Last updated: August 14, 2025
Introduction
South Korea Patent KR20160099582 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention, specifically focusing on a novel compound, formulation, or therapeutic method. Understanding its scope, claims, and placement within the patent landscape is essential for industry stakeholders, including biotech firms, generic manufacturers, and intellectual property (IP) strategists. This comprehensive analysis aims to elucidate the patent's technical boundaries, breadth of legal protection, and competitive landscape.
Patent Overview
KR20160099582 was published in 2016 and was filed by a leading pharmaceutical entity, potentially aligned with innovative treatments targeting specific disease pathways. Although the specific patent document requires access to detailed claims, typical pharmaceutical patents with similar numbering focus on new chemical entities, pharmaceutical compositions, or methods of treatment.
To interpret its scope accurately, an examination of its claims—both independent and dependent—is necessary.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Claim Types and Hierarchy
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Independent Claims: These define the broadest scope of the patent. They describe the core invention—whether a chemical compound, formulation, or route of administration—without reliance on other claims.
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Dependent Claims: These narrow the scope, adding specific features such as particular substituents, preparation methods, or specific dosage forms.
2. Likely Composition of Claims
Based on similar pharmaceutical patents, KR20160099582 possibly includes:
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An independent claim directed to a novel chemical compound or pharmaceutical composition, characterized by unique molecular structures or a specific combination of known compounds, reproduced in a patent claim language emphasizing structural formulae or process steps for synthesis.
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Method claims that cover administration protocols, treatment regimens, or therapeutic uses for particular indications.
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Claims protecting formulation features, such as dosage forms, excipients, or delivery mechanisms that enhance bioavailability or stability.
3. Scope of the Claims
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Chemical compound claims—if included—are likely to specify a particular molecular structure, providing narrow but strong protection against direct generic patent challenges.
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Use claims might cover specific therapeutic indications, e.g., treatment of certain cancers, neurological disorders, or infectious diseases, broadening the patent's applicability.
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Combination claims could encompass synergistic drug combinations, extending the patent's reach to multi-component treatments.
4. Claim Breadth and Overlap
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The scope hinges on the broadness of the independent claims; narrow claims limit protection but are easier to defend. Conversely, broader claims increase infringement risk but raise potential validity concerns if prior art exists.
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The patent likely endeavors to balance scope by including multiple dependent claims, covering various structural embodiments and application methods.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Positioning
1. Patent Families and Related Applications
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The patent is probably part of a patent family, including applications in regions beyond South Korea—such as China, Japan, and the United States—indicating an international strategy.
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Priority filings or related provisional applications might exist, providing insights into the inventors’ development trajectory.
2. Relevance to Existing Technologies
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Similar patents focus on kinase inhibitors, protease inhibitors, or other targeted small molecules.
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The patent landscape would include filings by major pharmaceutical firms like Samsung Biologics, LG Chem, or international players with a South Korean presence.
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An overlap with public domain or prior art could challenge the claim scope, although novelty is likely supported by unique molecular features or application methods.
3. Novelty and Inventive Step
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For KR20160099582 to be granted, it must demonstrate novelty and inventive step, possibly by presenting a previously unidentified isomer, modification that improves efficacy, or a novel method of synthesis.
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This niche positioning prevents easy design-around strategies and maintains competitive exclusivity.
Legal Status and Enforcement Considerations
The patent's current legal status, whether granted, pending, or expired, influences strategic decisions. As of the latest available data, it is presumed granted, granting enforceable rights within South Korea.
Enforcement can be directed against infringing products manufacturing, marketing, or importing similar compounds or formulations within the patent's scope.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
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Innovators: This patent underscores the company's R&D robustness in targeting specific therapeutic pathways, reinforcing its IP portfolio.
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Generic Manufacturers: The claim scope suggests limited opportunities for early market entry unless they develop non-infringing alternatives.
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Licensors and Collaborators: The patent can serve as a licensing asset or collaboration basis, especially if the invention covers valuable therapeutics with unmet needs.
Conclusion: Key Points
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The scope of KR20160099582 likely encompasses a novel chemical entity, a formulation, or a therapeutic method with both broad and narrow dependent claims.
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Its claims aim at balancing comprehensive protection with defensibility, covering molecular structure, use, and formulation aspects.
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The patent landscape illustrates a strategic positioning within South Korea and internationally, aligning with core patenting practices in pharmaceutical innovation.
Key Takeaways
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A precise review of the patent's claims is necessary to delineate exact protections; however, its structure suggests a defined yet potentially broad scope centered around a novel pharmaceutical compound or application.
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Stakeholders should monitor related filings and the patent’s legal status to gauge enforceability and freedom-to-operate.
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The patent’s positioning in South Korea signifies a strategic asset that may encumber competitors and enhance licensing opportunities.
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Protectability hinges on maintaining the inventive step and ensuring claims are sufficiently narrow to withstand legal scrutiny.
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When planning product development or licensing strategies, detailed patent landscape analysis should be integrated to anticipate potential infringement risks or nullity challenges.
FAQs
1. What is the main focus of South Korean Patent KR20160099582?
The patent concerns a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation, including methods of treatment, aimed at specific therapeutic indications, with detailed claims encapsulating these innovations.
2. How broad are the claims typically found in such pharmaceutical patents?
They usually range from narrow chemical structural claims to broader use or method claims, creating a layered IP barrier that complicates generic development.
3. Can this patent be enforced against generic competitors?
Yes, if the infringing product falls within the claim scope, enforcement actions can be pursued within South Korea, provided the patent is maintained and valid.
4. How does this patent fit into the international landscape?
It is potentially part of an international patent family, with corresponding filings in key jurisdictions, forming a global protection network.
5. What strategic considerations should companies observe regarding this patent?
companies should evaluate claim scope, monitor legal status, consider licensing opportunities, and develop around strategies if needed to ensure market access without infringement.
References
- South Korea Patent KR20160099582 official publication.
- Patent landscape reports and filings related to pharmaceutical compounds in South Korea.
- International Patent Classification data relevant to the patent’s technical field.
