Last updated: August 13, 2025
Introduction
The South Korean patent KR101421519, granted to entities operating within the pharmaceutical domain, presents a detailed intellectual property claim set designed to monopolize innovative therapeutic compounds or formulations. Understanding its scope, claims, and landscape positioning provides vital insights for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, and patent strategy within South Korea and internationally.
Patent Overview and Filing Context
KR101421519 was filed and granted in accordance with South Korea’s Patent Act, reflecting a strategic effort to secure exclusive rights over a novel drug composition or process. While detailed application documents are essential for precise interpretation, public patent databases reveal key elements of its scope—primarily revolving around a specific pharmaceutical compound, its formulation, or method of preparation.
The patent’s filing likely occurred within a period of increased pharmaceutical innovation, coinciding with broader strategies to enforce patent rights against generic competition post-market entry or to establish a foundation for subsequent patent families.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of KR101421519 encompasses the inventive concept embedded within its claims, which are critical to delineating its protection boundary. The patent generally covers:
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Chemical Entities or Composition Claims: Specific compounds or combinations with novel structural features, functional groups, or stereochemistry that confer particular therapeutic benefits.
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Pharmaceutical Formulations: Innovative formulations enhancing bioavailability, stability, or patient compliance.
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Preparation Methods: Novel processes for synthesizing the active compounds, which may include unique reaction pathways or purification techniques.
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Methods of Use: Specific methods for administering or treating medical conditions using the claimed compounds, if explicitly covered.
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Dosage Regimens or Delivery Devices: Claims may extend to optimized administration protocols or drug delivery systems.
The breadth of the patent’s scope is primarily limited by the language of the independent claims, which define the essential subject matter. These claims are supported by dependent claims adding specific embodiments, alternative forms, or detailed process steps.
Claims Analysis
A systematic review of the claims (assuming access to the claims text) would suggest:
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Independent Claims:
Typically, these cement the core inventive concept, such as a novel chemical structure with proven therapeutic efficacy or a unique formulation enabling superior pharmacokinetic performance.
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Dependent Claims:
These narrow the scope, adding specific substitutions, ranges of concentrations, method steps, or particular compounds related to the core invention.
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Claim Language and Patentability:
The claims emphasize inventive step and novelty, possibly referencing prior art to establish non-obviousness. They may include:
- Structural formulas with specific substituents.
- Process steps improving synthesis efficiency or purity.
- Use claims for particular therapeutic indications.
- Scope Limitations:
The patent's scope may be constrained by prior art searches indicating similar structures or methods. It aims to carve out a distinct territory, possibly focusing on a particular disease target.
Patent Landscape and Strategic Positioning
KR101421519 exists within a competitive patent environment, particularly characterized by:
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Overlap with International Patents:
The compound or formulation may be related to corresponding patents filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) or in major markets like the US, Europe, and China, leading to a burgeoning patent family.
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Positioning Within a Drug Development Pipeline:
The patent could cover a pioneering compound at an early developmental stage, or a formulation optimized for specific clinical use.
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Linked Patent Families:
The owner might hold or be pursuing additional patents covering derivatives, polymorphs, or manufacturing improvements, leveraging a comprehensive patent portfolio.
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Patent Term and Maintenance:
In South Korea, patents generally have a term of 20 years from filing. Maintenance fees are critical for sustaining enforceability.
Legal and Commercial Implications
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Enforceability and Opposability:
Given its granted status, KR101421519 is enforceable against infringing parties within South Korea, serving as a significant barrier to generic entry for the covered compound or formulation.
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Licensing and Collaboration Opportunities:
The patent provides leverage to negotiate licensing agreements or partnerships to expand market access or co-develop improved formulations.
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Potential Challenges:
Competitors may challenge the patent’s validity through prior art submissions or patent oppositions, especially if overlapping patents exist.
Conclusion and Strategic Insights
KR101421519’s scope is tightly bound to the specific subject matter detailed in its claims, offering protected exclusivity for its inventive features within South Korea. Its positioning within the global patent landscape appears to be part of a broader strategic patent family, aimed at securing comprehensive control over a novel pharmaceutical entity.
For stakeholders, navigating this patent requires an understanding of its claim boundaries, potential vulnerabilities, and geographical patent equivalents. Licensing negotiations or patent challenges should be meticulously aligned with the precise scope of claims to avoid infringement or to mount valid defenses.
Key Takeaways
- The scope of KR101421519 is primarily defined by its independent claims, likely encompassing novel compounds, formulations, or methods with therapeutic significance.
- The patent’s strategic value stems from its enforceability within South Korea, a major pharmaceutical market.
- Its positioning within an international patent family enhances global protection, offering commercial leverage.
- Monitoring claim language and potential overlaps with prior art remains essential for defending or designing around this patent.
- The patent landscape around KR101421519 signifies active innovation and intense competition, requiring continuous intelligence and legal vigilance.
FAQs
1. What is the typical duration of patent protection for drug inventions like KR101421519?
- South Korean patents are granted for 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees. To extend exclusivity, supplementary protections such as data exclusivity may apply.
2. Can KR101421519 be challenged based on prior art?
- Yes, patent validity can be contested through opposition procedures or legal challenges citing prior art that predates or invalidates the claims.
3. How does the patent landscape impact generic drug entry in South Korea?
- The patent grants exclusive rights, preventing generic manufacturing or sale until expiry or invalidation, thus delaying market entry.
4. Are process patents like the methods claimed in KR101421519 significantly valuable?
- Yes, especially if the process offers cost advantages, improved yields, or enhanced product purity, making them crucial for manufacturing.
5. What should pharmaceutical companies consider when developing drugs related to KR101421519?
- They should evaluate the patent claims for potential infringement risks, seek freedom-to-operate assessments, and explore opportunities for patent licensing or designing around strategies.
References
- South Korean Patent Office Database.
- WIPO PatentScope.
- Patent research tools and legal literature on pharmaceutical patents.
- Industry reports on South Korean pharmaceutical patent strategies.
