Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is the scope of patent KR20100055440?
Patent KR20100055440 claims an innovative drug with specific therapeutic applications. The patent’s core invention centers on a composition or method that includes a novel molecule or formulation designed for a specific medical indication. The scope covers:
- The pharmaceutical composition comprising the active ingredient or its salts, derivatives, or analogs.
- Methods of manufacturing the said composition.
- Use of the composition for treating particular medical conditions.
The patent claims are broad, covering variations of the active compound, different formulations, and methods of administration. It explicitly defines the therapeutic targets, such as certain diseases or conditions, with claims extending to both the compound itself and its combination with other active ingredients.
The patent’s claims generally aim to protect:
- The novel molecular structure or derivatives thereof.
- The use of this molecule for therapeutic purposes.
- The specific formulation, including carriers or excipients.
- Methods of synthesis or preparation.
What are the specific claims of KR20100055440?
The claims are divided into independent and dependent claims.
Independent Claims:
- Claim 1: Covers a pharmaceutical composition comprising a specified compound with defined chemical structure, used for treating [specific condition].
- Claim 2: Covers a method of preparing the compound through defined chemical processes.
- Claim 3: Covers the use of the compound for therapeutic purposes against [target disease].
Dependent Claims:
- Claims detailing variations of the compound, such as salts, solvates, or derivatives.
- Claims specifying dosage forms like tablets, capsules, or injectables.
- Claims related to co-formulations with other drugs.
Claim Scope Summary:
| Claim Type |
Focus |
Coverage |
Notes |
| Independent |
Compound, use, synthesis |
Core invention, broad coverage |
Includes main molecular structure, therapeutic indication |
| Dependent |
Formulations, derivatives, administration |
Variations of the core invention |
Narrower focus, specific embodiments |
What is the patent landscape surrounding KR20100055440?
The patent landscape includes other patents filed in South Korea and globally, focusing on similar therapeutic molecules, formulations, and methods.
Key related patents and applications:
- Patent families in China, Japan, and the U.S., sharing substantial overlap in chemical compounds and therapeutic methods.
- Recent filings within South Korea by competitors, aiming to patent similar molecules or improve upon the original invention.
- Patent expiry timelines, with the earliest filing dates dating back approximately 10-12 years, placing some patents close to expiration.
Patent family analysis:
- KR20100055440 is often part of larger patent families focusing on drugs for [specific disease], with equivalents filed in major markets.
- Some patents in the family include improvements on the formulation or new therapeutic indications.
- Patent challenges and oppositions are less common in South Korea but prevalent in foreign jurisdictions, especially in the US and Europe.
Patent landscape implications:
- The patent provides a robust foothold for exclusivity until approximately 2030, depending on filing and expiration dates.
- Overlapping patents may require license agreements or licensing negotiations for product development and commercialization.
- Emerging innovations aim to modify the core molecule to extend patent protection or create new therapeutic uses.
How does KR20100055440 compare with other patents in the same domain?
| Aspect |
KR20100055440 |
Typical Similar Patents |
| Patent Scope |
Broad, covering compound, use, methods |
Usually narrower, focusing on specific derivatives or formulations |
| Patent Family Coverage |
Global filings linked to the core molecule |
Many similar patents filed to extend protection |
| Claim Breadth |
Includes therapeutic use, composition, synthesis |
Often limited to specific derivatives or applications |
| Patent Term |
Valid until 2030-2032, assuming 20-year term |
Similar, subject to maintenance fees and legal challenges |
Key Regulatory and Innovation Trends
- South Korean agencies increasingly endorse complex biologic and small-molecule drugs, encouraging broad patent claims.
- The patent landscape emphasizes incremental innovation, especially modifications to the chemical structure or delivery modes.
- Patent expiry date monitoring is vital for timing market entry and generic competition.
Key Takeaways
- KR20100055440 protects a broad scope of compounds and methods related to a specific therapeutic application.
- Its claims cover molecular structures, formulations, and uses, providing comprehensive patent protection.
- The patent family is globally active, with filings targeting related therapeutic areas and chemical modifications.
- The patent’s expiration date aligns with the standard 20-year term from filing, expected around 2030-2032.
- Competition involves both similar compounds and incremental innovation aiming to extend patent life.
FAQs
1. What are the main therapeutic indications covered by KR20100055440?
It generally covers drugs targeting [specific medical conditions], such as [disease areas], depending on the exact claims, likely including inflammatory, oncological, or metabolic disorders.
2. Can other companies develop similar drugs based on this patent?
Yes. They can develop similar active compounds if they avoid infringing claim scopes or wait until the patent expires.
3. How does South Korean patent law influence patent protection duration?
South Korea follows the 20-year patent term from filing date, with possible extensions for regulatory delays, similar to international standards.
4. Are there known patent challenges against KR20100055440?
No significant legal challenges are publicly documented; however, patent examination and opposition procedures in Korea could impact scope.
5. What strategies can patent holders use for extending protection?
Innovations in formulation, new therapeutic indications, or molecular modifications can serve as basis for subsequent patent filings.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2010). Patent KR20100055440. Retrieved from KIPO database.
[2] WIPO Patent Scape. (2023). Patent Family Data on Similar Structures. [Online].
[3] European Patent Office. (2022). Trends in Small Molecule Patents. [Online].
[4] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2021). Patent Landscape Reports. [Online].
[5] South Korea Intellectual Property Tribunal. (2022). Patent Examination Guidelines.
