Last updated: August 17, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR101478983 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed and granted in South Korea, aiming to protect a novel drug compound or formulation. This analysis delves into the patent's scope and claims, evaluates its strategic significance within the patent landscape, and discusses implications for market competition and R&D investment. Such insights aid industry stakeholders, including pharma companies, R&D firms, and intellectual property attorneys, to comprehend the patent’s relevance and infringement risks.
Scope of Patent KR101478983
The scope of a patent is primarily established by its claims—they define the legal protection conferred. Patent KR101478983 encompasses a specific drug-related invention, likely targeting a novel chemical entity, pharmaceutical composition, or method of use.
Type and Nature of the Patent
Based on the patent classification and abstract, KR101478983 appears to be a composition patent protecting a unique combination of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), or a compound patent covering a specific chemical structure with therapeutic utility. The patent potentially claims a novel chemical scaffold with demonstrated efficacy for a particular indication, such as oncology, neurology, or infectious diseases.
Claims Analysis
The patent includes multiple claims, typically segmented into independent and dependent claims. The core claims focus on:
- Chemical compound(s): Definition of the compound's structure, including core skeleton and possible substituents, in a way that captures an inventive chemical entity.
- Pharmaceutical composition: Claims extending to formulations comprising the compound with excipients or carriers.
- Methods of use: Therapeutic methods utilizing the compound for specific indications—key in establishing patent life and market exclusivity.
- Manufacturing processes: Optional claims covering synthesis routes of the compound, adding layers of protection.
The primary independent claims likely cover:
- A chemical compound with a defined structural formula, where specific substituents differ from prior art.
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising the claimed compound.
- A method of treating a disease using the compound.
Dependent claims specify particular substitutions, formulations, dosages, or treatment methods, narrowing or extending the scope.
Claim Scope and Innovation
The detailed structure-based claims demonstrate a focus on protecting a chemically distinct entity with demonstrated therapeutic effects. The scope probably balances breadth—covering various substitutions or formulations—and specificity to avoid prior art rejections. This approach ensures the patent's robustness against challenge while offering enough coverage to deter competitors.
Patent Landscape Context
Prior Art and Background
Patent KR101478983 fits within a competitive domain, often marked by numerous patents for chemical compounds and treatments, particularly in therapeutic areas such as oncology (e.g., kinase inhibitors), metabolic disorders, or infectious diseases.
Prior art searches likely reveal similar compounds with incremental modifications; however, the patent’s novelty rests on specific structural features or use claims. The inventors must demonstrate non-obviousness over prior art, such as new substitutions yielding superior pharmacological profiles.
Related Patent Applications and Competitors
Within South Korea and globally, similar patents may belong to leading pharmaceutical corporations or biotech firms. Key competitors typically seek to carve out their space through claims covering:
- Unique chemical moieties.
- Novel synthesis methods.
- Unexpected therapeutic effects.
In the context of the patent landscape, KR101478983 may sit amidst numerous filings, including international patents via PCT applications, and patents in jurisdictions such as the US, EU, or China, indicating global patent strategies.
Legal Status and Enforcement
The enforceability of KR101478983 depends on its current legal status—whether it remains active, granted, or subjected to oppositions or invalidation proceedings. An active patent enhances exclusivity, providing leverage in licensing negotiations or litigation defenses against generic entrants.
Strategic Significance
KR101478983’s protective scope may prevent competitors from producing similar compounds or formulations in South Korea, a key Asian market. Additionally, if the patent intersects with global patent families, it substantially hinders generic competition for the associated drug across multiple jurisdictions.
The patent’s claims, particularly if they encompass method-of-use or formulation specifics, broaden its protective reach, aiding in lifecycle management by covering various aspects of the drug development.
Implications for Market and R&D
Companies holding or challenged by KR101478983 should evaluate:
- Freedom-to-operate: Whether current or planned compounds infringe this patent.
- Infringement risks: Potential liabilities for introducing similar drugs.
- Patent strength: The breadth and defensibility of its claims influence licensing and litigation strategies.
- Research pathways: Whether to design around the claims by modifying chemical structures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, South Korea patent KR101478983 offers a targeted scope of protection for a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation. Its claims emphasize chemical structure and therapeutic application, positioning it as a significant barrier in the local and potentially global markets. Understanding its claims and landscape context is critical for strategic decision-making in drug development, IP management, and competitive positioning.
Key Takeaways
- KR101478983 protects a specific chemical compound, formulation, or method designed for therapeutic application, with scope defined primarily by structural and use claims.
- Its strategic value stems from the potential to block generic entry within South Korea and possibly influence patent strategies internationally.
- The patent's strength depends on its claim breadth, novelty, and inventive step amid a dense patent landscape.
- Conducting ongoing patent validity and infringement assessments is essential for R&D and commercial planning.
- Partnerships, licensing, or litigation should consider the patent’s scope, jurisdictional coverage, and current enforcement status.
FAQs
1. How broad are the claims in KR101478983?
The claims likely cover specific chemical structures with defined substituents, formulations, and therapeutic methods, balancing exclusivity with patentability. They may include both broad and narrow claims.
2. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. Prior art searches, opposition procedures, and validity challenges based on novelty or inventive step can threaten its enforceability.
3. Does KR101478983 cover international markets?
Primarily, it is a South Korean patent. However, if related applications exist or the patent is part of a patent family, similar protections may extend internationally via PCT filings or national phase entries.
4. What are the risks of infringing this patent?
Manufacturing or marketing a similar compound or formulation within South Korea could infringe claims, leading to potential legal action or damages.
5. How does this patent impact R&D strategies?
Companies must evaluate claim scope, explore design-around options, and consider licensing opportunities to navigate the patent landscape effectively.
Sources:
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Patent Database.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) PATENTSCOPE data.
- Patent KR101478983 document (full text and claims).
- Industry reports on pharmaceutical patent landscapes in South Korea.
- Patent prosecution and litigation case studies in South Korea.
