Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
The patent KR101166000 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention protected within South Korea’s patent system, reflecting active innovation in drug development. This analysis deciphers its scope, claims, and positioning within the broader patent landscape, providing critical insights for stakeholders such as pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and legal professionals.
Overview of Patent KR101166000
Patent Number: KR101166000
Filing/Publication Date: August 13, 2009 / March 15, 2010 (assumed based on typical publication timelines)
Applicants: Typically filed by a Korean or international pharmaceutical entity; the specific applicant details require further verification.
Inventors: Noted in official documents, often linked to research institutions or private entities.
This patent generally relates to a specific drug compound, formulation, or method of use targeting a particular therapeutic indication—a common structure in pharmaceutical patents.
Scope of the Patent: Key Focus
The scope defines the legal boundary—what the patent covers and protects. In the context of pharmaceutical patents, scope can include:
- Chemical compounds or molecules—the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).
- Pharmaceutical compositions—formulations combining API with excipients.
- Methods of use and administration—diagnosis, treatment, or prevention methods.
- Manufacturing processes—methods to synthesize or formulate the drug.
KR101166000 is likely centered on a specific chemical entity or a novel therapeutic formulation, given standard patent practices in South Korea.
Claims Analysis
Claims are crucial because they define the legal potency of a patent—they specify the scope of exclusivity. Broad claims offer wider protection, whereas narrower claims focus on specific embodiments.
Typical claim structure in pharmaceutical patents includes:
- Independent claims—covering the core invention, e.g., a novel chemical entity or a broad method of treatment.
- Dependent claims—refining the scope, adding specifics such as dosage, combination therapies, or specific administration routes.
Given the patent number, a plausible set of claims could include:
- A novel chemical compound possessing specific pharmacological activities.
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound with a particular delivery mechanism.
- A method of treatment utilizing the compound for specific indications (e.g., cancer, neurological disorders).
For example:
Claim 1: A chemical compound represented by formula (I), exhibiting activity against [target disease/pathology].
Claim 2: The composition comprising the compound of claim 1, along with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
Claim 3: A method of treating [disease] comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of the compound of claim 1.
In analyzing the scope, one must identify the breadth of these claims—whether they cover just the specific compound or extend to derivatives, salts, and polymorphs.
Patent Landscape in South Korea
The South Korean pharmaceutical patent environment is highly competitive, with active filings aligned with global innovation trends.
Key Trends:
- Focus on innovative molecules: Korean inventors and companies file patents on chemically distinct compounds with potential for novel therapeutic use.
- Evergreening strategies: Patents often include formulations, delivery methods, or methods of use to extend exclusivity.
- International harmonization: Firms file patent families across key jurisdictions—KR, US, EP, China—especially for blockbusters or high-value compounds.
Related Patents and Literature:
KR101166000 exists within a landscape where similar inventions target the same therapeutic classes such as kinase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents, or neuroprotective compounds. For instance, patent families in the same class or with overlapping claims may include:
- CO-assigned patents on structurally related compounds,
- Formulation patents targeting controlled-release systems,
- Method patents focusing on therapeutic protocols.
Legal Status and Enforcement:
The patent’s validity and enforcement depend on various factors:
- Subsequent oppositions or litigations in Korea.
- USP or EPO equivalents that may have overlapping claims.
- Expiry status, typically 20 years from filing date, unless extended or invalidated.
In-Depth Claim Comparison & Strategic Significance
A comparative analysis shows whether KR101166000 claims are:
- Broad or narrow: If broad, they encompass a wide chemical class or therapeutic use; if narrow, they protect a specific compound or formulation.
- Novel and inventive: Differentiated from prior art, such as earlier publications or patents.
Strategic implications:
- Broad claims can provide a competitive moat, deterring generic entry.
- Narrow claims might invite design-arounds but are easier to defend.
Conclusion
KR101166000 exemplifies South Korea's commitment to protecting innovative pharmaceutical compounds and formulations. Its scope likely encompasses specific chemical entities and their therapeutic applications, defining a protective boundary within Korean patent law. The patent landscape indicates active patenting activity in similar therapeutic classes, making the strategic management of this patent critical for maintaining competitive advantage.
Key Takeaways
- Scope clarity is vital: The patent’s legal strength hinges on well-defined claims covering core compounds or methods, with potential extensions through dependent claims.
- Patent breadth influences enforceability: Broad claims offer protection but may face validity challenges; narrow claims are easier to defend yet more vulnerable.
- Landscape diversity: The patent sits within a dense environment of similar filings, requiring ongoing monitoring for potential overlaps or infringements.
- Lifecycle considerations: As patents approach expiration, planning for generic entry or licensing becomes essential.
- Global patent strategy: Alignment with international filing strategies enhances protection and commercialization avenues.
FAQs
1. What is the typical scope of pharmaceutical patents like KR101166000?
Pharmaceutical patents often cover chemical compounds, formulations, methods of use, and manufacturing processes. The scope depends on claim breadth, which influences market exclusivity.
2. How does KR101166000 compare to international patents?
While protective scope varies by jurisdiction, South Korean patents often align with international filings. KR101166000’s claims may be included in broader patent families filed in the US, Europe, or China for extended protection.
3. Can the claims of KR101166000 be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through post-grant oppositions or litigations on grounds such as lack of novelty, inventive step, or sufficiency of disclosure, depending on prior art and legal standards.
4. What strategic decisions should companies consider regarding such patents?
They should evaluate infringement risks, potential for licensing, and opportunities for patent term extensions or supplementary protections.
5. How does this patent landscape influence drug development?
A robust patent landscape encourages innovation, provides market exclusivity, and guides R&D investments by delineating the competitive boundaries.
Sources
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) official database.
[2] Wipo PATENTSCOPE.
[3] Patent Scope and PatentLaw.net resources.
