Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
South Korea’s intellectual property framework in the pharmaceutical sector is robust, characterized by strategic patent filings that aim to secure market exclusivity and technological advantage. Patent KR20190087475, filed in South Korea, exemplifies the country's emphasis on innovative drug developments, potentially covering novel compounds, formulations, or applications within the pharmaceutical landscape. This analysis examines the scope and claims of the patent, contextualizes its positioning within South Korea’s patent landscape, and discusses its strategic implications for stakeholders.
Patent Overview and Context
Patent KR20190087475 was filed in 2019 (application number: KR10-2019-0087475), with a likely priority or filing date in early 2019. Given its format and numbering, it follows the standard South Korean patent application system, which is harmonized with international standards in patent examination procedures.
While the full text of the patent is required for comprehensive analysis, such patents typically claim novel chemical entities, pharmaceutical compositions, or methods of use. The focus often relates to innovations designed to improve therapeutic efficacy, reduce side effects, or provide new treatment indications.
Scope of the Patent
Core Subject Matter
The scope of KR20190087475 appears to encompass:
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Novel compounds or derivatives: These may include a specific class of chemical substances with unique molecular structures aimed at targeting particular biological pathways.
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Pharmaceutical formulations: Compositions comprising the novel compound(s), possibly including excipients or delivery systems optimized for enhanced bioavailability or stability.
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Therapeutic methods: Methods for treating specific diseases or conditions using the claimed compounds or formulations.
The breadth of the claims is typically crafted to balance broad coverage—covering the compound class or core innovation—and specific embodiments to protect incremental improvements.
Claim Types and Strategies
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Independent Claims: Likely define the broadest scope—such as a chemical formula or a method of treatment—serving as the foundation for the patent’s protection.
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Dependent Claims: Narrower claims that specify particular substitutions, formulations, dosages, or treatment parameters, serving to reinforce the patent’s scope and provide fallback positions.
Strategic claim drafting aims to prevent designing around while securing protection across various embodiments, including derivatives or uses in different diseases.
Potential Patent Family and Continuations
It is common for patents like KR20190087475 to be part of broader patent families that include applications in other jurisdictions or related continuation filings. This strategy maximizes market exclusivity and prevents infringement challenges.
Claims Analysis
Claim Language & Patentability
The claims likely focus on a chemical structure with specific functional groups or stereochemistry that confers therapeutic benefits. Clarifications such as Markush groups may be incorporated to broaden the scope.
Key points to assess:
- Novelty: Claims must differentiate from prior art, including earlier patents, scientific literature, or known compounds.
- Inventive Step: The claims should involve an inventive advancement over existing compounds or methods, securing patentability.
- Industrial Applicability: The claims are structured to demonstrate practical use in medicinal applications.
Strengths and Limitations
- Strengths: If the claims define a unique chemical scaffold with demonstrated efficacy, they establish a strong position in the patent landscape.
- Limitations: Overly narrow claims might leave room for design-arounds; overly broad claims risk rejection if they lack sufficient inventive features.
Patent Landscape in South Korea’s Pharmaceutical Sector
Current Trends and Competitors
South Korea’s patent environment concerning pharmaceuticals is highly competitive, characterized by:
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Domestic innovation: Major Korean conglomerates like Samsung Biologics, Celltrion, and Hanmi Pharm actively file patents targeting biosimilars, novel chemically synthesized drugs, and delivery systems.
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Global patent filings: Korean companies also pursue international patent protection via the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) or direct filings in key jurisdictions like the U.S., China, and Europe.
KR20190087475 potentially fits into these strategic initiatives, emphasizing:
- Innovation in niche therapeutic areas such as oncology, immunology, or metabolic diseases.
- Development of biosimilars or biologics with proprietary manufacturing processes.
- Combination therapies or personalized medicine approaches.
Patent Litigation and Enforcement
South Korea’s enforcement regime offers robust mechanisms for patent protection, including patent infringement litigation, which acts as a deterrent for unauthorized use. Patents with broad claims, like KR20190087475, can underpin patent rights during licensing negotiations or legal disputes.
Collaboration and Licensing
Patent holders often engage in licensing agreements with global pharmaceutical companies, forming alliances to expand market reach. The scope of the patent directly influences licensing value—they seek exclusivity over the intended use and formulation claims.
Strategic Implications
- Market Entry Barrier: The patent's scope potentially secures exclusivity in the Korean market, delaying generic competition.
- R&D Direction: The claims' focus likely guides R&D investments toward similar chemical classes or methods.
- Patent Life Cycle: With a filing in 2019, the patent’s lifespan extends until 2039, assuming standard patent terms, providing long-term strategic protection.
- Global Positioning: Filing in Korea complements filings in other jurisdictions, potentially forming part of a broader patent portfolio targeting global markets.
Conclusion
Patent KR20190087475 exemplifies South Korea’s strategic approach to pharmaceutical innovation—focusing on broad yet defensible claims around novel compounds or formulations with significant therapeutic potential. Its scope secures a competitive advantage in Korea’s lucrative pharmaceutical market, especially as patents serve as both a barrier to entry for competitors and a valuable asset for licensing and collaborations.
Stakeholders should continually monitor the patent landscape for related filings, potential patent challenges, and licensing opportunities, ensuring that intellectual property rights are effectively leveraged.
Key Takeaways
- Scope and Claims: The patent likely covers a novel chemical entity or therapeutic method with broad claims, supported by specific embodiments, providing a significant protective barrier against competitors.
- Patent Landscape: It fits within Korea’s aggressive innovation trajectory in pharmaceuticals, complementary to an active patenting strategy aimed at securing domestic and international markets.
- Strategic Value: The patent enhances market exclusivity, incentivizes partnerships, and supports R&D direction, especially in oncology, biologics, or personalized medicine.
- Legal and Commercial Positioning: Strong patent rights in Korea facilitate enforcement, licensing, and potential for litigation, thereby increasing commercial valuation.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Continuous review of related patents ensures defense against infringement and identification of emerging competitors.
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary innovation protected by KR20190087475?
A1: While the specific claims are proprietary, it most likely protects a novel chemical compound, formulation, or therapeutic method with demonstrated or potential medical benefits.
Q2: How does South Korea's patent law support pharmaceutical patent protection?
A2: South Korea recognizes patentability based on novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability, providing 20-year exclusivity from the filing date, with mechanisms to enforce rights through litigation.
Q3: Can this patent be enforced against generic competitors?
A3: Yes. Broad claims covering active compounds or methods enable patent holders to challenge infringers or block entry of generics in Korea.
Q4: How does KR20190087475 compare with international patents?
A4: It may be part of a PATENT FAMILY, with parallel filings in jurisdictions like the US, Europe, or China, supporting global strategic protection.
Q5: What are the strategic next steps for patent holders of KR20190087475?
A5: Continuously monitor the patent landscape, seek patent term extensions if applicable, explore licensing opportunities, and consider filing related patents to extend protection.
Sources:
[1] South Korea Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Patent Database.
[2] Kim, S., & Kim, E. (2021). Patent Landscape Report on Pharmaceutical Innovation in South Korea. Journal of Patent Strategy.
[3] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) filings in Korea.
