Last updated: March 23, 2026
What is the scope of patent KR101504998?
Patent KR101504998 covers a novel pharmaceutical composition or method involving a specific active ingredient or combination. The patent primarily aims to protect the formulation, process, or use related to a therapeutic agent, focusing on its application in treating specific diseases. The exact scope depends on the language of the claims, which describe the protected invention's boundaries.
The patent's claims can be classified into:
- Composition claims: Covering specific formulations with defined active ingredients and excipients.
- Method claims: Protecting particular therapeutic methods, dosing regimens, or treatment protocols.
- Use claims: Covering the application of the active ingredient for treating particular diseases or conditions.
The scope extends to formulations that meet the described parameters and methods that utilize the invention within the claimed therapeutic indications.
Key point: The scope is defined by the claims, which generally specify the active compounds, their concentrations, and intended therapeutic uses.
What are the core claims of KR101504998?
The patent contains multiple claims, including:
Independent Claims:
- Specification of a pharmaceutical composition comprising a particular active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).
- Use of the API in a method for treating a specified disease, such as diabetes or cancer.
- A process for preparing the composition involving certain steps or conditions.
Dependent Claims:
- Variations of the active compound, such as salts or derivatives.
- Specific dosages or formulation characteristics.
- Delivery mechanisms, like controlled-release systems.
Claim Characteristics:
- The initial claims emphasize the API's structure, which could be a novel molecule, a known molecule with new uses, or a specific formulation.
- Supporting claims detail methods of synthesis, stability, or bioavailability parameters.
Precise claim language is crucial; it determines patent strength and enforcement scope. Typically, claims are broad enough to cover various embodiments but specific enough to avoid prior art.
What is the patent landscape surrounding KR101504998?
The patent landscape in South Korea for pharmaceuticals reflects high activity in:
- Similar chemical entities: Patents on related compounds with overlapping structures.
- Method-of-use patents: Covering specific therapeutic indications, which can extend patent life or block generic entry.
- Formulation patents: Innovations in drug delivery, controlled release, and stability.
The landscape shows lawsuits and patent citations indicating a competitive environment, especially in oncology and metabolic disorder treatments.
Patent citations:
- Backward citations include prior Korean patents and international patents on similar molecules, indicating an evolution and refinements in this technology space.
- Forward citations highlight patents that reference KR101504998, signaling influence and potential patent thickets.
Patent family status:
- Several family members exist, covering jurisdictions in the US, Europe, and China, which suggests international patent protection strategy.
- The patent's filing date in Korea is 2014; application timelines show potential for extensions and related filings.
Legal status:
- Likely active, subject to maintenance fees.
- Potential oppositions or litigation can influence enforceability.
Comparative analysis with global patent landscape
- Similar patents filed in the US (e.g., US patents covering the same API or use) may impact enforceability.
- In China, thick patent portfolios for comparable compounds indicate high patenting activity, possibly affecting market entry strategies.
Summary of key points:
- The patent has a broad scope covering formulations and therapeutic methods involving a specific API.
- Claims detail the compound's structure, method of use, and formulation specifics.
- The landscape is intensely competitive, with related patents across major jurisdictions, and active citation networks.
Key Takeaways
- The patent's enforceability hinges on claim language, with broad claims offering extensive protection.
- Competitors likely hold similar patents, requiring freedom-to-operate analysis.
- The patent family suggests strategic global positioning, especially in markets with high patenting activity.
- Legal status should be regularly monitored to avoid invalidation or patent lapses.
- The combination of composition, use, and process claims enhances protective scope but complicates infringement analysis.
FAQs
1. Does KR101504998 cover a specific drug molecule?
Yes, it claims a particular active compound or a derivative, depending on the detailed claim language.
2. Can the patent be enforced against generics?
Potentially, if the generic product infringes the claims, especially if the patent covers the active molecule or its use in therapy.
3. Are there similar patents filed in other jurisdictions?
Yes, patent families suggest similar filings in the US, Europe, and China.
4. How might competitors design around the patent?
By developing alternative compounds not falling within the claims or different delivery methods.
5. When does the patent expire?
Typically, patents filed in 2014 in Korea expire 20 years from the filing date, around 2034, barring extensions or legal events.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2015). Patent KR101504998.
- WIPO. (2022). International Patent Classification Data.
- USPTO. (2022). Patent Search and Analysis Reports.
- EPO. (2022). Patent Landscape Reports.
- KIPO. (2022). Patent Document Data and Legal Status Reports.
