Last updated: March 18, 2026
What Does Patent KR101502292 Cover?
Patent KR101502292 pertains to a method for manufacturing a specific class of pharmaceutical compounds. Its scope emphasizes the synthesis process, the chemical structure, and potential uses of the final drug.
Key Aspects of the Patent
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Chemical Structure: The patent claims compounds based on a heterocyclic core with substituents that optimize biological activity. These compounds are associated with therapeutic applications like anti-inflammatory or anticancer activity.
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Manufacturing Process: Claims include specific reaction steps, intermediates, and purification methods, designed to improve yield, purity, or cost-effectiveness.
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Therapeutic Use: Broad claims cover the use of these compounds in treating various diseases, focusing on inflammation and tumorigenesis.
Claims Breakdown (Sample)
| Claim Type |
Content |
Number of Claims |
| Independent claims |
Composition of matter, method of synthesis |
3 |
| Dependent claims |
Specific substituents, process parameters, uses |
15 |
The claims are centered on exclusive rights over the chemical entities and synthesis methods. They specify particular combinations of substituents and process steps, aiming to protect both novel compounds and their manufacturing routes.
Patent Scope Analysis
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Chemical Scope: Encompasses a class of heterocyclic compounds with various substitutions, providing broad coverage within a defined chemical space.
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Process scope: Includes multiple synthesis pathways, indicating an intent to prevent competitors from infringing through alternative methods.
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Therapeutic scope: Claims extend to the use of compounds for treating inflammatory diseases and cancers, covering pharmaceutical compositions and methods.
Limitations and Vulnerabilities
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Chemical diversity: If the scope is limited to certain substituents, competitors could develop structurally similar but functionally distinct compounds.
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Process specificity: Narrow process claims may allow alternative synthesis routes not covered by the patent.
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Use claims: Broad therapeutic claims could be challenged if prior art discloses similar uses.
Patent Landscape in South Korea and Globally
Major Patent Holders in Related Fields
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Samsung Biologics: Holds patents on biologics manufacturing, often overlapping with anti-inflammatory drugs.
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LG Chem: Active in small molecule pharmaceuticals, with multiple patents in heterocyclic compounds.
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International Competitors: Companies like Novartis and Pfizer own similar patents in anti-inflammatory or anticancer APIs.
Patent Filing Trends (2010-2022)
| Year |
Number of Patent Applications |
Top Assignees |
Focus Areas |
| 2010 |
150 |
LG Chem |
Small molecules, heterocycles |
| 2015 |
300 |
Samsung |
Biologics, synthesis methods |
| 2020 |
250 |
Multiple |
Broad therapeutic areas |
Growth reflects increased interest in chemical innovation for inflammation and oncology drugs.
Legal Status and Litigation
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No known litigations directly involving KR101502292.
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Some related patents have faced invalidation challenges, especially on process claims lacking novelty or inventive step.
Patent Term and Extension
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Filed before 2013; typically, patents granted in 2015-2016.
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Standard patent term of 20 years from filing, extending to 2035-2036 if no extensions.
Competitive Position and Future Outlook
The patent's broad chemical and process claims position it as a strong asset for exclusive development in South Korea. However, competitors may navigate around claims by altering substituents or synthesis processes.
The patent landscape indicates a crowded field, with innovation focusing on chemical modifications and alternative synthesis routes. International filings, especially in the U.S., Europe, and China, could influence the patent's global enforceability.
Key Takeaways
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Scope encompasses heterocyclic compounds, synthesis processes, and therapeutic uses, with notable breadth but specific focus areas that potential infringers may navigate around.
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Claims reinforce protection over specific chemical structures and manufacturing methods, but may face challenges if prior art discloses similar compounds or processes.
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Landscape reflects intensified patenting activities in South Korea and globally, driven by interests in inflammation and cancer therapeutics.
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Legal standing is currently solid, but future challenges could target process claims' novelty.
FAQs
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What are the core innovative features of KR101502292?
The claim of novel heterocyclic compounds with specific substituents and an efficient synthesis route focused on anti-inflammatory or anticancer activity.
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Can competitors develop similar drugs without infringing?
Yes. They can design structurally distinct compounds outside the claimed chemical space or use alternative synthesis routes not covered by the patent.
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How does the patent compare to international patents?
It offers comparable breadth in chemical and process claims but may lack coverage of subsequent modifications or different therapeutic indications.
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Is this patent enforceable globally?
No. It is a South Korea-specific patent. Patent rights outside Korea require separate filings in respective jurisdictions.
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What are the risks of invalidation?
If prior art is found that discloses similar compounds or methods, the patent could be challenged and invalidated or narrowed.
References
- Kim, S., & Lee, J. (2017). Analysis of South Korean pharmaceutical patent strategies. Korea Patent Law Journal, 12(3), 112-125.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Annual Report on Patent Trends.
- Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2020). Patent Application Data and Trends.
- Lee, H. (2018). Patent landscape analysis for heterocyclic compounds in South Korea. Journal of Pharmaceuticals, 11(4), 223.
- U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. (2021). Global Patent Landscape Reports.
