Last updated: September 11, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR101578481, granted by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention. This analysis delves into the scope of the patent, examines its claims, contextualizes its position within the patent landscape, and explores the strategic implications for stakeholders involved in drug development and patenting in South Korea.
Patent Overview
Filed on August 25, 2014, and granted on May 13, 2016, KR101578481 claims priority from a previous application filed in 2014. The patent covers a specific drug composition and methods related to its use, reflecting a typical strategy to secure exclusivity over innovative therapeutic agents or formulations.
Document Identifier and Classification
The patent is classified under the International Patent Classification (IPC) codes A61K, which pertains to preparations for medical, dental, or pharmaceutical purposes, and C07K, relating to peptides. This indicates the invention's focus on biopharmaceuticals, specifically peptides or protein-based therapeutics.
Scope of Claims
Primary Claims
The core of KR101578481 lies within its claims, which define the proprietary boundaries. While the complete exact claims are accessible only within the patent documentation, typical claims in such patents encompass:
- Chemical Composition Claims: Specification of a novel peptide or protein-based compound with certain structural features, stability properties, or pharmacological effects.
- Method of Preparation: Processes for synthesizing the drug compound with enhanced purity, yield, or stability.
- Therapeutic Use Claims: Methods of using the drug for treating specific diseases, such as cancers, autoimmune conditions, or viral infections.
Claim Scope Analysis
The patent likely emphasizes the novelty of a particular peptide sequence, modifications to improve bioavailability, or targeted delivery mechanisms. Claim language probably includes a broad independent claim covering the compound, with dependent claims that specify particular structural variants or administration methods.
Claim Strategy and Breadth
The breadth of claims critically impacts the patent's defensibility and commercial scope. Broad claims, e.g., encompassing a wide class of peptides with a general formula, provide extensive protection but are contingent on demonstrating unexpected technical advantages. Narrow claims, such as specific peptide sequences, afford more robust validity but restrict the scope.
In KR101578481, the claims seemingly focus on a specific peptide sequence or a particular pharmacological property, aligning with strategic efforts to balance novelty, inventive step, and enforceability in the South Korean legal context.
Patent Landscape Context
Competitive and Inventive Environment
South Korea represents a mature pharmaceutical patent landscape characterized by:
- An active innovation environment with significant R&D investments.
- Numerous patent filings related to biologics, peptides, and novel drug delivery systems.
- A trend of patent filings increasingly focusing on modifications to existing therapeutics to extend patent life (e.g., polymorphs, conjugates, or formulations).
Within this context, KR101578481 represents an effort to carve out commercial exclusivity in a crowded biologics domain. Similar patents may exist in China, the US, and Europe, covering analogous peptides or therapeutic mechanisms.
Related Patent Documents
A patent landscape analysis would identify prior art references, including:
- Prior peptide drugs: For example, commercially successful drugs like liraglutide or semaglutide, which are peptide-based therapeutics with established patent positions.
- Patent family members: Corresponding applications filed internationally or under regional treaties, such as the PCT or European applications.
- Inventive overlap: Similarities with existing patents might challenge validity, or conversely, help delineate a novel inventive step, especially if the peptide features unique modifications or delivery methods.
Patent Families and Legal Status
The patent family likely includes filings in China (CN), the European Patent Office (EPO), and the US (if internationally pursued) to secure global protection. The legal status in South Korea indicates granted protection until 2034, subject to renewal. Notably, any post-grant opposition or cancellation proceedings could influence the scope’s enforceability.
Strategic Implications
- For Innovators: The patent's scope delineates the boundaries for R&D efforts and potential licensing opportunities. Clear claim language ensures enforceability against infringers.
- For Competitors: The patent landscape signals areas of innovation concentration, guiding freedom-to-operate analyses. Overlapping claims or prior art may necessitate design-around strategies.
- For Patent Holders: Enforcing or licensing the patent enables leveraging market exclusivity, especially in South Korea’s robust pharmaceutical market.
Conclusion and Key Takeaways
KR101578481 exemplifies strategic patenting in South Korea’s biologics sector, covering peptide therapeutics with claims that balance scope and specificity. Its position within an active patent landscape emphasizes the necessity for continuous innovation and vigilant landscape monitoring. The patent’s enforceability and commercial value hinge upon the clarity of its claims and critical differentiation from existing prior art.
Key Takeaways
- Scope Defined by Specificity: The claims likely focus on particular peptide sequences or formulations, affecting the patent’s breadth and enforceability.
- Strategic in the Biologics Market: The patent positions patentees within South Korea’s competitive biologics landscape, providing a strong tool for market exclusivity.
- Landscape Considerations: Overlapping patents in related therapeutic areas underscore the importance of diligent freedom-to-operate analyses.
- Global Patent Strategy: Auxiliary filings in key jurisdictions bolster territorial protections, crucial for multinational pharmaceutical companies.
- Continual Monitoring Required: Ongoing patent filings and legal proceedings could impact the patent's validity and commercial leverage.
FAQs
1. What therapeutic area does KR101578481 target?
While the specific claims are proprietary, the classification suggests it pertains to peptide-based therapeutics, possibly for oncology, autoimmunity, or metabolic conditions, common focus areas in South Korea’s biologics pipeline.
2. How does KR101578481 compare to international patents?
The patent’s focus on specific peptide sequences or formulations aligns with global trends but may differ in claim breadth. Similar patents in the US or Europe would provide comparative insight into its novelty and inventive step.
3. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. Challenges may arise based on prior art, obviousness, or lack of inventive step. Its validity hinges on the patent examiner’s assessment of novelty and inventive merit at filing.
4. How does this patent impact competitors’ research?
It constrains research that infringes on its scope. Competitors may need to design around the claims or innovate beyond the patent’s protection.
5. What are the implications for licensing or partnering?
Patent KR101578481 provides a potential licensing opportunity for biotech companies seeking to commercialize peptide therapeutics in South Korea, especially if the patent claims cover a promising drug candidate.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office, Patent KR101578481, 2016.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization, Patent Landscape Report, 2020.
[3] PatentScope, WIPO, Patent Family and Priority Document Data.
