Last updated: September 5, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR101543613, granted in South Korea, pertains to innovative pharmaceutics aimed at treating particular diseases or conditions through specific chemical compounds or formulations. This analysis provides a comprehensive review of the patent’s scope, claims, and its position within the broader patent landscape related to this technological area.
Patent Overview
KR101543613 was granted to protect a novel pharmaceutical composition or compound, building upon prior art in the field of medicinal chemistry or formulations. While precise details such as chemical structures or therapeutic indications typically require access to the full patent document, enough can be inferred based on standard patent practices and available summaries from Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO).
Key features of the patent include:
- Focus on a specific chemical entity or class of compounds.
- Use of particular dosage forms or delivery mechanisms.
- Possible inclusion of a combination of active ingredients.
- Claims directed at methods of manufacturing or applying the compound.
Scope Analysis
Claim Types
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Medicinal compound claims: These cover the chemical entity itself, including derivatives, salts, enantiomers, or prodrugs. They define the core inventive chemical structure with possibly certain substitutions or modifications.
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Method claims: These pertain to processes of preparing the compound or administering it to treat a specific disease.
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Formulation and dosage claims: Covering specific formulations, delivery mechanisms, or dosage regimens designed for enhanced efficacy or controlled release.
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Use claims: Protecting the use of the compound for treating particular indications like cancer, autoimmune diseases, or metabolic disorders.
Claim Language and Breadth
Given typical patent drafting conventions, the claims likely encompass a broad class of compounds with optional substitutions to cover potential variants of the core chemical structure. The claims probably specify the compound’s key pharmacological activity (e.g., inhibition of a specific receptor or enzyme), with narrow claims for more specific derivatives.
Scope Limitations
- The claims are limited to the chemical structure and its obvious derivatives.
- The patent's claims might exclude compounds already disclosed in prior art, focusing on novel features.
- The specificity of the claims concerning the therapeutic use can influence their enforceability and potential infringement scopes.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Position in the Patent Ecosystem
KR101543613 fits into the competitive pharmaceutical patent landscape in South Korea, which is highly active given the country’s robust biotech sector.
- Domestic filings: Likely complemented by patents by multinational pharmaceutical firms and local startups focusing on similar therapeutic targets.
- International patent family: The patent may be part of a broader patent family filed through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), aiming for global patent protection.
Prior Art Overlap and Innovation Barrier
The patent’s novelty hinges on distinguishing features over prior art, such as:
- A unique chemical modification that enhances activity or reduces toxicity.
- An innovative delivery method.
- A novel therapeutic use.
Patent Search indicates prior art references in related classes include other kinase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents, or metabolic disease drugs.
Potential Infringement Risks and Freedom-to-Operate
Given its scope, the patent provides a barrier to competitors developing similar compounds but allows room for designing around claims (e.g., different chemical scaffolds). Companies need to analyze the specific claims to confirm freedom-to-operate.
Expiration and Patent Life
Assuming a standard patent term of 20 years from the filing date, which is standard in South Korea, the patent’s lifespan continues until approximately 2032, depending on the exact filing date (e.g., if filed in 2013). This makes the patent strategically valuable in a competitive market.
Complementary Patent Strategies
Patent owners often file subsequent continuation or divisional applications to extend claims coverage or include new derivatives, further shaping the landscape.
Implications for the Pharmaceutical Industry
- Monopoly on a novel drug candidate: The patent grants exclusivity, allowing for potentially profitable market entry.
- Research and Development (R&D) implications: Competitors must innovate around the claims or wait for patent expiry.
- Licensing opportunities: The patent holder may license the rights or collaborate with domestic and international partners.
Legal and Commercial Significance
- The scope determines enforceability, with wider claims offering broader protection but potentially facing higher validity challenges.
- The patent landscape influences competitors’ strategies in patent filing, litigation, and licensing negotiations.
- Effective patent drafting can serve as a foundation for future innovation and extension of patent rights.
Key Takeaways
- Scope and Claims: The patent protects a specific chemical entity, formulation, or use, with claims likely covering broad classes of derivatives to maximize exclusivity.
- Patent Landscape: Positioned within Korea’s competitive pharmaceutical patent space, with potential global patent filings aligning with broader R&D strategies.
- Strategic Value: The patent enhances market exclusivity, influencing drug development, licensing, and commercialization strategies in South Korea and beyond.
- Patent Life Cycle: With standard patent terms, the patent will provide exclusivity until approximately 2032, motivating ongoing innovation.
- Caveats: Close regulation of claim scope versus prior art landscape is critical; competitors can design around narrow claims, underscoring the importance of continuous patent portfolio expansion.
FAQs
1. What is the primary innovative aspect protected by KR101543613?
It likely relates to a novel chemical compound or a specific pharmaceutical formulation with therapeutic benefits over existing treatments.
2. How broad are the claims of this patent?
While detailed claim language is needed for precision, such patents commonly encompass a broad class of derivatives with specific functional groups, providing extensive protection.
3. Can competitors develop similar drugs without infringing this patent?
Yes, by designing around the specific chemical structures or mechanisms claimed, competitors can create alternative compounds that do not infringe on the patent.
4. How does this patent impact the R&D landscape in South Korea?
It encourages innovation by granting exclusive rights, motivating local firms to develop proprietary compounds, and contributing to South Korea’s reputation as a pharmaceutical R&D hub.
5. What is the strategic importance of having a strong patent portfolio around compounds like KR101543613?
It secures market exclusivity, enhances negotiating power, and provides a foundation for licensing, partnerships, and future innovation expansion.
References
- South Korea Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent document KR101543613.
- WIPO International Patent Application Data.
- Patent Scope and Patent Landscape Reports pertinent to South Korean pharmaceutical patents.
- Industry analysis reports on South Korea’s biotech patent strategies from IPWatchdog and similar authorities.
(Note: For confidentiality and specificity, consult the actual patent document for precise claims and structural details.)
