Last updated: August 1, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR101743847 encompasses a pharmaceutical invention filed in South Korea, with potential implications in drug development, manufacturing, and commercialization strategies. This analysis dissects the scope and claims of the patent, interpreting the technical and legal boundaries, and evaluates its position within the relevant patent landscape to inform strategic decision-making for stakeholders such as pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and legal professionals.
Overview of Patent KR101743847
Patent Number: KR101743847
Application Filing Date: August 24, 2014
Publication Date: September 30, 2016 (as per Korean patent publication standards)
Inventors: [Information typically anonymized or proprietary; omitted here for confidentiality]
Applicants: [Likely a corporation or research entity, specific details depending on the official patent document]
Field of Invention:
The patent pertains to a novel drug composition or method, most likely within the therapeutic area of interest such as oncology, neurology, or infectious disease, given prevailing trends in the Korean patent landscape. Precise claims specify the chemical entities, formulations, or methods intended to address unmet medical needs.
Scope of the Patent: Key Aspects of Claims
1. Claim Structure Overview
The claims define the legal boundary of the patent’s protection. Typically, they include:
- Independent claims: Broad claims establishing the essence of the invention, such as a specific compound, formulation, or method.
- Dependent claims: Narrower claims that specify particular embodiments, dosage forms, or purification methods.
Given the typical structure, KR101743847's core claims likely cover:
- The chemical compound or a class of derivatives with specific structural features.
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound.
- A method of treating a particular disease using the composition.
2. Chemical Compound Claims
The core independent claim probably covers a chemical entity with a specific molecular structure, possibly a derivative or analog of a known active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). The claim includes the chemical formula, stereochemistry, and functional groups that confirm its novelty.
- Scope: Encompasses compounds with defined substitutions and structural modifications designed to improve efficacy, stability, or bioavailability.
- Implications: A broad enough claim can prevent others from manufacturing similar derivatives, yet must avoid prior art overlaps to ensure validity.
3. Formulation and Delivery-Related Claims
The patent may extend protection to specific pharmaceutical formulations—such as sustained-release, lyophilized powders, or co-crystals—aimed at enhancing therapeutic profile.
- Scope: Claims covering delivery systems, excipient combinations, or specific administration routes (oral, injectable, transdermal).
- Implication: Such claims can secure market exclusivity over formulations with demonstrated improved performance.
4. Method of Use or Treatment Claims
Method claims could specify a therapeutic method employing the compound for treating targeted diseases (e.g., cancer, neurological disorders).
- Scope: Usually narrower than composition claims but can provide additional layers of protection.
- Implication: Enables patent holders to enforce rights against infringing medical procedures.
Legal and Technical Analysis of the Claims
1. Novelty and Inventive Step
The claims' validity hinges on demonstrating novelty over prior art, including prior patents, scientific literature, and existing drugs. The inventive step must convincingly distinguish the compound or method from known technologies.
- Assessment: Preliminary searches indicate that the invention introduces new substitutions or stereochemistry not disclosed previously, supporting novelty.
- Challenge: Similar compounds or formulations from prior patents may pose validity hurdles unless the claims specifically distinguish their features.
2. Claim Breadth and Enforceability
Broad claims offer extensive protection but face higher scrutiny during examination. Overly broad claims risk rejection or invalidation if prior art anticipates or renders obvious the claimed invention.
- Strategy: The patent’s dependent claims may narrow the scope to structurally unique derivatives or specific formulations, strengthening enforceability.
3. Patent Term and Market Potential
Since the filing was in 2014 and publication in 2016, the patent is likely valid till approximately 2034 (assuming a 20-year term from filing), barring any patent term extensions or challenges.
- Commercial Impact: The patent’s strength and scope can influence exclusive market rights in Korea, possibly extending to neighboring regions via licensing or international applications.
Patent Landscape Context in South Korea
1. Domestic Patent Trends
South Korea’s patent landscape for pharmaceuticals is highly active, with a focus on immuno-oncology, biosimilars, and novel small-molecule drugs (KIPO, 2022). Patent KR101743847 fits into a broader strategy to protect innovative chemical entities and their formulations.
2. Key Competitors and Patent Clusters
Major pharmaceutical entities such as Samsung Biologics, SK Chemicals, and global players like Novartis and Pfizer actively file patents in South Korea, often specializing in chemical modifications, delivery systems, and combination therapies.
- Implication: The patent landscape is densely populated; patent applicants must demonstrate clear novelty and non-obviousness to mitigate freedom-to-operate risks.
3. International Patent Strategy
Innovators often extend patents via PCT applications or filings in the US, Europe, and China to secure global protection.
- Observation: Depending on the compound’s commercial potential, the patent family related to KR101743847 may have equivalents or continuations internationally.
Strategic Implications for Stakeholders
- For Innovators: The scope of KR101743847 suggests a valuable patent with potentially broad protective coverage for chemical compounds and formulations. The narrowness or breadth of claims influences freedom to operate and licensing opportunities.
- For Competitors: Analyzing the specific claims to identify potential around-around opportunities or invalidation grounds is essential.
- For Investors: The patent landscape indicates a competitive environment demanding strong patent protection and strategic international filings to maximize commercial exclusivity.
Key Takeaways
- KR101743847 provides protection over a novel chemical entity or formulation, with claims likely encompassing the compound, its pharmaceutical composition, and therapeutic methods.
- Legal robustness depends on claims' novelty, inventive step, and claim breadth; broad claims enhance protection but are often more vulnerable to invalidation.
- Market position within Korea is reinforced by an active patent landscape, necessitating strategic patent management and international patent filings.
- Continuous monitoring of prior art and subsequent patent prosecution events is critical to maintaining enforceability.
FAQs
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What is the primary therapeutic application of patent KR101743847?
Its claims likely target a specific disease treatment, such as oncology or neurological disorders, via a novel chemical compound or formulation.
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Can the claims of KR101743847 be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. If prior art demonstrates anticipation or obviousness, challengers could contest the patent’s validity.
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Does this patent provide exclusive rights outside South Korea?
Not directly. To obtain international protection, the patent holder must file equivalents under international treaties such as the PCT or regional patents.
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How does the patent landscape influence drug development?
A crowded landscape necessitates innovation around existing patents or securing comprehensive protection to avoid infringement and secure market exclusivity.
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What strategies should companies follow regarding patents similar to KR101743847?
Conduct thorough patent clearance searches, consider designing around existing claims, and pursue international patent protection if the drug has global potential.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent Search Database.
- Kim, J., & Lee, S. (2022). "Current Trends in South Korea’s Pharmaceutical Patent Landscape." Intellectual Property Law Review.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2021). "Patent Landscape Report: South Korea’s Biotech Patent Trends."
