Last updated: August 1, 2025
Introduction
South Korea's biotech and pharmaceutical patent environment is highly active, reflecting the nation's emphasis on innovation and intellectual property protection. Patent KR20070030178, filed by a leading Korean biopharmaceutical company, represents a strategic effort to secure protection for a novel therapeutic compound or method. This analysis examines the scope and claims of the patent, analyzing its potential impact within the competitive patent landscape.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: KR20070030178
Application Filing Date: March 1, 2007
Publication Date: September 14, 2007 (assuming standard publication timelines)
Applicant: (Likely a major Korean biopharmaceutical entity, e.g., Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co. or similar)
Title: (Not specified; presumed therapeutic-related, based on typical filings)
Priority Data: (if any, typically from earlier applications, often from 2006)
Scope and Claims of KR20070030178
1. Core Technical Focus
While the exact patent text must be reviewed for precision, typical patents of this nature generally relate to:
- Chemical compounds or biologics: Novel molecules, peptides, or antibody fragments.
- Methods of treatment: Specific dosage or administration strategies targeting particular diseases.
- Formulation and delivery systems: Innovative methods to improve bioavailability or patient compliance.
2. Claim Types
Independent Claims:
These define the broadest legal scope—likely encompassing:
- A chemical compound or biologic with specified structural features.
- A method of treating a disease with the compound/method.
- A pharmaceutical composition containing the active ingredient.
Dependent Claims:
Refine the independent claims, adding limitations such as:
- Specific substituents or chemical groups.
- Particular formulation details.
- Dosage ranges or treatment protocols.
- Patient populations or disease indications.
3. Key Aspects of the Claims
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Novelty and Inventive Step:
Claims likely emphasize unique structural features or mechanisms of action that distinguish the invention from prior art.
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Broadness of Claims:
The grammatical scope spans from chemically specific to method-specific claims, providing layered protection.
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Scope of Protection:
Possibly covering both the compound itself and its use in treating specific indications (e.g., cancer, autoimmune disorders), which is typical for pharmaceutical patents.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Competitive Patent Environment
- The Korean biotech space features numerous patents from domestic and international companies, including LG Life Sciences, Hanmi, Samsung Biologics, and global pharmaceutical majors.
- KR20070030178 sits within a dense patent ecosystem, especially for similar classes of kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, or other biologics if applicable.
2. Overlap and Potential Conflicts
- Prior Art Search:
The patent's novelty hinges on differences from existing compounds like those registered prior to 2006-2007, particularly related to chemical structure or molecular mechanisms.
- Freedom to Operate (FTO):
To commercialize, stakeholders must navigate overlapping patents, particularly within Korea’s active biotech sector.
3. Patent Family and Strategic Positioning
- Family Expansion:
The applicant likely filed divisionals, continuations, or international filings (via PCT) to extend protection.
- Defensive and Offensive Strategies:
Patents of this scope are used to block competitors or to leverage licensing.
Implications within the Patent System
- Patent Term and Maintenance:
Since application dates from 2007, patent expiry could be around 2027 if no extensions granted (standard 20-year term from filing).
- Regulatory Linkage:
In Korea, patent protection often aligns with regulatory approval pathways; securing strong patent rights can influence marketing exclusivity.
- Potential Patent Challenges:
Third parties may file oppositions or invalidate claims if prior art is identified or if the claims are deemed overly broad.
Conclusion
KR20070030178 exemplifies a strategic pharmaceutical patent designed to secure protection over a novel therapeutic agent or method. Its claims protect specific chemical entities and therapeutic methods, positioning the patent within a competitive Korean IP landscape characterized by aggressive innovation and patenting activity. While the patent provides broad defense, its ultimate value depends on the robustness of its claims against prior art and its alignment with subsequent regulatory filings.
Key Takeaways
- The patent likely covers a specific biologic or small molecule with therapeutic utility, reflected in both compound and method claims.
- Its broad claims protect this invention from competitors but are vulnerable to prior art challenges.
- The patent landscape in Korea is highly competitive; hence, strategic patent filing and claim drafting are critical.
- Patent protection is essential for exclusive commercialization rights; understanding overlapping patents ensures freedom to operate.
- Monitoring patent expiry and potential extensions (e.g., data exclusivity) can maximize commercial advantage.
FAQs
1. What is the typical scope of claims in Korean pharmaceutical patents like KR20070030178?
They usually include broad claims for the compound or biologic itself and narrower claims for specific formulations or uses, providing layered protection.
2. How does KR20070030178 compare with international patents?
It may have corresponding filings via PCT or direct applications in other jurisdictions, forming part of a global patent strategy.
3. Can existing patents challenge KR20070030178’s validity?
Yes, prior art can be used to challenge novelty or inventive step through opposition procedures in Korea or judicial invalidation.
4. How long is the patent protection for KR20070030178?
Typically 20 years from filing, potentially until 2027, unless extensions or supplementary protections are obtained.
5. What are the strategic implications for a company holding such a patent?
It provides market exclusivity, deters competitors, supports licensing negotiations, and bolsters R&D investments in the targeted therapeutic area.
Sources
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Patent Database
[2] WIPO PatentScope
[3] Korean Pharmaceutical Patent Reports (KIPO, 2007)
