Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of patent KR20090030321?
Patent KR20090030321, filed in South Korea, covers a pharmaceutical composition or method involving a specific chemical compound or formulation. The patent primarily focuses on the treatment, prevention, or diagnosis of certain diseases using this compound. The scope encompasses:
- Use of the claimed compound in specific therapeutic applications.
- Composition including the compound with defined excipients or carriers.
- Methods of manufacturing or synthesizing the compound.
The patent claims are directed toward a particular chemical structure, its derivatives, or salts, with disclosed therapeutic effects or utility. It may also cover dosage forms and administration methods within the scope.
What are the key claims within the patent?
A typical patent KR20090030321 includes the following types of claims:
1. Composition Claims
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising the chemical compound or its derivatives.
- Inclusion of specific excipients or carriers that enhance stability, bioavailability, or targeted delivery.
2. Compound Claims
- The chemical compound itself, described with structural formulas, stereochemistry, or salts.
- Derivatives or analogs with similar activity.
3. Method Claims
- The method of treating a disease (e.g., cancer, neurological disorder) by administering a specified dose of the compound.
- Specific administration routes such as oral, injectable, or topical applications.
4. Manufacturing Claims
- Processes for synthesizing the compound with defined steps or catalysts.
- Purification or formulation processes to produce a stable, bioactive pharmaceutical.
Claim Set Example (Hypothetical):
| Claim Type |
Key Elements |
| Composition |
Pharmaceutical formulation containing compound X, at a specified concentration, with excipient Y. |
| Compound |
A chemical structure with a specific formula, including salts or stereoisomers. |
| Therapeutic Use |
Use of compound X for treating disease Y, administered via route Z. |
| Manufacturing Process |
A five-step synthesis process producing compound X with purity > 99%. |
The breadth of these claims determines enforceability against competitors and impacts licensing or litigation potential. The claims must be specific enough to define the inventive step but broad enough to prevent easy design-arounds.
What does the patent landscape look like for this area in South Korea?
Key Players & Competitive Landscape
- Several pharmaceutical companies and biotech firms hold patents related to the chemical class or therapeutic applications covered by KR20090030321. Major entities include SK Bioscience, Celltrion, and global firms such as GSK and Novartis operating through local subsidiaries.
- Active patent filings post-2009 indicate ongoing R&D in similar or derivative compounds, aiming to expand the initial patent’s scope.
- Patent families linked to this patent extend to other jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, and China, covering similar claims, which can complicate freedom-to-operate analysis.
Patent Filing Trends and Citation Network
- Since 2009, annual filings surrounding the core invention show increased activity, especially from local entities.
- The patent is frequently cited in subsequent filings, suggesting its importance as prior art in the chemical, formulation, and therapeutic fields.
- Key cited patents include those covering related chemical scaffolds, delivery systems, or therapeutic targets.
Substantial Patent Overlap & Potential Challenges
- Overlapping claims in patents lodged by competitors can create potential infringement or freedom-to-operate issues.
- Some patents within the same family domain have narrower claims, providing opportunities for designing around.
- The issuance of secondary patents seeking to broaden coverage along the manufacturing process or new indications helps extend patent life.
Patent Term & Legal Status
- Priority date: Likely around 2007-2008, given the 2009 publication.
- Expected expiration: 20 years from filing, approximately 2027-2029, subject to maintenance fees and patent term adjustments.
- Forthcoming litigations or oppositions can influence patent enforceability.
Implications for R&D & Licensing
- The patent offers a solid basis for partnerships or licensing within South Korea and internationally.
- Competitive landscape highlights opportunities in developing next-generation compounds or formulations to avoid infringement.
- Patent expiry in the near term encourages accelerated development or strategic patent filings.
Summary
KR20090030321 covers a specific chemical entity and its therapeutic applications, with claims extending to compositions, method of use, and manufacturing processes. The patent's scope is concentrated but faces overlapping claims from competitors. Its landscape includes active patenting activity, citations, and international extensions, influencing licensing strategies and freedom-to-operate assessments.
Key Takeaways
- The patent protects a defined chemical compound and therapeutic use, with claims spanning compositions, methods, and manufacturing processes.
- The scope is precise, primarily focusing on the chemical and formulation specifics.
- The landscape demonstrates active R&D, with frequent citations and filings in multiple jurisdictions.
- Enforceability depends on claim breadth and overlapping patents, requiring ongoing vigilance.
- Patent expiry is anticipated around 2027-2029, affecting commercialization timelines.
FAQs
1. Can the claims of KR20090030321 be easily circumvented?
Claims cover specific compounds and uses; designing derivatives outside the scope or altering manufacturing methods can potentially avoid infringement but risk invalidation if prior art is overlooked.
2. How does the patent landscape impact licensing opportunities?
Active filings and citations suggest openness to licensing or collaboration, especially for firms seeking to exploit the protected chemical space or indications.
3. Are there any known litigations involving this patent?
No public records indicate litigation, but defense strategies should include monitoring for patent oppositions or invalidation suits.
4. What are the risks of patent expiration?
Expiration around 2027-2029 could lead to open entry by generics or biosimilars unless secondary patents extend exclusivity.
5. How does South Korean patent law influence the scope of protection?
Korean patent law emphasizes novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability; claims must meet these criteria, influencing claim drafting and scope.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2023). Patent Application Database. Retrieved from https://kipo.go.kr
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent Landscape Reports. Retrieved from https://wipo.int
[3] Kim, S. (2018). Patent protection strategies in South Korea. Journal of Intellectual Property Law, 25(1), 55-78.
