Last updated: August 5, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20190085183, filed by a pharmaceutical innovator in South Korea, pertains to a novel drug composition or method that potentially addresses significant therapeutic needs. Understanding its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is critical for stakeholders—pharmaceutical companies, legal professionals, and investors—aiming to evaluate its strength, competitive position, and market implications.
Patent Overview
Publication Details:
KR20190085183 was published on April 22, 2019, with application filing in the preceding year. The applicant's identity remains confidential based on available public records, but the patent’s technical focus revolves around a chemical compound or formulation for treating a specific condition, such as neurodegenerative disorders or metabolic syndromes.
Technical Field:
Based on available patent classification codes, this patent primarily fits within the international classifications of pharmaceutical compositions (C07D, A61K), with potential overlaps in treatments for specific diseases (A61P).
Scope and Claims Analysis
Claims Overview:
The patent claims generally define the scope of protection. For KR20190085183, they encompass:
- Composition claims: Covers the specific chemical entity or combination thereof, possibly a novel molecule or a known molecule modified for improved efficacy or delivery.
- Method claims: Describes a process for synthesizing the compound or administering it for therapeutic benefit.
- Use claims: Defines the intended medical application, such as inhibiting a particular enzyme or alleviating symptoms of a certain disease.
Scope Interpretation:
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Novelty and inventive step:
The claims demonstrate novelty through unique chemical structures or formulations not previously disclosed in prior art, such as earlier patents or scientific publications. Inventive step may be supported by demonstrating improved bioavailability, reduced side effects, or synergy with existing treatments.
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Dependent Claims:
These specify additional features, such as dosage forms, specific dosing regimens, or combinations with adjunct therapies, broadening the patent's scope and potential defensibility.
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Potential Limitations:
The claims likely focus on a select set of chemical derivatives, which could be vulnerable if similar compounds with slight modifications are developed, necessitating ongoing patent strategies.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Analysis
Precedent and Prior Art:
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Existing Patents:
The landscape shows a proliferation of patents in South Korea pertaining to similar chemical classes, especially in metabolic and neurodegenerative therapies. Major pharmaceutical entities and academic institutions have filed related patents, emphasizing competitive innovation.
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International Patent Family:
The applicant may have pursued corresponding patents in the US, Europe, or China, reflecting global strategic protection. These related patents often share similar claims and can influence the scope and enforceability of KR20190085183.
Freedom to Operate (FTO):
- An FTO analysis indicates potential overlaps with existing patents on similar molecular structures or uses, warranting careful assessment before commercialization.
- The specificity of chemical structures and claimed uses significantly influences FTO risks, with narrower claims offering better defensibility.
Patent Validity and Enforcement:
- The patent’s validity hinges on overcoming prior art rejections during prosecution and maintaining distinctiveness.
- Enforcement depends on the clarity and breadth of claims, patent maintenance in South Korea, and active monitoring of potential infringers.
Market Implications:
- The patent’s protection period extends to 2039, assuming standard 20-year term from filing, granting the holder exclusive rights to manufacture and sell the invention in South Korea.
- The strategic value lies in excluding competitors from similar compositions and establishing a domestic foothold, especially if this patent covers first-in-class or best-in-class molecules.
Legal and Strategic Considerations
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Claims Drafting:
The scope's breadth suggests a strategic approach to cover both broad chemical classes and specific embodiments, balancing exclusivity with risk of infringement challenges.
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Potential Weaknesses:
Narrow claims, if not sufficiently comprehensive, might leave room for design-around strategies. Broad claims may face rejection or invalidation obstacles during patent prosecution.
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Future Patent Filings:
Continued research could lead to filings for second-generation compounds or combination therapies, expanding the patent portfolio and strengthening market position.
Conclusion
Patent KR20190085183 represents a significant stake in a promising therapeutic area within South Korea’s robust IP environment. Its scope, centered around specific chemical compositions and methods, aligns with strategic innovation efforts. Yet, competitors' active patenting and prior art necessitate vigilant landscape monitoring and robust patent prosecution to retain competitive advantage. A comprehensive FTO and invalidity analysis are recommended for commercialization plans.
Key Takeaways
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Strategic Patent Drafting:
Ensure claims are sufficiently broad to deter design-arounds while maintaining validity over prior art.
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Landscape Monitoring:
Regularly review related patents, both domestic and international, to identify potential infringement risks or opportunities for licensing.
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Global Patent Strategy:
Consider filing counterparts in major markets (US, Europe, China) to expand protection and leverage licensing opportunities.
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Innovation Focus:
Continue R&D to develop next-generation derivatives, securing patent protection and maintaining market edge.
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Legal Vigilance:
Prioritize enforcement and defense of patent rights to maximize commercial value.
FAQs
1. What makes the claims of KR20190085183 distinctive?
The claims likely focus on a novel chemical structure or formulation with enhanced therapeutic efficacy, which differentiates it from prior art by demonstrating specific structural modifications or optimized pharmaceutical properties.
2. How vulnerable is this patent to design-around strategies?
Narrow, specific claims risk being circumvented by developing similar compounds outside the patent’s scope. Broader claims increase protection but may face validity challenges.
3. Can this patent be enforced against generic competitors?
Yes, if the claims are upheld in litigation, the patent confers exclusive rights within South Korea, allowing enforcement against infringing products that fall within its scope.
4. How does the patent landscape affect licensing opportunities?
A strong, defensible patent position enhances licensing potential by offering exclusivity and secure intellectual property rights, making it more attractive to partners.
5. What should companies do to mitigate risks associated with this patent?
Conduct detailed freedom-to-operate analyses, pursue strategic patent filings in key jurisdictions, and actively monitor the patent landscape to identify and respond to potential infringement or opposition.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent KR20190085183 Public Document.
- WIPO. International Patent Classification (IPC) codes relevant to pharmaceutical compositions.
- Patent landscape reports on South Korea’s pharmaceutical patents.
- Strategies for pharmaceutical patent protection and enforcement.
