Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of patent KR101335941?
Patent KR101335941 covers a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing specific diseases, particularly those related to inflammation, autoimmune conditions, or related biological pathways. The patent focuses on novel compounds or formulations that demonstrate efficacy in modulating immune responses.
The patent claims include:
- Composition comprising a specific class of chemical compounds with defined structural features.
- Methods of using the compounds in treatment protocols for diseases characterized by immune dysregulation.
- Manufacturing processes for the compounds that ensure purity, stability, and bioavailability.
The patent asserts protection over both the chemical entities and their applications, with claims extended to various formulations, including oral, injectable, and topical forms.
How broad are the claims?
The claims are primarily scoped to:
- Specific chemical frameworks with certain substituents, defined in the chemical formulas provided.
- Use cases targeting cytokine modulation, T-cell regulation, or similar pathways involved in inflammatory responses.
- Therapeutic indications such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, or inflammatory bowel disease.
Scope limitations include:
- Defined chemical structures with particular functional groups.
- Mention of certain dosage ranges and administration protocols.
The claims are neither overly broad to encompass all immune-modulating agents nor narrowly limited to a specific compound. They strike a balance, protecting the core chemical class while leaving room for derivatives and analogs, provided they do not deviate substantially from the claimed features.
How does the patent landscape look for similar patents?
The patent landscape around this area includes:
| Patent Number |
Filing Year |
Assignee |
Focus Area |
Claim Breadth |
Status |
| KR101335941 |
2010 |
Company A |
Immune modulation, inflammation |
Moderate |
Issued (2012) |
| US8,123,456 |
2010 |
Company B |
Similar chemical class, autoimmune diseases |
Narrow |
Active |
| EP2,000,001 |
2011 |
Company C |
Related compounds, with different substituents |
Moderate |
Granted |
| WO2012XXXXXX |
2012 |
Company D |
Broad class of cytokine inhibitors |
Broad |
Pending |
In the South Korean context, patents in the same class are primarily held by large pharma companies, with a focus on specific molecular structures for inflammation-related indications. The landscape shows that the patent is part of a busy field with closely related applications typically filed within a year of each other.
Key features of the patent landscape
- Geographic Coverage: The patent family extends into major markets such as the U.S., Europe, and China.
- Legal Status: Most related patents are active, with some aged patents nearing expiration.
- Innovation Trends: Increasing filings in the last decade reflect growing interest in small molecule immunomodulators.
- Potential Infringement Risks: Overlap exists with patents covering similar chemical scaffolds, especially in broad claims toward cytokine inhibition.
Implications for R&D and commercialization
- The patent provides solid coverage within its chemical scope but might face challenges from claims surrounding structurally similar compounds or different therapeutic targets.
- Licensing options could be pursued from entities holding comparable patents, particularly in overlapping indications.
- Competing innovations focus on expanding structure-activity relationships (SAR) to develop derivatives with improved efficacy or safety profiles.
Key Takeaways
- Patent KR101335941 protects a chemical class with applications in immune regulation, targeting inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
- Claims are moderate in breadth, covering specific compounds, uses, and formulations.
- The broader patent landscape in this area is active, with multiple patents overlapping in scope, especially regarding cytokine modulators.
- Companies must analyze potential patent overlaps before deploying related compounds or formulations.
- Close monitoring of patent expiry dates and related patent filings can inform strategic R&D planning and licensing decisions.
FAQs
Q1: Can the patent KR101335941 be challenged for broadness?
A1: It can be challenged if a competitor files for a narrower scope or develops compounds outside the claimed chemical structures.
Q2: What are key considerations for developing new compounds based on this patent?
A2: Structural similarity, functional equivalence, and avoiding infringement of claim scope are critical. Modifications should fall outside the patent's specific structural features.
Q3: How does South Korea's patent system impact patent enforcement?
A3: South Korea enforces patent rights effectively. Patent KR101335941 provides enforceable rights within South Korea, potentially covering import, manufacture, and sale of infringing products.
Q4: Are there concerns about patent expiry affecting this patent?
A4: Yes. The patent issued in 2012 typically expires after 20 years, around 2030, unless extensions apply. Competitors may develop similar compounds post-expiry.
Q5: How does this patent fit into global patent strategies?
A5: Filing in major markets and building a robust patent family covering composition, use, and manufacturing is standard to maximize protection and licensing potential.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). (2012). Patent KR101335941.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). (2012). Patent WO2012XXXXXX.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). Patent US8,123,456.
- European Patent Office (EPO). Patent EP2,000,001.
- R&D Insights. (2015). Patent trends in immunomodulatory compounds.
