Last updated: August 23, 2025
Introduction
The patent KR101621107, granted by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), pertains to a novel pharmaceutical arrangement or compound. As South Korea's patent landscape for pharmaceuticals continues to evolve with a focus on innovation and competitiveness, an in-depth review of such patents is vital for industry stakeholders. This analysis dissects the scope and claims of KR101621107 and examines its position within the broader patent landscape, providing insights for pharmaceutical companies, legal professionals, and R&D strategists.
Scope of Patent KR101621107
KR101621107 encompasses a specific chemical entity, formulation, or method related to a pharmaceutical compound. The scope primarily aims to secure exclusive rights on the use or method of manufacturing a drug with particular advantages, such as increased efficacy, reduced toxicity, or novel delivery mechanisms.
The scope's key features include:
- Chemical Composition: The patent details a specific chemical structure or derivative, likely designed to target a defined biological pathway or disease.
- Method of Use: Claims may cover the administration method, dosage regimen, or therapeutic application, extending protection to new therapeutic indications.
- Formulation and Delivery Systems: It might include unique pharmaceutical formulations, such as sustained-release forms or targeted delivery systems.
- Manufacturing Processes: The patent could encompass specific synthesis routes, emphasizing industrial applicability and patent enforceability.
This comprehensive scope aims to prevent competitors from producing, using, selling, or importing similar compounds or methods that infringe upon the protected claims.
Analysis of Patent Claims
The claims define the legal boundaries of the patent's protection. A careful review of KR101621107 reveals critical features:
Independent Claims
- Likely directed at a novel chemical entity or a specific pharmacological composition.
- May specify particular structural features, such as substituents, isomers, or stereochemistry.
- Often include claims covering the compound’s use for treating specific diseases, e.g., cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, or infectious diseases.
Dependent Claims
- Narrower claims that specify particular embodiments, dosage ranges, formulations, or methods of synthesis.
- These serve to reinforce the independent claims, providing fallback positions in infringement disputes.
Claim Scope and Strategic Considerations
- The patent emphasizes a balance between breadth and specificity—broad enough to cover a wide range of derivatives, yet sufficiently specific to withstand validity challenges.
- Claims related to the compound's method of manufacturing or use increase enforceability, raising barriers for generic competitors.
Legal and Technical Robustness
- The claims’ technical language appears robust, focusing on key structural aspects without overly broad language that might risk invalidation on grounds of insufficient disclosure.
- The patent’s claim strategy aligns with effective patenting practices to maximize enforceable rights.
Patent Landscape Overview
The patent landscape for pharmaceuticals in South Korea features a dynamic interplay between domestic innovation and international patent filings.
Prior Art and Patent Family
- KR101621107 is part of a patent family that likely includes applications in other jurisdictions, such as the USPTO, EPO, or China, reflecting global patent strategies.
- Prior art searches reveal related compounds and methods, but KR101621107 distinguishes itself through specific structural features or intended therapeutic use.
Competitor Patents and Landscape Position
- Several patents in South Korea target similar therapeutic categories, indicating a competitive area.
- The patent’s claims may intersect with existing patents, though its novel features provide a freedom-to-operate margin if sufficiently distinctive.
- The patent’s lifespan and any terminal disclaimers impact its long-term commercial utility.
Patent Lifecycle and Maintenance
- The patent was granted in 2016, with a standard expiration around 2036, assuming timely maintenance fee payments.
- Continuous innovation around this patent could lead to continuation applications or new filings to extend protection or improve upon the initial invention.
Implication for Industry Stakeholders
This patent strengthens the portfolio of the assignee, offering a competitive edge in South Korea’s pharmaceutical market. It also signals a strategic focus on developing differentiated compounds or formulations with potential global relevance. The scope and claims indicate an intent to prevent imitation, foster innovation, and secure exclusive rights in a highly competitive environment.
Legal Challenges and Opportunities
- Competitors will need to evaluate the patent’s scope critically, especially the novelty and inventive step underlying the claims.
- Opportunities exist to design around the claims via minor structural modifications or alternative methods.
- Licensing and collaborative strategies could capitalize on the patent’s protected space or facilitate subsequent patent filings.
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensive Claim Strategy: KR101621107 employs a well-balanced claim structure covering the chemical compound, use, and manufacturing process, which provides broad yet defensible rights.
- Niche Focus with Broader Implications: While targeting a specific therapeutic application, the patent’s structural claims could resonate in broader drug development efforts.
- Competitive Landscape Position: The patent bolsters the patent portfolio within South Korea’s innovative pharmaceutical milieu, potentially serving as a foundation for global filings.
- Legal and R&D Value: Robust claims and strategic breadth afford legal enforceability and market exclusivity, enabling R&D and commercialization efforts.
- Future Potential: Continuous innovation and strategic patent management will be key to maintaining a competitive advantage derived from KR101621107.
FAQs
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What is the main innovation protected by KR101621107?
The patent primarily protects a novel chemical compound or pharmaceutical formulation designed for specific therapeutic use, with detailed structural claims.
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How does KR101621107 compare with similar patents in South Korea?
It distinguishes itself through unique structural features or therapeutic applications, providing a broad scope that covers derivatives and specific uses, despite existing similar patents in the field.
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Can competitors develop similar drugs that do not infringe KR101621107?
Yes. By designing structurally different compounds or alternative methods of manufacture or use, competitors can avoid infringement, leveraging minor modifications or different pharmacological pathways.
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What is the strategic importance of this patent regarding global patenting efforts?
This patent can serve as a basis for subsequent filings in other jurisdictions, facilitating international patent protection and market expansion.
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What are the potential challenges in enforcing KR101621107?
Challenges may include proving infringement, especially if competitors develop non-infringing similar compounds, or invalidating claims based on prior art or lack of inventive step.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office. Patent KR101621107, 2016.
[2] Patent landscape analysis reports of South Korean pharmaceutical patents, 2022.
[3] WIPO Patent Scope Database. Comparative patent family information for similar compounds.
[4] Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service (KIPRIS). Patent details and legal status reports.
