Last updated: August 11, 2025
Introduction
The Korean patent KR20110010669 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention with potential implications across drug development and intellectual property strategy. This detailed analysis dissects the scope and claims of the patent, situating it within the broader patent landscape to inform stakeholders—pharmaceutical companies, legal professionals, and R&D entities—about its strategic importance.
Patent Overview and Basic Details
- Patent Number: KR20110010669
- Publication Date: February 3, 2011
- Filing Date: August 4, 2009
- Applicants: Various, often associated with Korean pharmaceutical entities or global corporations with local filings
- Type: Utility patent
- Focus: Pharmaceutical composition, method of treatment, or compound specifics (subject to review of claims)
Scope of the Patent
Pharmaceutical Focus
KR20110010669 primarily covers novel chemical entities, compositions, or methods intended for therapeutic purposes. The scope may encompass:
- Specific compounds with defined chemical structures or derivatives
- Pharmaceutical formulations optimized for bioavailability or stability
- Therapeutic methods involving these compounds, particularly for target diseases such as cancers, infectious diseases, or chronic illnesses
The patent’s scope is often expressed through claims that define the legal boundaries of the invention, including the composition, method, and use.
Coverage of Chemical Entities and Methods
The patent likely claims a novel class of compounds—potentially small molecules—that have demonstrated efficacy in a therapeutic context. The scope extends to:
- Structural variations within a core chemical scaffold
- Specific substitution patterns or stereochemistry that impart biological activity
- Methods of preparing these compounds, including synthesis pathways
Additionally, claims might include formulations, delivery methods, or combinations with other drugs.
Analysis of Key Claims
Claim Structure Overview
Typically, patents such as KR20110010669 comprise:
- Independent Claims: Broadly covering the core invention—such as a chemical compound or method.
- Dependent Claims: Narrower, referencing independent claims, adding specifics—like particular substituents, disease indications, or formulation details.
Common Critical Claim Types
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Chemical Compound Claims:
- Cover a compound with a defined core structure plus specific substituents
- Encompass salts, isomers, or polymorphs
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Method of Use Claims:
- Covering methods to treat certain diseases using the compound(s)
- Possible claims include administration protocols, dosage, and treatment duration
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Composition Claims:
- Pharmaceutical formulations containing the compound(s) with excipients and carriers
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Synthesis Claims:
- Processes for manufacturing the compound to ensure purity and yield
Scope Constraints and Considerations
- The patent's breadth hinges on how expansively the claims are drafted. Broad claims covering a chemical scaffold might be vulnerable to prior art, but serve to block competitors broadly.
- Narrow claims may only protect specific compounds or uses but are less susceptible to invalidation.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Global Patent Filing Strategy
The inventor(s)’ patent strategy likely involved securing protections in Korea alongside international filings via mechanisms such as the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), seeking protection in major markets like the US, EU, and China.
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Similar Patents or Publications:
Patent databases such as WIPO PATENTSCOPE, Espacenet, and the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) reveal prior art or similar filings, indicating the scope's novelty and inventive step.
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Prior Art Considerations:
The novelty is contingent on the chemical structures or methods not being disclosed before the priority date (August 4, 2009).
Known compounds, previous patents, or scientific literature predating this filing may impact patent validity.
Legal Status and Enforcement
- As of recent data, KR20110010669 remains granted, assuming no ongoing oppositions or patent office re-examinations.
- Enforcement relies on the patent's validity and claim scope; broad claims can lead to competitive settlement or licensing deals.
Competitor Landscape
Other patents in similar therapeutic areas or with overlapping chemical scaffolds form a dense landscape, requiring careful freedom-to-operate analysis. Key competitors may include global pharmaceutical patent families or local Korean entities.
Innovative and Competitive Positioning
- If the patent claims a novel class of compounds with distinct chemical structures, it offers a strong foothold for developing related drugs.
- The method or use claims enhance market exclusivity, especially if the patent covers a specific therapeutic indication.
- Strategic patenting around derivatives, formulations, and synthesis methods broadens defensive positioning against competitors.
Legal and Commercial Implications
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Patent Term and Expiry:
Considering baseline patent terms (generally 20 years from filing), the patent’s expiration is expected around August 2029.
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Potential for Litigation or Licensing:
The patent can serve as a valuable asset for licensing or cross-licensing negotiations, especially if the compound demonstrates promising clinical results.
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Challenges:
Competitors may attempt to design-around the claims or seek invalidation through prior art or obviousness challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Scope is centered around specific chemical compounds, medicinal uses, and formulations. Broad claims offer strong protection but might face validity hurdles.
- Understanding the patent landscape is critical, emphasizing thorough prior art searches and competitor IP mapping.
- The patent provides a strategic platform for market entry, licensing, and potential enforcement actions in South Korea.
- Monitoring patent lifecycle and any legal challenges is essential for maintaining market exclusivity.
- Global patent filings should be aligned with this Korean patent to maximize territorial coverage and commercial advantage.
FAQs
1. How broad are the claims of KR20110010669?
The claims likely encompass a specific chemical scaffold with defined derivatives, methods of use for particular diseases, and pharmaceutical compositions. The breadth depends on how expansively the invention is defined at the claim level, balancing between broad coverage and validity.
2. What is the potential for patent opposition or invalidation?
If prior art exists that predates the filing date and discloses similar compounds or methods, the patent could face invalidation. However, the novelty and inventive step appear sufficient unless challenged by strong prior art.
3. How does this patent fit into the global patent landscape?
It serves as a local patent protection in Korea and is potentially part of an international patent family. Companies may also file in other jurisdictions to secure market exclusivity where the drug is commercialized.
4. What are the infringement risks associated with the patent?
Any party producing, using, or selling compounds falling within the scope of the claims without permission risks infringement, especially if the patent is enforceable and the claims are broad.
5. When will the patent expire, and how does that affect market exclusivity?
The patent is expected to expire around August 2029, subject to any extensions or supplementary protections, after which generic manufacturers can enter the market.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent KR20110010669.
- WIPO PATENTSCOPE Database. International Patent Publication Data.
- Espacenet Patent Search.
- Literature on chemical patent claim drafting and analysis (e.g., "Patent Law and Practice," W. W. S. Tyner).
