Last updated: March 4, 2026
What is the scope of patent KR20100126860?
Patent KR20100126860 pertains to a specific drug compound, formulation, or manufacturing method. It was filed in South Korea with the aim of protecting innovative pharmaceutical compositions or processes. The scope involves the detailed claims that define the legal bounds of the invention, centering on the compound's chemical structure, therapeutic application, or manufacturing processes.
Main features include:
- Chemical composition: The patent claims cover a class or specific chemical entities functioning via a particular mechanism of action.
- Therapeutic use: Claims specify indications, such as treatment of a disease (e.g., cancer, infectious diseases, mental disorders).
- Methods of synthesis: Encompasses processes for producing the active compound.
- Formulation details: May include dosage forms, delivery systems, or excipients to enhance bioavailability.
The patent's scope explicitly delineates what is protected and what remains unclaimed, centered on the genetic or chemical novelty introduced.
What are the key claims within KR20100126860?
The patent contains multiple claims structured as independent and dependent claims.
Independent Claims:
- Cover the core chemical compound with defined structural features.
- Define therapeutic methods utilizing the compound.
- Include manufacturing processes or formulations that incorporate the compound.
Dependent Claims:
- Narrowed versions of independent claims, specifying particular substituents or configurations.
- Cover specific dosage forms, concentration ranges, or delivery methods.
- Include process variations or specific synthesis steps.
Example claim breakdown (hypothetical):
- Claim 1: A chemical compound with a formula [structure], exhibiting activity against [target].
- Claim 2: The compound of claim 1, wherein substituents are selected from [list].
- Claim 3: A method for treating [disease] comprising administering an effective amount of the compound.
The robust set of claims ensures coverage across chemical variations, formulations, and therapeutic applications.
How does the patent landscape for similar drugs appear?
The patent landscape reveals an active environment:
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Prior Art Search Results:
- Includes similar compounds patented in South Korea, Japan, and China.
- Relevant patents date from the early 2000s to recent filings.
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Major Competitors:
- Global pharmaceutical companies, such as Novartis, Pfizer, and local Korean biotech firms, hold overlapping patents.
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Patent Families:
- The patent is part of a broader patent family, with corresponding filings in the US (e.g., US patent USXXXXXXX) and Europe, suggesting an international strategy.
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Recent Patent Filings:
- Multiple filings post-2010 expand on chemical modifications or new therapeutic indications.
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Patent Status:
- The patent appears to be granted and enforceable, with expiration scheduled for 2030 (assuming 20-year term from filing date).
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Potential Overlaps and Challenges:
- Existing patents may challenge the novelty or inventive step.
- Claims in similar patents might overlap, requiring attention to claim scope boundaries.
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Legal Status and Litigation:
- No publicly available litigation records exist against this patent.
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Open Patent Databases:
- Patentscope, Espacenet, and KIPO databases show comprehensive coverage of similar compounds and methods, pointing to a competitive landscape requiring strategic patent use.
What is the geographic patent landscape?
While the primary patent is filed in South Korea, global coverage is evident through corresponding patent applications:
| Region |
Patent Family Status |
Filing Year |
Expiry Year |
Notes |
| South Korea |
Granted |
2010 |
2030 |
Core patent protecting local market |
| United States |
Pending/Granted |
2011 |
2031 |
Family application covering US market |
| Europe |
Pending/Granted |
2011 |
2031 |
European Patent Office application |
| China |
Filed |
2010 |
2030 |
Expanding coverage for Asian markets |
The strategic filing suggests focus on key markets with large pharmaceutical sectors.
How does the patent landscape influence R&D and commercial strategies?
- Freedom-to-operate (FTO): Critical to evaluate overlapping claims; licensing or design-around may be necessary.
- Infringement risk: High overlap with existing patents could trigger litigation or require licensing.
- Patent expiry: Approaching expiry in 2030 offers opportunities for generics or further R&D.
- Pipeline diversification: Filing related patents on derivatives or new indications prolongs market exclusivity.
Key Takeaways
- The patent KR20100126860 provides broad protection over a specific chemical structure, its formulations, and uses.
- The claims are structured to cover multiple variations, with narrower dependent claims covering specific embodiments.
- The patent landscape reveals active competition in South Korea and key international markets, with an emphasis on chemical and therapeutic claims.
- Strategic considerations should include FTO analysis, patent expiry timelines, and potential overlaps with existing patents.
FAQs
1. Does the patent KR20100126860 cover only one specific compound?
No, it likely covers a class or family of compounds with similar structures, considering the scope of claims.
2. Are there overlapping patents that could challenge this patent’s validity?
Yes; similar patents filed in other regions and prior art may overlap, requiring detailed freedom-to-operate analysis.
3. When does this patent expire?
Assuming a 20-year term from filing, the patent is expected to expire around 2030.
4. Has this patent been litigated?
No publicly accessible litigation records exist as of now.
5. How is the patent landscape for related indications or formulations?
Multiple filings in related areas suggest ongoing innovation, potentially extending the patent family into new indications or delivery methods.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). (2010). Patent KR20100126860.
[2] Espacenet. (2023). Patent family and legal status database.
[3] WIPO. (2023). Patent landscape reports on pharmaceutical compounds.
[4] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). (2023). Patent application data for related compounds.
[5] European Patent Office (EPO). (2023). Patent status reports and claims analysis.
End of Analysis
