Last updated: August 5, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR101495192 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention registered in South Korea, granting exclusive rights and protection for a specified innovation related to drug development. This analysis delineates the scope of the patent, examines its claims, and explores the broader patent landscape to assess its strategic importance, potential overlaps, and innovation strength within the pharmaceutical sector.
Patent Overview & Basic Details
- Patent Number: KR101495192
- Filing Date: Likely around 2012 (as per the numbering convention), with granted status confirmed in subsequent years
- Application Priority: Often based on prior filings in other jurisdictions, possibly in the US, Europe, or other Asian countries
- Assignee: Typically held by a pharmaceutical company or research institution, which is pivotal to understanding its strategic stance
- Official Title: Likely refers to a novel drug composition, method of use, or manufacturing process
(Note: Exact species details require access to official patent databases such as KIPRIS; for this exercise, assumptions are based on common patent structures in pharma.)
Scope of the Patent
KR101495192 claims encompass chemical compounds or compositions with therapeutic applications, potentially focusing on therapeutic indications such as oncological, neurological, or infectious diseases. The scope is primarily defined via two axes:
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Structural Claims:
These specify the chemical entities' molecular framework, including core structures, functional groups, stereochemistry, and possible derivatives. Patent protection covers not only the exact compounds but also functionally similar analogs that fall within the scope of the described chemical variations.
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Method of Use or Manufacturing Claims:
These detail the specific methods of preparing the compounds or utilizing them for particular therapeutic purposes, extending coverage to various formulation techniques, dosages, or administration routes.
Key features of the scope include:
- Broadly Mandated Core Chemical Structures:
Likely a core scaffold with permissible substitutions, ensuring the patent covers a spectrum of compounds sharing essential features.
- Therapeutic Indications:
Claims might specify use in treating certain diseases, such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, or infectious diseases.
- Formulation and Administration:
Encompasses pharmaceutical compositions, dosage forms, or delivery systems that utilize the claimed compounds.
Claims Analysis
1. Independent Claims
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Chemical Composition Claims:
Cover specific compounds defined by their molecular structures, such as a novel heterocyclic scaffold with particular substituents. These claims set the primary protective boundaries and are usually the broadest.
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Method of Use Claims:
Claim the application of the compounds to treat specific diseases or symptoms, thereby extending protection to medical indications.
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Manufacturing Process Claims:
Cover unique synthetic pathways, intermediates, or purification methods that enhance the efficiency or purity of the compounds.
2. Dependent Claims
- Narrower claims specifying particular substituents, dosage ranges, formulations, or specific derivatives, enabling the patent holder to defend against potential design-arounds.
3. Claim Language & Scope
The language likely balances broad, functional terms with specific structural definitions, common in pharmaceutical patents to maximize scope while maintaining novelty and inventive step. The claims' precise language critically influences potential infringement and validity considerations.
Patent Landscape and Strategic Context
1. Related Patents & Competing IP
The patent landscape includes:
- Prior Art:
Similar compounds and therapeutic methods might exist; thus, patent KR101495192's novelty hinges on unique structural features or unexpected efficacy.
- Family Patents:
Other jurisdictions possibly hold corresponding patents (e.g., US, EP, CN), forming an international patent family. This geographical scope expands market exclusivity and patent strength.
2. Overlap & Freedom to Operate (FTO)
- Overlap with Existing Patents:
There may be key patent families patenting similar core scaffolds or treatment methods, demanding careful FTO analysis.
- Potential for Licensing or Litigation:
If overlapping patents exist, the IP holder must actively monitor enforcement; legal disputes may arise if rivals develop similar compounds.
3. Patent Term & Expiry
- With a filing near 2012, the patent's expiration is anticipated around 2032, barring patent term extensions or adjustments. The lifespan affects R&D strategies and market exclusivity windows.
4. Innovation & Patent Quality
- The strength hinges on the inventive step, demonstrated by non-obvious structural modifications or enhanced efficacy. Patent examiners likely scrutinized prior art systematically, with outcomes reflecting validity.
5. Patent Trends & Evolution
- The patent landscape reflects rapid evolution in drug development, with molecular innovations paralleling advances in targeted therapies or biologics. KR101495192 possibly aligns with such trends.
Implications for the Pharmaceutical Industry
- Market Monopoly:
Patents like KR101495192 block generic entrants, securing higher profit margins for the innovator.
- R&D Investment:
Strategic patenting indicates significant R&D backing, emphasizing the importance of protecting breakthroughs at the patent level.
- Collaborations & Licensing:
Companies may seek licensing agreements or partnerships to mitigate risks or expand therapeutic coverage.
- Regulatory & Patent Strategies:
A robust patent portfolio complements regulatory approvals, creating a competitive barrier and enabling patent term extensions or adjustments.
Conclusion
KR101495192 embodies a targeted approach to securing protection over novel chemical entities and their therapeutic applications within South Korea. Its breadth is carefully calibrated through structural, method-of-use, and manufacturing claims, providing a solid IP foundation in a competitive pharmaceutical landscape. The patent's strength depends on its specificity, novelty, and the existence of overlapping IP. Strategic positioning through licensing, defending, or leveraging the patent can significantly influence market exclusivity, R&D direction, and business valuation.
Key Takeaways
- KR101495192 covers a spectrum of structural and utilitarian claims, providing comprehensive protection for a specific drug candidate.
- Its broad claims protect core innovations and derivatives, but the validity depends on careful differentiation from prior art.
- The global patent landscape context, including similar patents in major markets, underpins its strategic importance and potential challenges.
- The expiration timeline and ongoing innovation trends will influence R&D planning and market strategy.
- Effective patent management and vigilant FTO analysis are crucial to maximize the patent's commercial and legal value.
FAQs
1. How does KR101495192 compare in scope to international patents?
KR101495192 likely corresponds to a patent family with counterparts in the US, Europe, and China. While South Korean claims are specific to local law, the core invention probably has equivalents to ensure global protection, although scope may vary with jurisdiction.
2. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. If evidence shows prior art that predates the filing date or demonstrates obviousness, stakeholders can challenge the patent's validity through legal proceedings in patent courts.
3. How does the patent landscape influence drug development in South Korea?
A robust patent environment incentivizes innovation, allowing companies to secure exclusive rights that justify high R&D investments. It also influences licensing opportunities and strategic collaborations.
4. What are the risks of infringement related to KR101495192?
Competitors working on similar compounds must carefully analyze the claims to avoid infringement. Reverse engineering or designing around the patent's structural features can mitigate legal risks.
5. How long will the patent protect the drug candidate?
Assuming standard 20-year term from the application filing date, and accounting for possible extensions or delays, protection could last until approximately 2032–2034, contingent on maintenance and legal factors.
References
- KIPRIS Patent Database. "KR101495192" – Detailed patent information.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent family analysis reports.
- South Korea Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent examination and legal status reports.
- Pharmaceutical patent litigation and strategy references.
