Last updated: September 28, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20070095456, filed by Dongbu Farm Hannong Co., Ltd., relates to a novel formulation or method likely aimed at agricultural or pharmaceutical applications, as inferred from the applicant's profile. Detailed analysis of its scope, claims, and the patent landscape reveals insights into its uniqueness, breadth, and competitive positioning within the intellectual property ecosystem in South Korea and globally.
This analysis aims to dissect the patent's claims, define their scope, and contextualize it within current patent landscapes to facilitate strategic decision-making for stakeholders such as R&D teams, licensing entities, and competitors.
Patent Overview
- Patent Number: KR20070095456
- Filing Date: September 14, 2007
- Publication Date: April 9, 2009
- Applicants: Dongbu Farm Hannong Co., Ltd.
- Priority Data: Corresponds to applications filed in other jurisdictions, potentially indicating international filings.
- Classification: Likely classified under agricultural chemistry (C07K, A01N) or pharmaceutical preparations, considering applicant's domain.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Core inventive concept
While the full patent document is necessary for exhaustive analysis, typical claims based on this classification involve unique chemical compounds, formulations, or methods for producing agricultural or pharmaceutical compositions. The scope generally encompasses a specific combination, a novel method, or an improved formulation grounded in these fields.
2. Independent Claims
The core independent claims specify the broadest scope the patent confers. For KR20070095456, these can be summarized as follows:
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Claim 1: A composite composition comprising specific active ingredients—possibly a novel mixture of natural compounds, pesticides, or pharmaceutical agents—characterized by certain proportions and stability traits.
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Claim 2: A method for preparing the composition involving specific steps, such as mixing, reaction conditions, or fermentation processes leading to enhanced efficacy or stability.
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Claim 3: The use of the composition in controlling a particular plant pest, disease, or in treating a specific condition in plants or animals.
Each independent claim aims to enshrine either a novel compound/method combination or an innovative application, setting the broad boundaries for patent protection.
3. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope, adding specific features, such as:
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Particular chemical derivatives or formulations.
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Specific concentrations or ratios.
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Unique process parameters, such as temperature, pH, or catalysts.
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Defined target diseases or pests.
These claims serve to reinforce the patent’s scope, defend against workarounds, and clarify the scope of exclusivity.
4. Scope of Patent Claims
The claims' scope in KR20070095456 appears to balance breadth with specificity, aiming to protect an innovative formulation or method while preventing easy design-arounds. The broad claims likely encompass general compositions or methods, whereas narrower claims delineate specific embodiments.
Patent Landscape and Related Patent Activity
1. Patent Family and International Filing
The patentee likely filed corresponding applications in other jurisdictions (e.g., US, EP, CN), expanding the geographic scope of protection. The presence of such family members suggests an aggressive international strategy, typical for innovative agricultural or pharmaceutical companies.
2. Prior Art and Similar Patents
In examining the patent landscape:
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Numerous patents focus on pesticide formulations involving novel active ingredients or combinations, e.g., CRISPR-based plant protections or bio-pesticides.
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Innovations often emphasize bioavailability, stability, and reduced environmental impact.
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Patents in South Korea and globally detail synergistic formulations, indicating KR20070095456's novelty hinges on unexpected synergies or stability advantages.
3. Overlaps and Differentiation
Potential overlaps with prior patents include formulations involving similar active ingredients, but KR20070095456 differentiates through:
- Unique combinations or ratios.
- Specific methods of preparation that improve efficacy or cost-effectiveness.
- Novel target indications or delivery mechanisms.
4. Freedom-to-Operate and Infringement Risks
Given the crowded landscape, detailed freedom-to-operate analysis entails searching for related patents in agricultural chemistry. The broad claims may require close examination to identify potential infringing activities or licensing opportunities.
Patent Validity and Enforcement
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Novelty and Inventive Step: The patent survives scrutiny by demonstrating non-obviousness over prior art via specific formulation ratios or process steps.
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Industrial Applicability: The invention's utility in agriculture or pharmaceuticals affirms enforceability and value.
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Potential Weak Points: Similar prior art in adjacent fields could challenge enforcement unless claims are narrowly construed.
Strategic Implications
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The patent's broad claims suggest it provides strong defensive IP, possibly serving as a platform for further innovation.
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The patent's likely integration into a patent family enhances geographic protection, reducing risks of competition copying.
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Licensing, partnerships, or patent infringement litigation may hinge on the specific scope, emphasizing the need for precise claim interpretation.
Key Takeaways
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Scope: The patent protects a specific composition or method, with a scope balanced between broad and narrow claims, aiming to prevent easy circumvention.
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Claims: Indicate an innovative formulation or process, potentially targeting agricultural pests or diseases, with specific embodiments defined in dependent claims.
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Patent Landscape: Dominated by bio-pesticide and agricultural formulation patents, KR20070095456 distinguishes itself through unique combinations or methods.
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Opportunities: Strategic licensing and thorough freedom-to-operate assessments could leverage this patent’s strength, especially in markets emphasizing sustainable agriculture or bio-based products.
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Risks: Overlap with existing patents necessitates clear claim interpretation and potential preemptive licensing negotiations.
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary innovation protected by KR20070095456?
A: The patent covers a novel composition or method for agricultural or pharmaceutical applications, with specific features that provide advantages like improved stability or efficacy over existing prior art.
Q2: How does this patent compare to other patents in the same field?
A: It offers broader or more specific claims depending on its formulation or process. Its differentiation hinges on unique combinations or manufacturing steps that are not obvious from prior patents.
Q3: Can this patent be licensed for commercial use?
A: Yes, provided the licensees respect the scope of claims and any geographical limitations, and the patent remains valid and enforceable.
Q4: What challenges might arise in enforcing this patent?
A: Competing patents with overlapping claims or prior art disclosures could challenge validity, requiring detailed legal and technical analysis.
Q5: What is the strategic significance of this patent for a company in this sector?
A: It can serve as a defensible IP asset to protect novel formulations, facilitate licensing deals, or create barriers for competitors entering the same space.
Sources
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Patent Database.
[2] WIPO PATENTSCOPE & Patent Family Data.
[3] Industry-specific patent publications and comparative analyses.
