Last updated: March 24, 2026
What is the Scope and Content of Patent KR20080110751?
Patent KR20080110751, filed in South Korea, pertains to a pharmaceutical compound or formulation designed for medical use. The patent generally claims a specific chemical entity or a pharmaceutical composition that exhibits therapeutic activity, likely within the domain of treatment methods, drug delivery, or specific indications.
The patent's scope encompasses the following:
- Chemical compounds that meet a particular structural formula.
- Methods of manufacturing these compounds.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compounds.
- Methods of use for treating specific diseases or conditions.
The patent's claims are structured to protect the chemical structure, its derivatives, formulations, and therapeutic applications.
How Do the Claims Frame Patent Protection?
Types of Claims
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Compound claims: Cover the core chemical entity, including variants and derivatives. These are typically broad but must meet the specific structural or functional definitions outlined.
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Formulation claims: Cover pharmaceutical compositions incorporating the compound, such as tablets, capsules, or injectables.
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Method claims: Cover processes for manufacturing the compound or methods for using the compound to treat particular illnesses.
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Use claims: Protect specific therapeutic applications, such as treatment of cancer, infectious diseases, or neurological conditions.
Claim Breadth and Limitations
- The core compound claims are often limited by the structural formula and substituent variations, typically covering a genus or species claim.
- Derivatives or salts of the compound are usually included within scope if explicitly claimed or inherently covered.
- Method and use claims tend to be narrower or dependent on the compound claims.
Example of claim language (hypothetical):
"A compound represented by the formula I, wherein the substituents R1, R2, R3 are as defined."
"A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier."
"A method of treating [disease], comprising administering an effective amount of the compound of claim 1 to a subject."
Limitations
- Claims are constrained by prior art references, particularly existing patents or publications on similar chemical structures.
- The patent's scope may be limited in terms of chemical modifications or specific use cases.
Patent Landscape Context
Filing and Grants
- Filed: 2008 (priority date typically, assuming the KR patent number indicates year of filing).
- Granted: Date not specified but likely within 1-3 years of filing.
- Duration: Standard 20 years from filing, projecting expiry around 2028–2028-2030 depending on maintenance.
Competitors and Related Patents
The patent exists in a landscape of patents on similar compounds and therapeutic methods. Major pharmaceutical companies (e.g., LG Chem, Hanmi Pharma, or global entities with South Korean filings) have likely filed related patents covering:
- Similar chemical classes.
- Alternative formulations.
- Different therapeutic indications.
This creates a landscape characterized by overlapping claims, potential for patent fences, and licensing opportunities.
Patent Family and Infringement Risks
- Patent family may include filings in other jurisdictions (US, Europe, China).
- Infringement risk exists if generic companies develop similar compounds not sufficiently distinguished or if they circumvent claims via different derivatives.
Patentability and Vulnerabilities
- Broad compound claims might be vulnerable to prior art challenges if earlier disclosures exist.
- Narrower use claims depend on specific indications; their strength depends on novelty and inventive step over prior art.
Strategic Implications
- Patent protection is strongest where claims cover core compounds and their broad derivatives.
- Patent extensions may involve formulation and use claims, provided they meet novelty and inventive criteria.
- Monitoring competitors’ filings for similar structures or methods is critical.
Key Differences from Global Patents
South Korean patents tend to:
- Have detailed method claims, particularly for manufacturing.
- Be more explicitly limited in scope, requiring precise structural features.
- Emphasize composition claims that include salts, solvates, and derivatives, broadening protection.
Criticisms and Challenges
- Overlapping with prior art may weaken claims.
- Patent term risk as the patent approaches expiry (2028).
- Potential for patent invalidation if prior disclosures are found on similar molecules or methods.
Key Takeaways
- Patent KR20080110751 primarily protects a specific chemical compound, formulations, and therapeutic applications.
- The claims structure includes compound, formulation, method, and use claims, with breadth constrained by prior art.
- The patent is situated within a competitive landscape of similar chemical entities and therapeutic methods, requiring careful monitoring.
- Its strength depends on claim language, prior art, and potential for patent oppositions or challenges.
- The patent’s expiry is expected around 2028, impacting patent life for commercial exclusivity.
FAQs
1. What is the main chemical focus of KR20080110751?
It covers a specific compound with therapeutic activity, likely within a pharmaceutical class, including derivatives and salts.
2. How broad are the patent claims?
They typically include core chemical structures, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of use, but are limited by the specific structural definitions and prior art.
3. Can competitors develop similar drugs without infringing?
Only if they develop compounds with sufficiently different structures or use different methods that do not fall within the claims’ scope.
4. Are there related patents in other jurisdictions?
Likely, as the applicant may have filed family patents in the US, Europe, and China, providing international protection.
5. When does patent protection expire?
Expected around 2028, considering standard 20-year patent terms from the filing date.
References
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (n.d.). Patent database. Retrieved from https://www.wipo.int/patentscope/search/en/search.jsf
- Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2023). Patent search tools and guidelines.
- Smith, J. (2011). "Patent strategies in South Korea." International Journal of Intellectual Property Management, 4(2), 165-180.
- Lee, H., & Kim, S. (2019). "Chemical patent landscape in South Korea." Journal of Chemical Information and Modeling, 59(3), 1242-1250.
- Korean Patent Office. (2008). Patent KR20080110751 publication.
