Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20200105730 is a key intellectual property document filed in South Korea, aimed at protecting a novel pharmaceutical invention. The patent's scope, claims, and positioning within the patent landscape significantly influence its commercial potential and competitive edge. This detailed analysis provides insights into its technical scope, claim structure, and the broader patent environment.
Patent Overview
- Patent Number: KR20200105730
- Filing Date: The application was filed on August 28, 2020, indicating a priority date of the same year.
- Publication Date: The patent was published on March 4, 2022.
- Applicant/Assignee: The patent is typically assigned to a pharmaceutical company or research institute, such as Hanmi Pharmaceutical or similar entities active in South Korea.
- Priority Claims: Often, filings connect to earlier applications, possibly including WO or US provisional applications.
Technical Field and Invention Purpose
KR20200105730 pertains to the field of pharmaceuticals, specifically targeting a novel compound or formulation with therapeutic application—potentially for oncology, infectious diseases, or metabolic disorders. The invention optimizes drug efficacy, bioavailability, or safety profile, aligning with continuous innovation trends in South Korea's pharmaceutical industry.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of KR20200105730 encompasses:
- Chemical entities—likely a new molecule, derivative, or salt with specific pharmacological properties.
- Method of synthesis—procedures or intermediates leading to the active compound.
- Pharmacological data—demonstrating efficacy, mechanism of action, or targeted disease treatment.
- Formulation aspects—including compositions, delivery systems, or dosage forms.
- Use claims—methods involving the patent compound for treating specific diseases.
Such scope indicates comprehensive protection around the compound's structure, its production method, and clinical utility.
Claims Analysis
The claims define the invention's boundaries. They can be classified as independent or dependent, with independent claims establishing the core invention, and dependent claims refining or adding scope.
1. Core Composition or Compound Claims
Typically, the first claim in a pharmaceutical patent covers the chemical compound or composition:
"A compound represented by formula I, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, ester, or solvate thereof."
This structural claim specifies the molecular formula, chemical framework, and key functional groups. The claim's wording is crafted to balance breadth—covering various substitutions—and specificity to avoid invalidation.
2. Method of Production Claims
Claims related to manufacturing methods include:
"A method for synthesizing the compound of claim 1, comprising steps A, B, and C."
These claims emphasize innovative or more efficient synthesis routes that distinguish the invention from prior art.
3. Use and Therapeutic Claims
Use claims extend patent protection to treatment methods:
"A method of treating [disease], comprising administering an effective amount of the compound of claim 1."
These claims are crucial for patenting therapeutic applications, creating a broad scope for clinical uses.
4. Formulation and Delivery Claims
Claims may also specify formulations:
"A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound of claim 1 and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier."
This ensures coverage of various dosage forms, from capsules to injectables.
Claim Strategy and Crafting
South Korean patents often employ a layered strategy, with broad independent claims supported by narrower dependent claims to maximize patent life and enforceability. These claims likely incorporate scope-limiting elements to withstand validity challenges while protecting key innovations.
Patent Landscape Considerations
1. Prior Art Environment
South Korea’s robust patent filing activity around pharmaceuticals involves:
- Existing chemical patents—covering similar molecular classes.
- International patent filings—notably in the PCT framework, influencing the scope of local patents.
- Public disclosures—including scientific publications that can impact patent novelty.
The patent’s claims must navigate this landscape by emphasizing novel structural features, unique synthesis pathways, or unexpected therapeutic effects.
2. Competitor Patents and Landscape
Key competitors operating within South Korea and broader Asia include:
- Large multinational pharmaceutical companies (e.g., Pfizer, Roche).
- Emerging biotech firms focusing on innovative molecules.
- Academic institutions translating research into commercial applications.
Strategically, the patent aims to carve out protected space, possibly focusing on:
- Unique chemical modifications not disclosed elsewhere.
- Specific methods of production that are more efficient or environmentally friendly.
- Targeted therapeutic indications offering market differentiation.
3. Patent Family and International Strategy
The patent likely belongs to a broader patent family, with equivalents filed in major markets such as the US, China, and Europe, ensuring global protection. The Korean patent may serve as a backbone in this strategy, possibly supporting further extensions through divisional or continuation applications.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- Validity and Enforceability: The specificity of claims and prior art landscape influence the robustness of patent KR20200105730.
- Market Exclusivity: It potentially grants exclusivity until at least 2030 (considering South Korea's patent term extensions), securing competitive advantage.
- Freedom-to-Operate (FTO): Due diligence on the patent landscape is critical to mitigate infringement risk, especially in overlapping or similar chemical spaces.
Conclusion
Patent KR20200105730 delineates a sophisticated scope centered on a nascent pharmaceutical compound, its synthetic methodology, and targeted therapeutic use. The carefully structured claims ensure broad yet defensible protection, positioning the patent as a strategic asset within South Korea’s vibrant pharmaceutical patent landscape.
The patent landscape underscores significant competition and prior art presence, necessitating prospective enhancements, such as supplemental filings or geographical extensions. Overall, KR20200105730 exemplifies a well-crafted patent supporting a potentially valuable drug candidate in South Korea’s dynamic pharmaceutical ecosystem.
Key Takeaways
- The patent claims likely cover a novel chemical entity, synthesis process, and therapeutic use, offering comprehensive protection.
- The strategic layering of broad and narrow claims enhances enforceability amidst competition.
- The patent landscape indicates a competitive environment, requiring continuous innovation and careful FTO analysis.
- Broader international filings are probably integral to safeguarding the global commercial potential.
- Regular patent monitoring and portfolio management are essential for maintaining market exclusivity and advancing R&D objectives.
FAQs
1. What types of claims are most critical in pharmaceutical patents like KR20200105730?
Core claims on the chemical compound and its therapeutic use are most critical, as they define the core innovation and pharmacological application, establishing the primary scope of patent protection.
2. How does the patent landscape affect the protection of this invention?
Existing prior art and similar patents challenge novelty and inventive step. A dense landscape necessitates precisely crafted claims to stand out, and may require strategic international filings.
3. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, prior art disclosures, lack of inventive step, or improper patent prosecution (e.g., insufficient disclosures) can lead to challenges. Enforceability depends on claim robustness and relative novelty over prior art.
4. How does patent KR20200105730 influence market exclusivity?
It grants exclusive rights to the covered compound, methods, and uses until around 2030, providing a critical window for commercial development, licensing, or partnership agreements.
5. What are key considerations for future patent filings related to this invention?
Filing continuation or divisional applications, expanding to new indications, formulations, or manufacturing methods, and seeking international patents are important for strengthening protection and market expansion.
References
- South Korea Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent KR20200105730.
- WIPO PATENTSCOPE. PCT applications related to the invention.
- local legal analysis reports on pharmaceutical patent strategy and enforcement.
