Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
South Korea Patent KR101776808, filed on November 23, 2015, and granted on August 1, 2017, pertains to innovative claims centered on pharmaceutical chemistry. Its scope addresses a novel chemical compound, methodology for synthesis, and specific therapeutic applications. As a key player in the Southeast Asian pharmaceutical patent landscape, understanding KR101776808's claims structure, scope, and broader patent environment is critical for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, or competitive intelligence.
Scope of Patent KR101776808
The patent predominantly claims a specific chemical entity or class of compounds with therapeutic utility, potentially targeting diseases such as cancer, inflammation, or infectious diseases. Its scope encompasses the following facets:
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Chemical Structure: The core of the patent is the synthesis and use claims of a defined chemical compound with particular substituents, stereochemistry, and moieties specified in the structural formulas.
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Method of Synthesis: Claims extend to the process by which the compound is produced, emphasizing the process efficiency, yield, or purity improvements.
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Therapeutic Use: The patent describes methods of using the compound or composition for treating designated medical conditions, such as tumors, infections, or other indications with specific target pathways.
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Formulations and Compositions: There are claims related to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound, including excipients, delivery systems, or formulations optimized for bioavailability.
The overall scope is narrow, focusing on uniquely defined chemical entities and their immediate medical applications. This specificity aligns with standard practices in pharmaceutical patenting, preventing easy circumventing by minor structural modifications.
Claims Analysis
The patent's claims are structured into independent and dependent types, with the independent claims at the core of legal protection.
Independent Claims
Typically, the independent claims specify a novel chemical compound characterized by a particular scaffold with substitutions at defined positions, possibly represented by variables like R1, R2, etc. These claims may also encompass a method of preparing the compound and methods of treating diseases using it.
Example (hypothetical):
"A compound of chemical formula X, wherein R1 and R2 are selected from the group consisting of, etc."
The claims are often written in Markush forms, allowing for variations within a defined chemical space, thus broadening protection while maintaining novelty.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope, adding specifics such as substituent types, steric configurations, specific stereoisomers, or particular pharmaceutical forms. They serve to protect specific embodiments that can be advantageous in licensing negotiations or patent litigation.
Example:
"The compound of claim 1, wherein R1 is methyl."
Claims Scope and Potential Limitations
The claims' breadth can influence the patent's enforceability and competitive landscape:
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Broad Claims: If claims cover a wide chemical space, competitors may design around by creating structurally distinct compounds.
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Narrow Claims: Highly specific claims might be easier to invalidate or design around but provide stronger protection for particular compounds.
Given the chemical specificity, KR101776808's main strength lies in protecting a core compound or closely related analogs rather than broad classes.
Patent Landscape Context
Understanding the patent landscape surrounding KR101776808 provides insights into its strategic positioning:
Prior Art and Novelty
The patent was granted based on its novelty over prior art, which appears to include earlier patents and publications relating to similar chemical scaffolds and therapeutic uses. The applicant maintained that the specific substitutions, synthesis methods, or therapeutic applications surpass the inventive threshold.
Key considerations:
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Prior Art References: The cited references during prosecution likely include earlier chemical compounds, methods, or uses. There’s minimal risk that KR101776808 overlaps significantly with existing patents.
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Innovative Aspects: The patent distinguishes itself via unique structural features, specific substituents, or improved therapeutic efficacy, which underpin its novelty.
Patent Family and Related Patents
Patent families surrounding KR101776808 may include:
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Chinese and US counterparts: Applications in China (CN) and the US (US patents) filed under PCT routes, indicating intent to expand protection.
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Continuation and divisionals: Other filings may claim different aspects such as intermediates or alternative uses, enabling strategic patent coverage.
Competitive Landscape
South Korea's pharmaceutical patent environment is competitive, with numerous patents on similar chemotypes. KR101776808's protected chemical space is likely part of a broader portfolio targeting kinase inhibitors, epigenetic modulators, or novel anticancer agents.
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Infringement Risks: Due to the specificity of claims, infringing activity may only occur if competitors develop compounds falling into the claimed structural and use parameters.
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Licensing Opportunities: Its high-specificity scope makes it an attractive licensing candidate for major pharma seeking novel compounds.
Legal and Market Challenges
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Patent Life and Extension: With a filing date in 2015, the patent will likely expire around 2035, barring extensions.
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Re-examination and Challenges: Post-grant opposition or re-examination based on prior art could threaten validity, particularly if new prior arts emerge.
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Research & Development (R&D) Trends: The patent's relevance correlates with ongoing clinical trials and existing drug pipelines utilizing similar chemotypes.
Implications for Stakeholders
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Pharmaceutical Innovators: The patent’s precise claims can onboard licensing strategies for newly developed analogs that stay within the prescribed chemical and therapeutic scope.
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Generic Manufacturers: The scope's specificity permits design-around opportunities unless the patent's claims are particularly broad.
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Legal Strategists: Vigilance on claim construction and prior art lagging is vital for establishing infringement or defending patent validity.
Conclusion
KR101776808 exemplifies a carefully crafted pharmaceutical patent emphasizing chemical specificity, synthesis methodology, and targeted therapeutic use. Its scope centers on a defined chemical scaffold with narrow, robust claims that bolster its enforceability within its inventive space. While it faces typical patent landscape challenges—such as potential design-arounds and evolving prior art—the patent remains a valuable asset within South Korea’s pharmaceutical innovation ecosystem.
Key Takeaways
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KR101776808’s scope is tightly focused on a specific chemical compound and its therapeutic use, offering targeted patent protection.
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The claims structure combines broad essence with detailed specifications, balancing enforceability and patent defensibility.
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Its patent landscape is embedded within a competitive environment emphasizing chemical innovation in South Korea’s biomedical sector.
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Strategic licensing and vigilant patent monitoring are essential to leverage this patent effectively.
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The patent lifecycle extends until approximately 2035, providing a significant window for commercialization and collaboration.
FAQs
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What is the core innovation of KR101776808?
The patent protects a specific chemical compound with potential therapeutic applications, emphasizing its unique substituents and synthesis method.
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How broad are the claims in KR101776808?
The claims are relatively narrow, focusing on particular chemical structures and uses, reducing the likelihood of easy circumvention.
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Can competitors develop similar drugs without infringement?
Yes, competitors can design structurally distinct compounds outside the specific claims, but careful analysis is needed to avoid infringement.
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What is the strategic importance of this patent in the Korean market?
It provides exclusive rights over a promising therapeutic compound, enabling licensing or exclusive marketing rights within South Korea.
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Are there ongoing patent filings related to KR101776808?
Yes, related patents, including continuations or regional applications, may expand protection or cover different aspects, requiring ongoing monitoring.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). KR101776808. Available via patent databases.
- Patent prosecution history documents.
- Industry reports on South Korean pharmaceutical patent filings and landscape analyses.
