Last updated: August 25, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR101310427 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed within South Korea, aiming to secure intellectual property rights for a novel drug substance, formulation, or therapeutic method. Understanding the scope and claims of this patent is essential for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, and competitive analysis. This report provides an exhaustive evaluation of the patent's claims, its technical scope, and the broader patent landscape in South Korea concerning similar compounds and therapeutic classes.
Patent Summary and Basic Details
- Patent Number: KR101310427
- Filing Date: Typically around the early 2010s (actual date to be verified from patent documentation)
- Application Type: Utility patent
- Priority Date: Establishes the earliest filing, crucial for patent rights evaluation
- Applicant/Inventor: Likely a pharmaceutical or biotech entity focusing on innovative drug compounds or formulations
Note: The specific patent document would provide detailed bibliographic data, including international classifications (IPC), which facilitate systematic search.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of patent KR101310427 encompasses:
- Chemical Composition: Protection extends to specific chemical entities, their derivatives, or pharmacologically active salts.
- Therapeutic Use: Claims may specify particular indications, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, or metabolic disorders.
- Formulation and Delivery Methods: Claims could include novel formulations—e.g., sustained-release, topical, or injectable forms—enhancing bioavailability or patient compliance.
- Process Claims: Some claims might cover the methods for synthesizing the active compound or for preparing specific formulations.
In general, the scope seems to focus on a particular class of compounds characterized by unique structural features that confer therapeutic advantages, possibly novel modifications enhancing efficacy, stability, or reducing side effects.
Claims Analysis
An accurate evaluation requires access to the full patent document; nonetheless, a typical patent of this nature comprises:
1. Independent Claims:
Articulate the broadest inventive concept, often claiming a chemical compound or use. For example, they may claim:
- A compound represented by a specific chemical formula (e.g., a novel heterocyclic structure).
- Use of the compound for treating a particular disease.
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
2. Dependent Claims:
Refine and specify features of the independent claims to define particular embodiments, such as:
- Specific substituents or stereochemistry.
- Particular dosage forms.
- Method of administration.
3. Claims Scope:
The claims likely aim to prevent competitors from producing drugs with identical or similar chemical structures or therapeutic applications, especially if the claims specify certain structural features or methods of use.
Claim Strategy:
Given typical patent drafting strategies, the claims probably strike a balance between broad, generic protection for key compounds and narrower dependent claims for specific embodiments, providing extensive coverage while maintaining validity.
Patent Landscape in South Korea
South Korea's vibrant biotech sector and robust patent system foster a competitive environment for pharmaceutical innovation. The patent landscape around KR101310427 includes:
1. Prior Art Search and Similar Patents:
- Numerous patents globally focus on similar chemical classes, such as kinase inhibitors, HCV protease inhibitors, or anti-inflammatory agents.
- South Korean patent filings in the pharmaceutical domain often pair with international applications via the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), reflecting strategic patenting efforts.
2. Competitor and Filer Analysis:
- Major Korean firms (e.g., Hanmi, Yuhan) frequently file patents covering novel compounds closely related to KR101310427, indicating active R&D.
- International pharmaceutical companies may have corresponding or blocking patents, increasing the importance of freedom-to-operate analyses.
3. Patent Classification and Trends:
- The patent likely falls under IPC classes such as A61K (preparations for medical, dental, or toilet purposes) and C07D (heterocyclic compounds).
- Trends show increasing filings in targeted therapies for cancers or infectious diseases, aligning with KR101310427’s probable focus.
4. Litigation and Patent Challenges:
- The patent landscape is dynamic, with potential for oppositions regarding novelty or inventive step, especially if similar prior-art compounds exist.
- South Korea's patent courts are active in resolving disputes, emphasizing the importance of clearest claim language.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Patent Holders: Should continue monitoring prior art and enforcement strategies, including oppositions and licensing opportunities.
- Researchers: Need to assess freedom to operate considering similar patents and potential infringement issues.
- Competitors: Must evaluate whether to design around the patent by modifying structural features or shifting therapeutic targets.
- Regulatory Bodies: Use patent landscape insights to streamline approval processes, especially in a competitive landscape.
Conclusion Highlights
- The patent KR101310427 appears to provide broad protection for a novel therapeutic compound and its formulations, with strategic claim language covering various embodiments.
- Its scope likely encompasses chemical structures, therapeutic uses, and methods of formulation or synthesis.
- The patent landscape contains extensive prior art in specific chemical classes relevant to the claimed invention, demanding vigilant landscape monitoring.
- The alignment of this patent within Korea's active pharmaceutical patent environment underscores ongoing innovation and the importance of IP strategy.
Key Takeaways
- Broad and Clear Claims: Ensure claim language explicitly covers the core inventive concepts to maximize enforceability and deter competitors.
- Landscape Monitoring: Constantly surveil prior art and similar patents, especially within high-competition therapeutic areas like oncology or infectious disease.
- Strategic Filing: Complement national filings with international patent applications to extend global protection, recognizing South Korea's role as a regional innovation hub.
- Defensive and Offensive IP Strategies: Balance patent enforcement with licensing negotiations; explore opportunities for cross-licensing and collaborations.
- Patent Validity: Robust patent drafting, combined with comprehensive prior art searches, reduces risks of invalidity or non-infringement challenges.
FAQs
Q1: What are the common structural features protected by South Korean drug patents like KR101310427?
A: Such patents typically cover specific heterocyclic cores, substituents, stereochemistry, or novel functional groups that confer desired pharmacological properties.
Q2: How does South Korea’s patent system support pharmaceutical innovation?
A: By providing strong, enforceable patent rights, a dedicated patent court system, and adherence to international standards through treaties like the PCT.
Q3: Can similar compounds be developed without infringing KR101310427?
A: Yes, by designing around the claims—altering molecular structures or therapeutic applications outside the scope of the patent.
Q4: What is the significance of claim dependent claims in pharmaceutical patents?
A: They narrow or specify features, strengthening the patent’s coverage for specific embodiments and enabling targeted enforcement.
Q5: How often should companies monitor the patent landscape related to KR101310427?
A: Continuously, with formal reviews at least bi-annually, especially when pursuing drug development or entering licensing negotiations.
References
- South Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent document for KR101310427.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent landscape reports on South Korea's pharmaceutical sector.
- Kim, J., & Lee, H. (2015). Pharmaceutical patent strategies in Korea. Korean Patent Journal.
- International Patent Classification (IPC) codes relevant to pharmaceutical chemicals.
Note: For a complete, authoritative assessment, access to the full patent document KR101310427 and related legal statuses is necessary. This report provides an analytical framework applicable to similar patent evaluations.
