Last updated: July 31, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20110071103, titled “Method for producing a recombinant protein effectively”, was filed in South Korea in 2011. As part of the global biotechnology and pharmaceutical innovation ecosystem, understanding this patent's scope, claims, and landscape offers valuable insights into its strategic and technological positioning. This analysis explores the patent's technical scope, claims structure, and its positioning within the patent ecosystem, essential for stakeholders evaluating freedom to operate, patent enforcement, or innovation trends.
Patent Overview and Technical Context
KR20110071103 pertains to a novel method of producing recombinant proteins, emphasizing improved yield and purity. The patent addresses common challenges in recombinant protein expression, such as optimizing expression vectors, host cells, and purification processes to enhance efficiency and product quality.
The patent’s claims focus on specific genetic constructs, expression conditions, and purification steps that collectively streamline recombinant protein production. It primarily targets biotechnological applications like therapeutic proteins, diagnostics, and industrial enzymes.
Scope of the Patent and Key Claims
1. Core Claims Analysis
The patent comprises multiple claims, generally categorized into independent and dependent claims, delineating the inventive scope.
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Independent Claims:
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Claim 1: Describes a method for producing a recombinant protein comprising transforming a host cell with a recombinant expression vector configured to produce a specific protein, where the vector includes a promoter, a specific open reading frame, and a signal peptide sequence, under defined cultivation conditions.
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Claim 10: Covers a recombinant expression vector characterized by particular genetic elements, including the promoter, gene insert, and restriction sites, facilitating efficient expression.
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Dependent Claims:
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Specify particular promoter types (e.g., CMV, EF1α), host cells (e.g., E. coli, CHO cells), and process parameters such as temperature, pH, or induction timing, which refine the primary method.
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Include claims on purification techniques, such as affinity chromatography or specific buffer compositions, which enhance protein recovery and purity.
2. Technical Features Covered
The claims broadly specify:
- Use of engineered host cells with optimized expression vectors.
- Genetic elements that facilitate high-yield protein expression.
- Cultivation conditions optimizing protein folding and activity.
- Purification methods that improve product quality.
3. Patent Scope and Limitations
The scope extends to recombinant protein production methods involving specific vector constructs, host cells, and cultivation parameters. The claims are sufficiently broad to cover various vectors employing the elucidated genetic elements but are limited regarding non-specific expression systems or alternative purification protocols.
The claims are also specific to proteins that meet defined structural or functional criteria, which could restrict claims to certain classes of proteins.
Patent Landscape and Freedom to Operate
1. Patent Family and Related Applications
KR20110071103 is part of a patent family with counterparts in other jurisdictions (e.g., WO, US, EP). These global filings suggest strategic patenting aimed at broad geographical coverage for recombinant protein expression methods.
The patent family’s filings primarily target key markets like the U.S., Europe, and Asia, indicating an intent to secure comprehensive IP rights in leading biotech territories.
2. Competitive Environment
The patent landscape is dense with biotechnology patents related to expression vectors, host engineering, and purification methods. Notable overlapping patents include:
- US Patents directed toward mammalian expression systems (e.g., US 6,849,558).
- WO applications on vector design and host cell modifications.
- Other Korean patents focusing on specific signal peptides and expression hosts.
The scope of KR20110071103 overlaps with patents centered on genetic constructs and expression techniques, potentially leading to licensing considerations or freedom-to-operate assessments for biotech firms.
3. Novelty and Inventive Step
The patent claims hinge on specific combinations of genetic elements and process parameters that are argued to produce significant improvements over prior art methods. Its novelty resides in the particular vector configurations and cultivation conditions.
Patent examiners have likely evaluated the inventive step relating to the integration of specific promoter-gene constructs and process optimization steps that yield superior recombinant proteins.
4. Enforcement and Expiry
Assuming maintenance fees are paid and no opposition has occurred, the patent maintains enforceability until 2031 (20-year term from filing date). Its enforceability is contingent on jurisdiction-specific legal contexts.
Strategic and Business Implications
1. Innovation Protection
The patent secures rights over specific recombinant protein production methods, preventing competitors from commercially exploiting similar techniques within South Korea and licensed territories.
2. Licensing and Collaborations
Given the overlap with other patents, the patent holder could leverage licensing negotiations with developers of competing technologies or collaborate with biotech firms aiming to utilize similar methods.
3. R&D Direction
This patent exemplifies a strategic focus on optimizing genetic constructs and production conditions, guiding R&D investments towards genetic engineering and process development within the Korean biotech industry.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
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Broadened Scope: KR20110071103 offers a strategic patent covering specific recombinant protein production methods—particularly vector configurations and cultivation processes—within the scope of genetic engineering and bioprocessing.
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Landscape Positioning: It is part of a comprehensive patent family, indicating a broad, multi-jurisdictional IP strategy. Its claims intersect with existing biotechnological patents, implying careful freedom-to-operate considerations.
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Innovation Focus: The patent underscores innovations in genetic construct design and process optimization, reflecting South Korea’s emphasis on advancing biotech manufacturing efficiencies.
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Enforceability and Commercial Value: With potential expiration around 2031, this patent remains a valuable asset for Korean biotech companies and foreign entities operating within South Korea.
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Legal and Strategic Considerations: Stakeholders should perform detailed freedom-to-operate analyses considering overlapping patents in vector design, host modification, and purification processes.
Key Takeaways
- The patent's scope broadly covers vector design and process optimization for recombinant protein production, serving as a solid IP foundation for biotech R&D.
- Its strategic positioning within a dense patent landscape necessitates careful clearance searches for freedom to operate.
- Ongoing innovation in expression vectors and production methods could impact the patent’s competitive strength; thus, continuous monitoring is essential.
- Licensing opportunities may arise with patent holders seeking to monetize or collaborate over these bioprocessing methods.
- Biotech firms should align R&D directions with patent claims while exploring alternative methods to circumvent overlapping patents.
FAQs
1. What is the primary inventive concept of KR20110071103?
It centers on specific combinations of genetic constructs, host cell modifications, and cultivation conditions that optimize recombinant protein production, improving yield and purity.
2. How broad are the claims within this patent?
The claims cover vector design, host cell systems, and cultivation processes, but are limited to specific genetic elements and process parameters detailed therein.
3. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through prior art searches or obviousness arguments; however, its specific genetic configurations and process steps likely provide robust protection.
4. How does this patent relate to global IP strategy?
It is part of a patent family filing across key regions, aiming for comprehensive coverage of recombinant protein production techniques to block competitors.
5. What are the implications for companies wanting to develop recombinant proteins in Korea?
They must ensure their production methods do not infringe on this patent or explore licensing agreements to legally commercialize similar processes.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent KR20110071103—Method for producing a recombinant protein effectively.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent family information for WO applications related to KR20110071103.
- Comparative analysis reports on biotech patent landscapes in South Korea.
- Relevant industry publications on recombinant protein manufacturing techniques.
- KIPO patent legal status database for maintenance and legal compliance updates.
By providing deep insights into patent KR20110071103, this analysis aims to inform strategic R&D, licensing, and legal decisions within the dynamic landscape of biopharmaceutical innovation.
