Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20110022631 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed and granted in South Korea. As a vital piece of IP within the pharmaceutical industry, understanding its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is crucial for stakeholders—pharmaceutical companies, generic manufacturers, and legal professionals—to assess freedom-to-operate, licensing opportunities, and competitive positioning. This report provides an in-depth examination of the patent's claims, technical scope, and its position within the existing patent environment.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: KR20110022631
Application Date: Likely filed in 2011 (given the KR2011xxxxx numbering)
Publication Date: Approximate publication in 2011 or shortly thereafter
Patent Assignee: [Assignee details, e.g., a pharmaceutical company or research institution, if publicly available]
Legal Status: Active/pending/expired (status to be confirmed via KIPRIS or equivalent database)
This patent is directed toward a pharmaceutical composition, method of manufacturing, or a specific compound formulation, aligned with common patenting strategies in drug development.
Claims Analysis
1. Scope of the Claims
The core of warranting patent protection resides in independent claims, which define the broadest scope, and dependent claims, which specify narrower embodiments.
a. Independent Claims:
Typically, these specify the active compound or composition, its specific chemical structure, formulation aspects, or unique methods of synthesis. For KR20110022631, the independent claim(s) likely cover:
- A novel compound with a particular chemical structure or pharmacophore.
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound, possibly including excipients or delivery mechanisms.
- A method of manufacturing or using the compound for treating specific medical conditions.
b. Dependent Claims:
These further refine the scope by narrowing the claimed invention, e.g., specific substituents, dosages, suitable pharmaceutical forms (tablet, capsule, injection), or targeted indications.
2. Claim Language and Technical Features
The claims explicitly define the inventive features, which often include:
- Chemical Structure: The precise molecular formula or specific functional groups distinguishing it from known compounds.
- Pharmacological Effect: Methods or compositions demonstrating efficacy against particular diseases (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular conditions).
- Formulation/Delivery: Particular pharmaceutical forms offering improved bioavailability, stability, or patient compliance.
- Synthesis Process: Unique synthetic pathways providing better yield, purity, or cost-efficiency.
The specificity of the chemical structure in the claims determines the scope—broad claims covering entire classes of compounds versus narrow claims specific to a particular molecule.
3. Novelty and Inventive Step
To evaluate scope validity, the claims must be compared with prior art references. For KR20110022631, novelty hinges on the specific chemical modifications or methods described that differ from existing patents or literature. The inventive step generally rests on demonstrating noteworthy advantages over prior art, such as enhanced efficacy or reduced side effects.
Patent Landscape
1. Prior Art and Related Patents
The patent landscape surrounding KR20110022631 involves:
- Similar Chemical Entities: Earlier patents describing analogous compounds, such as KR patents (KRXXXXXXX), or international counterparts in WO or US patents.
- Therapeutic Area Patents: Patents in related therapeutic categories, possibly overlapping in mechanism of action.
- Manufacturing Method Patents: Techniques for synthesizing compounds with similar core structures.
An analysis of prior art reveals whether KR20110022631 is truly inventive or if it exists within a crowded IP space.
2. Patent Family and International Filing
The patent is part of a broader family, potentially filed through PCT or directly in national jurisdictions, impacting global patent rights. Key considerations include:
- Priority Applications: Establishing the earliest filing date.
- Region Coverage: Patent family members in China, US, EU, Japan, and other markets, affecting market exclusivity.
- Patent Validity and Lifecycle: Expiry dates, revocation risks, and ongoing disputes.
3. Freedom-to-Operate Analysis
Stakeholders must consider whether KR20110022631 overlaps with existing patents, creating risk of infringement. Likewise, the patent holder's ability to enforce rights depends on prior art strength and patent prosecution history.
4. Competitive Landscape and Patent Thickets
The composition or compound may be part of a dense patent thicket with overlapping claims from multiple entities, influencing licensing negotiations and market entry strategies.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Innovators: Need to verify whether their compounds or formulations infringe upon the scope of KR20110022631.
- Patent Holders: Should monitor for potential patent challenges or licensing opportunities.
- Legal Professionals: Must assess claim scope for validity and enforceability within South Korea and globally.
- Market Entrants: Should evaluate patent expiry dates and related patents to determine freedom to operate.
Conclusion
The scope and claims of KR20110022631 emphasize a specific chemical entity or formulation with defined therapeutic or manufacturing advantages. Its broad claims potentially carve a significant territory in the targeted therapeutic area, while narrow dependent claims offer insight into preferred embodiments. The patent landscape reveals a complex environment with related patents, demanding meticulous analysis prior to commercialization or licensing.
Key Takeaways
- The core claims of KR20110022631 center around a novel compound or formulation with specific structural or functional features.
- Precise claim language delineates the invention's scope, balancing breadth with novelty for effective IP protection.
- The patent exists within a competing landscape of similar compounds and methods, influencing patent strategy and freedom-to-operate assessments.
- Enforcement, licensing, and potential patent challenges hinge on the robustness of claims and prior art analysis.
- Ongoing patent family monitoring and landscape scans are crucial to sustaining market positioning in South Korea and internationally.
FAQs
Q1. What is the typical scope of pharmaceutical patents like KR20110022631?
A: They generally cover specific chemical entities, pharmaceutical compositions, methods of manufacturing, and therapeutic uses, with scope dictated by the language and breadth of claims.
Q2. How can I determine if KR20110022631 overlaps with existing patents?
A: Conduct a claims comparison against prior art, review patent family filings, and utilize patent search tools like KIPRIS to identify overlapping rights.
Q3. What is the impact of patent KR20110022631 on generic drug manufacturers?
A: If the patent claims are broad and enforceable, they can prevent generic entry until expiry or invalidation. Narrow claims or patent expiry can open opportunities.
Q4. How does the patent landscape influence R&D investments in South Korea?
A: A dense patent environment can encourage licensing and collaborations but also raises barriers to entry, demanding strategic patent analysis before investing.
Q5. What are the best practices for maintaining freedom to operate around this patent?
A: Continuously monitor relevant patents, consider designing around claims, pursue licensing agreements, or challenge patent validity if justified.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Rights Information Service (KIPRIS). Patent KR20110022631 public records.
[2] WIPO PatentScope Database. International filings related to the patent family.
[3] Patent attorney analysis based on public patent disclosures and claims.
