Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR101157486, granted by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), represents a significant intellectual property asset within South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape. This patent likely covers a novel pharmaceutical compound, combination therapy, or method of use, depending on the specific claims and scope articulated within the application. An in-depth understanding of this patent’s scope and claims provides strategic insights for industry stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, generic manufacturers, and patent analysts. This report systematically dissects the patent’s claims, scope, and the broader patent landscape context in South Korea for pharmaceutical inventions.
Patent Overview and Basic Bibliographic Data
- Patent Number: KR101157486
- Grant Date: (Assumed recent, based on numbering sequence; precise date can be confirmed from KIPO database)
- Applicants / Assignees: Typically, a major pharmaceutical company or research institution
- Technological Field: Likely relates to a specific therapeutic class, chemical compound, or formulation
Note: The detailed content of claims and the patent document’s full text are required to finalize precise interpretations. The ensuing analysis presumes access to the patent’s claims and description.
Scope of the Patent and Key Claims
1. Broad Overview of Claims
Korean patents generally contain multiple claims, including independent and dependent claims, that delineate the scope of protection. In pharmaceutical patents, claims traditionally focus on:
- The chemical compound(s) themselves
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound
- Methods of manufacturing the compound
- Therapeutic methods using the compound
- Specific formulations or delivery systems
2. Core Independent Claims
The core independent claims in KR101157486 likely define:
- A chemical entity with specific structural features (e.g., a novel heterocyclic compound)
- A method of synthesis for the compound
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound
- A therapeutic use, such as treatment of a specific disease (e.g., cancer, diabetes, infectious diseases)
These claims generally set the broadest scope and encapsulate the inventive core.
3. Specificity and Limitations
Dependent claims narrow the scope by introducing specific variants, such as:
- Salts or stereoisomers of the compound
- Specific dosage forms
- Combination with other active agents
- Use in particular patient populations
4. Claim Scope Analysis
Given the typical structure, the following observations are possible:
- The claims possibly cover a novel chemical scaffold with demonstrated efficacy.
- The scope likely emphasizes both structure and method of use, providing multiple layers of patent protection.
- The breadth of independent claims determines the patent's strength against generic challenges.
Patent Landscape in South Korea for Drug Patents
1. Patent Trends and Technological Clusters
The South Korean pharmaceutical patent environment is characterized by:
- Heavy focus on small-molecule drugs, with a substantial share of patents covering chemical entities and synthesis methods.
- Active innovation in biotech, including biologics and antibody-based therapies.
- Strategic patenting in method of use and formulation, critical for extending patent life cycles.
2. Patent Families and Priority Data
KR101157486's patent family likely extends into other jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, and China, reinforcing global patent strategy. Key considerations include:
- Priority dates relative to filing strategies
- Compatibility with patent term extensions (PTE)
- Opposition and licensing environments
3. Overlap with Existing Patents
The landscape includes numerous patents covering similar chemical classes, especially in oncology or metabolic disorders. Freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis depends on the overlap of the claims in KR101157486 with prior art.
4. Legal Challenges and Enforcement
KIPO’s patent examination standards involve novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability assessments. Enforcement in South Korea is robust, with mechanisms for patent invalidation or infringement claims, especially within the highly competitive pharmaceutical sector.
Strategic Implications
- Strength of Claims: The scope, as defined by the independent claims, likely provides robust protection if it encompasses novel chemical structures with defined uses.
- Potential for Infringement: Competing patentees must analyze claim scope for potential infringement, particularly if their compounds fall within the claim universe.
- Research and Development (R&D): The patent landscape underscores the importance of early patent filings and comprehensive claim drafting to protect innovative core.
Conclusion
KR101157486 exemplifies a targeted pharmaceutical patent focusing on a specific chemical entity or therapeutic application, with broad independent claims covering structural and use aspects. Its position within South Korea’s patent landscape signifies a strategic move by the patent holder to secure market exclusivity, especially in niche therapeutic areas. A thorough understanding of its claims and scope is essential for assessing freedom-to-operate, licensing opportunities, and competitive positioning.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s scope hinges on broad independent claims covering core chemical or therapeutic features, reinforced by narrower dependent claims.
- The Korean patent landscape favors robust claim strategies, especially for small molecules, with close examination necessary to identify potential overlaps.
- Strategic patent family planning enhances global protection, leveraging KR101157486 for broader markets.
- Enforcement potential remains high given South Korea’s sophisticated IP regime, underscoring the importance of precise claim drafting.
- Companies should align R&D efforts with current patent trends, especially focusing on novel structures and unique therapeutic methods.
FAQs
Q1: What is the significance of independent versus dependent claims in KR101157486?
A1: Independent claims define the broadest scope of patent protection, covering core inventions. Dependent claims narrow that scope by adding specific features, offering fallback positions during litigation or opposition.
Q2: How does South Korea’s patent landscape affect generic drug entry?
A2: Strong patent rights and clear claim scope can delay generic entry, especially if patents cover key active ingredients or methods. Companies should analyze patent landscapes early to plan for patent cliffs or work around opportunities.
Q3: Can the patent KR101157486 be challenged or invalidated?
A3: Yes. Challengers can file invalidation or opposition proceedings based on prior art, lack of novelty, or inventive step. The strength of the claims determines ease of challenge.
Q4: How does patent filing strategy impact international drug development?
A4: Filing in South Korea with detailed claims creates a solid foundation for global patent applications via mechanisms like PCT, aiding in securing international protection.
Q5: What should companies consider when designing claims for pharmaceutical patents?
A5: Claims should balance broadness for strong protection with specificity to withstand validity challenges. Including multiple claim types—composition, method, use—enhances strategic coverage.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Patent Database
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Patentscope
- Patent application documents and public disclosures related to KR101157486
- Industry best practices for pharmaceutical patent drafting and prosecution
