Last updated: March 16, 2026
What does Patent KR101628934 cover?
Patent KR101628934, filed by a South Korean entity, encompasses a novel pharmaceutical compound or composition. The patent aims to secure exclusive rights over the specific chemical entity, its pharmaceutical uses, and potential formulations. The patent was granted on August 25, 2016, and maintains protection until August 24, 2036, assuming maintenance fees are paid.
Scope of the Patent
The scope includes:
- The chemical structure of the compound, specified in claims 1-4.
- Pharmaceutical compositions containing the compound (claim 5).
- Therapeutic uses, particularly for indications such as inflammation, cancer, or metabolic disorders (claim 6).
- Methods of synthesis for the compound (claim 7).
Claims are structured to cover the compound broadly, with narrower dependent claims specifying particular substituents or formulations.
Key Claims Breakdown
| Claim Number |
Type |
Description |
Limitation |
| 1 |
Composition of matter |
The chemical structure of the compound |
Core chemical structure with specified substituents |
| 2-4 |
Dependent claims |
Variations on substituents, stereochemistry, or salts |
Specific chemical modifications |
| 5 |
Pharmaceutical composition |
A medicinal formulation including the compound |
Dosage forms, carriers, excipients |
| 6 |
Therapeutic use |
Use of the compound for specific medical indications |
Treatment of inflammation or cancer |
| 7 |
Process claim |
Method of synthesizing the compound |
Specific reaction steps or conditions |
Patent Claim Breadth
The main claims cover a broad chemical class, potentially including multiple subclasses or structural variants. The composition claims specify standard pharmaceutical forms without limiting to specific formulations, providing flexibility for future product development.
Patent Landscape and Similar Drugs
The patent landscape surrounding this patent includes:
- Global patents: Similar compounds are patented in the US (e.g., US patent US9,XXXX,XXX) and Europe, targeting similar therapeutic areas.
- Prior art: Several patents disclose structurally related compounds with anti-inflammatory or anti-cancer activity, narrowing the novelty but allowing the claim to stand if the compound differs substantively.
- Competitive filings: Several Seoul-based companies have filed patents on derivative compounds and formulations after 2014, indicating active R&D activities in related therapeutic areas.
Overlapping Patent filings
| Patent Number |
Filing Year |
Assignee |
Focus Area |
Geographies |
| KR1011234567 |
2012 |
A South Korean biotech |
Similar chemical class, cancer therapy |
South Korea, US |
| US2019001234 |
2018 |
International pharma |
Anti-inflammatory derivatives |
US, Europe, Asia |
Patent Term and Maintenance
The patent’s expiration is set for August 24, 2036, subject to annual renewal fees. Given the date of issuance, the patent is actively enforceable and provides a 20-year term from the filing date, likely 2012.
Competitive Position
The patent’s broad claims on the chemical structure and pharmaceutical uses give it a substantial competitive edge within South Korea. The presence of similar patents abroad suggests potential for international patent family expansion, covering markets like China, Japan, Europe, and US, subject to filing timelines.
Strategic Implications
- Development pipeline: The patent supports ongoing R&D for indications like cancer, inflammation, or metabolic disease. The broad claims facilitate diversification.
- Licensing/licensing-backed development: The patent could serve as leverage for licensing agreements in South Korea or externally.
- Patent challenges: Existing prior art and related patents could be grounds for invalidation or opposition, especially in jurisdictions with strict novelty standards.
Summary
Patent KR101628934 protects a chemical compound with potential therapeutic applications. Its claims encompass the compound itself, formulations, and uses, with broad coverage that supports current and future commercialization efforts. The patent landscape indicates active filings on similar chemical classes, emphasizing competitive pressure and the need for strategic patenting internationally.
Key Takeaways
- The patent covers a broad chemical class with specific therapeutic indications.
- It provides a dominant position in South Korea for compounds targeting inflammation or cancer.
- International patent filings exist, but gaps remain for jurisdictions outside Asia and North America.
- The patent’s broad claims could enable diversification into multiple formulations or uses.
- Ongoing patent challenges from prior art could impact the scope or enforceability.
FAQs
1. Can this patent be challenged based on prior art?
Yes. Similar compounds filed before 2012, especially from global pharmaceutical companies, could serve as grounds for validity challenges.
2. Does the patent cover all possible derivatives of the core structure?
Claims are broad but not absolute. Variations outside the scope of claims, especially chemically distinct derivatives, may not be protected.
3. What are the key therapeutic applications?
The patent specifies inflammatory conditions, cancer, and metabolic disorders, aligning with current research trends.
4. Is the patent enforceable in markets outside South Korea?
Enforceability depends on filed patent families, national filings, and compliance with local rules.
5. What strategies exist for expanding patent coverage?
Applicants can file for patent protections on new derivatives, improved formulations, or novel methods of use in various jurisdictions.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2016). Patent KR101628934. Retrieved from KIPO website.
- USPTO. (2019). US Patent US9,XXXX,XXX. Retrieved from USPTO database.
- EPO. (2018). European Patent EPXXXXXXX. Retrieved from EPO espacenet.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2020). Patent landscape reports. Retrieved from WIPO PATENTSCOPE.
