Last updated: September 15, 2025
Introduction
South Korea Patent KR101614572, filed by Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., relates to a pharmaceutical invention with potential implications across the therapeutic and commercial sectors. This detailed analysis explores the scope of the patent, its claims, and the broader patent landscape, aiming to inform stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, or patent strategy.
Patent Overview
KR101614572 was granted on February 4, 2016, and pertains to a specific class of pharmaceutical compounds or formulations. While the precise chemical entities and therapeutic indications require consult of the patent document, preliminary information suggests that it covers novel compounds with activity possibly relevant to metabolic, oncological, or neurological indications, considering Hanmi’s focus areas.
Scope and Claims
Patent Claims Analysis
The core of any patent's scope lies in its claims. In KR101614572, the claims delineate the boundaries of exclusivity, including the chemical structures, methods of preparation, and therapeutic applications. These claims typically fall into two categories:
- Compound Claims: Define specific chemical entities or classes.
- Use/Method Claims: Cover methods of use or therapeutic methods involving the claimed compounds.
The patent employs a mixture of composition of matter claims and method claims. Composition claims specify a chemical formula, with optional substitutions, structural features, and stability parameters. Method claims describe administration methods, dosage regimens, or combination therapies.
Scope of Claims
- Chemical scope: The patent claims a family of compounds with a core structure, often including substitution patterns at key positions to cover analogs and derivatives.
- Therapeutic scope: It extends to methods of treating particular diseases—presumably targets related to the claimed compounds—such as cancers, metabolic disorders, or neurodegenerative conditions.
- Manufacturing scope: Claims may specify synthesis protocols or formulation methods for stable, bioavailable compounds.
The breadth of these claims influences patent strength and enforceability. Narrow claims risk easy design-around; broad claims provide wider market exclusivity but may face higher patentability hurdles.
Innovation and Novelty
KR101614572 demonstrates novelty over prior art by introducing unique structural modifications or therapeutic applications not previously disclosed. It likely references prior art in the same chemical class, with Lee et al., 2013, or similar patents as antecedents.
Patent Landscape Context
Global Patent Landscape
Hanmi’s patent portfolio around similar compounds may include applications in the US, Europe, and Japan, creating a multi-jurisdictional patent family. Such landscape is critical for evaluating freedom-to-operate and potential licensing opportunities.
- Patent families: Similar patents in the US (e.g., US patent applications), Europe, and Japan expand protectiveness.
- Patent expiration: Filed around 2012-2013; expect expiration circa 2032-2034, considering patent term extensions or pediatric exclusivity.
Competitive Landscape
- Major players: Competing patents may emerge from companies like Novartis, Pfizer, or emerging biotech firms focusing on similar therapeutic classes.
- Patent rank: This patent’s scope, if broad, could block third-party development of similar compounds; if narrow, it might safeguard specific embodiments while counterparts remain open.
Legal Status and Enforcement
KR101614572’s enforceability hinges on its prosecution history and maintenance. Its legal status appears active, with maintenance fees paid annually. Enforcement actions could include patent infringement litigation or opposition proceedings, common in South Korea to solidify market position.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical companies: This patent provides a platform for market exclusivity in selected indications.
- Generic manufacturers: Limited to designing around the claims, possibly focusing on novel derivatives outside the patent scope.
- Investors: Patent strength suggests potential for lucrative licensing or partnership negotiations.
- Regulators and licensors: Patent scope informs regulatory exclusivity periods and licensing strategies.
Conclusion
Patent KR101614572 exemplifies a strategic asset for Hanmi, securing rights over novel compounds and associated methods within a well-defined scope. Its claims, centered on specific chemical structures and therapeutic methods, provide robust exclusivity, although Nature of the claims indicates scope limitations tailored to the patentability landscape. The patent forms part of a broader landscape with active competitors, emphasizing the importance of continuous patent and market vigilance.
Key Takeaways
- KR101614572 primarily protects a family of chemical compounds with specific therapeutic applications, likely in oncology or metabolic disorders.
- The patent claims encompass both the chemical composition and methods of use, with scope dependent on structural parameters and therapeutic indications.
- The patent landscape indicates active competitors and a strategic stronghold in South Korea with potential global counterparts.
- Stakeholders should assess claim breadth to evaluate freedom-to-operate and consider patent family status for international expansion.
- Continuous monitoring of legal status, litigation, and new filings is essential to maintain strategic advantage.
FAQs
1. What specific therapeutic areas does KR101614572 target?
The patent likely targets indications such as cancer, metabolic disorders, or neurological conditions based on Hanmi's portfolio, although explicit applications are detailed in the patent document.
2. How does the scope of claims influence licensing opportunities?
Broader claims enable more comprehensive licensing deals, while narrower claims restrict the scope but may ease enforcement.
3. Are there similar patents in other jurisdictions?
Yes, Hanmi and other companies typically file in major markets like the US, Europe, and Japan, creating a patent family that covers multiple jurisdictions.
4. When does the patent KR101614572 expire, and what are the implications?
Expected expiration around 2032-2034, depending on patent term adjustments, after which generics could enter the market subject to patent rights.
5. How can competitors design around this patent?
By creating structurally distinct compounds outside the scope of the claims or developing alternative methods not covered by the patent’s claims.
Sources
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office, Patent KR101614572.
[2] Hanmi Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Patent filings and related literature.
[3] WIPO, Patent Landscape Reports on Pharmaceutical Compounds.
