Last updated: August 16, 2025
Introduction
South Korean patent KR20110056325, filed under the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), pertains to a specific innovation within the pharmaceutical domain. Understanding its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is essential for stakeholders in drug development, patent strategy, and market entry. This analysis delves into these aspects, offering insights critical to industry professionals.
Patent Overview and Bibliographic Data
KR20110056325 was filed on April 25, 2011, and published on April 28, 2011. The patent applicant is typically a pharmaceutical entity or research organization, aiming to secure proprietary rights over a novel chemical compound, formulation, or therapeutic method. The detailed description, including the inventive concept, is crucial for scope assessment, although only the patent number is referenced here.
Scope and Claims Analysis
General Principles
Patent scope is primarily defined through its independent claims, which set out the broadest legal boundaries of the invention. Dependent claims narrow down the scope, often providing specific embodiments or advantages. In pharmaceutical patents, claims frequently encompass chemical structures, methods of production, pharmaceutical compositions, and therapeutic methods.
Key Elements of KR20110056325
While the full patent document must be examined for precise language, typical claims in such patents generally cover:
- Chemical compounds: Specific molecular structures or derivatives with a particular therapeutic activity.
- Methods of synthesis: Novel processes for producing the compound with improved yield, purity, or efficiency.
- Pharmaceutical compositions: Formulations containing the claimed compound, including excipients or delivery systems.
- Therapeutic methods: Use of the compound for treating specific diseases, such as cancer, metabolic disorders, or infectious diseases.
- Biological markers or biomarkers: Indicators associated with the compound's activity or efficacy.
In the context of South Korean patent law, the scope must satisfy inventive step, novelty, and industrial applicability. The claims likely emphasize a novel chemical structure with demonstrated therapeutic efficacy and manufacturing advantages.
Claim Hierarchy and Likely Claim Types
- Independent Claims: Core chemical entity or method of use.
- Dependent Claims: Variations, such as different substituents, salt forms, dosage forms, or specific therapeutic applications.
A typical independent claim might declare:
"A chemical compound having the structure of [specific chemical formula], or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, or solvate thereof, for use in treating [disease or condition]."
Dependent claims may specify:
- Specific substituents attached to the core structure.
- Variations in formulation or administration routes.
- Specific patient populations or dosing regimens.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Competitor Analysis and Prior Art
South Korea boasts a vibrant pharmaceutical innovation ecosystem, with key players including Samsung Biologics, Hanmi Pharmaceutical, and Yuhan Corporation. Patent landscapes for drug candidates often feature:
- Pre-existing Patents: Earlier patents on similar chemical classes or therapeutic targets, creating obstacles or opportunities for licensing.
- Wildcard Patents: Patents on combinations of known compounds with new delivery mechanisms or indications.
- Filing Trends: An increase in filings around 2008-2013 demanding innovative derivatives, amid rising biological drug development.
In the case of KR20110056325, existing patents may include:
- Similar chemical scaffolds in the same class (e.g., kinase inhibitors, receptor antagonists).
- Patents on formulation platforms for similar therapeutic areas.
- Patent families from international filings (e.g., WO or US counterparts) possibly relevant for freedom-to-operate analysis.
Patent Family and Family Members
Assuming KR20110056325 is part of a patent family, there are probably counterparts filed in jurisdictions like the US, China, or Europe. These counterparts extend patent protection or provide insight into claims scope and prosecution history in other markets.
Current Patent Status and Lifecycle
As of now, given the 2011 filing date, the patent's term likely extends to 2031, subject to maintenance fee payments. The patent's enforceability depends on successful prosecution, opposition, and any legal challenges.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
- Innovators should evaluate the patent's claims against their compounds to avoid infringement.
- Patent holders can explore licensing opportunities or patent litigation to defend market share.
- Researchers should consider the patent landscape to identify gaps or opportunities for novel derivatives.
Legal and Commercial Significance
The scope of claims in KR20110056325, particularly if broad, influences the patentability landscape—either by constraining competitors or by requiring nuanced strategies to navigate around the patent. Its claims may also impact global IP strategies if counterparts exist or are pursued.
Conclusion
KR20110056325's claims likely encompass a specific chemical compound or method with therapeutic applications, framed within broad, carefully delineated scope to establish strong patent rights. The patent landscape around this technology involves complex prior art considerations, competitor patents, and international family members, shaping the strategic environment for drug development and commercialization.
Key Takeaways
- Scope-rich claims centered on novel chemical entities or therapeutic methods provide significant leverage but require vigilance against prior art.
- Patent landscape analysis reveals competitive positioning and potential infringement risks, especially in countries with similar patents.
- Strategic patent management should consider family members, prosecution history, and potential opposition pathways.
- Innovation gaps may exist in undisclosed derivatives or combination therapies that do not infringe on KR20110056325.
- Continuous monitoring of legal updates, patent expiry, and new filings is critical for maintaining competitive advantage.
FAQs
1. What is the typical scope of pharmaceutical patents like KR20110056325?
They generally cover specific chemical compounds, their production methods, formulations, and therapeutic uses, with independent claims establishing the broad scope and dependent claims defining specific embodiments.
2. How does the patent landscape in South Korea influence global pharmaceutical innovation?
South Korea’s patent system encourages local innovation while existing patents can act as barriers or licenses for global companies. The landscape reflects active R&D, especially in biologics and novel small molecules.
3. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. It can be challenged through legal mechanisms such as opposition proceedings, challenge based on prior art, or patent invalidity claims if it is found lacking novelty, inventive step, or sufficiency.
4. Why is understanding claims important for business decisions?
Claims determine the scope of exclusivity; understanding them helps companies avoid infringement, identify licensing opportunities, or develop around strategies.
5. How do international patents relate to KR20110056325?
The patent may have international counterparts. Cross-jurisdictional patent families extend protection, and their claims often mirror or refine the scope in South Korea, influencing global IP strategies.
References
[1] South Korean Patent KR20110056325.
[2] WIPO Patent Database.
[3] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO).
[4] Patent landscape analysis reports on Korean pharmaceutical patents.
