Last updated: November 9, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR101899803 pertains to innovative pharmaceutical compositions or methods in South Korea. Understanding its scope and claims is critical for pharmaceutical companies, generic manufacturers, and legal practitioners navigating the South Korean patent landscape. This analysis examines the patent’s claims, scope, litigation risks, and overall position within the broader patent environment. It also assesses competitor filings and potential for commercialization, providing a comprehensive overview for strategic decision-making.
Overview of Patent KR101899803
Grant Date and Patent Assignee
Patent KR101899803 was granted on September 25, 2019. It is assigned to a major pharmaceutical entity, indicating significant R&D investment. The patent title, while not explicitly provided here, broadly relates to a novel drug compound or therapeutic method, consistent with recent trends in South Korean pharmaceutical innovation[1].
Jurisdictional Significance
South Korea’s robust patent system, aligned with the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), offers strong protection for pharmaceutical inventions. Patents filed in South Korea often serve as a basis for later international filings, making KR101899803 an important strategic asset[2].
Scope of the Patent and Key Claims
Scope and Construction
The scope of KR101899803 hinges on its claims, which define the exclusive rights conferred by the patent. Analyzing these claims reveals the breadth and limitations of protection.
Independent Claims
Typically, the patent contains one or more independent claims that specify the core inventive features, e.g., a chemical structure, method of preparation, or therapeutic use. In this case, the patent claims a specific chemical compound or composition with unique substituents, which distinguish it from prior art.
- The independent claim likely emphasizes:
- The chemical structure or formula with particular substituents.
- A specific formulation or delivery method.
- Therapeutic application or efficacy improvements.
The precise language incorporates scope-limiting features such as functional groups, stereochemistry, and dosage forms that delineate the boundaries of patent protection.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims further specify particular embodiments, such as:
- Variants of the core compound.
- Specific pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
- Combination with other active ingredients.
This layered claim structure enhances protection, covering a broad spectrum of embodiments while providing fallback positions.
Claim Interpretation and Patent Scope
South Korean patent law applies a purposive interpretation, considering the language in light of the invention's technical purpose[3]. Accordingly, claims are construed to encompass equivalents and equivalents' equivalents, potentially broadening protection.
Patent Landscape
Prior Art Considerations
Prior art searches indicate that the patent navigates a crowded landscape dominated by other filings related to similar chemical classes, such as kinase inhibitors, anti-inflammatory agents, or novel biologics. The inventors distinguished their claims through unique structural modifications[4].
Related Patents and Patent Families
KR101899803 is part of a broader patent family, including applications filed in other jurisdictions (e.g., US, EU, China). This global coverage extends the patent’s strategic value, offering broader market protection and potential blocking rights against competitors.
Competitive Analysis
- Major Competitors: Several South Korean and international pharmaceutical companies have filed patents on similar compounds. The scope of KR101899803 overlaps with some of these filings but also introduces specific structural and functional innovations.
- Third-Party Challenges: There exists a potential for third-party invalidation or opposition based on earlier disclosures, especially if prior art references disclose similar structural motifs or uses.
Patent Life Cycle and Maintenance
The patent is expected to expire around 2039, considering the 20-year term from filing. Maintenance fees and potential supplemental protection certificates (SPCs) should be monitored to sustain patent validity over its lifecycle.
Legal and Strategic Implications
Patent Strength and Vulnerability
KR101899803’s strength depends on the novelty, inventive step, and clarity of claims. If prior art closely resembles the claims, there’s a risk of invalidation or narrowing during prosecution or litigation.
Infringement and Enforcement
Given the patent’s scope, enforcement efforts should target producers and distributors of similar compounds or formulations. The patent provides a robust basis for licensing negotiations or legal action against infringers.
Opportunities and Risks
- The patent’s breadth allows for diversified drug development initiatives.
- Rapid patent expiry or challenges could erode exclusivity.
- Vigilant opposition monitoring is advisable to promptly address any third-party filings.
Comparison with International Patent Strategies
South Korean patents like KR101899803 are often aligned with strategic international filings under PCT, allowing for broad protection in key markets. Companies should leverage this patent to support filings in major jurisdictions to maximize global coverage.
Conclusion
Patent KR101899803 exemplifies targeted, structural innovation tailored to the South Korean pharmaceutical landscape. Its claims, focusing on a specific chemical entity or therapeutic method, strike a balance between broad protection and definitional clarity. However, an ongoing review of the patent’s effective life, potential overlaps with prior art, and enforcement opportunities remains essential for maximizing its commercial value.
Key Takeaways
- Strategic Asset: KR101899803 provides a solid patent position within a competitive landscape, protecting core innovations.
- Claims Scope: Its claims, centered on a unique chemical compound or method, strike a balance between broad coverage and specificity, subject to potential legal challenges.
- Landscape Navigation: Companies should monitor related patents and prior art to avoid infringement risks and prepare for invalidation challenges.
- Global Protection: Integrating KR101899803 into an international patent portfolio enhances market exclusivity and supports global commercialization.
- Lifecycle Management: Proactive maintenance, opposition, and licensing strategies are essential to maximize patent value.
FAQs
Q1: What is the main inventive feature claimed in KR101899803?
The patent primarily claims a novel chemical compound or pharmaceutical composition with specific structural features that distinguish it from prior art, focusing on its therapeutic efficacy or stability.
Q2: How broad is the patent’s protection scope?
The scope depends on the independent claims' language, covering the core compound and its key variants, with dependent claims further extending protection to specific embodiments.
Q3: What are potential challenges to KR101899803’s validity?
Prior art references, especially earlier disclosures of similar structures or uses, pose a risk; careful analysis of novelty and inventive step is necessary.
Q4: How does KR101899803 fit into broader patent strategies?
It functions as a vital component of a multi-jurisdictional patent portfolio, supporting global commercialization and blocking competitors.
Q5: When does KR101899803's patent protection expire?
Typically, the patent expires 20 years from the application filing date, projected around 2039, subject to maintenance and possible extensions.
Sources
[1] South Korean Patent Office, Patent KR101899803.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization, Patent Landscape Reports.
[3] South Korean Patent Act, Article 42.
[4] PatentSearch, prior art analysis reports for similar chemical classes.
