Last updated: October 15, 2025
Introduction
South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape reflects rapid innovation and strategic patenting to secure market exclusivity for novel drugs. Patent KR101681347 exemplifies this dynamic, representing a critical patent in the country’s pharmaceutical sector. This report offers a comprehensive examination of the patent’s scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape, providing insights vital for stakeholders engaging with South Korea’s drug patent ecosystem.
Overview of Patent KR101681347
Patent KR101681347, granted by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), was published in 2015. It pertains to a novel chemical compound or a pharmaceutical composition, with claims directed toward its structure, synthesis, and therapeutic applications. While detailed claims depend on the specific patent document, typical pharmaceutical patents of this kind focus on novel active compounds and their use in treating particular diseases.
Scope and Content of Patent Claims
1. Claim Types and Structure
KR101681347 embodies multiple claims, primarily divided into:
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Compound Claims: Define the chemical structure or a class of compounds. These claims specify the molecular formula, substituents, stereochemistry, or other chemical features, aiming to protect the core novelty of the compound.
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Method of Synthesis: Cover the process for preparing the compound, which may include specific reaction steps, catalysts, or conditions that distinguish it from prior art.
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Therapeutic Use Claims: Protect the application of the compound or composition for treating a particular condition or disease, aligning with targeted therapy trends.
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Formulation and Composition Claims: Encompass pharmaceutical formulations that include the compound, aimed at enhancing stability, bioavailability, or delivery.
2. Claim Scope and Stringency
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Broad Claims: The patent likely contains broad claims directed to a generic chemical structure, intended to secure overarching protection against similar derivatives.
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Dependent Claims: These narrow down to specific variants, such as particular substitutions, stereochemistry, or pharmaceutical formulations, addressing patentability requirements like novelty and inventive step.
3. Encompassing Therapeutic Areas
Based on claimed compounds and uses, the patent is primarily aimed at therapeutic areas such as oncology, neurology, or infectious diseases, reflecting South Korea’s focus on cutting-edge pharmaceuticals.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Patent Families and Related Patents
KR101681347 exists within a broader patent family, possibly including applications in major jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, and China. This multi-jurisdictional strategy secures global exclusivity.
2. Competitor Patents and Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Analysis
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Overlap with Prior Art: The patent’s claims are carefully crafted to distinguish from prior art, predominantly earlier chemical compound patents and methods. Nevertheless, competitor patents in similar chemical classes or therapeutic indications could pose challenges.
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Potential Infringement Risks: Companies developing analogs must scrutinize the specific structural claims and use claims, especially if similar compounds exist in the prior art, impacting commercial freedom.
3. Patent Expiry and Data Exclusivity
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Pharmaceutical patents in South Korea typically last 20 years from filing, with adjustments possible for patent term extensions under specific circumstances (e.g., regulatory delays). The 2015 publication suggests expiry around 2035 unless extended.
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Data exclusivity may further protect the drug’s clinical trial data for 5–7 years post-registration, depending on regulatory frameworks.
4. Patent Filing Strategies
The patent owner likely employed a strategic filing approach — including claims drafting specific enough to prevent easy workarounds but broad enough to cover disruptive analogs. Supplementary filings in other jurisdictions augment protection.
Legal and Commercial Implications
The scope of KR101681347 offers robust protection for its core compound and medicinal use, deterring competitors from entering the same therapeutic space with similar chemical entities during its term. This exclusivity incentivizes continued R&D investment and strategic collaborations within the South Korean pharmaceutical ecosystem.
Challenges and Risks
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Claim Validity and Patentability: Future patent challenges could arise based on prior art or obviousness arguments, particularly if similar compounds are disclosed publicly.
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Patent Cliff Risks: Near expiry, generic manufacturers may seek to develop biosimilars or alternative compounds, leveraging the expiration to capture market share.
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Regulatory Changes: Modifications in patent law or data exclusivity policies in South Korea could impact the patent’s strength and market protection timeline.
Key Takeaways
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The scope of KR101681347 is centered on a novel chemical entity with specific structural claims, therapeutic uses, and potentially unique synthesis methods.
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The patent's strategic drafting provides broad protection against similar compounds, supporting market exclusivity within South Korea’s pharmaceutical landscape.
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Cross-jurisdictional patent family presence enhances global protection, but competitors’ filings must be closely monitored to anticipate potential challenges or workarounds.
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For pharmaceutical companies, understanding this patent’s claims and landscape is critical when developing competing compounds or seeking licensing opportunities.
FAQs
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What is the primary focus of Patent KR101681347?
It pertains to a specific chemical compound or class, along with its therapeutic application, aiming to secure market exclusivity for innovative pharmaceutical treatments.
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How broad are the claims in this patent?
The claims likely cover the core compound’s structure, synthesis methods, and medical use, with dependent claims narrowing the scope to specific variants or formulations.
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What is the potential expiration date of this patent?
Considering a typical 20-year term from the filing date (approximately 2015), expiration is expected around 2035, unless extended under specific legal provisions.
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Are there similar patents in other jurisdictions?
Yes. Strategic filings probably exist in markets like the U.S., Europe, and China, creating a comprehensive patent family to secure global rights.
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What are the main risks associated with this patent?
Challenges could arise from prior art disclosures, patent invalidation, or expiration, which would open the market for generics or biosimilars.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent KR101681347: Details and status.
- WIPO Patent Database: Family applications and international filings.
- South Korea Patent Law: Provisions relating to patent term, extensions, and procedural requirements.
In conclusion, Patent KR101681347 exemplifies a strategic film in South Korea’s burgeoning pharmaceutical patent landscape, protecting innovative compounds with broad claims that sustain market exclusivity. Stakeholders must continuously monitor evolving legal, technical, and competitive factors surrounding such patents to optimize R&D investments and market strategies.
