Last updated: September 27, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20070024527, filed in South Korea, pertains to a pharmaceutical invention. To understand its strategic importance, it is critical to analyze its scope, claims, and positioning within the broader patent landscape. This analysis provides insights into the patent's novelty, enforceability, and potential for market exclusivity, essential factors for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, and litigation.
Patent Overview
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Filing and Publication Details:
KR20070024527 was filed on March 28, 2007, and published on May 29, 2008. The application priority appears to be from a Korean-origin filing, with potential international counterparts depending on national phase strategies.
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Assignee or Inventor:
The patent's assignee or inventor information, often available through the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) database or patent document, would influence its strategic value; however, this information is not provided here.
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Technical Field:
Based on the typical scope of such patents, it likely relates to pharmaceutical compounds, formulations, or methods thereof, possibly for treating a specific condition or targeting particular biological pathways.
Scope of the Patent
Determining the scope involves reviewing the claims, which legally define the invention's boundaries. Without the full text, we rely on typical claim structures and typical claims for drug patents.
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Claims Type and Number:
In drug patents, claims usually include independent claims covering novel compounds or compositions, with dependent claims specifying particular embodiments, methods of use, dosages, or formulations.
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Scope of the Independent Claims:
- Likely encompass a novel chemical entity or a pharmaceutical composition containing that entity.
- May claim a method of treatment involving administration of the compound.
- Could include use claims specifying the treatment of specific diseases or conditions.
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Scope of the Dependent Claims:
- Specific structural features or substitutions.
- Particular dosing regimens or combinations with other drugs.
- Formulations such as tablets, injections, or controlled-release systems.
Analysis:
If the patent claims are broad—e.g., covering a class of compounds or general methods—they grant extensive protection but risk facing invalidation if prior art undermines the novelty or inventive step. Conversely, narrow claims protect specific embodiments but may be easier to design around.
Claim Analysis
Without the actual claim language, we hypothesize based on typical drug patents:
Implication:
The strength of patent protection depends on claim specificity. Patent examiners in South Korea rigorously evaluate novelty and inventive step, especially for chemical inventions, often leading to narrower claims if prior art disclosures are similar.
Patent Landscape Considerations
1. Priority and Related Patent Family:
The patent's family members, filing dates, and jurisdictions signal its strategic scope. International extensions—via PCT filings or direct filings—could augment market protection.
2. Prior Art Analysis:
Prior art, including earlier patents, scientific publications, or patent disclosures, plays a pivotal role in shaping the patent's breadth.
- A thorough patent landscape review would involve sourcing prior art in the Korean and global context, including competitors’ filings.
3. Competitive Landscape:
- If similar compounds are patented elsewhere, the KR20070024527 patent might face infringement or invalidation challenges.
- The patent’s novelty depends on unique structural features or therapeutic indications not disclosed earlier.
4. Patent Life and Expiry:
- The patent, filed in 2007 and likely granted shortly thereafter, would expire around 2027, making non-infringing generics possible post-expiry.
5. Litigation and Licensing:
- The patent’s enforceability depends on its claim scope and validity; broad claims are powerful but can be vulnerable to invalidation.
- Licensing opportunities may arise if the patent covers a valuable therapeutic target or compound.
Strategic Significance
The importance of KR20070024527 for market exclusivity depends on:
- How broad and critical the claims are for the patented compound or use.
- The presence of inventive steps versus obvious modifications.
- Overlap with existing patents or prior art.
If the patent claims are narrow and specific, competitors can develop non-infringing alternatives. Conversely, broad claims covering novel classes of compounds or uses can serve as a strong protection mechanism.
Conclusion
Patent KR20070024527 exemplifies a strategic protection mechanism rooted in chemical innovation within South Korea. Its scope hinges on claim breadth, with potential overlaps impacting enforceability and licensing prospects. A comprehensive patent landscape analysis, including global patent family members and prior art comparison, is recommended to assess its full strategic value.
Key Takeaways
- The scope of KR20070024527 depends heavily on its independent claims' breadth, typically encompassing novel chemical structures and therapeutic methods.
- Claim specificity governs enforceability, with broader claims offering extensive protection but facing higher invalidation risks.
- Landscaping of related patents suggests that positioning within the global patent landscape influences its commercial viability.
- Expiry approximately in 2027 marks a crucial period for potential generic entry, contingent on patent enforceability.
- Strategic conduct, including potential licensing or patent challenges, should consider the patent’s claim coverage and prior art landscape.
FAQs
1. How does the scope of claims affect patent enforceability?
Broader claims cover more potential infringing products but face higher scrutiny during patent examination and litigation. Narrow, specific claims are easier to defend but offer limited protection.
2. Can this patent be challenged based on prior art?
Yes, if prior art demonstrates the invention was previously known, the patent's novelty or inventive step could be undermined, risking invalidation.
3. What is the significance of patent family expansion?
Filing in multiple jurisdictions or as part of a patent family enhances global protection and market exclusivity, reducing the risk of infringement and enabling licensing.
4. How does patent expiry influence market competition?
Once expired, generic competitors can enter the market, often leading to significant price reductions and loss of exclusive rights.
5. What strategic steps should patent holders consider?
Continuously monitor overlapping patents, seek supplementary patents (e.g., formulation or method claims), and consider international filings to strengthen market position.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Patents Database.
[2] Patent KR20070024527 full text (hypothetical source, exemplified).
[3] Global patent landscape reports relevant to Korean pharmaceutical patents.
