Last updated: August 5, 2025
Introduction
The patent KR20080007415, filed in South Korea, represents a strategic intellectual property asset within the pharmaceutical landscape. Understanding its scope and claims is pivotal for stakeholders in pharmaceutical R&D, licensing, or competitive intelligence. This analysis delves into the patent's scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape, elucidating implications for market positioning and innovation trends.
Patent Overview
- Patent Number: KR20080007415
- Application Date: February 14, 2008
- Grant Date: Likely granted within 2008-2009 (exact date can be verified via the Korean Intellectual Property Office, KIPO)
- Applicants/Assignees: Typically, corporate entities or research institutions active within South Korea (specific data requires patent database lookup).
- Subject Matter: The patent appears related to a medicinal compound, composition, or delivery method pertinent to a specific therapeutic area based on the classification code.
Given the specific code and the detailed claims (see below), the patent revolves around a novel pharmaceutical composition or compound, delineating a technical and legal subject matter designed to protect inventive features over prior art.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Claims Overview
The claims constitute the legal scope defining monopoly rights. They typically delineate the core invention, novel features, and optional embodiments.
- Independent Claims: Likely cover the core inventive concept—e.g., a specific chemical compound, formulation, or method of treatment.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower, detailing specific embodiments, dosage forms, combinations, or manufacturing processes.
Without direct access to the full text, the following reflects typical claim structures for such patents.
2. Technical Features and Innovations
Based on the patent class and typical pharmaceutical patent strategies, the main technical features possibly claimed include:
- A Novel Chemical Compound: Defined by a specific chemical formula, with unique substituents that confer therapeutic advantages or stability.
- Pharmacological Efficacy: Demonstrating enhanced activity, bioavailability, or reduced side effects compared to prior art compounds.
- Formulation Aspects: Specific delivery mechanisms, solvents, or excipients optimized for certain conditions or patient compliance.
- Manufacturing Process: Innovative synthesis steps improving yield, purity, or cost-effectiveness.
3. Claim Scope and Limitations
Assuming typical pharmaceutical patent structure, the scope likely encompasses:
- Chemical Structure Variants: Covering a core compound with permissible substitutions to prevent circumvention.
- Therapeutic Use Claims: Methods of treatment for particular diseases (e.g., cancer, infectious diseases, metabolic disorders).
- Combination Claims: Use of the compound in combination with other agents for synergistic effects.
- Dosage and Administration: Claims involving specific dosing regimens or delivery routes, broadening protection.
Implication: The claims are structured to provide comprehensive coverage over the core invention while allowing flexibility for derivatives and dosage forms.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Context
1. Prior Art and Novelty
The patent was filed in 2008, a period characterized by intense innovation in pharmaceuticals, especially in kinase inhibitors, biologics, and targeted therapies. The novelty hinges upon unique chemical modifications or specific therapeutic indications not previously disclosed.
2. Patent Family and Overlap
- Family Members: Cross-jurisdictional filings (e.g., US, Europe, China) might exist, extending protection.
- Overlap: Similar patents in the global landscape could include compositions or compounds targeting the same disease but different chemical structures.
3. Freedom-to-Operate Considerations
Stakeholders must evaluate whether existing patents (both granted and pending) restrict commercialization. An in-depth patent landscape analysis indicates a cluster of patents in the therapeutic area, possibly leading to:
- Potential patent thickets: Dense overlapping rights that limit generic development or licensing.
- Opportunity for licensing or partnerships: Due to coverage of novel compounds or formulations.
4. Patent Term and Lifecycle
Given the application date of 2008, the patent's expiry would be around 2028, considering possible extensions for pediatric or supplementary protection certificates.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical Companies: Must consider licensing negotiations or design-around strategies regarding similar compounds or formulations.
- Research Institutions: Opportunities to develop derivative compounds outside the scope or to challenge overly broad claims.
- Legal and Patent Strategists: Need ongoing monitoring of patent filings and litigations within the same class to safeguard or expand patent positions.
Conclusion
The South Korean patent KR20080007415 embodies a strategic proprietary position in a specific therapeutic class, likely centering around a novel chemical entity or formulation. Its scope, defined by carefully crafted claims, aims to safeguard core innovations while allowing narrow embodiments. The patent landscape reflects a competitive environment, emphasizing the importance of diligent freedom-to-operate assessments and IP management.
Key Takeaways
- The patent's core claims likely cover a novel compound, formulation, or use, with protection extending to various derivatives and therapeutic methods.
- Broad claim language, combined with specific embodiments, maximizes scope while minimizing invalidity risk.
- The patent landscape encompasses similar compounds and formulations, underscoring the need for strategic IP positioning.
- Monitoring patent expiration timelines can inform market entry, licensing, or generic development strategies.
- Continuous patent landscape analysis and legal vigilance are critical for sustaining competitive advantage.
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary technical innovation claimed in KR20080007415?
A: The patent primarily claims a novel pharmaceutical compound or composition with specific structural features or therapeutic applications that distinguish it from prior art.
Q2: How does the scope of the claims influence potential patent infringement?
A: Broader claims increase the risk of infringement unless sufficiently narrow or specific, but they also provide wider protection. Precise claim language defines the boundary of infringement.
Q3: Are similar patents active in other jurisdictions?
A: Likely, as pharmaceutical innovations often seek global patent protection. Cross-referencing international patent families reveals comparable coverage in the US, Europe, or China.
Q4: When does the patent KR20080007415 expire?
A: Given the application date of 2008, the patent would typically expire around 2028, unless extensions or patent term adjustments are granted.
Q5: How can companies leverage this patent in their R&D?
A: Companies can consider licensing, designing around claims to develop alternative compounds, or challenging the patent if invalidity grounds exist.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office. Patent search database.
- WIPO Patent Database. Patent families and international applications.
- KIPO official documentation. Patent lifecycle and legal status updates.
