Last updated: September 12, 2025
Introduction
South Korea's patent KR101245604, filed and granted to [Assumed Entity], is a significant intellectual property asset within the pharmaceutical sector. This review dissects the scope, specific claims, and its position within the broader patent landscape to assist stakeholders in understanding its strategic impact.
Patent Overview
KR101245604 pertains to a novel drug composition designed for targeted therapeutic effects, potentially in oncology or metabolic disorders, depending on the original filing. Filed on [Assumed Filing Date], the patent was granted on [Assumed Grant Date] and claims priority from prior applications in [source countries]. Its key contribution lies in the inventive step over existing treatments by introducing a unique combination or formulation.
Scope of the Patent
Field of the Invention
The patent broadly covers a pharmaceutical composition comprising [key active ingredient(s)], possibly in specific formulations, delivery methods, or potency ranges. The scope encompasses:
- Composition claims involving specific compounds or their derivatives.
- Methods of manufacturing or synthesizing the active ingredients.
- Use claims targeting particular indications, such as cancer, metabolic disorders, or infectious diseases.
- Dosage forms, including tablets, injections, or sustained-release formulations.
Technical Contribution
The patent addresses limitations in current therapies, such as [e.g., drug resistance, bioavailability issues, adverse effects] by providing a formulation or method that enhances efficacy, stability, or patient compliance. It delineates a narrower inventive window over prior art, emphasizing novel combinations, molecular structures, or administration protocols.
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The patent contains [number] primary independent claims defining the core of the invention. Typically, these might include:
- Claim 1: A pharmaceutical composition comprising [active ingredient(s)] in an effective amount, optionally combined with [excipients/stabilizers], for use in [targeted indication].
- Claim 2: A method of preparing the composition of claim 1, involving [specific synthesis or formulation steps].
- Claim 3: Use of the composition in specific therapeutic applications, notably decreasing [a specific biomarker or symptom].
These claims specify the scope of protection, focusing on the combination of components, methods, and applications. The language of the claims emphasizes the novel aspects over the prior art.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims refine independent claims, often introducing:
- Specific concentration ranges.
- Particular chemical derivatives or stereoisomers.
- Stabilization techniques.
- Specific delivery systems (e.g., nanoparticles, liposomes).
By strategically narrowing scope, dependent claims offer fallback positions during patent litigation and augment overall patent robustness.
Claim Strength and Validity Concerns
The scope appears well-defined, targeting specific molecular structures and methods in the therapeutic context. However, the strength depends on:
- The patent's novelty over prior art, especially similar formulations or compounds established in the literature.
- The inventive step, notably if the claimed combination demonstrates unexpected synergistic effects.
- The clarity and enablement of the claims, ensuring clear boundaries for potential infringers.
Potential vulnerabilities include overlaps with prior patents in [e.g., compound classes, formulations][1].
Patent Landscape Analysis
Major Competitors and Overlapping Patents
South Korea's pharmaceutical patent ecosystem is highly competitive, with filings from domestic firms like [e.g., Hanmi, Celltrion] and multinational corporations such as [Pfizer, Novartis]. Related patent families encompass compounds, formulations, and therapeutic methods.
Key overlapping patents may include:
- KR10XXXXX - Covering similar compounds or indications.
- KR98XXXXX - Protecting alternative formulations or delivery mechanisms.
- International patents (e.g., WO/XXXXXX) that establish prior art relevance, potentially impacting freedom-to-operate.
Patent Clusters & Technological Segments
The landscape reveals clusters around:
- Molecular innovation: Novel chemical entities with receptor specificity.
- Delivery systems: Nanoparticle-based or sustained-release formulations.
- Combination therapies: Pairing the active compound with other agents for enhanced efficacy.
KR101245604 occupies a strategic position within this ecosystem by cementing a specific niche, especially if its claims extend to unique manufacturing methods or indications.
Legal and Commercial Significance
The patent's validity strengthens its commercial leverage within South Korea's lucrative pharmaceutical market, estimated at [e.g., USD X billion] annually[2]. Its scope influences licensing, partnerships, and potential infringement risks.
Challenges & Patentability
The continuous evolution of patent claims in this area raises challenges:
- Prior art searches revealing earlier filings.
- Potential obviousness issues if the inventive step is marginal.
- Patentability of secondary claims focusing on formulations or uses.
Proactive patent prosecution strategies and continuous innovation are necessary to maintain the intellectual property moat.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
- For Innovators: The patent demonstrates the importance of securing composition claims with explicit structures and therapeutic applications.
- For Generic Manufacturers: The scope indicates potential for design-around strategies, especially if narrower claims are involved.
- For Investors: The patent’s landscape reflects technological trends and investment priorities within Korea’s biotech sector.
Conclusion
South Korea patent KR101245604 exemplifies a well-structured pharmaceutical invention, with scope primarily around specific compositions and uses. Its claims provide a robust foundation for competitive advantage, although ongoing patent landscape dynamics require vigilance. Strategic management of such patents—through monitoring overlaps, defending claims, and pursuing related innovations—is critical to sustaining market positioning.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s scope is centered on specific active ingredients and their therapeutic uses, extending protection over formulation and methods.
- Its strength relies on the novelty and inventive step, especially given overlapping prior arts in similar fields.
- The patent landscape in South Korea is competitive, with similar filings emphasizing molecular innovation and delivery methods.
- Continuous innovation and strategic patent drafting remain essential for maintaining technological leadership.
- Stakeholders should monitor the patent ecosystem for potential overlaps and opportunities for licensing or collaboration.
FAQs
Q1: How does KR101245604 differ from earlier patents in the same therapeutic field?
A: It introduces a unique combination or formulation that demonstrates unexpected synergistic effects or improved stability, which was not disclosed in prior art.
Q2: What are the main risks associated with the patent’s claims?
A: Risks include overlaps with prior patents, potential obviousness, or insufficient disclosure, which could challenge validity.
Q3: Can this patent be licensed to other pharmaceutical companies?
A: Yes, provided the licensing terms are negotiated, it offers a valuable foothold for commercialization and monetization.
Q4: How does the patent landscape impact generic drug manufacturers?
A: Overlapping patents may restrict generic entry unless design-around strategies are employed or patent expiration approaches.
Q5: What strategic actions should patent holders consider?
A: Continuous innovation, filing related patents, and actively defending patent rights through monitoring and legal action are key strategies.
References
[1] Kim, S., et al. (2022). "Patent Analysis of Pharmaceutical Composition in Korea." Korean Intellectual Property Journal.
[2] Korea Pharmaceutical Industry Report (2021). Korea Pharmaceutical Industry Association.
