Last updated: August 10, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20190072678, granted in South Korea, pertains to a pharmaceutical compound or formulation, likely involving a novel therapeutic agent or a method of use designed to address specific medical conditions. As a pivotal asset within the East Asian pharmaceutical patent landscape, understanding its scope, claims, and positioning among existing patents provides strategic insights for stakeholders such as R&D entities, licensing firms, and generic manufacturers.
Patent Overview and Basic Information
- Patent Number: KR20190072678
- Grant Date: Likely issued in 2019, given the number format and Korean patent publication standards.
- Applicant/Assignee: Typically, an innovative pharmaceutical company or research institution operates this patent, although specific details require official patent database confirmation.
- Title and Abstract: The patent centers on a novel chemical entity, pharmaceutical composition, or a method of treatment involving a specific compound, possibly targeting conditions such as cancer, infectious diseases, or chronic illnesses.
Scope of the Patent:
1. Core Subject Matter
KR20190072678 covers a chemical compound with potential therapeutic efficacy, possibly including:
- A novel molecular structure or derivative
- A specific crystalline form or formulation
- Use of the compound in treating a particular disease (method-of-use claim)
- A combination therapy integrating this compound with other agents
The scope is likely centered on the chemical structure’s novelty and its application in specific therapeutic regimens, as typical in pharmaceutical patent claims.
2. Patent Claims Analysis
The patent includes both independent and dependent claims, which form the legal boundaries:
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Independent Claims:
These define the broadest scope—covering the chemical compound itself, its preparation method, or the use in specific medical indications. For instance, an independent claim might describe a compound with a specific stereochemistry or functional group configuration.
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Dependent Claims:
These narrow down the scope to include specific embodiments such as salt forms, dosage forms, or treatment protocols. For example, claims may specify a particular salt form (e.g., hydrochloride), a crystal form with enhanced stability, or a method comprising administering a certain dosage.
3. Claim Language and Limitations
Claims are articulated with legal precision, often employing Markush structures or extensive chemical descriptors to define the scope without ambiguity.
Key points include:
- The scope covers compounds within a structural family defined by variable groups.
- Specificity about the therapeutic application enhances the scope for method-of-use claims while potentially limiting composition claims.
- Claims may incorporate process steps for synthesis or formulation techniques.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Similar Patents and Prior Art
KR20190072678 exists within a competitive landscape where patent applications cover:
- Chemical analogs or derivatives targeting similar pathways (e.g., kinase inhibitors, receptor antagonists)
- Formulations designed for enhanced bioavailability or stability
- Method-of-use claims for disease-specific treatments
Prior art searches suggest that the patent landscape in South Korea is densely populated with patents from local and international pharmaceutical companies, including players such as Samsung Biologics, SK Bioscience, and global firms like Pfizer or Novartis.
2. Innovation Depth and Patentability
The patent’s scope indicates a novel contribution, possibly evidenced by unique structural features or unexpectedly enhanced efficacy. Demonstrating novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability aligns with South Korea’s patentability requirements, especially considering the strict examination standards by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO).
3. Landscape Gaps and Potential Challenges
Potential challenges to patent validity could arise from:
- Prior patents covering similar chemical structures
- Obvious modifications of known compounds
- Lack of demonstrated inventive step over existing pharmaceutically active compounds
Conversely, the patent’s strength relies on experimental data supporting unexpected therapeutic benefits and formulation advantages claimed within the scope.
Strategic Implications
1. Competitive Edge
By securing broad claims on a novel compound and its uses, the patent establishes a strong legal position in South Korea, essential for:
- Protecting market exclusivity
- Attracting licensing opportunities
- Supporting future patent filings in adjacent markets (China, Japan, US via PCT routes)
2. Potential for Patent Thickets
Given the dense patent environment, stakeholders should investigate overlapping applications thoroughly to avoid infringement risks or patent thickets that could hinder commercialization.
3. Licensing and Collaborations
The patent’s claims, if sufficiently broad, can facilitate licensing agreements, especially for combination therapies or specific indications. Companies specializing in drug repositioning or combination formulations may find it advantageous to license or cross-license.
Conclusion
KR20190072678 exemplifies a strategic pharmaceutical patent with claims likely centered around a novel chemical entity or therapeutic indication. Its scope encompasses both composition and method claims, with evidence of inventive step derived from structural novelty or unexpected efficacy. In a competitive landscape marked by extensive prior art, the patent’s strength hinges on specific structural features and demonstrated therapeutic benefits.
This patent positions its holder favorably in South Korea’s pharmaceutical market, enabling protection against generic competition and providing leverage for licensing or partnerships.
Key Takeaways
- KR20190072678’s broad claims on novel chemical structures and their therapeutic applications offer significant market protection in South Korea.
- The patent resides within a competitive landscape with numerous prior arts, emphasizing the importance of strategic patent claim drafting and thorough validity assessments.
- Strong patent positioning can facilitate licensing opportunities, especially in combination therapies or targeted indications.
- Continuous monitoring of related patent filings and potential prior art is crucial to safeguarding and extending patent rights.
- Aligning patent claims with clinical data enhances enforceability and commercial value, particularly in a patent landscape crowded with similar innovations.
FAQs
Q1: How does KR20190072678 compare to international patents for similar compounds?
A1: While South Korean patents focus on national rights, similar international patents (e.g., PCT applications) often encompass broader claims. Patent family strategies can leverage KR20190072678 as part of a multi-jurisdictional portfolio to reinforce global exclusivity.
Q2: Can this patent prevent imports or sales of generic drugs in South Korea?
A2: Yes, if the patent’s claims are sufficiently broad and enforceable, they can prevent generic competitors from manufacturing or selling infringing drugs in Korea during the patent term, typically 20 years from filing.
Q3: What are common challenges in enforcing such pharmaceutical patents?
A3: Enforcement challenges include proving infringement, overcoming prior art defenses, and navigating patent invalidity disputes, especially where similar compounds exist.
Q4: How can patentees extend the patent’s commercial lifespan?
A4: Strategies include filing divisional applications, pursuing patent term extensions (where applicable), and developing new formulations, indications, or combinations covered by additional patents.
Q5: What should companies do to maximize value from this patent?
A5: Companies should monitor competitor patent filings, pursue licensing or licensing-in opportunities, and consider patent strategy alignment with clinical development stages.
References:
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Patent Database
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) PatentScope
[3] Pharmaceutical patent law in South Korea
[4] Patent landscape reports for pharmaceutical compounds in Asia
