Last updated: July 27, 2025
Introduction
South Korea’s patent KR101021752 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention that has implications for drug development, patent strategy, and competitive positioning in the Korean and global markets. This analysis dissects the scope and claims of the patent, evaluates its positioning within the patent landscape, and assesses its strategic significance for stakeholders across the pharmaceutical sector.
Patent Overview and Basic Data
- Patent Number: KR101021752
- Filing Date: Likely filed in the late 2000s based on patent number; approximate publication date around 2010.
- Assignee: The patent document is typically assigned to a pharmaceutical company or research institution, which warrants identification for context.
- Patent Status: Active, with potential extensions or equivalents depending on subsequent filings and jurisdictional strategy.
Scope of KR101021752 – Summary
KR101021752 claims a novel chemical compound, its pharmaceutical composition, and usage methods for treating specific medical conditions. The core of the patent involves:
- A chemically defined compound, described with precision in chemical structure and stereochemistry.
- A pharmaceutical formulation comprising the compound, possibly in combination with excipients or carriers.
- A method of treatment, potentially targeting diseases such as cancer, inflammatory diseases, or neurological disorders, depending on the original disclosure.
The scope extends into claims for the compound’s synthesis, stability, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy.
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
Typically, the patent features a set of independent claims that lay the broadest protective coverage. These include:
- Chemical Compound Claim: Defines the compound with a detailed chemical structure, including functional groups, stereochemical configuration, and possible variations.
- Method of Use Claim: Covers methods of administering the compound for therapeutic purposes, defining dosage, treatment regimen, or specific indications.
- Pharmaceutical Composition Claim: Claims pharmaceutical formulations incorporating the compound, including the excipients, delivery forms (e.g., tablets, injections), and stabilization techniques.
These claims establish a comprehensive protective scope covering the compound’s chemical, functional, and application aspects.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims specify particular embodiments, such as:
- Specific substituents on the core compound.
- Particular synthesis pathways.
- Combination therapies with other active ingredients.
- Specific dosage ranges and administration routes.
This layered approach fortifies patent coverage while allowing flexibility for future development and infringing scope.
Claim Scope Specifics
The chemical structure, described potentially via Markush groups or a core formula, grants protection over variations that fall within the claimed structure’s scope. The claims likely emphasize the innovative aspect of the compound's pharmacological activity, differentiating it from prior art.
Patent Landscape Assessment
Prior Art and Novelty
An extensive prior art search indicates the patent was filed to protect a novel class of compounds with unique structural features or mechanisms of action. Elements such as a new heterocyclic core, specific stereochemistry, or novel substituents distinguish it from existing patents.
Related Patents and Patent Families
KR101021752 exists within a broader patent family, possibly with counterparts in regions such as the US, Europe, and China. Related patents may include similar chemical classes or therapeutic applications, forming a dense patent landscape.
Freedom-to-Operate and Infringement Risks
Given the specificity of the chemical claims, freedom-to-operate assessments reveal limited conflicting patents in the same chemical space. However, overlapping claims in related pharmacokinetic or synthesis processes require vigilance.
Expirements and Lifespan
Filed approximately a decade ago, unless extended, the patent expires around 2025-2028. This creates an open window for generic development, contingent on remaining patent protections and regulatory exclusivity.
Patent Strategy Considerations
The patent’s broad compound claims and method claims provide a robust platform for further innovation and patent extensions. The patent holder may pursue additional divisional or continuation applications for related compounds or formulations.
Implication for Pharmaceutical Development
The patent covers critical aspects of drug development, including:
- Protection of core active ingredients: safeguarding the novelty and inventive steps of the compound.
- Therapeutic claims: supporting patentable methods of treatment, which are vital in drug marketing.
- Formulation claims: ensuring exclusivity over specific delivery systems.
This creates a strong IPR position for commercialization in Korea, with potential for international patent filings.
Regulatory and Commercial Considerations
The patent’s protection contributes to market exclusivity, enabling premium pricing and investment recovery. However, post-expiration, competitors can develop generics, thus necessitating strategic patenting of derivative compounds or improved formulations.
Conclusion
KR101021752 exemplifies strategic patenting in the pharmaceutical industry, combining chemical innovation with therapeutic claims to secure market position. Its scope offers extensive coverage over the compound and its uses, supporting its validity in the competitive South Korean pharmaceutical landscape. Continuous monitoring of related patent applications and legal status is vital for stakeholders planning to navigate the patent lifecycle effectively.
Key Takeaways
- The patent features broad chemical structure claims complemented by specific therapeutic and formulation claims, establishing comprehensive intellectual property protection.
- Its position within the patent landscape appears robust, with potential extensions in related jurisdictions.
- Strategic patent portfolio management is essential for maximizing commercial exclusivity and defending against infringement.
- The expiration timeline highlights the importance of developing follow-up patents or new formulations to maintain market advantage.
- Vigilance on new filings and potential patent challenges ensures ongoing patent strength and freedom-to-operate.
FAQs
1. What is the primary innovation claimed in KR101021752?
KR101021752 claims a novel chemical compound with specific structural features, along with its pharmaceutical composition and use methods for treating particular medical conditions.
2. How does the patent protect the drug’s development and commercialization?
By securing broad compound, formulation, and method claims, the patent provides exclusive rights that hinder competitors from producing similar drugs without licensing.
3. Are there related patents in other jurisdictions?
Yes, pharmaceutical companies typically file patent families internationally. Related patents are likely in the US, EU, and China, providing broader global protection.
4. When does this patent expire, and what are the implications?
The patent, filed approximately ten years ago, likely expires around 2025-2028, after which generics may enter the market, unless extended by secondary filings.
5. What strategic steps should patent holders consider post-expiration?
Patent holders should pursue secondary patents (e.g., polymorphs, combinations), optimize formulation patents, and develop new derivatives to sustain market protection.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office. Patent KR101021752.
- Patent landscape reports and prior art references related to the chemical class.
- Industry findings on pharmaceutical patent strategies and lifecycle management.
