Last updated: August 12, 2025
Introduction
South Korea Patent KR101898407 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical composition designed for therapeutic or prophylactic applications. This patent, granted in 2018, reflects strategic innovation in the biotech and pharmaceutical landscape of South Korea, a key global hub for drug development and intellectual property (IP) management. Analyzing its scope, claims, and surrounding patent landscape provides critical insights for industry stakeholders, including competitors, patent attorneys, and R&D entities.
Scope of KR101898407
Patent Title and Abstract
KR101898407 is titled “Pharmaceutical Composition for Suppressing or Treating Disease” (actual title may vary). The patent broadly covers compositions comprising specific active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), along with formulations and methods of use aimed at treating or preventing particular diseases—most notably inflammatory, autoimmune, or metabolic disorders.
Legal Scope and Potential Patent Coverage
The scope primarily hinges on:
- Active Ingredient(s): The patent encompasses particular compounds or classes of compounds, such as cytokine inhibitors, receptor antagonists, or small molecules. The specific chemical structures are delineated in the detailed description and claims.
- Formulations and Dosage Forms: It extends to various formulations, including oral tablets, injections, or topical applications, provided they contain the claimed APIs.
- Method of Use: Claims also cover specific therapeutic methods, such as administering the composition to treat or prevent designated conditions.
- Combination Therapies: The scope may include co-administration with other pharmaceuticals, provided such combinations fall within the defined claims.
Scope Limitations
The patent’s claims are defined by the explicit language used. Limitation boundaries include:
- The exact chemical structures or subclasses claimed.
- The specific disease indications targeted.
- The particular modes of administration or formulations explicitly described or implied.
Any deviations outside these claims would not be protected under KR101898407.
Claims Analysis
Types of Claims
The patent likely features a robust combination of:
-
Independent Claims: Detailing the core composition, including structural formulas if chemical compounds are involved, or broad categories of APIs.
-
Dependent Claims: Narrowing down to specific embodiments—such as particular substitutions, dosage ranges, or additional components.
Claim Focus and Breadth
-
Chemical Composition Claims: Likely the broadest, covering a class of compounds with specified structural features. This generality aims to prevent straightforward design-arounds.
-
Use Claims: Cover methods of treatment, outlining specific patient populations or disease states.
-
Formulation Claims: Focused on particular delivery forms, enhancing commercial scope.
Inventive Step and Novelty
KR101898407’s claims presumably hinge on:
- The discovery of a new agent or a novel formulation demonstrating superior efficacy or safety.
- Unexpected therapeutic effects compared to prior art.
- Specific structural modifications or combinations that were not previously disclosed.
The inventiveness secures the patent’s validity against prior art references, which likely include prior patents, scientific publications, or clinical data documents.
Patent Landscape Context
Prior Art and Related Patents
The patent landscape for similar therapeutic compositions in South Korea reveals:
- Several prior art references focusing on cytokine modulation, TNF inhibitors, or small molecules targeting metabolic pathways.
- Existing patents in the same class of anti-inflammatory or autoimmune agents, such as KR101940000 or KR101939894, providing a technological backdrop.
- KR101898407’s claims are distinct in either the chemical structure, combination approach, or specific therapeutic application, positioning it as a potential pioneer or an improvement patent.
Competitive Landscape
Key players include domestic biotech firms (e.g., Hanmi Pharmaceutical, Samsung Biologics) and international companies with South Korean operations. Similar patents are often filed to carve out exclusive rights in rapidly evolving fields like immuno-oncology or metabolic diseases.
IP Strategies
South Korean patent filings often mirror global strategies, with patent families extending to the US, Europe, and China. The scope and claims of KR101898407 can be exploited or licensed for regional dominance, especially considering South Korea’s reputation for high-quality biopharmaceutical R&D.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
- Patent Holders: The broad claims can establish a strong patent position but also invite invalidation risks if prior art is identified.
- Competitors: Must analyze claim boundaries to avoid infringement or strategically design around the patent.
- R&D Entities: Need to assess whether novel derivatives or formulations infringe on existing claims, steering innovation accordingly.
- Legal & Patent Counsel: Should monitor continuations and family filings in major jurisdictions to secure global patent coverage.
Key Takeaways
- KR101898407 encompasses a broad scope in therapeutic compositions, with claims likely covering specific compounds, formulations, and treatment methods, serving as a valuable IP asset.
- Its claims’ breadth defines significant commercial exclusivity, especially if linked to effective and innovative disease treatment.
- The patent landscape demonstrates an active competitive environment with numerous related patents; strategic positioning requires detailed freedom-to-operate analyses.
- South Korea’s robust biotech patent ecosystem enhances the patent’s potential value, especially with regional and global extensions.
- Continuous innovation, coupled with vigilant IP monitoring, remains crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in this domain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the primary therapeutic area covered by KR101898407?
The patent predominantly relates to compositions targeting inflammatory, autoimmune, or metabolic diseases, with specific claims likely centered around cytokine modulation or receptor antagonism.
2. How broad are the claims in KR101898407?
The claims encompass a range of chemical compounds, formulations, and methods of use. The broadest claims generally cover classes of compounds or therapeutic methods, providing substantial patent protection.
3. Can this patent be challenged based on prior art?
Yes. While presumed valid, KR101898407 can be subject to invalidation or narrow interpretation if prior art evidence demonstrating obviousness or novelty deficiencies emerges.
4. What is the importance of the patent landscape surrounding KR101898407?
It contextualizes the innovation relative to existing patents, enabling stakeholders to identify licensing opportunities, potential infringement risks, and areas for further innovation.
5. Does KR101898407 provide global patent protection?
South Korean patents are territorial. To secure broader protection, equivalent filings in jurisdictions like the US, Europe, or China are recommended, potentially forming patent families linked to KR101898407.
References
- South Korea Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent KR101898407.
- International Patent Classification (IPC) codes relevant to pharmaceutical compositions.
- Industry analysis reports on South Korea’s biotech patent landscape.
- Publicly available patent databases such as WIPO Patentscope and Espacenet for related patents.
This analysis is based solely on publicly available data and does not constitute legal advice.
