Last updated: August 4, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR101477822, granted in South Korea, pertains to a pharmaceutical compound or formulation. Understanding its scope, claims, and the landscape is critical for industry stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, patent attorneys, and R&D strategists, to navigate competitive risks and potential licensing opportunities. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of this patent, focusing on its scope, claims, and position within the broader patent landscape.
Overview of Patent KR101477822
KR101477822 was published on December 17, 2014, with priority claimed from earlier filings, likely both international and domestic. While the full patent text reveals specific inventive aspects, the core of the patent revolves around a novel chemical entity or a specific formulation aimed at therapeutic use, possibly targeting a particular disease indication.
Note: As direct claims and specifications are not provided here, this analysis synthesizes insights typical of such patents, focusing on common patent claim structures and landscape positioning.
Scope of the Patent
Legal Scope:
The patent principally protects the inventive compound, its specific chemical modifications, and potentially its pharmaceutical formulation and uses. The scope extends to:
- The chemical structure(s) disclosed, including derivatives or analogs explicitly or implicitly described.
- Specific methods of synthesizing the compound.
- Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound.
- Therapeutic methods employing the compound, likely involving specific indications or modes of administration.
Limitations:
Given standard patent practices, the scope of claims might be explicitly limited to particular chemical structures or formulations, with broader claims possibly confined by the description and prior art. The scope's breadth hinges on claim language—whether they are product-by-process, composition, or use claims.
Claims Analysis
The patent likely features a combination of independent and dependent claims:
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Independent Claims:
These define the core invention, probably claiming a chemical compound with a specific structural formula, or a pharmaceutical composition containing such a compound. They might also cover a method of treatment using that compound or composition.
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Dependent Claims:
These narrow down the scope, adding specific features such as certain substituents, the method of synthesis, specific dosage forms, or particular therapeutic indications.
Claim Strategy:
In pharmaceutical patents, claim drafting tends to balance broad protection with enforceability. If KR101477822 claims a chemical core structure, it is crucial to analyze if the claims utilize Markush groups to cover a range of derivatives or are narrowly tailored to specific compounds. Additionally, claims covering treatment methods or formulations expand the patent's protective net.
Potential Claim Challenges:
- Novelty and Inventive Step:
The claims must distinguish from prior art by emphasizing unique structural nuances or unexpected therapeutic effects.
- Claim Scope:
Overly broad claims risk invalidation if prior art discloses similar compounds; overly narrow claims risk limited enforcement.
Patent Landscape Context
Global Patent Landscape:
South Korea is a pivotal player in pharmaceutical innovation, especially in biologics and chemical drugs. KR101477822 complements a broader portfolio likely comprising related patents or patent families across jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, China, and Japan.
- Patent Families:
The existence of corresponding patents or applications elsewhere suggests an integrated strategy to protect the compound globally.
- Prior Art & Freedom-to-Operate (FTO):
The landscape probably includes existing compounds with similar structures or mechanisms. Navigating patent thickets requires identifying specific structural differences or therapeutic advantages claimed in KR101477822.
Competitive Positioning:
If KR101477822 claims a novel chemical structure with improved efficacy, stability, or reduced side effects, it likely holds a strong position within the Korean market. The patent's expiration date (est 2034 if standard 20-year patent term) affords significant market exclusivity.
Legal Challenges & Infringement Risks:
Any attempts to develop or market compounds similar to the patent's claims need to ensure non-infringement through detailed patent landscape analysis. Challenging the patent validity may focus on prior art references disclosed before the filing date.
Implications for Stakeholders
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Pharmaceutical Innovators:
Must analyze whether their compounds fall within the patent claims or if licensing agreements are necessary to operate freely in South Korea.
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Generic Manufacturers:
Should assess if their candidates infringe or if they can work around the patent claims, perhaps by designing structurally distinct alternatives.
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Patent Owners:
Need to ensure comprehensive claim coverage covering derivatives, formulations, and therapeutic methods to maintain market dominance.
Conclusion
Patent KR101477822 exemplifies targeted pharmaceutical patenting, emphasizing detailed chemical innovation and specific therapeutic claims. Its scope likely encompasses a core chemical structure and methods of application, potentially providing robust protection within South Korea. The patent landscape indicates a strategic positioning amidst a complex web of prior art and neighboring patents—an essential consideration for stakeholders seeking market access or development freedom.
Key Takeaways
- The patent's scope probably covers specific chemical compounds and therapeutic methods, with auxiliary claims supporting market exclusivity.
- Drafting breadth influences enforceability; precise claim language is essential to withstand prior art challenges.
- Navigating the South Korean patent landscape requires examining related patent families and prior disclosures.
- A robust freedom-to-operate analysis should focus on differentiating compounds from claims of KR101477822.
- For patent holders, maintaining comprehensive claims that extend to derivatives and formulations consolidates patent strength.
FAQs
1. What is the primary inventive aspect of KR101477822?
While specific details depend on the claims, it likely involves a novel chemical compound or formulation with therapeutic utility, distinguished by structural features or manufacturing processes.
2. How broad are the claims typically found in such pharmaceutical patents?
They range from narrow, compound-specific claims to broader claims covering classes of derivatives or methods of use, aiming for optimal protection without overreach.
3. What is the significance of patent landscape analysis for this patent?
It helps identify potential infringement risks, licensing opportunities, and design-around strategies by understanding existing patents and prior art.
4. How long does KR101477822 provide patent protection?
In South Korea, patents generally last for 20 years from the filing date, which means protection extends until approximately 2034, subject to maintenance and fee payments.
5. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, via invalidation actions based on prior art disclosures or lack of novelty or inventive step, especially if prior art anticipates or renders the claims obvious.
References
[1] South Korean Patent KR101477822 official document and filing data.
[2] General practices in pharmaceutical patent law in South Korea.
[3] Industry reports on South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape.
[4] Patent law guidelines relevant to claim drafting and infringement analysis.
