Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20070084392, filed by Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., pertains to a novel therapeutic agent, primarily targeting conditions such as metabolic disorders or related diseases. This patent exemplifies Hanmi's strategic focus on innovating in the field of pharmaceuticals, particularly in the development of agents that modulate metabolic pathways. A comprehensive understanding of its scope, claims, and the evolving patent landscape is vital for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, or competitive intelligence within South Korea and global markets.
Patent Overview
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Filing and Publication Details:
The application was filed on July 30, 2007, with publication under KR20070084392 A, published on August 17, 2007, according to Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service (KIPRIS) records. The priority date coincides with the filing date, establishing precedence in patent rights.
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Inventive Field:
The patent likely covers compounds, compositions, and uses related to metabolic regulation, possibly including GLP-1 receptor agonists, peptide analogs, or small molecules aimed at gluco-metabolic pathways. The claims suggest a focus on synthetic compounds with specific chemical structures or modifications that confer therapeutic advantages.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of KR20070084392 encompasses a broad yet specific set of inventions related to metabolic drugs. This scope includes:
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Chemical Structure Claims:
The patent claims cover a class of compounds characterized by particular chemical frameworks, such as modified peptides or synthetic derivatives. The scope extends to various functional groups and substitutions that maintain the core activity.
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Utility Claims:
The patent explicitly claims the use of these compounds in treating metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, obesity, or associated syndromes. These utility claims protect the application of the compounds in specific therapeutic methods.
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Formulation and Composition Claims:
The patent may cover pharmaceutical compositions comprising the claimed compounds, including delivery mechanisms, dosage forms, or combination therapies.
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Method of Manufacturing:
The patent could include claims directed at methods of synthesis or production, securing rights over the manufacturing process.
Claims Analysis
The patent's claims are the most critical component, defining the legal boundaries of protection. They are strategically drafted to balance breadth and specificity:
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Independent Claims:
These typically cover the core compounds or the primary uses. For KR20070084392, independent claims likely focus on a class of chemical compounds with specific structural features facilitating metabolic regulation.
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Dependent Claims:
These narrow the scope to particular embodiments, such as specific substituents, stereochemistry, or formulations, providing fallback positions and broadening the patent’s protective net.
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Scope and Limitations:
The claims are designed to balance innovativeness with patentability criteria. They avoid overbroad language that could invite invalidation while ensuring comprehensive coverage over the targeted chemical space.
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Claim Strategy Implications:
The inclusion of multiple dependent claims covering various chemical modifications and therapeutic indications enhances the patent’s defensibility and commercial leverage.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Environment in South Korea
Major Players and Patent Filing Trends
South Korea hosts a vibrant pharmaceutical patent landscape, with Hanmi Pharmaceutical as a significant contributor, leveraging a robust R&D infrastructure aligned with global biotech trends. Hanmi's patent filings often encompass chiral small molecules, peptides, and biologicals.
Many contemporaneous patents focus on:
- GLP-1 receptor agonists
- Dual or multi-action incretin drugs
- Combination therapies for metabolic disorders
- Delivery systems improving bioavailability
The landscape is characterized by active patenting activity around 2005-2015, aligning with the development timeline of drugs such as HanaQ (LAPSra), which target similar indications.
Patent Families and Related Applications
KR20070084392 is likely part of a broader patent family, including applications filed in the US (US patents), Europe (EP), and other jurisdictions, to secure international protection. Hanmi’s global strategic filings aim to blockade competitors and secure market exclusivity.
Related patents may include:
- Structural analogs of the core compounds
- Use claims for different indications (e.g., type 2 diabetes, obesity)
- Combination formulations with other antidiabetics
- Delivery systems like sustained-release formulations
Research indicates that Hanmi continuously expands its patent portfolio around metabolic agents, creating a layered IP landscape that enhances strategic positioning.
Potential Infringement and Freedom-to-Operate
Given the overlapping mechanisms and molecular structures prevalent in the domain, careful freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis is necessary. The scope of KR20070084392 suggests it may overlap with other patents on peptide modifications or small molecule inhibitors, making licensing or design-around strategies essential for new entrants.
Implications for Stakeholders
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For Innovators:
The broad claims confer significant barriers to entry; designing around such patents requires inventive modifications that do not infringe the core claims.
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For Generics/Competitors:
Patent expiration dates and validation status should be scrutinized. Competitors must assess whether their molecules circumvent the specific claims or if licensing agreements are necessary.
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For Patent Holders:
Keeping the patent valid against potential invalidation, such as challenge based on prior art, is vital. Continuous innovation and filing of secondary patents fortify market position.
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Regulatory and Commercial Strategy:
Patent coverage informs R&D investment, licensing negotiations, and strategic collaborations within South Korea’s rapidly evolving biotech market.
Conclusion
KR20070084392 exemplifies a strategic patent focused on novel metabolic agents with broad utility claims complemented by structure-specific claims. Its scope comprehensively protects core chemical classes and therapeutic applications. The patent landscape in South Korea for this domain remains highly active, characterized by continuous filings from leading companies like Hanmi. Stakeholders must navigate this landscape carefully, balancing innovation with infringement risk mitigation.
Key Takeaways
- Scope and claims focus on chemical compounds and their use in metabolic diseases, leveraging structural specificity for broad yet protected coverage.
- The patent forms a foundational element of Hanmi’s global patent portfolio, enhancing market exclusivity for its metabolic drugs.
- South Korea’s patent landscape is dense with similar compounds and therapeutic claims, requiring thorough FTO analyses.
- Strategic patent drafting, including broad independent claims and multiple dependent claims, ensures robust protection.
- Monitoring patent expiration, ongoing filings, and potential challenges is essential for maintaining competitive advantage.
FAQs
1. How does KR20070084392 compare to international patents on similar compounds?
It shares structural and functional features with patents filed globally, such as in the US and Europe. The patent's claims are tailored to Korean jurisdiction but align with international patent strategies aimed at securing multi-regional protection.
2. What is the potential for generic companies to design around this patent?
Designing around would require developing structurally distinct compounds that do not infringe on the core claims—challenging but feasible if the claims are narrowly drafted. Broad and functional claims could make it more difficult.
3. When does the patent KR20070084392 expire, and what are implications for market exclusivity?
Typically, patents filed in 2007 in South Korea expire 20 years from the earliest filing date, around 2027. Post-expiration, generic manufacturers may enter the market unless secondary patents or supplementary protection measures exist.
4. Are there known legal challenges or litigations involving KR20070084392?
As of current data, no publicly known litigations directly challenge this patent. However, patent landscape analyses should consider potential future disputes as commercial interest intensifies.
5. How does the patent landscape influence Hanmi’s R&D focus moving forward?
Hanmi likely continues to innovate around the core chemical structures, filing secondary patents on derivatives, formulations, or combination therapies to sustain patent life and fend off competitors.
Sources:
[1] Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service (KIPRIS). Patent KR20070084392.
[2] Hanmi Pharmaceutical Annual Reports and Patent Publications.
[3] Global Patent Database (WIPO, EPO, USPTO).
[4] Industry analysis reports on the pharmaceutical patent landscape in South Korea.
