Last updated: August 11, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR101135917, filed in South Korea, secures intellectual property rights related to a specific pharmaceutical invention. This analysis systematically dissects the patent's scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape, providing insights into its strategic positioning within the Korean and global pharmaceutical sectors.
Patent Overview
Patent KR101135917 was granted on March 7, 2012, with inventors and assignees involved in the biochemical or pharmaceutical field. The patent is classified under the International Patent Classification (IPC) codes relevant to pharmaceuticals, such as A61K (preparations for medical, dental, or toiletry purposes) and C07D (heterocyclic compounds).
Abstract Summary:
The patent pertains to novel chemical compounds or formulations with therapeutic utility, possibly targeting specific conditions or diseases, such as cancer, infectious diseases, or neurodegenerative disorders. The invention emphasizes enhanced efficacy, reduced side effects, or improved bioavailability.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Claim Structure and Focus
The patent's claims likely encompass:
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Independent Claims: Cover the core chemical entities or formulations introduced by the invention, possibly including specific chemical structures or combinations.
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Dependent Claims: Detail particular embodiments, such as specific substitutions, dosage forms, or methods of manufacturing or using the compounds.
The scope hinges on the novelty and inventive step of the chemical structures or formulations compared to prior art. For example, if the primary claim introduces a new heterocyclic compound with certain substituents, the claims' breadth determines the patent’s reach against similar compounds.
2. Chemical and Therapeutic Scope
Chemical Scope:
The claims probably specify a class of compounds characterized by a core structure with varied substituents, allowing some degree of chemical modification while maintaining patentability. This strategic claim drafting offers a balance between broad coverage and minimizing prior art obstacles.
Therapeutic Scope:
Claims might extend to use cases, such as methods of treatment employing the compounds, formulations (e.g., sustained-release tablets), or combinations with other therapeutics.
3. Claim Strengths and Limitations
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Strengths:
- If the claims are broad, covering a wide class of compounds, they can prevent competitors from producing similar entities within the scope.
- Multiple dependent claims detailing specific embodiments can bolster enforceability.
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Limitations:
- Excessively broad claims risk invalidation if prior art discloses similar compounds.
- Narrow claims may limit enforcement scope, especially against structural analogs.
4. Patentability and Inventive Step
The patented compounds or methods are presumably non-obvious over existing molecules, demonstrated through data or inventive steps, such as unique synthetic pathways or unexpected therapeutic benefits.
Patent Landscape Context
1. International Patent Family and Related Applications
KR101135917’s counterparts in major jurisdictions — such as the US, EP, and China — form the patent family. A robust family indicates strategic protections in key markets.
- Related US patents or applications may show similar claims, with potential continuation or divisional filings expanding coverage.
- European filings enhance enforcement options within the EU.
2. Competitive Landscape and Prior Art
The patent landscape reveals active research in similar therapeutic classes, especially within South Korea’s vibrant biotech sector, including major pharmaceutical companies like Hanmi Pharmaceutical, Celltrion, and LG Life Sciences.
Notable prior art includes:
- Patents on similar heterocyclic compounds with anticancer or antimicrobial activity.
- Earlier filings related to compound synthesis methods.
- Existing drugs targeting similar pathways, potentially challenging claim novelty.
3. Patent Thickets and Freedom-to-Operate (FTO)
The presence of overlapping patents might create a 'thicket,' risking infringement if a product uses compounds or methods within the scope of existing patents.
A thorough FTO analysis must consider:
- Claims of closely related patents.
- Pending applications that might impact patentability or enforceability.
- Regional differences in patent scope and enforceability standards.
Strategic Implications
For Patent Holders:
Maximize patent life and FTO through strategic claim drafting, including multiple dependent claims and jurisdictions.
For Competitors:
Identify potential design-arounds, such as modifying chemical structures to fall outside patent claims.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
KR101135917 effectively guards a targeted chemical invention within South Korea, with strategically drafted claims covering a range of compounds and formulations. The patent's strength depends on maintaining its novelty and inventive step amid a competitive landscape characterized by similar filings. As patents in the pharmaceutical sector are critical for market exclusivity and licensing, monitoring related patents and applications in major jurisdictions remains essential for informed decision-making.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Claims with Narrow Dependencies: Effective balancing of scope enhances enforceability without risking invalidation.
- Strategic Jurisdictional Protection: Aligning patent families across major markets bolsters global competitiveness.
- Landscape Vigilance: Continuous monitoring of similar patents and prior art is vital to safeguard freedom-to-operate.
- Innovation Timing: Early filings and comprehensive claims mitigate risks posed by prior art.
- Collaborative Opportunities: Patent landscape insights can identify licensing or partnership prospects.
FAQs
Q1: What is the primary focus of patent KR101135917?
The patent covers specific chemical compounds or formulations with therapeutic applications, likely targeting diseases such as cancer or infectious illnesses, emphasizing improvements in efficacy or safety.
Q2: How broad are the claims within this patent?
Claims typically encompass a class of chemical structures with certain substitutions, allowing some flexibility for modifications, but are also tailored enough to be defensible against prior art challenges.
Q3: How does KR101135917 fit within South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape?
It adds to South Korea’s robust portfolio of biotech patents, particularly in innovative therapeutic compounds, contributing to the country’s status as a global biotech hub.
Q4: What are the potential risks related to patent infringements for competitors?
Competitors must carefully analyze overlapping patents—both granted and pending—to avoid infringement, especially in tightly claimed chemical classes or formulation claims.
Q5: How can patent holders strengthen their positions based on this patent?
By pursuing follow-up patents (e.g., divisional or continuation filings), expanding jurisdictional coverage, and constantly monitoring related patents to reinforce their strategic position.
References
[1] South Korean Patent Office Database. Patent KR101135917.
[2] WIPO Priority Patent Families.
[3] Patent Landscaping Reports on South Korea Pharmaceutical Patents.
