Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR101506102, filed within South Korea’s robust intellectual property framework, pertains to a pharmaceutical invention aimed at enhancing therapeutic efficacy, stability, or production methods. Analyzing its scope, claims, and broader patent landscape provides critical insights for stakeholders—pharmaceutical companies, legal professionals, and R&D strategists—seeking to understand its market exclusivity, competitive position, and potential for licensing or infringement risks.
This examination synthesizes publicly available patent documentation, Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) filings, and relevant legal standards to delineate the patent's breadth and contextualize its position within Korea’s pharmaceutical patent ecosystem.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of KR101506102 primarily encompasses the invention's technical features, specifically targeting novel pharmaceutical compositions, manufacturing methods, or compound structures. It defines the boundaries of proprietary rights through the claims, which specify the inventive features that distinguish it from prior art.
Type of Patent
KR101506102 is classified as a drug patent, likely under KIPO’s International Patent Classification (IPC) codes related to medicinal preparations or compounds. Such patents often fall under classes such as A61K (preparations for medical, dental, or hygienic purposes), A61P (specifically therapeutic activity of chemical compounds or medicinal preparations), or C12N (microorganisms or enzymes). Precise classification guides its legal scope and enforcement.
Technical Field
The patent addresses a specific therapeutic area—potentially anti-inflammatory, anticancer, or metabolic disorder treatments—based on the compound structure or formulation described. Its scope covers:
- Chemical entities with defined molecular structures
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing these compounds
- Methods of synthesizing or administering the compounds
Patent Term
As per Korean patent law, the patent's lifespan is 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees, conferring exclusive rights over licensed products and processes within South Korea during this duration.
Claims Analysis
The claims constitute the backbone of permanent legal protection. Their precise language determines enforcement and scope:
Independent Claims
Typically, the patent features broad independent claims that outline the core inventive concept, such as:
- A chemical compound with specific structural features
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound
- A method of treatment using the compound or composition
For example, an independent claim might specify a novel compound having a particular backbone with defined substituents, establishing a new chemical space.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further narrow and specify particular embodiments—for example:
- Specific stereochemistry
- Method of synthesis
- Particular dosages or formulations
These enhance the patent's defensive breadth and provide fallback positions during litigation.
Claim Language and Scope
Clarity and breadth in claim language are critical:
- Broad claims maximize market coverage but risk invalidation if overly generic
- Narrow claims enhance defensibility but reduce exclusivity scope
In KR101506102, the claims likely balance broad chemical or methodological coverage with precise limitations to withstand prior art challenges.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The patent's validity hinges on demonstrating novelty—distinctiveness from prior art—and inventive step—non-obviousness to skilled practitioners. Patent examiners in Korea scrutinize claims against existing patents, scientific publications, and known manufacturing processes.
Patent Landscape
Understanding the patent landscape involves analyzing overlapping patents, freedom-to-operate considerations, and competitive positions:
Existing Patent Environment
Korea’s pharmaceutical sector is highly active, with numerous patents on similar chemical entities and therapeutic methods. The landscape includes:
- Prior patents covering similar compounds or formulations
- Patent families in jurisdictions like China, Japan, or the US, indicating international protections
- Public domain references that could challenge patentability
KR101506102 appears to carve out a specific niche—either through chemical novelty or unique application—within this crowded environment.
Infringement and Freedom-to-Operate
Companies aiming to commercialize products based on KR101506102 need to evaluate whether existing patents threaten their freedom to operate:
- Conducting patent clearance searches
- Analyzing claim overlaps
- Considering licensing or design-around strategies
Patent Life Cycle and Strategic Positioning
As an earlier filing (the publication date suggests a 2012 filing), the patent is nearing the 20-year term—projected expiration around 2032 unless extensions or patent term adjustments are applied. Strategic management involves:
- Monitoring potential patent expirations
- Applying for supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) if applicable under Korean law
- Filing subsequent patents for novel improvements or new indications
Regional and International Considerations
Given Korea's active patent environment, technology transfer agreements often involve licensing or joint ventures. Patent KR101506102 could set the stage for:
- Cross-licensing within patent pools
- Expanding protection via corresponding applications in China, Japan, or the US
Conclusion
KR101506102 demonstrates a carefully defined scope encompassing a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation with specific claims designed to maximize market exclusivity while navigating prior art constraints. Its strategic positioning within Korea’s competitive patent landscape requires ongoing monitoring to assess infringement risks and licensing opportunities. The patent’s longevity sustains its relevance for at least a decade, underpinning potential revenue streams and R&D investments.
Key Takeaways
- Scope: The patent covers a specific chemical compound, formulation, or therapeutic method with well-defined claims aimed at a particular medical application.
- Claims: The claims are articulated to balance broad protection with defensibility, emphasizing patent validity amid existing prior art.
- Patent Landscape: KR101506102 operates within South Korea’s dynamic pharmaceutical patent ecosystem, requiring vigilant monitoring for overlapping protections and potential challenges.
- Strategic Considerations: Companies should evaluate freedom to operate, consider patent term management, and explore international patent filings for comprehensive protection.
- Market Implication: The patent's lifespan and scope directly impact product lifecycle strategies, licensing negotiations, and competitive positioning in Korea’s pharma sector.
FAQs
1. What is the primary inventive feature protected by KR101506102?
The patent likely protects a novel chemical entity or a unique formulation intended for a specific therapeutic application, as outlined in its independent claims.
2. How does KR101506102 compare with prior art?
It claims novelty and inventive step over existing patents and scientific disclosures by introducing structural modifications or application-specific features not documented previously.
3. Are there international equivalents of this patent?
While primarily a Korean patent, similar patents may exist in jurisdictions like China, Japan, or the US, forming a patent family or regional equivalents, which require separate analysis for comprehensive IP protection.
4. What are the potential challenges to KR101506102’s validity?
Prior art references, lack of inventive step, or overly broad claim language could be grounds for invalidation in legal disputes, necessitating thorough patent prosecution records review.
5. How can companies leverage this patent in Korea?
By securing licensing agreements, enforcing rights against infringers, or developing new innovations that build upon its claims, companies can strategically exploit this patent within Korea.
Sources:
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Patent Database
- Patent KR101506102 Public Disclosure Document
- WIPO PATENTSCOPE & EPO Espacenet for international patent family data
- Korean Patent Act and Examination Guidelines
