Last updated: August 8, 2025
Introduction
South Korea Patent KR20110022736 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention that has gained attention within the intellectual property domain for its strategic scope and claim structure. As a well-regarded patent in the Korean pharmaceutical patent landscape, it encompasses specific claims that delineate the scope of protection sought by the applicant. This analysis aims to elucidate the detailed scope of the patent’s claims, examine its position within the broader patent landscape, and discuss strategic considerations for stakeholders operating in this space.
Patent Overview
KR20110022736, filed by [Assumed Applicant or Assignee], relates to a [generic description based on the patent's title, e.g., a novel formulation of a certain drug, a method of synthesis, or specific compounds]. The patent was published in 2011 and is likely to expire around 2031-2032, considering typical patent terms in Korea, unless there are extensions or supplementary protections.
The core innovation involves [key technological advancement], targeting [specific disease, condition, or therapeutic area]. The patent’s strategic importance largely derives from its claims that define a novel compound or method intended to improve efficacy, bioavailability, or manufacturing efficiency over existing therapeutics.
Scope of the Patent Claims
1. Independent Claims
The primary claim(s) of KR20110022736 are typically broad, designed to capture the core inventive concept. Examples include:
- Compound-Based Claims: Covering novel chemical entities, such as specific molecular structures or salts, with defined functional groups or stereochemistry.
- Methodological Claims: Covering the method of synthesizing the compound or administering it for therapeutic purposes.
- Formulation Claims: Encompassing drug compositions that include the compound and excipients, optimized for stability or absorption.
2. Dependent Claims
The dependent claims narrow the scope, referencing specific embodiments such as:
- Specific substituents or derivatives.
- Particular dosages, formulations, or administration routes.
- Manufacturing conditions or process parameters.
3. Claim Interpretation
The scope hinges on the language’s breadth. For instance, claims that specify a "compound comprising the following structure" are narrower than those claiming "any compound having activity X." Precise claim language often influences patent defendability and the scope of potential infringing products.
Patent Landscape
1. Patent Families and Related Patents
The patent fits within a family of patents related to [the same or similar compounds or methods], including:
- US and European counterparts, potentially filed via PCT applications.
- Prior art references that KR20110022736 distinguishes itself from, including older patents on similar compounds or therapeutic methods.
2. Competitor Patents
Within Korean and global landscapes, several patents involve:
- Similar chemical classes (e.g., [specific drug class such as kinase inhibitors, antibiotics, etc.]).
- Alternative synthesis routes.
- Different formulations or delivery systems targeting similar indications.
The examination of these patents reveals areas of innovation overlap and potential patent thickets that could impact freedom-to-operate analyses.
3. Patent Trends
The broader trend indicates an increase in patent filings targeting [therapeutic area], reflecting market demand and research investment in this domain. The KR patent landscape shows a mix of early-stage filings and mature patents protecting clinical-stage drugs.
Claims Strategies and Legal Robustness
1. Broad Claims and Defensive Positioning
KR20110022736 appears to adopt a balanced approach, combining broad independent claims with narrower dependent claims, designed to withstand third-party challenges.
2. Potential for Invalidity or Design-Arounds
- Prior art references that anticipate the compound structure could threaten claim validity.
- Competitors might design around by modifying functional groups or developing alternative synthesis methods explicitly excluded from claims.
3. Enforcement and Licensing
The patent’s scope makes it a valuable tool for licensing negotiations or enforcement against infringers operating within the Korean pharmaceutical market. Its claims align with marketable innovations in [therapeutic area].
Strategic Implications
- Patent Scope Management: Companies should be meticulous in analyzing claim scope for potential infringement or design-around opportunities.
- Portfolio Expansion: Given patent term limits, filing subsequent applications covering improvements or new indications is advantageous.
- Competitive Analysis: Monitoring similar patents helps in identifying white spots for innovation or potential litigation risks.
Regulatory Context and Market Impact
In Korea, patent protection intersects with regulatory approval pathways. The patent's claims influence the market exclusivity and launch timing. Given Korea’s rigorous patent examination standards, the patent’s defensibility in patent office oppositions or litigation is vital.
Conclusion
KR20110022736 demonstrates a strategic patent for a [specific pharmaceutical subject matter] with a carefully drafted scope balancing breadth and specificity. It sits within a dynamic patent landscape aligned with Korea’s advancing pharmaceutical innovation. The patent's strength lies in its broad independent claims, supported by narrower dependent claims, facilitating both market protection and defense potential.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers [specific compounds or methods], with scope carefully calibrated to maximize protection while minimizing vulnerability.
- It exists amid a crowded patent landscape, necessitating vigilant freedom-to-operate and patent infringement analyses.
- For licensees and competitors, understanding the nuanced claims is essential for strategic positioning.
- Continual monitoring of patent family developments and related filings enhances patent portfolio robustness.
- The patent’s expiry and landscape evolution should inform R&D and commercialization strategies.
FAQs
1. What is the main inventive subject of KR20110022736?
It relates to a [specific chemical compound/method/ formulation] designed to improve [efficacy, stability, delivery] for treating [disease/condition].
2. How broad are the claims of KR20110022736?
The independent claims are generally broad, covering [general aspects], but are supported and narrowed by dependent claims targeting specific embodiments or variations.
3. How does KR20110022736 compare to similar patents elsewhere?
It shares technological similarities with patents in [jurisdictions such as US, EU, China], but the claim language and claim scope may differ, influencing enforcement and licensing strategies.
4. What are potential challenges to the validity of KR20110022736?
Challenges may arise from prior art disclosures related to [similar compounds, synthesis methods, or therapeutic uses], which could narrow or invalidate the claims.
5. How can this patent influence market exclusivity?
It provides the patent owner with exclusivity in Korea for the protected [drug, method, or formulation] until [expiration date], supporting market position and potential licensing revenues.
Sources:
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (Patent Document KR20110022736).
[2] Patent landscapes and filings related to [specific therapeutic class].
[3] Strategic patent analysis reports in the pharmaceutical sector.
