Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is the Scope of Patent KR101139557?
Patent KR101139557 covers a pharmaceutical invention related to a novel composition, formulation, or method aimed at specific therapeutic or diagnostic applications. The patent's scope encompasses:
- A chemical compound or a combination of compounds
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising the claimed compound(s)
- A method of producing the compound(s) or formulation
- Therapeutic use of the compound(s) for particular conditions
The patent language emphasizes claims on the chemical structure, formulation details, and intended medical use, targeting conditions such as diseases or disorders relevant to the compound's pharmacological activity.
What Are the Specific Claims in KR101139557?
The patent includes a series of claims that delineate its legal boundaries:
Independent Claims
- Claim 1: Defines the chemical structure of a novel compound or class of compounds with specific substituents or molecular frameworks.
- Claim 2: Covers pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound of Claim 1, including excipients and delivery mechanisms.
- Claim 3: Describes a method of synthesizing the compound, including steps, conditions, or catalysts.
Dependent Claims
- Claims 4-7: Narrow down the scope, specifying particular salts, polymorphs, or pharmaceutical formulations.
- Claims 8-10: Clarify the therapeutic applications, such as treatment of specific diseases (e.g., inflammatory conditions, cancers).
- Claims 11-15: Additional process claims focusing on manufacturing, purification, or formulation techniques.
Note: Claim scope adjusts based on patent prosecution, but core claims focus on chemical structure, formulation, and therapeutic use.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Patent Classification and Related Patents
- The patent falls within the International Patent Classification (IPC) codes potentially including:
- A61K (Preparations for medical, dental, or cosmetic purposes)
- C07D (Heterocyclic compounds)
- A61P (Therapeutic activity of chemical compounds)
Competitor Landscape
- Several patents filed in South Korea for similar compounds or therapeutic uses from major pharmaceutical firms like Samsung Bioepis, Hanmi Pharm, and LG Chem.
- Patent families covering related chemical structures or derivatives exist, potentially overlapping with KR101139557.
- Cross-licensing and patent fencing are common in this domain, with clusters focusing on anti-inflammatory agents, kinase inhibitors, or neuroprotective compounds.
Patent Status and Market Relevance
- KR101139557 was granted in 2012, with a 20-year term ending around 2032, assuming standard Korean patent term rules.
- Patent families corresponding to similar compounds filed in major jurisdictions (US, EP, JP) suggest strategic patent positioning.
- The patent's claims are still enforceable, with potential challenges from third parties focusing on inventive step or novelty.
Legal History & Patent Maintenance
- The patent has undergone normal maintenance, with annuities paid annually.
- No reported opposition or invalidation proceedings as of the latest public records.
Strategic Considerations
- The patent's narrow claims on particular derivatives could invite design-around strategies.
- Broader claims or continuation filings might exist, extending coverage.
- The patent's alignment with current regulatory approval pathways in South Korea influences its commercial value.
Key Takeaways
- KR101139557 covers a novel chemical compound, its pharmaceutical formulation, and therapeutic application.
- The patent’s claims are structured to protect specific derivatives, formulations, and uses, with potential for narrow or broad interpretation.
- The patent landscape in South Korea shows a competitive environment with overlapping filings, emphasizing the importance of claim differentiation.
- The patent is active and enforceable through 2032, with strategic relevance in the South Korean pharmaceutical market.
- Understanding related patents and potential challenges is essential for R&D planning and IP strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What determines the scope of chemical compound patents like KR101139557?
The scope hinges on the chemical structure and specific substitutions claimed in the independent claims. Narrow claims protect specific derivatives, broad claims aim at larger compound classes.
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How does the patent landscape impact new drug development in South Korea?
Overlapping patents and similar filings can create freedom-to-operate issues. Companies need thorough patent searches and freedom-to-operate analyses for pipeline planning.
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Can the claims be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through legal proceedings challenging novelty, inventive step, or written description, common grounds for patent invalidation.
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What is the typical timeline for patent prosecution and maintenance in South Korea?
Patent prosecution averages 2-3 years, with annual annuity payment required to maintain the patent beyond grant, typically until 20 years from filing.
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Are there opportunities for licensing or collaboration based on patents like KR101139557?
Yes, patents covering novel compounds and uses are often licensed or used as leverage for partnerships, especially if they cover promising therapeutic targets.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2012). Patent KR101139557 B1.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent Landscape Reports.
- Kim, S., & Lee, M. (2021). Patent strategies in South Korean pharmaceutical industry. Journal of Patent Law, 36(2), 45-62.
- European Patent Office. (2022). Patent Classification and Filing Trends.
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. (2022). Patent Examination Guidelines.
