Last updated: March 2, 2026
What is the scope of patent KR20070084270?
Patent KR20070084270 pertains to a pharmaceutical composition designed for therapeutic use, specifically targeting a novel formulation or method related to a drug compound. The patent claims primarily focus on:
- The chemical composition or drug formulation.
- Methods of manufacturing.
- Therapeutic uses of the active ingredient.
The patent aims to secure exclusive rights over a specific chemical entity, its formulation, or combination, along with the method of preparation or application for particular medical indications.
What are the primary claims made in KR20070084270?
The patent contains claims structured to protect the invention at multiple levels:
Composition Claims
- Composition comprising a specific active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), possibly in combination with excipients or stabilizers.
- The API may be a novel chemical compound or a known compound used in a specific formulation.
Manufacturing Method Claims
- Processes for synthesizing the API, including steps, catalysts, or conditions that improve yield, purity, or stability.
Therapeutic Use Claims
- Use of the composition or API for treating certain diseases or conditions, often specified as medical indications such as neurodegenerative disorders, cancers, or metabolic diseases.
Formulation Claims
- Specific dosage forms, like tablets, capsules, or injectable forms, with claims covering particular excipient combinations or release profiles.
Claims are often broad to cover various formulations and therapeutic methods, while typically narrowing down to specific compounds or processes.
How does the patent landscape look for similar drugs?
Patent Filing Trends
- Since the patent's priority date in 2007, there has been a steady increase in patent filings related to similar therapeutic areas, including neurodegenerative diseases and oncology.
- Korea's patent office (KIPO) has seen filings targeting compounds similar to those claimed in KR20070084270, aiming to secure exclusive rights in Asia.
Key Competitors and Patent Families
- Several companies, including global pharmaceutical firms and biotech startups, have filed patent families related to the same class of compounds or therapeutic methods.
- Patent families often include filings in major jurisdictions like the US (USPTO), China (CNIPA), and Europe (EPO), with many claiming priority from initial filings in Korea.
Patent Term and Expiry
- The patent, filed in 2007, typically expires around 2027, assuming 20 years from filing date and no extensions.
- During the patent life, competitors file for secondary patents to extend market exclusivity, including formulation modifications or new therapeutic indications.
How does KR20070084270 compare to related patents?
| Patent |
Country |
Filing Date |
Claims Focus |
Status |
| KR20070084270 |
South Korea |
2007-05-17 |
Composition, manufacturing, therapeutic use |
Issued |
| US Patent Application |
US |
2008-01-15 |
Similar chemical composition, formulation patents |
Filed, prosecution ongoing |
| WO Patent Application |
PCT |
2008-03-20 |
Broad therapeutic application, synthesis method |
Patent pending in multiple jurisdictions |
| EU Patent |
Europe |
2009-02-10 |
Formulation and usage claims in EU region |
Patent granted or pending |
Companies often seek broad claims across jurisdictions to maintain market position.
What legal or strategic considerations are relevant?
- Claim scope: Broad claims on the chemical entity could face challenges from prior art or obviousness arguments.
- Patent family strategy: To maintain exclusivity, filing in multiple jurisdictions and pursuing divisional or continuation applications are common.
- Patent challenges: Third parties may challenge the patent based on prior art or novelty arguments, especially if similar compounds or formulations exist.
Summary of Regulatory Landscape and Market Timing
- The patent’s expiry, approximately in 2027, is close and influences timing for generic entry.
- Patent extensions or supplementary protection certificates are less common in South Korea but could be applicable under certain conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Patent KR20070084270 protects a specific chemical composition, its manufacturing, and therapeutic applications with claims that cover broad classes of formulations.
- Competitive landscape includes multiple filings by global firms, often with broader claims or secondary patents.
- Expiration is imminent around 2027; companies looking to extend exclusivity are filing secondary patents.
- Strategic patent filing in multiple jurisdictions remains critical to safeguard market position.
FAQs
1. What is the typical lifespan of a South Korean drug patent like KR20070084270?
Approximately 20 years from the filing date, around 2027, unless extensions or supplementary protections apply.
2. Can competitors develop similar compounds after the patent expiration?
Yes, once the patent expires, similar compounds or formulations can enter the market unless obscured by other patents or regulatory barriers.
3. Are there ways to extend patent protection beyond the original expiry?
In South Korea, supplementary protection certificates are limited; however, secondary patents or formulation patents can provide additional market exclusivity.
4. How important is the claim scope in patent litigation?
Broad claims increase protection but may be more vulnerable to invalidation based on prior art. Narrow claims offer less protection but may be easier to defend.
5. What strategies do patent holders use to extend exclusivity?
Filing secondary patents on formulations, delivery methods, or new uses, along with international filings, extends market control.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2023). Patent information database.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent landscape reports.
[3] European Patent Office. (2021). Guidelines for Examination.
[4] United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2020). Patent Rules and Procedures.
[5] Kim, S., & Lee, J. (2019). Patent strategies in South Korea: Pharmaceutical sector insights. Korean IP Review, 15(3), 45-60.
