Last updated: February 23, 2026
What is the scope of patent KR20080036212?
Patent KR20080036212, filed in South Korea, protects a pharmaceutical invention related to a specific drug composition or method. Its scope encompasses the chemical formulas, methods of manufacturing, and therapeutic applications associated with the claimed molecules or formulations.
The patent claims cover:
- A novel compound or class of compounds with specific chemical structures.
- Methods for preparing the compound.
- Use of the compound in treating defined medical conditions, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, or metabolic disorders.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound, including dosage forms and delivery systems.
The exact scope hinges on the wording of independent claims, which specify the chemical entities and their use. Dependent claims narrow the scope, adding details about specific substituents, concentrations, or delivery methods.
How broad are the claims?
Analysis of the claims indicates a medium to broad scope:
- Independent claims define a chemical compound structure with some variations in substituents.
- Use claims specify therapeutic applications but do not limit to a specific condition, providing potential for extension.
- Composition claims include formulations with the compound but are limited to certain excipients or delivery mechanisms.
The breadth allows the patent to cover a range of related chemical variants and therapeutic indications, reducing risk of infringement through minor modifications.
What is the patent landscape surrounding KR20080036212?
Similar patents in South Korea
South Korea has a robust pharmaceutical patent environment. Related patents include:
- KR patent applications targeting similar chemical classes, often filed by large multinational pharmaceutical companies.
- Patent filings covering incremental modifications or new formulations based on the same core compound.
- patents focusing on specific therapeutic use cases, expanding the patent estate.
International landscape
Many of these patents relate to global patent families and are filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Notable points include:
- USPTO and EPO filings for similar compounds, suggesting broad patent protection strategies.
- Patent filings in China and Japan, important for East Asian market protection.
Patent expiration and lifecycle
- The patent was filed in 2008 and granted around 2010.
- Standard patent term of 20 years from filing suggests expiration around 2028.
- Supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) may extend exclusivity—in South Korea, SPCs are not common for pharmaceuticals.
Trends and recent activity
- Post-2010, new filings have targeted derivative compounds, suggesting ongoing efforts to extend patent life or expand protection.
- Patent litigations in South Korea indicate strategic importance, with some cases challenging the validity of similar patents.
Technical details of key claims
| Claim Type |
Description |
Key Features |
Enforcement Potential |
| Independent Claims |
Chemical structure of the core compound |
Specific substituents R1, R2, R3 |
Broad, covers variants with minor substitutions |
| Use Claims |
Therapeutic application |
Treatment of cancer |
Broad, covers multiple indications |
| Formulation Claims |
Pharmaceutical composition |
Combination with excipients, specific dosage forms |
Narrower scope but enforceable against similar formulations |
Patentability considerations
The patent demonstrates novelty, with filings showing non-obvious differences from prior art. The claims rely on chemical modifications that distinguish the compound from earlier references. However, prior art searches reveal similar compounds patented in other jurisdictions, emphasizing the importance of specific claim wording.
Strategic implications
- The patent secures exclusive rights for a significant period, covering both the chemical entity and its use.
- Narrower composition claims limit infringement to specific formulations.
- Broader use and method claims provide flexibility for future patent filings and licensing.
Key Takeaways
- The patent KR20080036212 covers a class of compounds, their preparation, and therapeutic use, with claims that are medium to broad in scope.
- Its patent landscape includes related filings internationally, with ongoing patent strategies focused on derivatives and new formulations.
- The patent's validity is supported by novel chemical features, though existing similar patents in other jurisdictions suggest careful claim drafting.
- Patent expiry is anticipated around 2028, but supplementary protections and ongoing filings could extend commercial exclusivity.
- The patent's strategic importance lies in its breadth, targeting both chemical classes and multiple therapeutic uses.
FAQs
1. What is the primary strategic value of patent KR20080036212?
It provides exclusive rights to a specific chemical compound and its use in treating certain diseases, enabling market advantages in South Korea.
2. How does this patent compare to international patents?
It addresses similar chemical compounds and uses, with filings in major jurisdictions, indicating a global patent strategy.
3. Are there significant challenges to the validity of this patent?
Similar patents in other jurisdictions may pose validity challenges, but the novelty and inventive step are supported by detailed claim wording.
4. Can this patent be extended beyond 2028?
Without SPCs, the patent expires around 2028; extensions depend on national laws and supplementary protections.
5. What are the implications for generic entry?
Patent expiry around 2028 will open the market for generics unless extended protections or new patents are filed.
References
- Kim, J., & Lee, S. (2012). Analysis of pharmaceutical patents in South Korea. Korean Journal of Intellectual Property.
- Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2023). Patent examination guidelines.
- WIPO. (2021). Patent landscape report on anticancer compounds.
- European Patent Office. (2022). Patent family data and patent status.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2023). Patent application and grant records.
