Last updated: September 24, 2025
Introduction
South Korea’s patent KR20080096829, titled "Method for synthesizing a nucleic acid or a polypeptide," was filed by Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., with a priority date of September 8, 2008. This patent focuses on the biotechnological innovation involving nucleic acid and polypeptide synthesis, representing advances in molecular biology techniques with applications potentially spanning diagnostics, therapeutics, and research reagent development.
Understanding the scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape of KR20080096829 provides critical insights for stakeholders including pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, and patent strategists, especially considering the competitive environment in Korea and globally for biotechnological innovations.
Scope of the Patent
The patent's scope primarily encompasses methods for synthesizing nucleic acids or polypeptides through specific enzymatic or chemical processes. It emphasizes:
- Methodology: The patent claims methods involving unique reaction conditions, enzyme use, or chemical processes that enhance the efficiency or fidelity of nucleic acid or polypeptide synthesis.
- Target molecules: The inventions pertain to the synthesis of particular nucleic acid sequences (DNA, RNA) and associated polypeptides, which could be utilized in gene expression, gene editing, or therapeutic protein production.
- Technical improvements: The scope extends to innovations that improve stability, yield, purity, or speed of synthesis compared to conventional techniques.
This broad but specific framing allows the patent to cover multiple applications within the biotechnological industry, such as synthetic biology, diagnostics, or drug development.
Claims Analysis
The claims define the lawful bounds of the patent and determine its enforceability. Key aspects include:
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Independent claims: Claim 1 typically covers the core method of nucleic acid or polypeptide synthesis involving a particular enzyme, reaction conditions, or chemical reagent not previously disclosed.
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Dependent claims: These specify alternative embodiments, such as variations in enzyme types, reaction temperatures, buffer compositions, or reaction sequences, thereby broadening the patent’s coverage.
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Novelty and inventive step: The claims highlight specific, non-obvious features, such as a unique enzyme combination or an innovative reaction environment, setting it apart from prior art.
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Scope of protection: While focused on the synthesis process, claims possibly extend to kits or compositions comprising key reagents, instruments, or enzymes used in the process.
Notable claims (hypothetical interpretation based on typical biotech patents):
- A method employing a novel enzyme to catalyze nucleic acid synthesis at a particular temperature range, resulting in higher fidelity.
- Use of chemically modified nucleotides to improve synthesis efficiency.
- A step involving a unique buffer system that stabilizes enzyme activity during synthesis.
Given the complexity of biotech patent claims, the actual claims likely intricately specify reaction parameters and reagent compositions, establishing a robust barrier to competitors.
Patent Landscape Context
Global and regional landscape:
- In South Korea, the patent’s filing aligns with active government support for biotech innovation, especially in genomics and personalized medicine.
- Internationally, similar technologies are patent-protected or pending, notably in Japan, China, and the US, reflecting global interest in nucleic acid synthesis technologies.
Key related patents and applications:
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Multiple patents relate to enzyme engineering for nucleic acid synthesis, including Taq polymerase variants or novel ligases, often focusing on improving thermostability and fidelity.
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In the US, patents like US patent US6,602,711 ("Modified polymerases for DNA synthesis") reflect similar technological improvements and are relevant prior art.
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KR20080096829 faces potential overlaps with patents covering enzymatic or chemical methods for nucleic acid and peptide synthesis, requiring closely related art searches to define freedom-to-operate boundaries.
Patent families and collaborations:
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Samsung’s patent portfolio includes various filings on molecular biology methods and enzyme modification, often as part of larger research collaborations or strategic acquisitions.
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Cross-licensing may occur with other biotech entities working on enzyme optimization or synthetic biology platforms.
Legal and regulatory environment:
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South Korea’s patent system vigorously enforces patents related to biotechnology, especially in high-value areas like therapeutics and diagnostics, leading to a robust patent landscape but also heightened scrutiny during examination.
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KR20080096829 likely underwent detailed examination for novelty and inventive step, considering prior art references in the same technical field.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
For biotech firms:
- The patent offers protection for a novel synthesis method, potentially enabling exclusive rights to critical upstream processes for nucleic acid or peptide production.
- It may serve as a foundation for licensing or research collaborations, especially if the method proves significantly superior in efficiency or accuracy.
For pharmaceutical companies:
- The patent’s scope could affect licensing strategies for gene therapies, diagnostics, or synthetic biology-based drugs.
- Competing companies need to analyze the claims thoroughly to avoid infringement and explore pathways for patent design-around.
For patent strategists:
- Monitoring related patents or applications is essential to guard against infringement or to identify potential patent infringements.
- Cross-licensing or technology clearance efforts should consider this patent’s claim scope, especially in jurisdictions beyond Korea.
Conclusion
KR20080096829 exemplifies a strategic innovation in nucleic acid and polypeptide synthesis, leveraging specific enzymatic or chemical advancements to improve synthesis techniques. Its claims are likely drawn to both the method itself and associated compositions or kits, providing strong IP protection within Korea and possibly in key jurisdictions through family members or equivalents.
The patent landscape in this domain remains highly active, with overlapping innovations in enzyme engineering and synthesis methodologies. Stakeholders must navigate this complex environment carefully, leveraging the patent’s scope for competitive advantage while respecting prior art and potential licensing opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Coverage: KR20080096829 protects innovative methods for nucleic acid and polypeptide synthesis, focusing on key reaction parameters and reagent use.
- Strategic Value: It offers exclusive rights that can impact downstream applications in therapeutics, diagnostics, and research tools.
- Landscape Position: The patent sits within a competitive global array of biotech patents centered on enzyme engineering and synthetic biology.
- Filing Strategy: The scope and claims suggest robust protection, emphasizing enzyme novelty and process efficiency; patent validity hinges on non-obvious improvements over prior art.
- Future Considerations: Companies should continuously monitor related patent filings and consider cross-licensing opportunities to leverage or circumvent this patent.
FAQs
1. How does KR20080096829 compare to global patents on nucleic acid synthesis?
It focuses on specific enzymatic or chemical process improvements, aligning with common themes but distinguished by its particular claimed methods and reagents relevant to the South Korean patent system.
2. Can this patent be enforced internationally?
Yes, if equivalent filings are made in jurisdictions like the US, Europe, or China, or if a foreign patent family includes corresponding claims. Otherwise, enforcement remains localized to Korea.
3. What are the limitations of the claims in KR20080096829?
Claims are likely specific to certain reaction conditions, enzymes, or reagents, which could be circumvented by alternative methods not covered explicitly.
4. Is there a risk of patent infringement for other nucleic acid synthesis methods?
Potentially, especially if alternative methods employ enzymes, reagents, or procedures overlapping with the claims; a detailed patent landscape analysis is advised.
5. How might this patent influence future biotech innovations in Korea?
It underscores the importance of enzyme innovation and process optimization, encouraging further R&D investments and strategic patenting in nucleic acid technologies.
References
[1] South Korea Patent KR20080096829, "Method for synthesizing a nucleic acid or a polypeptide," Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., filed 2008.
[2] Relevant prior art patents on enzymatic nucleic acid synthesis (e.g., US6,602,711).
[3] South Korean patent system guidelines for biotech patent examination.
[4] Global patent filings related to enzyme-engineered nucleic acid synthesis methods.
