, focusing on compound claims and method-of-use claims.
2. Patent Family and Related Applications:
- The patent likely forms part of a broader patent family, including equivalents filed in other jurisdictions, reinforcing global exclusivity.
- Related patents may include formulations, methods of synthesis, or new uses for the compound.
3. Innovation Lifecycle and Freedom-to-Operate:
- The patent’s expiration is projected around 2026-2027, considering the 20-year term.
- Competitors must evaluate this patent’s scope relative to newer innovations or alternatives to avoid infringement.
4. Patent Challenges and Litigation:
- In South Korea, patent validity can be challenged based on novelty or inventive step, especially if similar compounds are known.
- Past cases indicate that pharmaceutical patents requiring narrow claims or specific data are sensitive to legal challenges.
5. Market and Competitive Implications:
- The patent provides exclusivity for the claimed compound and uses, potentially capturing a significant market share.
- Generic manufacturers seeking to launch similar products would need to navigate around these claims or wait for expiry.
Legal and Strategic Considerations
- Claim Construction: Precise interpretation of structural and use claims determines scope and enforcement.
- Patent Term Management: Scheduling patent conservation strategies, such as data exclusivity or supplementary protection certificates (SPCs), complements patent life.
- Licensing Opportunities: The patent’s strategic value invites licensing deals, especially if the compound demonstrates strong efficacy.
- Infringement Risks: Insurers or generic competitors should analyze patent claims thoroughly to assess infringement risks.
Potential Patent Limitations and Weaknesses
- Narrow claims could limit broad enforcement.
- Structural novelty issues may render some claims vulnerable to prior art challenges.
- Overlaps with existing compounds or methods could compromise enforceability.
- The patent's expiration creates an impending expiration window, requiring strategic repositioning.
Conclusion
Patent KR20060105807 constitutes a robust intellectual property asset covering a specific pharmaceutical compound and its therapeutic applications. Its claims are structured to protect key structural features and uses, while its landscape integration indicates a comprehensive international patent strategy. Stakeholders must analyze claim scope meticulously for enforcement, licensing, or freedom-to-operate assessments and incorporate the patent’s lifecycle considerations into strategic planning.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s scope predominantly covers a specific chemical compound, its derivatives, and therapeutic methods, providing significant market exclusivity.
- Precise claim language targeting structural features and therapeutic use is critical for enforceability.
- The patent landscape indicates global filing strategies, with the potential for patent family-related protection.
- Expiration within the next few years underscores the need for lifecycle planning and potential development of follow-up patents.
- Licensing and enforcement strategies should consider the strength and breadth of claims against evolving similar compounds and prior art.
FAQs
1. What is the primary invention protected by patent KR20060105807?
It protects a specific pharmaceutical compound, its derivatives, and therapeutic uses, primarily targeting a particular disease or condition.
2. How broad are the claims within this patent?
The claims encompass the chemical structure, synthesis methods, compositions, and uses, with scope depending on structural details and functional features specified.
3. Can competitors develop similar drugs around this patent?
Yes, if they design compounds outside the scope of the patent claims or use different mechanisms, though they must carefully navigate the claim boundaries to avoid infringement.
4. What is the patent’s expiry date, and how does it affect market exclusivity?
Typically, the patent expires 20 years from the filing date (around 2026-2027), after which generics may enter the market unless extended by regulatory data protections.
5. How does this patent fit into the global patent landscape?
It likely forms part of a larger patent family filed in multiple jurisdictions to secure international protection, reflecting strategic planning for widespread market control.
Sources:
[1] South Korea Patent Office (KIPO) – Official patent publication database.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) – Patent Family Data.
[3] Patent claims and legal analyses contextualized from standard pharmaceutical patent practices.[4] Industry reports on pharmaceutical patent strategies.
(Note: All citations are indicative for contextual reference; specific legal and patent databases should be consulted for detailed legal validation.)
