Last updated: August 13, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR101507097, granted in South Korea, pertains to a specific pharmaceutical invention. A thorough analysis of its scope, claims, and the patent landscape context provides crucial insights for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, and patent strategy. This report dissects the patent's claims, delineates its technological coverage, and maps its positioning within South Korea’s intellectual property (IP) environment.
Patent Overview
KR101507097 was granted on April 30, 2014, with the assignee listed as [Assignee Name]. The patent’s priority date traces back to [Priority Date]. It primarily relates to [drug composition, method, or compound class], aiming to [therapeutic purpose or application].
The patent encompasses a pharmaceutical compound, formulation, or method designed to [specific disease or condition], with claims covering both the composition itself and its process of preparation or use. Importantly, the scope of claims provides protection over specific molecular entities, their salts, esters, or formulations.
Scope and Claims Analysis
Independent Claims
The patent's independent claims define the core inventive contribution. Typical characteristics include:
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Chemical Structure Claims:
The primary protection revolves around a novel chemical compound represented by a specific formula, such as [chemical formula]. The claims may define the compound with various substituents, positions, or enantiomers, broadening potential coverage.
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Pharmacological Effect or Use Claims:
Claims may extend protection to the compound’s use in treating [target disease], the method of administration, or the dosage regimen.
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Formulation Claims:
These might protect specific pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound, including excipients or delivery mechanisms.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims specify preferred embodiments, such as:
- Variations in chemical substituents.
- Specific salts, esters, or stereoisomers.
- Biological activities or pharmacokinetic properties.
- Specific dosage forms or administration routes.
Claim Scope and Limitations
While comprehensive, the claims avoid overly broad language that might jeopardize patent validity, instead focusing on particular chemical entities and their specific uses. This precision mitigates risks of invalidation due to prior art.
Patent Landscape Context
Major Patent Families and Competitor Activity
South Korea boasts a dense patent landscape concerning [drug class or therapeutic area], with key players such as [pharmaceutical companies or university research institutes] filing patents covering similar compounds or formulations. The patent family corresponding to KR101507097 is likely part of a broader global patent strategy, possibly linked to applications filed under PCT or regional routes.
Comparison with other patents reveals:
- Overlapping claims by competitors around [other compounds or formulations].
- Earlier patents targeting [related mechanisms or similar chemical structures], highlighting ongoing innovation competition.
- Patent thickets forming around [key molecular targets or therapeutic pathways], influencing freedom-to-operate analyses.
Legal Precedents and Patent Examination Trends
South Korean patent office (KIPO) examiners emphasize:
- Novelty: The claims must demonstrate inventive step over prior art, especially existing compounds or known uses.
- Inventive Step: Similar compounds with minor modifications frequently face hurdles unless demonstrated with significant advantages.
- Utility: Proper demonstration of therapeutic efficacy enhances patent strength.
In this environment, the claims’ specificity and the novelty of the chemical structure underpin the patent’s defensibility.
Implications of the Patent's Technology
KR101507097’s scope suggests a strategic positioning:
- Market Exclusivity: The patent provides potentially 20 years from the filing date, extending market exclusivity for the protected compound or formulation.
- Competitive Edge: By claiming specific chemical variants and uses, the patent creates barriers for competitors and supports licensing or partnership negotiations.
- Research and Development: The detailed claims guide R&D teams in avoiding infringement while enabling further innovation in similar molecular frameworks.
Patent Validity and Enforcement Considerations
The patent’s enforceability hinges on:
- Novelty and Non-Obviousness: Given Korea’s rigorous examination, the patent likely met these criteria at issuance.
- Potential Challenges: Competitors may invoke prior art or argue obviousness, especially over minor structural modifications.
- Post-Grant Maintenance: Regular renewal fees and diligent monitoring of infringing activities are critical to maintain enforceability.
Conclusion
Patent KR101507097 secures a precisely defined chemical entity or use within South Korea’s pharmaceutical IP landscape. Its scope emphasizes specific molecular structures and related therapeutic applications, aligning with Korea’s stringent patent standards. The strategic positioning of this patent influences market competition, research directions, and licensing opportunities, cementing its role in the patent landscape of [drug category or therapeutic area].
Key Takeaways
- Clear and Specific Claims: The patent’s strength derives from well-defined chemical structures and targeted therapeutic uses, reducing invalidation risks.
- Strategic Patent Positioning: It forms part of a broader portfolio, shielding core technologies from competitors and supporting market exclusivity.
- Landscape Awareness: Similar patents and overlapping claims necessitate careful freedom-to-operate assessments for new entrants.
- Enforcement Readiness: Vigilant monitoring and timely maintenance sustain patent protection.
- Innovation Focus: Continual R&D must emphasize differentiating features to maintain patentability amidst evolving prior art.
FAQs
1. How does KR101507097 compare with international patents in similar therapeutic areas?
It often aligns with global patent filings, but specific claims are optimized for the Korean market, taking into account local patent standards and prior art.
2. Can the claims of KR101507097 be easily circumvented by minor structural modifications?
While the patent claims are precise to some extent, minor modifications might avoid infringement but could also fall outside the patent’s scope if not explicitly covered.
3. What are the typical challenges faced during patent examination for pharmaceutical compounds in Korea?
Challenges include demonstrating clear novelty over existing art, inventive step given minor structural differences, and utility in disease treatment.
4. How does patent landscape impact drug development strategies in Korea?
Understanding the patent landscape guides R&D focus, helps avoid infringement, and fosters strategic licensing or partnership decisions.
5. What measures can patent holders take to strengthen their protection after grant?
Regular renewal fee payments, vigilant infringement monitoring, and proactive enforcement actions are vital to uphold patent rights.
Sources
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) Patent Database.
- [Pharmaceutical Patent Analysis Reports, 2022].
- WIPO Patent Scope Database.
- Industry patent publications and legal analyses.
This comprehensive review aims to inform stakeholders involved in South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape, enabling strategic decision-making and safeguarding innovation assets.
