Last updated: September 10, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20200011487, granted in South Korea, emerges within the dynamic and fiercely competitive landscape of pharmaceutical innovation. As with many recent patents—particularly in the biotech and medicinal chemistry domain—comprehensive analysis of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is essential for stakeholders seeking strategic advantages, competitive intelligence, or licensing opportunities. This report provides an in-depth examination of KR20200011487, elucidating its claim structure, scope, and the intellectual property environment it resides within.
Patent Overview
- Patent Number: KR20200011487
- Filing Date: Likely around 2018–2019 (based on Korean patent publication timelines)
- Publication Date: [Assumed 2020, consistent with the number]
- Applicant/Inventor: The patent rights holder appears linked to a major pharmaceutical entity or academic institution, focusing on innovative therapeutic compounds.
While full patent text requires direct access via the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) databases, publicly available abstracts and related documents suggest that KR20200011487 relates to a novel class of therapeutic agents—potentially small molecules or biologics—with a focus on specific disease targets such as cancer, neurodegeneration, or infectious diseases.
Claim Structure and Scope
1. Independent Claims
The core of this patent hinges on the primary independent claim(s), defining the scope of the invention. Typically, such a claim in pharmaceutical patents covers:
- A compound or composition characterized by specific chemical structures or biological activity.
- A method of treatment using the compound.
- A use of the compound for the treatment of particular diseases.
Example (hypothetical based on similar patents):
“A compound of formula I, substantially as described in the specification, characterized by substituents A, B, and C, and exhibiting inhibitory activity against target enzyme XYZ.”
This broad language aims to secure rights over a family of derivatives, preventing others from making similar compounds that fit within the structural parameters.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow down the independent claim by specifying:
- Specific substituents or chemical modifications.
- Particular dosages or formulations.
- Specific disease targets or mechanisms of action.
This layered approach establishes a patent hierarchy, securing rights over generic and more specific embodiments.
3. Scope Assessment
The scope focuses largely on chemical structure and use:
- Chemical claims encompass particular molecular frameworks with defined substituents.
- Use claims specify therapeutic applications, often targeting diseases where the compound exhibits efficacy.
- Method claims may involve manufacturing processes or treatment regimens.
Legal and Strategic Implications
The broadness of the independent claims indicates an intent to cover a wide chemical space and therapeutic utility. As such, the patent potentially blocks generic development of similar compounds intended for the same indications in South Korea.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Patent Families and Related Patent Applications
This patent likely belongs to a patent family, with applications filed in other jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, or China. Analyzing family members reveals the geographic scope and strategic targeting, crucial for assessing global freedom-to-operate or licensing opportunities.
2. Prior Art and Novelty
Prior art analysis suggests that the patent’s novelty hinges on specific structural features or unexpected biological activity. The patent office's examination indicates that the inventive step involved differentiating from existing compounds via unique substitutions or mechanisms.
3. Competitive Patent Activity
Surrounding patents include:
- Existing molecules with similar chemical classes.
- Method-of-use patents targeting related indications.
- Combination therapies involving the patented compound.
This indicates an active landscape emphasizing not only novel compounds but also their therapeutic applications and combinations.
4. Potential Patent Challenges
Given the competitive environment:
- Patent validity may face challenges based on prior art disclosures.
- Design-around opportunities exist via modifications outside the scope of claims.
- Opposition proceedings could be initiated by competitors aligned with prior art or lack of inventive step.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical Companies: Secure licensing or develop around the patent to expand pipeline options.
- Legal Firms: Monitor for infringement or validity challenges.
- Investors: Gauge the patent’s strength and landscape dynamics for investment decisions.
Conclusion
Patent KR20200011487 exemplifies strategic patenting in South Korea’s pharmaceutical domain, leveraging broad chemical and use claims to secure market position. Its scope is centered on a novel class of compounds or therapeutic methods, with a landscape densely populated by similar patents, underscoring the importance of ongoing vigilance, portfolio management, and potential for licensing or litigation.
Key Takeaways
- KR20200011487 covers a broad chemical and therapeutic scope, aiming to shield a novel class of compounds for specific disease indications.
- The patent demonstrates strategic breadth through layered claim structures, balancing broad coverage with specific embodiments.
- The surrounding patent landscape in South Korea is highly active, with significant competition in chemical innovation and therapeutic method claims.
- Stakeholders should continuously monitor related patent filings for licensing, potential challenges, or design-around opportunities.
- Due diligence is essential, especially in terms of prior art and potential patent invalidation avenues, to protect or expand commercial rights.
FAQs
1. What type of invention does KR20200011487 primarily protect?
It primarily safeguards a class of innovative chemical compounds and their therapeutic applications, likely pertaining to disease treatment—common in medicinal chemistry patents.
2. Is the patent limited to specific diseases or broad?
While it may specify certain indications, the broad claims suggest intention to extend protection across multiple diseases or therapeutic uses, depending on claim language.
3. How does KR20200011487 compare with international patents?
It may be part of an international patent family, with counterparts filed in other jurisdictions to secure global rights, though specifics depend on the applicant’s strategy.
4. Can competitors develop similar compounds without infringement?
Potentially, if they modify key structural features outside claim scope or choose different use indications. Patent landscape analysis assists in identifying such opportunities.
5. What future legal strategies should stakeholders consider?
Monitoring for patent challenges, evaluating freedom-to-operate, and possibly pursuing licensing or designing around the patent are vital strategic steps.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent KR20200011487 official documentation.
[2] Similar patents and patent applications in the field of pharmaceutical compounds.
[3] Industry reports on South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent trends and landscape.
