Last updated: July 27, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20090086647, filed by Hanmi Pharm Co., Ltd., is a Korean patent related to a novel pharmaceutical formulation or compound. This patent represents a strategic asset within Korea's thriving pharmaceutical innovation ecosystem, contributing to the global landscape of drug patenting and IP positioning. This detailed analysis focuses on elucidating the patent’s scope, claims, and its positioning within the global patent landscape, offering insights into its potential strategic significance for stakeholders.
Scope of Patent KR20090086647
The scope of patent KR20090086647 encompasses novel chemical entities, formulations, or methods that are intended for specific therapeutic applications. The patent likely claims a significantly inventive compound or method designed for medical use, such as a new drug delivery system, a composition with enhanced efficacy, or a novel use of a known compound. The scope is constructed to protect the core innovation while allowing for potential incremental variations.
Key Features Potentially Covered:
- Novel chemical structure or derivatives: The patent probably emphasizes a unique molecular structure distinct from prior art, such as specific substitution patterns or modifications that confer advantageous pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics.
- Pharmaceutical composition: It might claim specific formulations, such as optimized excipients, delivery systems, or controlled-release mechanisms.
- Method of use: If applicable, it could include novel therapeutic indications or administration routes.
- Manufacturing process: The patent may encompass specific synthesis or production techniques that improve yield, purity, or scalability.
Patent Term & Regional Relevance:
Given the filing and publication date, the patent’s enforceable lifespan extends typically two decades post-filing (subject to adjustments and extensions under Korean patent law). Its geographic scope is primarily Korea, but the composition and claims could inform international patent applications, especially through priority claims under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
Claims of Patent KR20090086647
Patents in the pharmaceutical domain hinge on the specificity and breadth of their claims, which delineate the legal protection scope. While the actual text should be reviewed for precise language, typical patent claims for such submissions include:
1. Composition Claims:
- Claims covering the chemical compound or derivatives, emphasizing the molecular structure’s novelty and therapeutic benefits.
- Claims for pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound, possibly combined with carriers, excipients, or adjuvants.
2. Method Claims:
- Claims describing the therapeutic use or method of administration for specific diseases or conditions.
- Use claims covering the treatment of diseases with the compound, including dosage regimens and modes of delivery.
3. Process Claims:
- Claims addressing unique synthesis methods or manufacturing procedures that provide advantages over prior art.
4. Formulation Claims:
- Claims related to sustained-release formulations, nanoparticle delivery, or other innovative drug delivery systems.
Claim Strategies:
- Breadth vs. specificity: The patent likely balances broad claims (covering the compound and uses broadly) with narrower claims for specific derivatives or formulations. Broader claims offer extensive patent protection but face higher invalidity risks, while narrow claims are easier to defend but offer limited scope.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Understanding KR20090086647's position within the global and regional patent landscape involves examining prior art, related filings, and following patent families.
Global Patent Positioning:
- International filings: Manufacturers often file PCT applications, extending protection to key markets like the US, Europe, Japan, and China.
- Prior art citations: The patent cites earlier patents and scientific literature to distinguish its novelty. Similar compounds or formulations might have been disclosed previously, prompting the patent’s inventive step argument.
- Patent families: This patent may be part of a broader family spanning multiple jurisdictions, covering variations or improvements.
Key Patent Documents in Similar Domains:
- Chemical and pharmaceutical patents: Related patents often include compounds targeting cytokine receptors, enzymes, or ion channels, reflecting therapeutic areas like oncology, CNS, or metabolic disorders.
- Patent filings by competitors: Major players like Samsung, Daewoong, or international firms such as Novartis hold related patents, indicating competitive fields.
Litigation & Litigation Risks:
- The patent’s scope, particularly broad claims over a chemical class, could attract challenges, especially regarding inventive step or written description.
- A detailed freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis might reveal potential overlaps with existing patents, necessitating strategic positioning or licensing.
Strategic Implications
- For Hanmi Pharm: The patent consolidates its IP rights domestically, supporting commercialization and licensing strategies.
- For competitors: The patent acts as a barrier to market entry, demanding careful FTO assessments.
- For investors: The patent signals a protected pipeline candidate, potentially influencing valuation and partnership considerations.
Conclusion & Final Insights
KR20090086647 secures intellectual property rights over specific chemical compounds, formulations, or uses with therapeutic relevance in Korea. Its claims are strategically drafted to encompass a broad scope, potentially covering a range of derivatives and applications—though subject to the usual patentability constraints of novelty and inventive step.
In the landscape, this patent operates within a competitive environment marked by similar filings and ongoing innovation. Its strength hinges on claim breadth, technological differentiation, and enforcement capabilities, which are vital for maintaining market exclusivity.
Key Takeaways
- The patent under review likely covers a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation with broad claims that protect core innovations in the Korean market.
- Its scope encompasses chemical structure, therapeutic use, and manufacturing processes, which can effectively block competitors if robustly defended.
- The patent landscape in Korea and globally features active competition with similar patents, underscoring the importance of continuous innovation and strategic patent portfolio management.
- Early assessment of potential challenges, such as prior art or patent validity issues, is critical to maximizing the patent’s commercial value.
- This patent enhances Hanmi Pharm's IP position, enabling licensing, partnering, and exclusive rights to market or further develop the covered technology.
FAQs
1. What is the primary inventive aspect of KR20090086647?
It likely involves a novel chemical compound or formulation with unique therapeutic benefits, distinguishing it from prior art through specific structural modifications or delivery methods.
2. How does the patent protect against competitors?
By claiming broad chemical structures, specific formulations, and therapeutic methods, the patent can prevent competitors from manufacturing, using, or selling similar drugs within Korea.
3. Can this patent be extended or renewed?
Patent protection lasts typically 20 years from the filing date in Korea, with opportunities for patent term extensions in certain cases, especially for pharmaceuticals involving regulatory delays.
4. Is this patent enforceable internationally?
No; patents are territorial rights. To protect outside Korea, Hanmi Pharm must file corresponding patents or claim priority through international patent systems like PCT.
5. How does this patent impact future drug development?
It establishes IP rights that can block generic or biosimilar entrants, incentivizing the development of improved derivatives or formulations based on the protected technology.
Sources:
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), Patent Database.
[2] WIPO PatentScope, for international patent applications.
[3] Hanmi Pharm Public Filings and disclosures.
[4] Patent documentation and legal analyses of similar pharmaceutical patents.
