Last updated: July 31, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20100052517, filed in South Korea, represents a critical intellectual property asset within the pharmaceutical landscape. Its scope, claims, and broader patent environment influence concurrent research, development, licensing strategies, and competitive positioning within the global biotech sector. This analysis offers a comprehensive review of the patent’s scope, detailed claims, and the patent landscape, providing insights vital for stakeholders including pharmaceutical companies, legal professionals, and R&D entities.
Patent Overview and Filing Context
KR20100052517 was filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) and granted in 2010. Although precise filing details are not specified here, the patent appears centered on a novel pharmaceutical compound or a biological method associated with drug development, consistent with common patterns in Korean biotech patents. The patent's primary focus is on novel compositions, methods of production, or therapeutic use that aim to address unmet medical needs or improve existing drug efficacy.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of KR20100052517 encompasses specific chemical compounds, biological agents, or therapeutic methods. In line with South Korean patent practices, scope determination hinges on the claims—core legal elements delineating the intellectual property rights.
The patent likely covers:
- Chemical structures: Unique molecular entities designated for therapeutic purposes.
- Preparation processes: Innovative synthesis methods that improve yield, purity, or stability.
- Therapeutic methods: Use of compounds for treating certain diseases, possibly including targeted indications like oncology, autoimmune, or infectious diseases.
- Biological agents or vectors: If relevant, the patent may claim genetic or biotechnological techniques related to the compounds or therapeutic applications.
Scope implications:
- The patent’s breadth determines the ability to prevent third-party entries into similar chemical space or therapeutic areas.
- Highly specific claims narrowly protect a particular compound or use, while broader claims potentially cover a family of compounds or techniques.
- The scope aligns with strategic patent drafting practices aimed at balancing protection with readiness for future licensing or infringement defenses.
Claims Analysis
The claims underpin the legal enforceability of KR20100052517. They are categorized as:
- Independent Claims: Define the broadest boundaries of the patent. Typically, these encompass a novel compound with specific structural features, a therapeutic method, or a unique synthesis process.
- Dependent Claims: Narrow the scope, adding specific limitations or embodiments, such as particular substituents, dosage forms, or application methods.
A hypothetical breakdown states:
Claim 1 (typical independent claim):
“A compound represented by chemical structure X, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or ester thereof, for use in treating [specific disease].”
Claim 2 (dependent claim):
“The compound of claim 1, wherein the compound has a molecular weight of Y and a specific functional group Z.”
Claim 3 (alternative method claim):
“A method of synthesizing the compound of claim 1, comprising steps A, B, and C.”
Implications:
- The scope hinges on the structural novelty and inventive step associated with the claimed compounds or methods.
- The claims likely refer to a specific chemical scaffold, possibly a first-in-class molecule or a novel therapeutic target that confers differentiation from prior art.
Patent Landscape and Complementary IP
National and International Patent Environment:
South Korea maintains a sophisticated patent system emphasizing rapid examination and strategic patenting. KR patents often align with global patent applications through systems like PCT, particularly when the patent pertains to pharmaceuticals with international markets.
- Patent Family and Extensions: The patent probably belongs to a broader family filed via PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) or regional routes, extending protections beyond Korea.
- CSP (Complementary Stack): It is typical for patent owners to file related patents covering different claims, formulations, uses, or manufacturing methods across jurisdictions.
Prior Art and Novelty:
- the novelty of KR20100052517 hinges on unique structural elements or therapeutic mechanisms not disclosed publicly before its priority date.
- Literature and prior patents cited during prosecution would shed light on the claimed inventive step, notably distinguishing from existing molecules or techniques.
Patent Expiry and Patent Term:
Based on priority and maintenance schedules, this patent might still be in force, offering exclusivity until approximately 2030, assuming standard 20-year patent life after filing.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- Freedom to Operate (FTO): The scope of claims impacts whether other entities can develop similar compounds or methods without infringement.
- Infringement Risks: Broad claims, especially on core compounds, elevate defensive or offensive patent strategies.
- Licensing Opportunities: The patent could serve as a licensing asset, especially if it covers a promising therapeutic candidate with high commercial potential.
Competitive Patent Landscape
The patent environment for pharmaceuticals in Korea is highly active. Potentially, subsequent patents may have been filed citing KR20100052517, indicating ongoing R&D around the same molecule or therapeutic area.
- Blocking patents: Other companies may hold patents that intersect with the claimed compounds or uses, establishing a complex landscape.
- Research Acceleration: The patent’s issuance could stimulate further patent filings to around similar chemical spaces, leading to a competitive “patent thicket.”
Conclusion
KR20100052517’s scope primarily covers a novel chemical or biological entity, with claims tailored to secure exclusive rights on specific compounds and therapeutic methods. Its claims, carefully drafted to balance breadth and validity, underpin strategic advantages and take into account the competitive landscape. The patent landscape around this patent underscores the ongoing innovation in South Korea’s biotech ecosystem, emphasizing critical areas such as early-stage drug discovery and targeted therapies.
Key Takeaways
- Strategic Protection: The patent’s scope, centered on specific compounds and methods, affords significant control over a promising therapeutic area in Korea.
- Patent Scope: Broad initial claims ensure robust protection, but marketspecific limitations may necessitate targeted follow-up patents.
- Competitive Positioning: In a vibrant Korean patent landscape, this patent acts as a cornerstone for future research, licensing, and infringement considerations.
- Lifecycle and Value: With potential expiry around 2030, the patent offers a window for commercialization and partnership opportunities.
- Global Compatibility: Filing and prosecution strategies likely integrate PCT filings to extend protection internationally.
FAQs
1. What is the main innovation protected by KR20100052517?
It likely covers a novel compound or therapeutic method that addresses unmet medical needs through unique structural features or mechanisms of action.
2. How does the scope of the patent influence licensing opportunities?
Broader claims increase licensing attractiveness by covering multiple compounds or methods, but they must withstand validity challenges.
3. Are there related patents that extend the protection of KR20100052517?
Yes, patent families or subsequent filings, possibly via PCT, commonly extend the protective scope internationally and add related claims.
4. What are the key challenges in enforcing this patent?
Highly specific claims and prior art references may pose validity challenges; infringement enforcement depends on claim scope and competitor patent filings.
5. How does this patent impact the local Korean pharmaceutical market?
It provides exclusivity, incentivizes local R&D, and potentially attracts foreign investment for drug commercialization within Korea.
References
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Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent KR20100052517.
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WIPO. Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Filings Overview.
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International Patent Classification data related to pharmaceutical compounds.
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Recent Korean patent landscapes in biotechnology.
(Note: Actual detailed claim language and filing history are required for a more granular analysis, which would typically be obtained via patent databases such as KIPRIS or Espacenet.)
