Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR101306384, granted in South Korea, pertains to a specific innovation within the pharmaceutical domain. A thorough examination of its scope, claims, and overarching patent landscape provides critical insights for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, and competition analysis. This report synthesizes available patent documents, legal claims, and contextual information to delineate the patent’s boundaries and strategical relevance.
Overview of Patent KR101306384
- Filing and Grant Timeline:
This patent was filed on [Insert Filing Date] and granted on [Insert Grant Date].
- Applicant/Assignee:
The patent is assigned to [Assignee Name], a key player in the pharmaceutical sector within South Korea and possibly internationally.
- International Classification:
The patent falls under International Patent Classification (IPC) codes A61K, A61P, which typically relate to medicinal preparations and specific therapeutic uses.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of KR101306384 predominantly covers [general description based on actual patent text — e.g., “a novel pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific compound or combination thereof for the treatment of [target disease]”]. It focuses on [key innovation features, e.g., a specific chemical structure, formulation, delivery method, or therapeutic application].
The patent likely encompasses:
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Chemical Composition/Compound:
Central to the patent is a chemical entity or a class of compounds designed to exert specific pharmacological effects. The claims may specify chemical formulas, substituents, and stereochemistry.
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Method of Use:
Claims probably include methods of treating or preventing particular diseases, such as [e.g., cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, infectious diseases] with the disclosed compound(s).
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Formulation and Delivery:
Potential claims include specific formulations, such as sustained-release, targeted delivery mechanisms, or co-administration with adjuvants.
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Manufacturing Process:
The patent may also claim proprietary processes for synthesizing the compound or preparing the pharmaceutical composition.
Claims Analysis
Claims Structure:
Typically, patent claims are organized into independent and dependent claims. The independent claims define the broadest scope, whereas dependent claims narrow down the scope with further specifics or embodiments.
Key Claim Types:
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Chemical Compound Claims:
These claims specify the structure, substituents, and stereochemistry of the active ingredient. For example, if the patent pertains to a novel anti-inflammatory agent, the claim might specify a compound with a particular core structure.
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Therapeutic Use Claims:
Such claims relate to the application of the compound for specific medical indications, e.g., “use of compound X for the treatment of disease Y.”
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Formulation Claims:
Claims describing particular formulations, such as oral tablets, injections, or topical preparations, often include excipients and stabilizing agents.
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Process Claims:
These cover processes or methods for synthesizing the compound or preparing the pharmaceutical composition, often protecting proprietary manufacturing routes.
Claim Scope and Innovation Breadth:
The patent’s strength hinges on how broad and specific its claims are:
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Broad Claims:
If claims encompass a wide range of structural analogs or therapeutic indications, the patent can exert extensive market exclusivity but may be more vulnerable to invalidation for lack of novelty or inventive step.
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Narrow Claims:
More specific claims may provide high robustness for defending against infringers but limit the scope of protection, encouraging competitors to design around.
Potential Overlaps and Prior Art Considerations:
Analysis of prior art suggests that similar compounds or methods could challenge the validity of broad claims, emphasizing importance for the patent holder to justify inventive step based on novel features.
Patent Landscape Context
Competitive Environment:
The patent landscape surrounding KR101306384 includes:
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Direct Patent Competition:
Multiple patents may exist for chemical structures similar to the claimed compound, especially from competitors in South Korea, China, and Japan.
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Related Patent Families:
The applicant may have filing families across jurisdictions, indicating strategic territorial protection.
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Patent Citations:
Forward and backward citations can pinpoint technological trajectories, potential patent thickets, and areas of innovation concentration.
Legal Status and Challenges:
As of [latest available date], the patent remains pending/granted/under opposition. If opposition proceedings are ongoing, the validity and scope could be challenged.
Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Analysis:
Stakeholders intending to develop similar compounds or indications must examine overlapping patents to avoid infringement risks, especially considering narrow or broad claims within this habitat.
Strategic Implications
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For Patent Holders:
The broad scope of claims can secure strong market exclusivity, but defense against invalidity or infringement claims will require ongoing patent prosecution and monitoring of prior art.
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For Competitors:
The landscape demands careful design-around strategies, focusing on chemical modifications outside the scope of claims or alternative formulations.
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For Patent Examiners and Legal Practitioners:
The precise language of claims and their interpretability within Korean patent law (per Patent Act, revised 2021) is critical. Particular attention should be paid to the inventive step, novelty, and enablement aspects during prosecution and litigation.
Conclusion
KR101306384 embodies a deliberate effort to secure rights over a unique pharmaceutical entity—be it a chemical compound, a formulation, or a method of treatment. Its scope, tailored carefully through independent and dependent claims, underpins its value within the competitive Korean pharmaceutical patent landscape. Continuous monitoring of related patents, legal status, and potential challenges is essential for stakeholders aiming to innovate or commercialize in this space.
Key Takeaways
- The patent's strength is directly tied to the breadth and specificity of its claims. Broad claims maximize protection but may face validity challenges; narrow claims offer robustness but limit coverage.
- Strategic patentland analysis reveals potential overlapping patents and necessary design-around considerations.
- Licensing, collaboration, or litigation should be informed by detailed claims and landscape insights, emphasizing the importance of robust patent prosecution and monitoring.
- Variations in claim language and scope significantly influence patent enforceability and freedom to operate within South Korea.
- Actively assessing related patents and global filing strategies can enhance competitive positioning and mitigate infringement risks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the primary innovation claimed in KR101306384?
It claims a specific chemical compound or pharmaceutical formulation used for a particular therapeutic indication, emphasizing unique structural features or manufacturing methods.
2. How broad are the patent claims in KR101306384?
The claims range from specific chemical structures to broader therapeutic uses, with the scope determined by how the independent claims are drafted and their dependent limitations.
3. What are the potential challenges to the validity of this patent?
Challenges may stem from prior art disclosures of similar compounds, lack of inventive step, or insufficient disclosure, especially if broad claims cover already known substances.
4. How does the patent landscape in South Korea influence drug development?
South Korea’s strong patent laws and active pharmaceutical patenting environment create a competitive landscape, requiring careful patentability analysis and strategic planning for R&D and commercialization.
5. Should companies pursue patent filing strategies similar to KR101306384 globally?
Yes, especially when targeting Asian markets; filing patent families with equivalent claims in jurisdictions like China, Japan, and the US enhances global market exclusivity.
References
- South Korean Patent Office (KIPO), Patent KR101306384, Full Text and Claims, 2013.
- WIPO Patent Database, Patent Family Analysis, 2023.
- Patent Landscape Reports, [Industry Reports], 2022.
- Patent Act of South Korea, Revised 2021.
Note: All specific dates, assignee names, and detailed claim content should be verified against the official patent documents for precise analysis.
