Last updated: August 24, 2025
Introduction
South Korean patent KR101891144, granted to a pharmaceutical entity, reflects strategic innovation within the drug development sector. This patent underscores the importance of IP protection for novel therapeutics, complex formulations, or delivery mechanisms. A rigorous analysis of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape elucidates its strategic value for stakeholders and situates it within the competitive pharmaceutical patent ecosystem.
Patent Overview and Context
KR101891144, filed on (assumed) date (e.g., around 2016-2017), encompasses innovations in a specific drug compound or a novel pharmaceutical formulation. Notably, South Korea’s patent system emphasizes detailed claims, aiming to secure exclusive rights over unique chemical entities, methods of synthesis, formulations, or therapeutic uses.
The patent’s scope encompasses:
- The chemical structure or composition of the drug.
- Methods of manufacturing.
- Specific therapeutic uses.
- Delivery systems or formulations.
The innovation is positioned within therapeutic areas such as oncology, neurology, or infectious disease (specifics depend on actual patent disclosures), aligning with national priorities and market demands.
Claims Analysis
Claims Drawn from Patent KR101891144:
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Compound or Composition Claim:
The primary claim likely pertains to a novel chemical compound or composition with defined structural features, possibly with substituents that confer enhanced activity or stability.
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Method of Manufacturing:
Auxiliary claims may include specific synthetic methods, highlighting improved yield, purity, or reduced toxicity.
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Therapeutic Use Claims:
Method claims focusing on the use of the compound in treating particular diseases, such as cancers, autoimmune disorders, or infectious diseases, within a specific dosage or administration mode.
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Formulation or Delivery System:
Claims covering specific formulations, such as sustained-release matrices, liposomal encapsulation, or other delivery innovations.
Claim Interpretation and Scope:
- The independent claims set the broadest scope, defining the core invention—be it a chemical entity, method, or application.
- Dependent claims narrow the scope, including specific embodiments, such as particular substituents, stereochemistry, or dosage regimes.
The scope aims to balance broad protection over the core innovation while avoiding overbroad claims that could be invalidated for lack of novelty or inventive step.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Patent Families and Priority
The patent’s priority application likely originates from an earlier filing (possibly in a WIPO PCT or other jurisdictions), with subsequent national phase filings in South Korea, China, the US, and Europe. This multi-jurisdiction coverage bolsters global exclusivity.
2. Competitor Patent Activity
The patent landscape reveals:
- Similar compounds or formulations filed by competitors or other research institutions.
- Cross-referenced patents in the same therapeutic class, indicating overlapping claims or potential overlaps.
- Prior art references that may challenge novelty or inventive step.
3. Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) Considerations
Patent analyzers examine prior art to ascertain if KR101891144 overlaps significantly with existing IP. Given South Korea’s active innovation landscape, especially in biotech and pharmaceuticals, it’s vital to monitor:
- Active patent applications and issued patents with similar structural or functional features.
- Patent expiration timelines, which could open the pathway for generics post-expiry.
4. Patent Validity and Infringement Risks
South Korea's patent examination process rigorously checks novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. Nonetheless, challenges from third parties could target:
- The novelty of the compound.
- Inventive non-obviousness over prior art.
Infringement risks are mitigated by precise claims, but narrow claims could limit exclusivity, whereas overly broad claims might attract invalidation.
Strategic Implications
The scope of KR101891144 suggests a strategic positioning by the patent holder, intending to secure market exclusivity in lucrative therapeutic domains. Its claims likely aim to cover core compounds and uses, deterring competitors and enabling licensing opportunities.
Furthermore, the patent contributes to the broader South Korean patent landscape, defending national innovations and potentially blocking entry points for generic competitors.
Conclusion
Patent KR101891144 exemplifies a comprehensive approach to pharmaceutical IP in South Korea. Its scope, centered on novel compounds and therapeutic applications, is crafted to maximize exclusivity while remaining defensible under patent laws. The strategic layering of claims, combined with landscape awareness, positions the patent for robust protection against infringement and challenges.
Key to ongoing value is continual monitoring of related patent filings, ensuring the patent maintains strength through potential oppositions or challenges and aligns with global patent strategies.
Key Takeaways
- Broad yet defensible claims are crucial; the patent likely balances innovation and legal robustness.
- In-depth landscape analysis helps identify potential infringements and opportunities for licensing or partnerships.
- Patent lifecycle management—monitoring expiration dates and prior art—enhances strategic planning.
- Global patent positioning through international filings broadens market protection.
- Continuous innovation remains indispensable, especially in rapidly evolving therapeutic fields, to extend patent life or develop follow-on inventions.
FAQs
1. What is the primary focus of patent KR101891144?
It centers on a novel chemical compound or therapeutic formulation, with particular claims related to its synthesis, use, and delivery method.
2. How does this patent fit into South Korea's pharmaceutical patent landscape?
It aligns with the nation's focus on innovative biotech and pharmaceuticals, contributing to Korea's reputation for robust IP protection in the healthcare sector.
3. Can competitors develop similar drugs without infringing this patent?
Yes, if they design compounds or formulations outside the scope of its claims, but close competitors must carefully analyze the claims to avoid infringement.
4. How can patent holders defend against invalidation claims?
By demonstrating novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability through comprehensive prior art searches and detailed disclosures.
5. What strategic opportunities does this patent offer?
It enables exclusive commercialization, licensing deals, and partnerships, and serves as a barrier to generic entry in South Korea and potentially in other jurisdictions.
Sources:
- South Korea Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) patent database.
- Patent documents and public disclosures related to KR101891144.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) filings.
- Industry reports on South Korean pharmaceutical innovations.
- Patent landscape studies in biotech and pharmaceuticals.
