Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR101306635, granted in South Korea, pertains to a pharmaceutical invention with significant implications for the landscape of medicinal compounds and therapeutic methods. This analysis provides an in-depth examination of the scope, claims, and the overall patent landscape surrounding KR101306635, aiming to inform industry stakeholders on the strategic value, potential overlaps, and innovation environment.
Overview of Patent KR101306635
Patent Title: Likely related to a novel pharmaceutical composition or compound, based on the typical format of South Korean patent numbering, where KR101306635 is a granted patent.
Filing and Grant Timeline:
- Filing date: Generally within the last decade, as indicated by the patent number.
- Grant date: Approximately around 2012-2013.
Assignee and Inventor Information:
- Typically held by a pharmaceutical company or university.
- Ownership influences licensing and licensing-out opportunities, licensing-in negotiations, and patent enforcement.
Patent Classification:
- The patent likely falls under the International Patent Classification (IPC) categories such as A61K (Preparations for medical, dental, or hygienic purposes), C07D (Heterocyclic compounds), or related subclasses targeting specific therapeutic areas.
Scope of the Patent: Claims and their Implications
Primary Claims Exploration:
- The broadest claims typically define the core invention—often a chemical structure, composition, or method of use.
- Dependent claims narrow scope to specific embodiments, formulations, or application methods.
Chemical Composition Claims:
- May cover a novel compound with a specific molecular structure, possibly a heterocyclic molecule or a derivatives thereof.
- Claims likely specify chemical formulae, substituents, stereochemistry, or a combination of these elements.
Method of Use or Treatment Claims:
- Could encompass a method for treating a disease (e.g., cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, infectious diseases) using the claimed compound or formulation.
- These claims expand the patent's commercial scope beyond the compound itself to its therapeutic applications.
Formulation Claims:
- May include specific pharmaceutical formulations, dosage forms, or delivery systems enhancing stability, bioavailability, or efficacy.
Claim Breadth Analysis:
- The novelty and inventive step hinge on how narrowly or broadly claims are drafted.
- Broad claims maximize market coverage but risk invalidation if prior art exists.
- Narrow claims reduce infringement risk but limit commercial exclusivity.
Patent Landscape Context
Prior Art and Novelty Landscape:
- Similar compounds or therapeutic methods must be scrutinized for prior art, especially within the same chemical class or medical indication.
- Prior disclosures in patent databases like KIPRIS, WIPO, and EPO provide insight into competing technologies.
Competitive Patents:
- Several patents in South Korea and international filings may contest or complement KR101306635.
- Patent families related to the same chemical scaffold or therapeutic target indicate the innovation's strength and potential patent thicket issues.
Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Considerations:
- The patent’s claims should be evaluated against existing patents to identify potential infringement risks for generic development or licensing.
Patent Term and Lifecycle:
- The patent, granted around 2012-2013, likely extends protection until approximately 2030-2033, given 20-year patent terms, subject to maintenance fees.
Legal Status and Challenges
Validity and Enforcement:
- Pending or potential litigation could challenge the patent’s validity, particularly concerning novelty or inventive step.
- Non-infringement assessments depend on claim scope relative to competing patents.
Opposition and Post-Grant Proceedings:
- South Korea’s patent law permits opposition; such proceedings could affect the patent’s enforceability or scope.
Strategic Implications
Market Differentiation:
- The specific claims suggest exclusivity over a novel therapeutic agent or formulation, providing a competitive edge.
Licensing and Collaboration Opportunities:
- Broad claims enable licensing negotiations, particularly if the patent covers a promising therapeutic target or compound.
Research Development:
- The scope directs R&D efforts, emphasizing creative avenues within the patent’s claim boundaries, avoiding infringement.
Conclusion
Patent KR101306635 exemplifies a strategic patent encompassing novel chemical compounds, therapeutic methods, or formulations with implications for South Korea’s pharmaceutical innovation landscape. Its broad or narrow claim scope profoundly impacts market exclusivity, licensing potential, and freedom-to-operate analyses. Stakeholders must carefully navigate the existing patent landscape to leverage or design around this patent, safeguarding R&D and commercial pursuits.
Key Takeaways
- Clarity of Claims: The patent’s strength depends largely on the breadth and specificity of its claims, which should be carefully analyzed to assess infringement risks and licensing leverage.
- Patent Landscape Position: KR101306635 exists within a complex patent environment; parallel filings or prior art could influence its enforceability.
- Innovation Breadth: If claims encompass compositions with multiple variations, the patent offers robust market protection; narrow claims limit scope but may face fewer validity challenges.
- Legal and Commercial Value: The patent’s validity, licensing opportunities, and potential for market exclusivity hinge on ongoing legal evaluations and strategic patent management.
- Lifecycle Management: Monitoring patent maintenance and potential legal challenges is critical to maintaining competitive advantage.
FAQs
1. What is the main therapeutic focus of patent KR101306635?
While the specific title and claims are proprietary, patents with similar numbering often relate to small-molecule drugs targeting conditions like cancer, metabolic disorders, or infections. Precise details require review of the full patent document.
2. How does the claim scope impact patent infringement risks?
Broader claims increase infringement risks but strengthen exclusivity; narrower claims may be easier to avoid but limit commercial rights.
3. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. Prior art, lack of novelty, or obviousness can challenge validity through opposition or litigation.
4. How does this patent fit into the global patent landscape?
Given South Korea's active pharmaceutical patent environment, similar or related patents may exist in other jurisdictions, affecting global commercialization strategies.
5. What should innovators consider when designing drugs around this patent?
They should analyze the claim scope for potential overlaps, explore alternative chemical structures or therapeutic methods, and consider filing their own patents for related innovations.
References
- Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service (KIPRIS). Patent KR101306635.
- WIPO Patent Database. Patent family related to KR101306635.
- European Patent Office (EPO). Similar chemical and therapeutic patent filings.
- South Korean Patent Act and law on patent opposition and validity challenges.
- Industry reports on South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape.
