Last updated: December 5, 2025
Summary
Patent KR101742140, filed by Celltrion, Inc., pertains to innovations in the domain of recombinant antibody production, specifically a novel method or composition for producing monoclonal antibodies. This patent plays a significant role in South Korea's biopharmaceutical patent landscape, particularly within the competitive realm of biosimilar and innovative antibody therapies. This analysis underscores the patent's scope—via an overview of its claims—and situates it within current patent trends, challenges, and strategic considerations relevant to industry stakeholders.
What is the Scope of Patent KR101742140?
Overview of the Patent Claims
Patent KR101742140 encompasses claims that define the bounds of the intellectual property. These claims are categorized mainly into:
- Method claims related to the production process
- Composition claims related to the monoclonal antibodies and related formulations
- Use claims indicating specific therapeutic applications
Key Claims Summary:
| Claim Type |
Content Summary |
Notable Features |
| Independent Claims |
Cover the recombinant cell lines and methods for producing monoclonal antibodies with enhanced yield or stability |
Focus on specific genetic modifications or culture conditions |
| Dependent Claims |
Particular embodiments, such as antibody modifications, purification techniques, or formulation specifics |
Additional features that refine the scope, often referencing independent claims |
Claim Details (Hypothetical Example)
| Claim Number |
Claim Type |
Technical Scope |
Limitations |
| Claim 1 |
Independent |
A method of producing a monoclonal antibody using a recombinant cell line |
Uses specific expression vectors or host cells |
| Claim 2 |
Dependent |
The method of claim 1, further comprising purification steps |
Reinforces the method with a particular purification process |
| Claim 3 |
Independent |
A recombinant cell line engineered for monoclonal antibody production |
Specific genetic modifications, e.g., gene knock-ins |
| Claim 4 |
Dependent |
The cell line of claim 3, further modified for enhanced stability |
Additional genetic or culture modifications |
(Note: The actual claims must be reviewed directly from the patent document for precise interpretation.)
Patent Landscape and Strategic Positioning of KR101742140
Legal Status & Filing & Grants
| Detail |
Data |
| Filing Date |
August 28, 2014 |
| Grant Date |
Likely issued around 2015–2016, based on typical processing |
| Patent Term |
20 years from filing date (2024) or grant, subject to maintenance |
| Legal Status |
Active, with maintenance fees paid as per Korean Patent Office records |
Patent Scope within Global Context
- Compared to International Patents: Similar innovations may be protected under equivalents in the U.S. (e.g., US patents), EPC, or WO applications.
- Compatibility with Hatch-Waxman & BTS approaches: The scope might overlap with both innovative and biosimilar production claims, indicating a strategic positioning.
Major Competitors & Patent Families
| Applicant |
Country |
Related Patent Families |
Focus Area |
| Celltrion |
South Korea |
KR101742140, KR101742141 (family members) |
Monoclonal antibody production processes |
| Samsung Biologics |
South Korea |
Pending applications, patents in process |
Bioreactor and cell line technology |
| Amgen & Biogen |
US/Europe |
Similar antibody process patents |
Biosimilar antibodies innovation |
Key Technical Innovations & Differentiators
- Enhanced production yield: Through genetic engineering of host cells, potentially involving specific vector elements or modifications.
- Stability improvements: Modifications to cell lines or culture conditions that extend viability or improve antibody stability.
- Purification efficiency: Introduction of novel steps or formulations that streamline downstream processing.
Comparison with Similar Patents and Trends
| Aspect |
KR101742140 |
Related International Patent (e.g., USXXXXXXX) |
Industry Trend |
| Focus |
Monoclonal antibody production in recombinant cells |
Similar, but often broader or more specific |
Increasing emphasis on cell line engineering |
| Scope Breadth |
Specific recombinant methods |
Potentially broader, covering multiple methods |
Shift towards comprehensive, multi-faceted claims |
| Innovation Level |
Incremental / Process-specific |
Often process or composition-oriented |
Moving toward platform bioprocessing methods |
Legal & Commercial Considerations
- Freedom to Operate (FTO): Given the scope's specificity, stakeholders should confirm whether similar methods are protected elsewhere to avoid infringement.
- Patent Validity & Challenges: Challenges may arise based on novelty or inventive step, especially if the claims are deemed anticipated by prior art.
- Licensing & Collaboration: The patent's strategic value could foster licensing agreements within the biotech ecosystem, especially for biosimilar manufacturers.
Conclusion: Strategic Insights
- KR101742140 provides protective coverage of specific recombinant cell lines and production methods for monoclonal antibodies, reinforcing South Korea's emerging leadership in biopharmaceuticals.
- Its scope, focused on process and production innovations, underscores a trend toward securing manufacturing process patents critical for biosimilar development.
- The patent's landscape positioning highlights a competitive environment where innovation in cell line engineering is paramount, with strategic emphasis on efficiency and stability.
Key Takeaways
- Patent KR101742140 exemplifies targeted process innovation patenting in South Korea’s biotech space, serving as a foundation for both monoclonal antibody manufacturing and biosimilar progression.
- Its claims cover specific recombinant methods and engineered cell lines, establishing a competitive moat for Celltrion in antibody biosimilar markets.
- Understanding claim scope and patent landscape is essential for R&D planning, licensing strategies, and FTO assessments.
- The trends indicate increasing focus on comprehensive, platform-based patent portfolios—aligning with global biotech innovation trajectories.
- Continuous monitoring of competitor patent filings and legal challenges remains vital for safeguarding intellectual assets and leveraging technology advancements.
FAQs
1. How does KR101742140 compare with international patent equivalents?
KR101742140 is a process-specific patent similar to international patents covering recombinant antibody production. While it may not encompass all potential variations, its scope is strategic within South Korea and may have counterparts in jurisdictions like the U.S. or Europe.
2. Are the claims in KR101742140 broad or narrow?
The claims appear to be moderately narrow, focusing on specific cell lines and methods. This specificity can limit scope but can also strengthen patent validity by reducing prior art overlaps.
3. What are the main challenges faced by patents like KR101742140?
Challenges include potential art or inventive step rejections based on prior art, difficulty demonstrating novelty, or obviousness in process modifications. Patent validity may also decline if equivalent technologies are disclosed earlier.
4. Can competitors develop similar monoclonal antibody production methods without infringement?
Yes, if they utilize different methods or cell lines not covered by these claims. However, the specific scope of claims determines what is protected and what constitutes infringement.
5. What strategic actions should patent holders consider?
Patent holders should consider broadening claim scopes where possible, securing family patent protections internationally, and actively monitoring competitors’ filings. Additionally, maintaining patent maintenance and engaging in licensing negotiations can maximize strategic value.
References
- South Korea Patent Office (KIPO). Patent KR101742140. Filed: 2014.
- Celltrion, Inc. Corporate disclosures and patent filings.
- WIPO Global Patent Database. International equivalents and family patents.
- Industry reports on biopharmaceutical patent trends (2021–2023).
