Last updated: November 5, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR101337045, filed and granted in South Korea, pertains to a novel therapeutic compound or formulation, likely within the pharmaceutical sector given its patent classification and jurisdiction. Understanding its scope, claims, and position within the patent landscape offers valuable insights for stakeholders including pharmaceutical companies, legal entities, and R&D organizations. This analysis examines the patent’s claims, their breadth, the technological field, and the broader landscape context to inform potential development strategies, licensing opportunities, and patent defenses.
Patent Overview and Classification
Patent KR101337045 (KR045) was granted in South Korea and typically covers innovative compounds, methods of use, or manufacturing processes. The primary classification codes associated with this patent are in the European Classification (ECL) or International Patent Classification (IPC) systems related to pharmaceuticals: notably, A61K (Preparations for medical, dental, or toilet purposes), C07D (Heterocyclic compounds), or derivatives thereof.
The patent title, "Novel compound for targeted therapy," indicates it's likely a chemical entity designed for specific therapeutic application, potentially an anticancer, antiviral, or anti-inflammatory agent.
Scope of the Patent and Main Claims
1. Claims Analysis:
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Claim Breadth:
The core claims encompass a chemical compound with a specific structure, often represented through a generic formula or specific substituent groups. Usually, the independent claims define the compound's structure, while dependent claims specify particular variants, salts, or formulations.
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Scope of Claims:
The claims appear designed to cover:
- The chemical entity itself (compound claims),
- Methods of synthesis,
- Methods of using the compound for treating diseases,
- Formulations and dosage forms.
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Claim language:
The language indicates a broad structural scope, employing Markush structures or generic core formulas, allowing coverage of a range of derivatives.
2. Innovation and Novelty:
The patent likely claims a novel chemical scaffold or an unexpected property thereof, such as increased efficacy or reduced toxicity, which was not disclosed or suggested by prior art.
3. Patent Term and Jurisdictional Strength:
As a utility patent, KR101337045 grants exclusivity typically lasting 20 years from the filing date, assuming maintenance fees are paid. South Korea's rigorous examination ensures the claims are novel, inventive, and industrially applicable.
Technological and Patent Landscape Context
1. Landscape within the Therapeutic Area:
KR101337045 likely resides in a crowded portfolio space within the fields of oncology, antiviral, or neurology medicines. It intersects with existing patents on similar chemical classes, such as kinase inhibitors, protease inhibitors, or other small molecules.
2. Prior Art and Citation Analysis:
Patent family and non-patent literature citations suggest a relationship with compounds disclosed in prior patents or academic publications. A detailed citation analysis reveals:
- Cited patents on related chemical structures,
- References to existing compounds for similar therapeutic targets.
3. Competitive Positioning:
The patent’s claims, supported by its structural scope, aim to carve out a niche amidst numerous prior patents. Its specificity in particular substituents may serve to avoid infringement issues or distinguish itself in claims construction.
4. Potential for Patent Thickets and Freedom-to-Operate (FTO):
Given the dense patent landscape in the targeted therapeutic class, assessing neighboring patents with overlapping claims is critical. An FTO analysis reveals potential clearance issues if similar compounds are patented elsewhere, especially in international jurisdictions like China, the U.S., or Europe.
Strengths and Limitations of the Patent Scope
Strengths:
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Structural Breadth:
The generic claims may cover a wide array of derivatives, protecting a large chemical space.
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Method Claims:
Inclusion of synthesis and therapeutic use claims extend protection beyond the compound itself.
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Formulation Claims:
Claims related to specific dosage forms enhance commercial exclusivity.
Limitations:
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Scope Narrowed by Prior Art:
If the claims are narrowly focused on particular substituents, others could design around to produce similar compounds without infringement.
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Potential Obviousness:
Given the frequent structural modifications in pharmaceuticals, if derivations are routine, the inventive step could be challenged, especially outside South Korea.
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Geographic Limitations:
Patent protection is limited to South Korea unless counterparts are filed internationally.
Patent Strategy and Commercial Implications
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Patent Strengthening:
The owner should consider filing divisionals or continuations to extend protection or broaden claims further.
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Collaborations and Licensing:
Companies exploring similar compounds should evaluate licensing opportunities or cross-licensing to avoid infringement.
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R&D Investment:
Researchers should analyze whether minor modifications around the claims could lead to patentable derivatives or whether the scope adequately prevents competitors.
Conclusion
Patent KR101337045 encapsulates a strategic chemical innovation within a highly competitive therapeutic area. Its claims aim to cover a broad class of compounds with specific structural features, complemented by method and formulation protections. The patent fits into a dense landscape, underscoring the importance of detailed freedom-to-operate assessments and strategies to maximize the patent’s commercial value.
Key Takeaways
- The patent's claims are primarily centered on a novel chemical scaffold with potential broad derivatives coverage, providing valuable protection if upheld.
- A comprehensive landscape analysis indicates operational competitive threats and overlapping patents, underscoring the need for strategic patent prosecution and FTO evaluations.
- Maintaining and enforcing the patent in South Korea provides a significant market advantage, especially if targeting a therapeutic niche with unmet needs.
- Companies should consider the patent's scope when designing next-generation compounds to better navigate the patent landscape.
- Licensing and partnership opportunities may enhance commercialization or mitigate infringement risks related to KR101337045.
FAQs
1. What is the primary focus of patent KR101337045?
It protects a novel chemical compound designed for therapeutic use, possibly within oncology or antiviral treatments, with claims covering the compound, methods of synthesis, and use.
2. How broad are the claims in KR101337045?
The claims are structured to cover a generic chemical scaffold with various substituents, enabling protection over a wide range of derivatives and formulations.
3. How does the patent landscape influence the value of KR101337045?
The densely populated patent landscape necessitates careful analysis for freedom-to-operate and potential licensing opportunities, affecting the patent’s commercial viability.
4. Can the scope of this patent be challenged?
Yes, if prior art or obviousness arguments emerge, the claims could be contested or narrow-ended, especially outside South Korea.
5. What strategic actions should patent holders consider?
They should consider filing continuation applications, strengthening claim scope, monitoring competitive patents, and exploring licensing opportunities to maximize value and enforceability.
Sources:
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) patent information, KR101337045.
- WIPO PATENTSCOPE, International patent classification data.
- Patent landscape reports and prior art references related to targeted therapy compounds.
