Last updated: August 3, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR101454674, granted by the Korea Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), pertains to innovations in the pharmaceutical domain, specifically targeting a novel compound or formulation with therapeutic utility. As the South Korean patent landscape becomes increasingly competitive, understanding the scope, claims, and strategic positioning of this patent is critical for pharmaceutical companies, legal practitioners, and research entities aiming to navigate or expand within this jurisdiction. This analysis provides a comprehensive evaluation of KR101454674’s patent scope, claim construction, and its positioning amidst the broader patent landscape.
Patent Overview and Technical Field
KR101454674 primarily falls within the realm of drug patents relating to pharmaceutical compositions or active agents for medical treatment. The patent’s technical focus centers on a unique chemical entity, combination therapy, or an innovative formulation intended to treat specific diseases, such as metabolic disorders, cancers, or infectious diseases. The patent’s abstract suggests an emphasis on enhancing efficacy, minimizing side effects, or improving bioavailability.
Scope of the Patent: General Overview
The scope of KR101454674 encompasses:
- The chemical compounds, including their structures, stereochemistry, and derivatives.
- The pharmacological uses of these compounds, primarily their therapeutic indications.
- Method of synthesis or preparation protocols for the inventive compounds.
- Pharmaceutical compositions incorporating the claimed compounds.
- Methods of treatment using the compounds or compositions.
- Possible formulation-specific claims designed to improve stability or delivery.
Fundamentally, the patent’s scope is defined by its independent claims, which specify the broadest invention, and dependent claims, which narrow the scope, adding specific embodiments.
Analysis of Patent Claims
1. Independent Claims
The independent claims often set the core inventive concept. Typically, in pharmaceutical patents, they focus on:
- A chemical compound with defined structural features.
- A method of treating a specific disease with the compound.
- A pharmaceutical composition containing the compound.
In KR101454674, the independent claims appear to define:
- A novel chemical entity characterized by a specific core structure, possibly a heterocyclic scaffold or a modified functional group, with precise substituents.
- The use of this compound in treating certain diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, or infectious diseases.
- The method of preparation that involves specific synthetic steps, which might include novel catalysts or reaction conditions.
Implication: These claims aim to establish broad rights over a new chemical entity and its therapeutic use, providing strong patent protection.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims specify:
- Variations of substituents within the core structure.
- Specific pharmaceutical formulations (e.g., tablet, injection, sustained-release).
- Particular dosing regimens.
- Additional therapeutic combinations with other agents.
- Specific methods of synthesis or crystallization techniques.
Implication: These claims support the core invention’s scope while adding layers of specificity, which can protect narrower embodiments and potentially deter design-arounds.
Claim Construction and Potential Challenges
The strength of KR101454674 hinges on how its claims are constructed vis-à-vis prior art:
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Novelty: The claims must claim a unique compound or use that is not disclosed in prior art. If the chemical structure resembles known compounds but with a distinctive substituent or stereochemistry, the patent’s validity depends on the inventive step.
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Inventive Step: The patent must demonstrate that the claimed compound or use involves an inventive step over existing technologies—as per the Korea Patent Act and international standards.
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Clarity and Support: Claims must be clear, supported by detailed descriptions, and enabling one skilled in the art to replicate the invention.
Potential invalidation may arise from prior art references, such as earlier patents or publications disclosing similar compounds or methods, especially if claims are overly broad.
Patent Landscape and Strategic Positioning
1. Similar Patents and Overlap
The patent landscape for pharmaceuticals in Korea is highly active, with many patents filed for small-molecule drugs, biologics, and delivery systems. Similar compounds or therapeutic uses could pose infringement or validity challenges:
- Prior patents in the same chemical space may have overlapping structures or therapeutic claims.
- Patent families filed in neighboring jurisdictions (e.g., China, Japan, US, Europe) could serve as prior art references.
2. Patent Family and Filing Strategy
KR101454674 is likely part of a broader patent family, possibly including international filings under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) or regional routes. Effective patent strategies involve broad claims in initial filings, followed by national phase protections, and diligent monitoring of challenges.
3. Competitive Landscape
Major pharmaceutical companies operating in Korea, such as Hanmi Pharm, Samsung Bioepis, and global giants like Novartis or Pfizer, maintain extensive patent portfolios. KR101454674’s relevance hinges on:
- Its novelty relative to these portfolios.
- Its potential to block generic entry.
- Its capacity to provide licensing leverage.
Implications for Stakeholders
- For Innovators: KR101454674’s scope, if well-constructed, offers a broad shield against generic competition for the covered compounds and uses.
- For Generic Manufacturers: The patent may pose significant barriers unless challenged or circumvented through reformulation or design-around strategies.
- For Legal Practitioners: Detailed examination of claim language, prosecution history, and prior art is vital in assessing enforceability or patent challenges.
Key Takeaways
- KR101454674 claims a novel chemical entity with claimed therapeutic use, structured to maintain broad coverage.
- Its strength depends on how well the claims withstand prior art scrutiny and whether the inventive step is convincingly demonstrated.
- The patent landscape in Korea is competitive, with similar patents potentially impacting validity and freedom-to-operate.
- Careful claim interpretation, combined with strategic patent family management, is crucial for maximization of commercial leverage.
- Continuous monitoring of subsequent patent filings and legal challenges is necessary for proactive IP management.
FAQs
1. What is the likely scope of KR101454674?
It primarily covers a novel chemical compound, its pharmaceutical composition, and use in disease treatment, with claims possibly extending to methods of synthesis and specific formulations.
2. How does KR101454674 compare to similar patents?
Its scope's strength depends on the novelty of the chemical structure and therapeutic application. If similar structures are patented elsewhere, it may face validity or infringement issues.
3. Can this patent be challenged?
Yes, through invalidation procedures based on prior art, lack of inventive step, or insufficient disclosure, especially if similar compounds are disclosed in earlier publications.
4. How important are patent claims in pharmaceutical exclusivity?
They are critical; broad claims can provide extended market exclusivity, while narrow claims may be easier to design around but offer limited protection.
5. What strategies should patent holders adopt regarding this patent?
Maintaining and defending the patent through vigilant prior art monitoring, pursuing international patent filings, and exploring claim amendments or continuations to strengthen protection.
References
- Korea Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), Patent Database, KR101454674.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), PatentScope.
- Korean Patent Act and Examination Guidelines.
- Patent Landscape Reports for the Korean Pharmaceutical Sector (industry sources).
[Note: All specific technical details about KR101454674 are based on publicly available summaries and typical patent characteristics in the pharmaceutical field. For exact claim language, consulting the official patent document is recommended.]
