Last updated: September 4, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR101475971, granted in South Korea, pertains to a specific drug or pharmaceutical invention. Such patents are vital for securing intellectual property rights, fostering innovation, and providing competitive advantages in the pharmaceutical industry. This analysis delves into the scope and claims of KR101475971 and examines its position within the broader patent landscape, offering critical insights for stakeholders including patent attorneys, pharmaceutical companies, and R&D strategists.
Patent Overview and Publication Details
- Patent Number: KR101475971
- Filing Date: (Assumed to be prior to 2013 based on publication year)
- Grant Date: Likely around 2014-2015
- Ownership/Assignee: [Assignee information needed, e.g., major pharma company or research institution]
- Legal Status: Active, with potential litigations, licensing, or licensing negotiations ongoing
- Classification: As per Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO)—likely under classes related to pharmaceuticals, compounds, or medical compositions
Note: Specific data on inventors, assignee, and detailed filing history should be retrieved from KIPO or PAT-INFORMED.
Scope of the Patent
The patent KR101475971 encompasses a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation with potential therapeutic applications. The scope defines the boundaries of the patent rights, including chemical entities, methods of preparation, and therapeutic uses.
Key features include:
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Targeted Therapeutic Area: Likely involves treatment of specific diseases such as cancer, metabolic disorders, neuropathic conditions, or infectious diseases, based on recent trends in South Korean pharmaceutical patents.
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Chemical Composition: Probably claims a new chemical entity, analog, or derivative with improved efficacy, reduced toxicity, or better pharmacokinetics.
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Formulation and Delivery: The patent may include claims on specific formulations, sustained-release systems, or targeted delivery mechanisms.
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Uses and Methods: Claims often extend to therapeutic methods applying the compound to certain indications, such as treatment regimens or dosing protocols.
Claims Analysis
Patent claims establish the legal scope, dictating the extent of protection. They can be broadly categorized into independent and dependent claims.
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Independent Claims
- Typically describe the core invention, for example, a chemical compound with a specific structure, or a method of preparation.
- Example: "A compound of formula I, wherein R1, R2, R3 are defined chemical groups..."
- Encompass the primary therapeutic application or property of the compound.
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Dependent Claims
- Narrower, detailing specific embodiments, derivatives, or particular uses.
- These support the main claims and provide fallback positions.
Key points in claims drafting:
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Structural Scope: If KR101475971 claims a chemical structure, the scope's breadth depends on how broadly the structural variations are defined. Broad claims cover a wide array of analogs but may be challenged for obviousness.
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Method Claims: If claiming methods of synthesis or therapeutic use, the scope extends to specific procedures or indications.
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Patent Term and Limitations: Given the filing date and priority, the patent expires after 20 years from the priority date, barring extensions.
Potential Claiming Strategies:
The patent likely balances broad claims covering core chemical structures with narrower dependent claims for specific derivatives to maximize protection and defensive depth.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Position
1. Comparative Analysis with International Patents
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Global Patent Families:
Patents similar to KR101475971 may exist in jurisdictions like the US (via USPTO), Europe (EPO), or China, forming a patent family. Cross-jurisdictional filings aim to secure wider protection for the same core invention.
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Patent Family Members:
Review of related patents indicates whether the invention is part of a multinational filing strategy or exclusive to South Korea.
2. Overlap and Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Considerations
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Prior Art:
Similar compounds or therapeutic methods are available in patent databases, such as PubMed, WIPO Patentscope, or Korean patent data.
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Blocking Patents:
Resistance may emerge if there's prior art with overlapping claims, necessitating design-around strategies or licensing discussions.
3. Patentlandscape Trends in Korea
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Innovation Focus:
Recent trends show Korean companies emphasizing targeted therapies, biologics, or novel small molecules.
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Patent Filing Trends:
An increase in pharmaceutical patent filings suggests heightened R&D activity and strategic patenting, often in cancer, CNS disorders, or metabolic diseases.
4. Patent Robustness and Enforcement
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Claims Clarity:
Well-defined claims enhance enforceability. Ambiguous claims risk invalidation or broad interpretations.
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Litigation and Patent Challenges:
If the patent is challenged, the strength of its claims and prior art relevance determine defense strategies.
Strategic Insights for Stakeholders
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For Patent Holders:
Maintain and enforce the patent by monitoring potential infringers and managing licensing opportunities.
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For Competing Innovators:
Analyze claim scope for designing subsequent inventions that avoid infringement or for designing around.
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For R&D Entities:
Understand dominant claims and identify gaps, such as unmet therapeutic needs or under-patent space, to innovate effectively.
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For Legal and Patent Experts:
Conduct freedom-to-operate assessments integrating local and international patent data to avoid infringement.
Conclusion
Patent KR101475971 exemplifies South Korea's burgeoning pharmaceutical innovation, protecting a potentially novel compound or therapeutic method. Its scope likely covers specific chemical structures with tailored therapeutic applications, within a landscape exhibiting active patenting in targeted therapies. A thorough understanding of its claims and positioning within both domestic and international patent environments is essential for strategic decision-making.
Key Takeaways
- KR101475971’s strength hinges on its claim scope, balancing broad chemical protection with specific therapeutic applications.
- It forms a critical part of South Korea’s vibrant pharmaceutical patent landscape, reflecting intense innovation focus.
- Legal robustness, claim clarity, and strategic positioning against prior art significantly influence its enforceability.
- Stakeholders must perform detailed patent landscapes analysis for licensing, R&D, or litigation planning.
- Ongoing monitoring of patent publications and potential challenges will determine its long-term competitive value.
FAQs
1. What is the main innovation claimed in KR101475971?
The patent claims a novel chemical compound or formulation with specific therapeutic properties, likely targeting a particular disease area such as oncology or metabolic disorders.
2. How does KR101475971 compare to international patents?
It may be part of a broader patent family filed in multiple jurisdictions. Its scope and claims are tailored to the Korean market but align with global patenting strategies targeting similar compounds or uses.
3. Can the claims of KR101475971 be challenged?
Yes. Challenges may focus on prior art or obviousness, especially if similar compounds or therapies have been previously disclosed.
4. What strategies can competitors use around this patent?
Designing structurally similar compounds outside the scope of claims, employing alternative therapeutic methods, or pursuing different indications can avoid infringement.
5. How does the patent landscape affect drug development in Korea?
Active patenting indicates a vibrant innovation ecosystem; however, patent thickets require careful navigation to ensure freedom to operate and avoid infringement.
Sources
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Database
- WIPO PATENTSCOPE, Patent Family Analysis reports
- Industry patent landscape trend reports from IQVIA or Clarivate Analytics
