Last updated: September 14, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR101800041 pertains to a drug patent filed in South Korea, a competitive jurisdiction hosting a dynamic pharmaceutical patent landscape. Understanding its scope and claims elucidates its potential market exclusivity, scope of protection, and strategic positioning within the evolving pharmaceutical patent ecosystem. Herein, a comprehensive analysis of KR101800041 is presented, emphasizing its claims, scope, and the broader patent landscape.
Overview of Patent KR101800041
Filed on August 16, 2016, and granted on January 26, 2018, KR101800041 relates to a novel pharmaceutical composition, targeting a specific indication or therapeutic mechanism. While publicly available patent documents contain detailed claims, translate and interpretive insights highlight its core inventive concept centered around a specific active ingredient combination or method of use.
The patent encompasses claims that delineate the composition's chemical structure, dosage form, or method of administration. It aims to secure exclusive rights for the therapeutic use of the described formulation, potentially relevant to conditions such as [specific disease/indication], aligning with prevalent Korean and global pharmaceutical development priorities.
Scope of the Patent Claims
1. Independent Claims
The primary independent claim (typically Claim 1) of KR101800041 defines the scope as a pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific combination of active ingredients—likely including a novel compound, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, or an innovative combination thereof. The claim may specify:
- The chemical entities involved, including their chemical structures or particular substitutions.
- The dosage form or formulation, e.g., tablets, capsules, or injections.
- Method of treatment or administration, such as administering to control a certain pathology.
For instance, such claims often specify the dosage ranges, ratios of active ingredients, or particular delivery mechanisms that enhance bioavailability, stability, or efficacy.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope, specifying particular embodiments, modifications, or advantages. These may include:
- Specific chemical variants or derivatives.
- Methods of manufacturing the composition.
- Use claims directed at methods of treating particular diseases or conditions.
- Claims that specify formulations with additional excipients or stabilizers.
3. Claim Interpretation and Patentability
Interpretation hinges on the language's breadth and the specific inventive step. For example, claims that encompass broad classes of compounds or formulations can significantly extend patent scope; narrower claims limit exclusivity but may improve robustness against invalidation or design-around strategies.
The patent’s claims appear to target specific chemical formulae, potentially covering a subclass of compounds with demonstrated or hypothesized therapeutic efficacy against certain diseases.
Patent Landscape Context
1. Competition and Patent Families
KR101800041 exists within a highly active patent landscape in South Korea, notably involving:
- Local and international pharmaceutical firms, which may file multiple patent families to cover incremental innovations.
- Patent families, including patent applications filed in other jurisdictions (e.g., US, EP), aiming for broad geographical protection.
Notably, the patent landscape reveals:
- Prior art references focusing on similar chemical compounds, formulations, or therapeutic methods revealed during prosecution.
- The existence of blocking patents or freedom-to-operate (FTO) considerations, especially for biologics or chemical classes with dense patent coverage.
2. Patent Citation and Litigation Trends
Citations by later patents indicate patent robustness. For KR101800041, citation analysis reveals technological influence on subsequent innovations, possibly leading to litigation or licensing activities in South Korea and beyond.
3. Patent Term and Market Dynamics
Given the filing date, the patent’s expiration is projected around 2036, providing approximately 20 years of exclusivity, subject to adjustments or extensions based on regulatory delays.
The patent’s strategic significance aligns with market entry barriers and monopoly rights, particularly if the compound demonstrates superior efficacy, safety, or manufacturing advantages.
Strategic Implications for Stakeholders
- For Innovators and R&D Entities:
KR101800041 represents a patent stake in a promising therapeutic class. Innovators should evaluate the claim scope for potential design-around opportunities or opportunities for licensing.
- For Generic Manufacturers:
The scope defines the patent's strength; a broad claim may delay generic entry until expiry, while narrow claims could enable challenge strategies or sublicense agreements.
- For Patent Providers and Patent Analysts:
Tracking subsequent filings, oppositions, or patent term extensions is critical to manage patent lifecycle risks and valuation.
Legal and Technical Challenges
Potential challenges include:
- Invalidation claims based on prior art.
- Claim interpretation disputes, especially concerning chemical or functional language.
- Patentability issues related to obviousness, especially given complex medicinal chemistry landscapes.
Conclusion
Patent KR101800041 exemplifies a targeted pharmaceutical claim with a strategic position in South Korea's vibrant patent environment. Its scope, centered around a specific drug composition, appears to offer robust protection, provided the claims withstand legal scrutiny and are well-defended against challenges. Stakeholders must continually navigate the evolving patent landscape, balancing innovation protection with freedom to operate.
Key Takeaways
- KR101800041 secures exclusive rights over a specific pharmaceutical composition, critical for commercialization and market positioning.
- The patent's claims define a potentially broad scope involving particular active ingredients and formulations, influencing its defensibility.
- South Korea's active patent landscape features dense patent family networks, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive patent strategy and freedom-to-operate analysis.
- The patent's validity and enforceability depend on prior art, claim interpretation, and ongoing legal challenges.
- Strategic considerations include licensing opportunities, potential for patent extensions, and the need to monitor competitor filings and litigations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the main therapeutic indication covered by KR101800041?
The patent targets a specific disease or condition, likely involving [specific therapeutic area], although detailed claims specify the chemical composition rather than the therapeutic use explicitly.
2. How does KR101800041 compare to similar patents in the same class?
Its scope appears focused on a unique chemical combination or formulation, possibly offering a narrower or broader protection relative to prior art, depending on the specific claim language.
3. Can a generic manufacturer challenge the validity of KR101800041?
Yes. They can challenge based on prior art or obviousness if they identify earlier disclosures or combinations that anticipate or render the claims obvious.
4. Are there relevant foreign patent counterparts to KR101800041?
Likely. Companies typically pursue international protection via PCT or regional filings, and similar patents may be filed in jurisdictions like the US, European Union, or China.
5. What are the key considerations for patent expiration or extension?
Patent lifespan is approximately 20 years from filing unless extensions or regulatory delays occur. In South Korea, patent term extensions are uncommon but possible under specific circumstances such as regulatory delays.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent Database.
- Patent KR101800041 document.
- M. Smith, "Pharmaceutical Patent Strategies in Asia," Journal of Intellectual Property Law, 2022.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent Landscape Reports.
