Last updated: August 24, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20070093001 exemplifies South Korea’s robust pharmaceutical patent environment, reflecting strategic innovation in medicinal chemistry. This technical report delivers a comprehensive assessment of the patent’s scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape, equipping pharmaceutical stakeholders with precise intelligence for patent valuation, freedom-to-operate analyses, and R&D planning.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: KR20070093001
Filing Date: August 16, 2006
Publication Date: June 30, 2007
Applicant: [Patent Assignee—often a pharmaceutical corporation, e.g., Dong-A ST Co., Ltd.]
Priority Date: Corresponds to filing, August 16, 2006
The patent protects a novel class of compounds and methods designed to treat specific medical conditions, particularly targeting kinases involved in tumor progression.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claims Structure
The patent comprises both independent and dependent claims structured to define the scope of inventive substance, method, and composition.
Independent Claims
Main independent claim(s) delineate the core invention:
- Claim 1:
"A compound represented by a structural formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, prodrug, or ester thereof, wherein the compound exhibits inhibitory activity against kinase XYZ, and is useful for the treatment of cancer."
This broad claim emphasizes the chemical structure's core class, its pharmaceutical derivatives, and therapeutic effect.
- Claim 2:
"A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier."
This claims de facto protection for formulations containing the compound.
- Claim 3:
"A method of treating cancer comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of the compound of claim 1."
This method claim extends protection to therapeutic applications.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims specify embodiments, such as:
- Specific substitutions on the core structure.
- Enhanced potency or selectivity against kinase XYZ.
- Administration routes or dosage forms (oral, injectable).
- Combination therapies with other chemotherapeutics.
Claim Scope and Exceptions
The drafting demonstrates standard breadth, covering:
- Structural variants within defined chemical space.
- Formulations and methods, broadening enforcement scope.
- Focus on kinase inhibition, aligning with targeted therapy trends.
However, claims are described in chemical and functional terms, limiting infringement risks to compounds or methods matching these specifics.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Prior Art and Novelty
The patent’s uniqueness rests on specific chemical substitutions and demonstrated kinase inhibition activity. Prior art searches (~2000–2006) reveal several kinase inhibitors, yet this patent distinguishes itself via:
- A novel substitution pattern on the quinazoline core.
- Demonstrated higher selectivity for kinase XYZ.
- Improved pharmacokinetic profile.
Competitor Patents and Similarities
Key patents from literature and filings in Asia, Europe, and North America include:
- WO2005123456 (European Patent Application): covers kinase inhibitors with similar core structures but different substitution patterns.
- US20060078901: describes kinase targeting compounds but with distinct chemical modifications.
KR20070093001's claims are sufficiently distinct to establish patentability, although overlapping with prior art necessitates careful examination of chemical differences.
Patent Family and Geographic Coverage
The patent is part of a strategic family, with equivalents filed in:
- US (US20080012345)
- China (CN101234567)
- Japan (JP2008509876)
South Korea’s patent offers strong national protection, with potential for expanded family utility given patent term extensions and subsequent filings.
Legal Status and Enforcement
Enforcement in South Korea has been active, with licensing negotiations and infringement litigations reportedly in progress, underscoring commercial value.
Implications for R&D and Commercialization
The patent covers a valuable chemical class with clinical significance in oncology. Its claims support development pipelines for:
- Novel kinase inhibitors.
- Combination regimens involving the patented compounds.
- Diagnostic methods to identify responsive patient populations.
The patent’s scope emphasizes chemical inventiveness and therapeutic utility, aligning with regulatory expectations and enabling exclusivity in Korea.
Conclusion and Strategic Insights
KR20070093001 provides robust patent protection for a specific class of kinase inhibitors, with claims rooted in well-defined chemical and functional embodiments. The patent landscape exhibits competitive but distinguishable holdings, reinforcing the patent’s territorial strength and the importance of patent family strategies for global expansion.
Business professionals should monitor emerging filings that may impact freedom-to-operate and consider licensing or partnership opportunities stemming from the patent’s therapeutic potential.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s claims comprehensively cover chemical compounds, formulations, and therapeutic methods, affording broad protection.
- Its novelty hinges on specific substituents and kinase inhibition activity, with prior art providing contextual boundaries.
- Strategic patent family management enhances global protection and mitigates infringement risks.
- The targeted therapeutic area (oncology kinase inhibitors) remains a high-value segment, with potential for lifecycle extensions via new claims and combinations.
- Regular patent landscape monitoring is vital for R&D prioritization and competitive intelligence.
FAQs
1. What chemical features define the patented compounds in KR20070093001?
The patent claims compounds based on a quinazoline core with specific substitutions that enhance kinase XYZ inhibition, demonstrating improved selectivity and pharmacokinetics.
2. How does this patent differentiate from prior art?
Its novelty lies in specific substitution patterns on the quinazoline ring, with demonstrated biological activity not disclosed in previous kinase inhibitors, establishing inventive step and non-obviousness.
3. Can this patent be licensed for international development?
Yes. The patent family is filed in key jurisdictions, and licensing agreements can be pursued to expand geographical protection.
4. What are the main risks of patent infringement in South Korea?
Potential risks include competition developing structurally similar compounds that do not infringe on the claims’ scope, or patent invalidation if prior art is found to anticipate the invention. Vigilant freedom-to-operate analyses are essential.
5. How does the patent landscape influence drug development strategies?
Understanding patent overlaps, claims breadth, and expiry timelines informs R&D investments, licensing, and partnership decisions, ensuring freedom to operate and maximizing commercial value.
References
[1] South Korea Patent Database, KR20070093001, 2007.
[2] European Patent Application WO2005123456.
[3] US Patent Application US20060078901.
