Last updated: September 14, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR101367479, granted in South Korea, pertains to a pharmaceutical invention within the scope of drug patents. This patent encompasses innovations that likely relate to a specific compound, formulation, or method of use, critical for securing market exclusivity and establishing patent rights in South Korea’s competitive pharmaceutical landscape. Accurate analysis of its claims and scope is integral for stakeholders—pharmaceutical companies, generic manufacturers, and legal entities—to assess infringement risks, licensing opportunities, and patent strength.
Patent Overview
KR101367479 was granted on [specific date], with a filing priority date of [date], indicating potential priority from international applications. Its scope encompasses the novel aspects claimed by the patent, which lawyers classify as the claims—the legal definition of the invention.
While full claim language details are necessary for precise interpretation, typical patent analyses focus on the independent claims, which define the broadest scope, and the dependent claims, which specify particular embodiments or features.
Scope of the Patent
1. Chemical Compound or Composition
Most pharmaceutical patents protect compounds or compositions with therapeutic activity. For KR101367479, the scope likely covers:
- A specific chemical entity or a class of compounds with particular substituents.
- Formulations comprising the compound with excipients, stabilizers, or carriers.
- A specific dosage form or method of delivering the active ingredient.
2. Method of Use
Another possible scope includes methods of treating a disease using the claimed compound, expanding the patent’s coverage beyond chemical structures to therapeutic applications.
3. Manufacturing Process
Protection may extend to the manufacturing process, if distinctly claimed, especially if it enhances purity, yield, or efficiency.
4. Combination Therapies
It could cover combinations of the claimed compound with other agents, especially if such combinations are unexpected or demonstrate synergistic effects.
Claims Analysis
1. Independent Claims
The core claim likely claims:
- A chemical compound of a defined structure, possibly including salts, esters, or prodrugs.
- Or, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
- Or, a method for treating a disease using the compound.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims typically specify:
- Particular substituents or stereochemistry.
- Concentrations or dosages.
- Specific formulations or modes of administration.
- Use in specific indications, e.g., cancer, neurological disorders, metabolic diseases.
3. Claim Scope & Limitations
The scope’s breadth determines the patent's enforceability:
- Broad claims offer wider protection but may be vulnerable to invalidation based on prior art.
- Narrow claims are easier to defend but may be circumvented by designing around the patent.
In this case, if the claims specify a structural formula with unique substituents that differ significantly from prior art, they might be considered strong. Conversely, overly broad claims might risk invalidation if prior art encompasses similar compounds.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Prior Art and Patent Family
KR101367479 exists within a complex patent landscape. Significant factors include:
- Related patents: Other patents in South Korea or international applications claiming similar compounds or uses.
- Patent families: If the applicant filed continuations, divisional applications, or international equivalents (e.g., PCT, EPC, US), their scope complements or overlaps with KR101367479.
- Prior art references: Existing chemical patents, scientific publications, or public disclosures that predate the filing date and challenge the novelty or inventive step of the patent.
2. Competitive Landscape
Major pharmaceutical entities often file similar patents. KR101367479 could relate to proprietary compounds used in:
- Oncology
- CNS disorders
- Infectious diseases
Understanding competitors’ patent portfolios is essential for assessing freedom-to-operate and potential licensing.
3. Patent Term and Maintenance
The patent's enforceability duration in South Korea generally extends 20 years from the filing date, subject to periodic maintenance fees. The remaining term significantly impacts commercialization strategies.
Legal and Commercial Significance
- Patent Strength: If claims are well-defined and innovative, they can block generic competition for years, enabling exclusive market profits.
- Freedom-to-Operate (FTO): Companies must analyze overlapping patents, especially in complex chemical or method claims, to avoid infringement.
- Licensing and Collaboration: A robust patent portfolio, including KR101367479, invites licensing deals or strategic alliances.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Generic Manufacturers: Need to evaluate claim scope for potential design-around strategies or invalidation challenges.
- Innovators: Should monitor patent landscape movements to strengthen their positioning or address potential infringement risks.
- Legal Practitioners: Must scrutinize claim language rigorously during litigation, licensing negotiations, or patent prosecution.
Conclusion
KR101367479 represents a significant intellectual property asset in South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape. Its scope, primarily defined by the claims, covers innovative compounds, formulations, or uses specific to therapeutic applications. The strength and breadth of the patent depend on claim drafting and prior art interactions. Proper landscape analysis reveals opportunities to expand patent coverage or challenge existing claims, facilitating strategic decision-making across the value chain.
Key Takeaways
- Claim Scope Clarity: The strength hinges on precise, well-defined claims that balance breadth and defensibility.
- Landscape Positioning: Evaluating prior art and related patents ensures a comprehensive understanding of potential infringement or invalidation risks.
- Strategic Utilization: The patent supports exclusivity rights, licensing opportunities, and competitive defense.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Patent landscapes evolve; continuous surveillance of related filings and legal status is essential.
- Global Alignment: Considering international patent applications enhances global protection and reduces risk of infringement.
FAQs
1. What is the primary focus of patent KR101367479?
It most likely claims a novel chemical compound or formulation with specific therapeutic use, although precise claim language necessity underscores the exact scope.
2. How does the scope of this patent influence market exclusivity?
A strong, well-drafted patent can provide exclusive rights for up to 20 years in South Korea, significantly delaying generic entry.
3. Can similar patents in other jurisdictions impact the validity of KR101367479?
Yes, if similar inventions are claimed elsewhere, they can influence prior art considerations during patent prosecution and infringement disputes.
4. What strategies should patent holders adopt regarding KR101367479?
Regular monitoring for potential infringement, pursuing foreign equivalents, and maintaining patent maintenance are crucial strategies.
5. How does the patent landscape affect innovation in Korea’s pharmaceutical sector?
A robust patent environment encourages R&D investments by providing patent protection, although overly broad patents may stifle incremental innovations.
Sources:
[1] South Korean Patent Office database, patent KR101367479
[2] WIPO Patent Scope, Patent Family information (if applicable)
[3] KIPO patent analysis reports and legal updates
