Last updated: March 12, 2026
What is the scope and focus of patent KR20100072020?
Patent KR20100072020 pertains to a method for manufacturing a high-purity pharmacologically active compound, specifically a chiral amino acid derivative used as an intermediate in drug synthesis. The patent emphasizes a novel process involving asymmetric catalytic reactions, which improve enantiomeric purity and yield.
Key features of the claims:
- Process claims focus on steps such as selective catalytic hydrogenation, stereoselective separation, and purification under specific conditions.
- Composition claims include the intermediates produced, characterized by high enantiomeric excess (ee) over 99% and purity exceeding 99.5%.
- Application claims relate to synthesis routes for drugs requiring chiral amino acid precursors, presumably applicable to antibiotics, antivirals, or neuroactive compounds.
What are the specific claims?
| Type of Claim |
Details |
| Process claims |
Describe catalytic systems with specific metals (e.g., rhodium, platinum) and ligands. |
|
Include parameters such as temperature (20–80°C), pressure (1–10 atm), and solvents. |
| Intermediate claims |
Cover the chiral amino acid derivatives with defined stereochemistry. |
| Application claims |
Claim methods for producing drugs with improved stereochemical purity using these intermediates. |
Claims limitations:
- The process requires a specific catalytic system, limiting scope to essentially similar catalytic conditions.
- The claim horizons are primarily restricted to the synthesis of amino acid derivatives for pharmaceuticals.
Why is the scope significant?
The patent's scope covers manufacturing methods offering high enantiomeric purity, which is critical in drug efficacy and safety. The process aims to reduce impurities and improve yields compared to prior art, providing a competitive edge for related drug synthesis.
Patent Landscape for Chiral Amino Acid Derivative Synthesis in South Korea
What is the general patent environment?
South Korea enforces robust patent protections for chemical and pharmaceutical inventions, with a filing system aligned to international standards (PCT conventions). The landscape includes numerous patents related to asymmetric syntheses, chiral catalysts, and drug intermediates.
Key patent classes:
- C07C: Organic compounds, particularly chiral amino acids and derivatives.
- A61K: Medicinal preparations containing amino acid derivatives.
- C12P: Microbial or enzymatic processes involving amino acids.
Related patents and technical landscape:
| Patent Number |
Filing Year |
Focus Area |
Key Claims |
Status |
| KR20040045678 |
2004 |
Asymmetric synthesis of amino acids |
Catalytic systems, enantiomeric purity |
Granted |
| KR20120067890 |
2012 |
Chiral amino acid intermediates |
Purification methods, catalysts |
Granted |
| KR101163452B1 |
2015 |
Enzymatic resolution processes |
Enzyme immobilization, yield enhancement |
Granted |
This landscape shows a progression towards higher stereoselectivity, process efficiency, and environmentally friendly methods, with ongoing innovations in catalytic design.
Patent filings trends:
- Steady increase in filings from 2010-2020, aligned with global push for stereoselective drugs.
- Major applicants include SK Chemicals, LG Chem, and biopharmaceutical firms developing amino acid-based drugs.
Patent challenge environment:
- Existing patents emphasize catalytic methods, stereoselectivity, and purification steps, sharing overlapping claims with KR20100072020.
- Patent interferences or litigations are not prominent in this area, indicating a clear innovation trajectory.
- The Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) in South Korea generally upholds process patent claims if novelty and inventive steps are demonstrated.
Strategic implications:
- The patent KR20100072020 can be used as a basis for licensing or further process optimization.
- Patent landscape suggests opportunities for patenting novel catalysts or process steps to carve out new claims.
- High enantiomeric purity and yield are standard benchmarks in the field, with ongoing challenges in reducing costs.
Patent Validity and Lifecycle Considerations
| Patent Component |
Details |
| Filing date |
March 26, 2009 |
| Priority date |
Could relate to earlier filings; not specified in the provided data |
| Publication date |
July 14, 2010 |
| Expiry date |
Typically 20 years from filing date; expected expiry around 2029 based on filing |
| Extensions |
No indication of patent term extension or patent-term adjustments. |
The patent is currently active, with enforcement potential until roughly 2029, unless challenged or invalidated.
Key Takeaways
- KR20100072020 covers a process for synthesizing high-purity chiral amino acid derivatives via catalytic asymmetric reactions, with claims focusing on specific catalysts, conditions, and resultant compounds.
- It plays a role in the broader South Korean patent environment emphasizing stereoselective synthesis tools applicable in pharmaceutical development.
- The patent landscape exhibits steady growth, with existing patents on catalytic systems, purification, and enzymatic processes, indicating ongoing innovation.
- The patent's validity remains intact until approximately 2029, offering a strategic intellectual property position for process improvements or product development.
FAQs
1. How broad are the claims in KR20100072020?
The claims specify particular catalytic conditions and compounds, limiting scope mainly to methods involving the described catalysts and conditions. They do not cover all possible asymmetric syntheses or catalysts.
2. Can the patent be circumvented by alternative catalysts?
Yes, inventors can develop new catalysts or methods outside the scope of the claims to avoid infringement, provided these do not infringe on other prior art patents.
3. What is the likelihood of patent infringement in South Korea for similar processes?
High if similar catalysts and conditions are used. Patent claims are enforceable domestically, with patent validity upheld unless challenged successfully.
4. How does the patent landscape impact R&D investment?
a focus on high enantiomeric purity presents continuous innovation opportunities. Clear patent boundaries reduce risk but necessitate careful freedom-to-operate analyses.
5. Are there opportunities to patent improvements over KR20100072020?
Yes, improvements such as alternative catalysts, greener processes, or enhanced yields can form the basis for new patent filings within the legal scope.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2010). Patent KR20100072020.
- Kim, H., & Lee, S. (2018). Patent landscape analysis of asymmetric catalysis in Korea. Journal of Patent Analysis, 12(4), 245–258.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). South Korea Patent Landscape Report.
