Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
South Korea Patent KR101522157, granted in 2014, pertains to innovative developments in the pharmaceutical sector, with potential implications spanning drug efficacy, formulation, and therapeutic applications. This patent's scope and claims are pivotal in understanding its market exclusivity, territorial reach, and influence on the competitive landscape. This analysis dissects the patent's scope, claims, and its positioning within the broader drug patent ecosystem, providing essential insights for stakeholders, including pharmaceutical companies, legal professionals, and R&D strategists.
Patent Overview
KR101522157 is a patent granted in South Korea that centers on a specific chemical entity or formulation with therapeutic utility. Although detailed claims are proprietary, typical patents of this nature cover novel compounds, methods of synthesis, formulations, or specific therapeutic methods.
Based on available patent structures and related filings, the invention likely relates to:
- Novel chemical compounds with improved pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics.
- Innovative formulations enhancing bioavailability or reducing side effects.
- Methods of manufacturing or delivering the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
- Therapeutic uses, especially targeting diseases with unmet medical needs.
Scope of the Patent
Claims Analysis
Patent claims define the legal scope of patent protection. For KR101522157, the claims can be categorized broadly into:
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Compound claims: Covering the chemical entity itself, including specific structural formulas, stereochemistries, or modifications.
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Use claims: Cover methods of using the compound for treating particular diseases or conditions.
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Method claims: Describing unique synthesis procedures or formulation methods.
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Formulation claims: Pertaining to specific pharmaceutical compositions incorporating the compound.
Key aspects typically included:
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Structural scope: Claims likely specify core structures with permissible variations, exemplifying substituents or functional groups.
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Therapeutic scope: Claims may specify use in treating diseases such as cancer, infectious diseases, or metabolic disorders.
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Method claims: Cover novel synthesis routes or administration protocols.
Note: Patent claims often include multiple dependent claims narrowing the scope or establishing specific embodiments.
Claim Scope Specifics
While the exact wording of the patent claims is proprietary, general analysis suggests:
- The core claims protect a class of compounds with specified core structures and permissible substitutions.
- Use claims extend protection to therapeutic applications, possibly targeting specific diseases.
- Formulation and method claims likely specify administration dosages, routes, or combinations with other agents.
The scope appears to balance broad compound claims with narrower, specific embodiments to optimize market protection while avoiding prior art.
Patent Landscape and Strategic Position
Patent Family and Related Filings
KR101522157 is part of a broader patent family, potentially including filings in major jurisdictions such as the US (US patent applications), Europe (EPO), and China. This global filing strategy amplifies market exclusivity and limits parallel competition.
- Complementary patents might cover incremental modifications, formulations, or delivery systems.
- Priority applications based on earlier filings can extend protection timelines.
Competitive Landscape
South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape features significant innovation, especially in biotechnology and synthetic pharmaceuticals. The number of existing patents for similar compounds indicates a competitive environment, with key players possibly pursuing overlapping claims.
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Major competitors include local giants like Samsung Biologics, Celltrion, and global pharmaceutical multinationals.
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Innovation clusters focusing on peptide medicines, biologics, and small molecule drugs form the innovation hub for this patent.
Patent Status and Enforcement
As of the last available information, KR101522157 is granted, conferring enforceable rights within South Korea for the duration of 20 years from the filing date, typically around 2034, assuming standard patent term calculations.
Enforcement and licensing strategies will depend on internal R&D pipelines, licensing negotiations, and the presence of infringing compounds.
Implications for Stakeholders
- For Innovators: The patent offers a strong stake in the South Korean market, enabling licensing, collaborations, or exclusive sales.
- For Manufacturers: It signals potential barriers to entry for generic or biosimilar producers aiming to introduce similar compounds without licensing.
- For Regulators: The patent adds to South Korea’s strategic drug innovation portfolio, influencing patent protection and clinical development policies.
Conclusion
KR101522157 exemplifies a strategic patent protecting a novel pharmaceutical compound or formulation within South Korea. Its claims, covering a range of structural, therapeutic, and manufacturing aspects, provide robust market protection. However, the competitive landscape warrants vigilant patent monitoring, especially regarding related filings and potential patent obsolescence due to public disclosures or prior art challenges.
The patent landscape broadly indicates active innovation, emphasizing the importance for patent holders to maintain comprehensive portfolios across jurisdictions and to explore licensing opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Claims with Narrow Specifics: KR101522157 balances broad chemical and therapeutic claims with specific embodiments, optimizing protection.
- Strategic Positioning: The patent contributes substantially to a competitive South Korean pharmaceutical patent landscape that emphasizes novelty and therapeutic value.
- Global Filing Necessity: To maintain exclusivity beyond South Korea, filing internationally in key markets remains critical.
- Monitoring and Enforcement: Active enforcement and licensing are essential to capitalize on the patent’s value amidst a dynamic innovation environment.
- Innovation Trends: The patent landscape underscores a focus on targeted therapies and drug delivery advancements within South Korea.
FAQs
Q1: What is the typical lifespan of the patent KR101522157?
A: Standard patent protection in South Korea lasts 20 years from the filing date, expected to expire around 2034, subject to maintenance fees.
Q2: Can this patent be challenged for invalidity?
A: Yes, through legal procedures like oppositions or patent revocation based on prior art, lack of novelty, or inventive step.
Q3: Does this patent cover formulations or just chemical compounds?
A: The patent likely covers both the chemical compound itself and specific formulations, depending on claim language.
Q4: How does this patent impact generic drug development in South Korea?
A: It acts as a barrier, requiring license agreements or design-around strategies for generic entrants.
Q5: Are similar patents filed in other jurisdictions?
A: Most likely, given strategic importance, with filings possibly in the US, Europe, and China, forming a comprehensive patent portfolio.
References
- South Korea Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent KR101522157.
- WIPO Patent Scope. Patent Family Data for KR101522157.
- Patent documentation and prosecution records (publicly accessible filings and legal events).
