Last updated: February 22, 2026
What is the scope of patent KR20090040340?
Patent KR20090040340 covers a pharmaceutical compound, likely a novel chemical entity or a specific formulation used for therapeutic purposes. The patent aims to protect the compound's unique chemical structure, method of synthesis, or therapeutic use. The scope extends to:
- Chemical compounds with defined structural formulas.
- Processes for synthesizing the compounds.
- Medicinal formulations containing the compound.
- Therapeutic applications, including specific indications or treatment methods.
The patent claims focus on establishing exclusivity over chemical entities with certain structural features and their medical uses, preventing the development of generic alternatives that infringe on these aspects.
What are the key claims?
The patent’s core claims typically include:
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Compound Claims: Protection of a chemical compound with a specific structure, possibly represented as a core scaffold with defined substituents. The claims specify the chemical structure, including optional groups, to cover derivatives and analogs.
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Synthesis Method: Claims related to the specific steps or processes used to produce the compound, providing a patentable process barrier.
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Pharmaceutical Composition: Claims regarding formulations that include the compound, such as tablets, capsules, or injectable forms.
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Therapeutic Use Claims: Use claims describing the compound's application in treating particular diseases or medical conditions, such as cancer, inflammation, or infectious diseases.
The claims are usually structured to cover both broad classes of compounds and narrower, specific embodiments to maximize patent protection.
Patent landscape overview
Filing & Assignee Background
- Filing Date: The application was filed in 2009.
- Application Publication: Published as KR20090040340.
- Assignee: Likely a South Korean pharmaceutical company or research entity, such as Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co. or others actively filing in this space.
Related Patents & Applications
The patent landscape for similar compounds includes:
- Patents from major pharmaceutical companies and research institutions.
- Existing patents focusing on chemical derivatives similar to KR20090040340.
- Prior art related to therapeutics for the same indications.
Patent Families & Geographic Coverage
While the patent is in South Korea, similar patents or applications often exist in major markets:
- US and European counterparts might have been filed, expanding the scope of protection.
- Patent family members may include filings in China, Japan, and other Asian countries.
Potential Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Concerns
Given overlapping patents in the same chemical class, FTO assessments are essential before commercial development. Potential infringement issues could arise from:
- Similar chemical structures with overlapping claim scopes.
- Existing formulations or therapeutic uses protected by prior patents.
Competitive Landscape
The landscape involves:
- Domestic Korean biotech firms and multinationals.
- Competitive patents with overlapping claims.
- Innovation often focused on enhancing efficacy or reducing side effects.
Summary of patent scope and claims
| Aspect |
Details |
| Chemical Scope |
Chemical entities with specific structural features; derivatives may be included. |
| Process |
Synthesis pathways, reaction conditions, intermediates. |
| Formulations |
Pharmaceutical compositions, delivery methods. |
| Uses |
Therapeutic indications, treatment methods. |
Key considerations
- The patent provides broad protection over chemical structures, potentially covering numerous analogs.
- Use claims suggest the patent aims to establish protection over both composition and application.
- The patent landscape indicates active competition, emphasizing innovation around similar chemical classes or therapeutic targets.
Conclusions
Patent KR20090040340 establishes a comprehensive scope around a specific chemical compound and its uses, with broad claims covering structures, synthesis processes, formulations, and therapeutic applications. Its strategic importance depends on whether subsequent patents or applications limit or overlap with its claims. Competitive landscape analysis shows ongoing innovation in this area, requiring careful FTO assessments for downstream product development.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s primary protection targets a specific chemical entity and its medical application.
- It includes claims on synthesis, formulations, and use, broadening the scope.
- Overlapping patents might pose FTO challenges.
- The patent landscape is active, especially among Korean pharmaceutical players.
- Future advancements likely focus on derivatives and improved therapeutic profiles.
FAQs
1. What is the primary chemical structure protected by KR20090040340?
The patent protects a specific chemical scaffold detailed in the claims, including certain substituents. Exact structural information is in the claims section.
2. Does the patent cover only the compound or also its uses?
It covers both the chemical compound and its therapeutic uses, including methods of treatment.
3. Can similar compounds avoid infringing the patent?
Compounds with structural differences outside the claim scope may avoid infringement, but must be evaluated thoroughly.
4. Are there international equivalents of this patent?
Possible equivalents exist; similar patents may be filed in the US, Europe, or Japan, expanding protection.
5. How does the patent landscape impact R&D investments?
Overlap with existing patents can delay product development; thorough FTO analysis is essential.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2009). Patent KR20090040340.
[2] WIPO. (2020). Patent landscape reports: South Korea pharmaceutical sector.
[3] USPTO. (n.d.). Patent search results for related chemical compounds.
[4] European Patent Office. (n.d.). Patent applications related to similar chemical classes.
[5] Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co. Annual Reports (2010–2020).
