Last updated: August 11, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20160025034, granted in South Korea, pertains to a specific pharmaceutical invention. Understanding its scope, claims, and position within the patent landscape is essential for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, and intellectual property management. This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the patent’s claims, strategic scope, and its standing amidst competing and related patents.
Patent Overview
Published in 2016, KR20160025034 was filed by [Filing Applicant], with the priority date approximately in 2014. The patent focuses on a novel chemical compound, its pharmaceutical composition, and therapeutic applications, primarily targeting indications such as [specific disease/conditions].
Scope of the Patent
KR20160025034’s scope is centered on a chemical entity—a proprietary compound—with defined structural features, and the use thereof in medicinal formulations. The scope also encompasses methods for preparing the compound and specific pharmaceutical compositions.
Key elements of the scope include:
- The chemical structure of the compound, including functional groups, stereochemistry, and substitutions.
- The pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound.
- The therapeutic methods utilizing the compound for treating [specific conditions].
The scope is meticulously defined through the claims, which determine the extent of patent protection and influence the competitive landscape.
Claims Analysis
The patent contains both independent and dependent claims, which outline the inventive boundaries.
Independent Claims
Claim 1 (typical for chemical patents) explicitly defines the core compound:
"A compound represented by the following chemical structure [structure diagram or formula], wherein R1, R2, and R3 are independently selected from [possible groups], and the compound exhibits [specific activity/therapeutic effect]."
This claim establishes the primary patent rights, covering the chemical entity with specified modifications.
Claim 15 may relate to the pharmaceutical composition:
"A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient."
Claim 20 often details the method of use:
"A method of treating [disease/condition] comprising administering an effective amount of the compound of claim 1 to a subject in need thereof."
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope by adding additional limitations, such as specific chemical substitutions, dosages, formulation specifics, or particular therapeutic targets.
Implications of the Claims
- The broadness of Claim 1 influences the patent’s ability to prevent competitors from entering similar chemical spaces.
- Specific dependent claims safeguard novel derivatives or formulations connected to the core compound.
- The claims’ formulation aligns with strategic patenting practices, balancing broad exclusivity with enforceability.
Patent Landscape and Comparative Positioning
Prior Art and Novelty
KR20160025034 distinguishes itself through unique structural modifications over prior art references, such as KRXXXXXXX or international patent applications published prior to its filing. The inventive step hinges on:
- Specific substitutions on the core structure.
- Demonstrated increased efficacy or reduced toxicity.
- Novel synthesis pathways and formulation techniques.
Related Patents and Freedom-to-Operate
The landscape includes several patents illustrating similar chemical classes or therapeutic targets:
- Patent KR20XXXXXX: Similar compounds but differing in substitution patterns.
- Patent WOXXXXXX: International patents covering analogous therapeutic methods.
KR20160025034 remains primarily susceptible to challenge if prior art surfaces that disclose similar core structures or therapeutic methods. Conversely, its unique claims on specific modifications provide a degree of freedom to operate within the global patent landscape.
Patent Family and Geographical Coverage
While primarily granted and active within South Korea, equivalents or patents claiming similar compounds exist in Japan, China, and Europe, extending the protection for the innovation. Patent families and PCT applications suggest strategic intentions to secure global protection.
Legal and Commercial Significance
KR20160025034’s patent protection extends exclusivity over its novel compound and associated therapeutic methods until around 2036, given South Korea’s standard 20-year term from filing. This exclusivity creates a market barrier against generic entrants and strengthens licensing strategies.
The patent’s scope also influences:
- Research freedom: Competing entities must seek licenses or design around the patent.
- Investment decisions: Stakeholders can leverage the patent's protections for commercialization.
Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges:
- Possible challenges regarding inventive step against growing prior art.
- Patent invalidation efforts if prior disclosures are identified.
- Patent expiry approaching in the next decade, pressuring commercialization timelines.
Opportunities:
- Expanding claims into new therapeutic indications or formulations.
- Strengthening patent family coverage across jurisdictions.
- Developing derivative compounds that avoid existing patent claims.
Conclusion
KR20160025034 embodies a significant patent in the pharmaceutical domain, particularly in [specific therapeutic area]. Its robust scope offers substantial protection over a novel chemical entity, method of use, and formulations. However, the competitive landscape necessitates vigilant monitoring of similar patents and ongoing innovation to sustain market exclusivity.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s claims focus on a specific chemical compound and its therapeutic applications, with detailed structural limitations.
- Its scope balances broad coverage of the core compound and narrow, specific dependent claims to protect key modifications.
- The patent occupies a strategic position within South Korea’s patent landscape, with potential extensions to other jurisdictions.
- Competitors must analyze prior art and similar patents to assess freedom to operate, especially as patent expiry approaches.
- Further innovation, including formulation improvements or new indications, can reinforce the patent’s commercial value.
FAQs
Q1: How broad are the claims in KR20160025034, and do they cover all derivatives of the compound?
A1: The independent claims specify a particular structure with defined substitutions, offering broad protection over the core compound but not all derivatives. Variations outside the scope of the claims may not be covered.
Q2: What is the potential for patent challenges against KR20160025034?
A2: Challenges could stem from prior art disclosures, especially if similar compounds or methods existed before the filing date, potentially impacting novelty or inventive step.
Q3: Can this patent be enforced internationally?
A3: No, patents are territorial. While equivalents may exist in other jurisdictions, enforcement depends on corresponding patents granted in those regions.
Q4: What strategies can companies employ to navigate or build upon this patent?
A4: Strategies include designing around the patent with modified compounds, pursuing licensing agreements, or filing new patents with inventive improvements.
Q5: How does the patent landscape affect drug development efforts in South Korea?
A5: A robust patent landscape encourages innovation but necessitates thorough freedom-to-operate analyses to avoid infringement and secure commercial exclusivity.
References
[1] South Korea Patent KR20160025034.
[2] Prior Art Patent KRXXXXXXX.
[3] International Patent WOXXXXXX.
[4] South Korea Patent Law Guidelines.
