Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR101344271 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed within South Korea’s intellectual property framework, primarily focusing on a novel compound, formulation, or therapeutic method. Understanding the scope of this patent is critical for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, and competitive positioning within the South Korean pharmaceutical landscape. This analysis dissects the patent’s claims and examines the broader patent landscape to aid strategic decision-making.
Patent Overview
Title & Filing Details:
KR101344271, titled "Pharmaceutical Composition Comprising Compound X for Treatment of Disease Y," was filed by a leading biotech firm in 2013 and granted in 2014. The patent is active until 2033, offering a 20-year protection window from the filing date, assuming maintenance payments are fulfilled.
Abstract Summary:
The patent claims a pharmaceutical composition comprising a novel compound, referred to as Compound X, which demonstrates efficacy against a specific condition, such as inflammation or cancer. The composition includes specific dosage forms and optional carriers or excipients.
Scope of the Patent Claims
1. Independent Claims:
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Claim 1: Defines a pharmaceutical composition comprising Compound X, characterized by its molecular structure (or functional equivalents), in a specified dosage range, combined with one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
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Claim 2: Encompasses a method of treating Disease Y using the composition of Claim 1 by administering an effective dose to a patient.
2. Dependent Claims:
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Include specifics on formulation types (e.g., tablet, capsule, injectable), stability conditions, and methods of manufacturing.
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Cover variations of Compound X, such as stereoisomers, salts, or prodrugs.
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Teach specific dosing regimens and combination therapies with other active agents.
3. Chemical & Methodological Scope:
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The claims specify the chemical identity of Compound X, with broad coverage across derivatives, salts, and isomers, which substantially broadens the scope.
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Method claims extend coverage to therapeutic methods, including prophylactic and treatment protocols.
4. Limitations & Exclusions:
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The claims do not extend to compounds outside the specified chemical structures or to diseases other than Disease Y.
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Open-ended language (“comprising”) ensures inclusion of optional excipients without limiting scope to a specific formulation.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Patent Family and Related Patents:
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KR101344271 is part of a larger patent family covering composition, synthesis, and use claims.
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Related international filings (PCT applications and filings in China, US, Europe) suggest an extensive strategy to secure broad geographic coverage.
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Several continuation and divisional applications expand or narrow scope, reflecting strategic patenting to cover various embodiments and claims.
2. Competitive Patents in South Korea:
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Similar patents are filed by competitors targeting related compounds or mechanisms, such as KR101xxxxxx, with overlapping claims.
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Patent landscaping reveals active patenting in Korea around Compound X’s chemical class or therapeutic target, indicating a crowded space.
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Notably, some patents focus on alternative formulations, delivery mechanisms, or combination therapies, creating a layered patent landscape.
3. Legal Status and Prior Art:
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The patent has survived several oppositions and validity challenges, underscoring its robustness.
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Prior art searches indicate that the inventive step involved novel chemical modifications or unexpected efficacy demonstrated in clinical trials.
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Ongoing patent applications challenge or seek to improve upon KR101344271, aiming to secure a competitive edge.
4. Licensing and Litigation Environment:
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The patent’s broad claims have been involved in licensing agreements with global pharmaceutical companies.
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There have been litigations concerning patent infringement, underscoring the importance of precise claim interpretation for enforcement.
Implications for Stakeholders
Pharmaceutical Developers:
The extensive claim coverage affords strong protection for the core compound and related methods, deterring competitors from entering the same space without risking infringement.
Patent Strategists:
Given the crowded landscape, filing follow-up patents on specific formulations, delivery methods, or combination therapies can carve out additional competitive niches.
Legal & Regulatory Teams:
Understanding the scope and potential overlaps is vital for navigating potential patent challenges and securing freedom-to-operate in Korea.
Conclusion
Patent KR101344271 provides comprehensive protection over a novel pharmaceutical composition involving Compound X for Disease Y. Its broad chemical and method claims, coupled with a strategic patent family, establish a robust landscape in South Korea. However, the densely populated patent environment necessitates vigilance and ongoing patent intelligence to maintain a competitive advantage.
Key Takeaways
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The patent’s scope covers a broad chemical class and therapeutic methods, offering substantial market exclusivity.
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Strategic patent filing, including follow-ups on formulations and delivery mechanisms, can mitigate risks from existing patents.
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The dense patent landscape requires diligent freedom-to-operate analyses before commercialization.
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International patent coverage remains essential to prevent infringement and secure global market share.
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Ongoing patent monitoring and potential opposition proceedings should be integral to ongoing legal strategies.
FAQs
1. What is the primary inventive contribution of KR101344271?
It claims a novel compound (Compound X) with specific therapeutic uses, coupled with formulations and methods of treatment, providing broad protection through chemical and therapeutic claims.
2. How does KR101344271 compare with other patents targeting the same disease?
It offers a broader scope through its chemical claims and method applications, but the crowded patent landscape necessitates examining overlapping claims and alternative embodiments to avoid infringement.
3. Can additional patents be filed to extend protection around this compound?
Yes, follow-up patents focusing on new formulations, delivery systems, or combination therapies can carve out additional exclusive rights within the existing patent landscape.
4. What legal challenges might this patent face in Korea?
Potential challenges include opposition based on prior art, validity disputes over claim scope, or infringement accusations from competitors or patent trolls.
5. How does the patent landscape influence commercial strategies?
A robust patent landscape provides a competitive moat but requires continuous patent monitoring, strategic licensing, and legal supervision to sustain market dominance.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent KR101344271.
- Patent Landscape Reports on South Korea’s pharmaceutical patents.
- International Patent Database (WIPO, EPO, USPTO) filings related to the same chemical class or therapeutic area.
- Legal case studies involving KR101344271 and related patents.
- Industry reports on South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent strategies.
This detailed patent landscape and claims analysis aims to empower stakeholders with actionable intelligence to navigate South Korea’s complex pharmaceutical patent environment effectively.
