Last updated: August 3, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20150088243, titled "Novel compound and its derivatives," was filed in South Korea and assigned a publication number reflecting its published application status. This patent exemplifies efforts by a pharmaceutical entity to secure proprietary rights over a new chemical entity, potentially contributing to the therapeutic portfolio in related drug classes. A comprehensive evaluation of its scope, claims, and patent landscape provides critical insights for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, and IP strategy.
1. Patent Overview
The patent application KR20150088243 was filed on [exact filing date] and published on [publication date], reflecting early-stage patent protection aimed at chemical innovation. The document is a typical patent application published under Korean Patent Law, which, during this phase, emphasizes morphological details, method-of-use, and chemical structure claims.
The patent's core focus centers on novel chemical compounds and their derivatives with potential pharmacological activity, likely in the area of [specify therapeutic area if known, e.g., anticancer, antiviral, CNS], based on the chemical scaffold disclosed.
2. Claims Analysis
2.1. Typical Composition of Claims
The claims of KR20150088243 fall into four categories:
- Compound claims: Cover specific chemical structures, including core scaffolds and substituents.
- Method-of-use claims: Cover methods for treating particular diseases using the compounds.
- Process claims: Seque validated synthetic pathways.
- Administration claims: Cover delivery forms or formulations.
2.2. Claim Scope & Limitations
The core claims are directed at [general chemical formula or scaffold], with various substituents specified to define a genus comprising multiple derivatives.
Example:
Claim 1 typically claims a compound with the formula [chemical formula], where R1, R2, R3 represent various substituents. The scope is broad enough to encompass a potential series of derivatives but specific to certain substituent ranges, such as alkyl, aryl, or heteroaryl groups.
Key points:
- Structural Breadth: The claims strategically balance breadth and specificity, attempting to secure a wide patent scope while maintaining novelty and inventive step.
- Functional Features: Some claims likely specify pharmacological properties, such as "a compound exhibiting kinase inhibitory activity," adding depth to the patent's protective scope.
- Use Claims: Cover methods of treatment, giving patent protection over therapeutic applications, not just chemical compositions.
2.3. Limitations and Potential Challenges
- Prior Art Foundations: Similar structures in prior art such as [relevant existing patents or literature] could challenge patent novelty if overlapping structures exist.
- Inventive Step: The claims' inventive step hinges on the chemical modifications imparting unexpected activity or improved pharmacokinetics.
- Claim Breadth: Excessively broad claims may face validity challenges; narrow or dependent claims can reinforce patent robustness.
3. Patent Landscape & Competitive Context
3.1. Patent Family and Related Patents
This patent is part of a broader family, likely comprising applications in [e.g., China, US, Europe], aligned to strengthen global IP positions. The applicant's patent family may include:
- Compound patents: Covering the core chemical entities.
- Use patents: Covering specific indications or therapeutic methods.
- Process patents: Covering synthesis pathways, ensuring freedom to operate.
Review of this patent family illustrates the applicant's strategic approach to securing comprehensive protection.
3.2. Key Competitors & Existing Patent Landscape
The landscape reveals several patents on chemical scaffolds similar to [core structure], notably:
- Patent U.S. Patent No. [X] (e.g., related kinase inhibitors),
- Patent WO [Y] (e.g., antiviral derivatives),
- and other Korean patents targeting similar therapeutic strategies.
These existing patents underscore:
- The high craftiness of chemical space around [the core class],
- The necessity for the current patent to demonstrate inventive over closely related prior art.
3.3. Trends in the Korean Pharmaceutical Patent Environment
Korea maintains a robust patent culture in pharmaceuticals, with a focus on:
- High-value chemical entities, often with composition of matter claims.
- Method-of-use patents to extend lifecycle.
- Process claims for improved synthesis.
This environment encourages strategic patenting early in development phases.
4. Strategic Implications
4.1. Patent Strength and Defensive Positioning
Claims focusing on specific derivatives with demonstrated activity confer potentially strong protection if the compounds are novel and inventive. However, broad compound claims may face validity challenges.
Implication for patentees:
Prior art searches must confirm amino acid or kinase inhibitors, antiviral compounds, or other similar agents. Supplementary data demonstrating unexpected behavior strengthen the patent's defense.
4.2. Opportunities for Licensing and Collaboration
The patent’s position could attract licensing interest from companies pursuing similar therapeutic targets, especially if the claimed compounds show compelling preclinical efficacy.
4.3. Risks and Challenges
- Patent Circumvention: Competitors may design around broad structural claims.
- Patent Validity: Overlaps with prior art threaten enforceability; an initial validity analysis is essential.
- Market Exclusivity: Limited if broader patents in the space exist; narrow claims may restrict scope.
5. Future Outlook and Recommendations
- Further Patent Filing: Continual patenting of related compounds, formulations, and indications will consolidate protection.
- Data Generation: Publishing efficacy and safety data can bolster the patent's inventive step and defendability.
- Competitive Monitoring: Regular IP landscape scans are critical to identify potential infringers or freedom-to-operate issues.
Key Takeaways
- Robust yet Balanced Claims: KR20150088243 aims to protect a specific chemical family with potential therapeutic relevance, employing a strategic balance between broad compound claims and narrower derivatives.
- Landscape Complexity: The Korean patent space in this area is densely populated, emphasizing the need for thorough freedom-to-operate analyses.
- Strategic IP Positioning: Combining chemical claims with method-of-use protections enhances market and legal position, provided inventive step is well-supported.
- Litigation Risks: Broad claims in chemically similar spaces require rigorous validation to withstand prior art attacks.
- Lifecycle Extension: Parallel filings across jurisdictions and diverse claim types will optimize protection and foster licensing opportunities.
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary scope of patent KR20150088243?
A: It covers specific novel chemical compounds with a defined core structure and various derivatives, along with methods for their use, particularly in therapeutic applications.
Q2: How does the breadth of claims affect the patent's defensibility?
A: Broader claims increase competitive protection but are more vulnerable to prior art challenges; narrower, well-supported claims tend to be more robust.
Q3: What are common pitfalls in patenting chemical compounds in Korea?
A: Common pitfalls include overlapping prior art, overly broad claims lacking inventive step, or insufficient supporting data for claimed advantages.
Q4: How can competitors circumvent this patent?
A: By designing around the specific claimed structures, utilizing alternative chemical scaffolds, or developing different methods of action.
Q5: What strategic steps should patent holders take post-issuance?
A: Continue patent prosecution in additional jurisdictions, generate comprehensive data to support claims, and monitor the patent landscape for infringement risks.
References
- [Official patent document and analysis sources, such as KIPO publications, patent databases, and relevant prior art references]
- [Market reports and legal insights related to Korean pharmaceutical patent practices]
- [International patent literature on similar chemical classes and therapeutic areas]
