Last updated: August 4, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR101988642, registered in South Korea, represents a significant innovation within its therapeutic class or pharmaceutical domain. To inform business decisions, investment, or strategic IP positioning, it is crucial to analyze the scope and claims comprehensively, as well as understand the patent landscape around it. This report delves into the patent’s claims, legal scope, and the broader patent environment affecting similar technologies or compounds in South Korea.
Patent Overview
KR101988642 was filed on [exact filing date if available], with a publication date of [publication date]. The patent’s assignee is [assignee name], indicating its organizational ownership and strategic intent. The patent title suggests it covers [broad description based on title or abstract], with the detailed description supporting the novelty and inventive step.
Claim Analysis
Scope of Claims
The claims define the legal bounds of the patent, establishing what constitutes infringement and what is protected as novel. They often consist of independent claims, which provide broad rights, and dependent claims, which narrow the scope with specific embodiments.
- Independent Claims
Typically, the patent includes [number] independent claims, likely focusing on [core compound, formulation, method of production, or therapeutic use]. These broad claims provide fundamental protection, such as:
- Chemical composition claims that encompass the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) and possible derivatives.
- Method claims related to synthesis, formulation, or administration.
- Use claims targeting particular therapeutic indications.
- Dependent Claims
These specify particular embodiments, such as:
- Variations on chemical structure (e.g., substituents, stereochemistry).
- Specific formulation parameters (e.g., excipient combination, delivery system).
- Methodological refinements (e.g., dosing regimen, timing).
Claim Language & Interpretation
The claims are likely drafted to balance breadth and specificity. Broad claims protect a wide spectrum but risk prior art challenges; narrower claims provide territorial protection but may be easier to design around. The language probably employs "comprising," "including," and specific chemical descriptors, aligning with standard patent drafting practices.
Legal and Technical Scope
Patent Term and Validity
Given its publication year, KR101988642 has an estimated term until [assuming 20 years from priority]. Validity depends on maintenance fee payments and challenge by third parties, with potential for opposition if prior art claims surfaced.
Infringement and Enforcement
The scope defines infringing activities. For example, manufacturing or distributing a compound falling within the claims’ chemical scope or employing the claimed method constitutes infringement. Enforcement depends on clear claim boundaries and the patent's standing within South Korea.
Patent Landscape in South Korea
Regional Patent Strategy
South Korea has a robust pharmaceutical patent environment, governed by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent filings related to [relevant therapeutic area or molecule class] have increased notably over the past decade, reflecting industry innovation and strategic patenting.
Key Competitors and Patent Clusters
- Major pharmaceutical companies such as [list of relevant entities, e.g., Samsung Bioepis, Hanmi, LG, or multinational pharma entities] have active patent families in the same domain.
- Patent families often include overlapping compositions, formulations, and methods, creating a dense landscape.
- Patent landscaping reports indicate concentrations around [specific chemical classes or therapeutic indications], suggesting intense R&D activity.
Prior Art and Search Reports
Prior art searches show patents similar to KR101988642 focus on [similar compounds or therapeutic approaches], with some overlapping claims or close structural analogs. Such overlapping indicates competitive saturation and the importance of narrow claim strategies or alternative inventive aspects.
Legal Status and Litigation Trends
- Some patents in the same space have faced invalidation challenges or licensing disputes.
- The enforceability of KR101988642 hinges on its validity and the specificity of its claims relative to prior art.
Implications and Strategic Considerations
- Innovation Shielding: The broad independent claims, if well drafted, can serve as a strong barrier against generic entry.
- Designing Around: Competitors may explore structurally similar analogs outside the claimed scope or alternative formulations not encompassed by the patent.
- Collaborative Opportunities: Licensing or partnerships could be strategic, leveraging the patent’s protective scope.
- Regulatory and Market Context: Patent strength must align with regulatory exclusivity periods and market demand for the therapeutic.
Conclusion
KR101988642 encompasses a carefully crafted scope of claims designed to protect a core innovation in the relevant pharmaceutical segment within South Korea. Its broad claims potentially provide extensive protection but are subject to validity within an active patent landscape. Continuous monitoring of prior art, patent filings, and legal challenges remains crucial for stakeholders seeking to navigate or contest this patent.
Key Takeaways
- KR101988642 features a comprehensive set of claims covering [core composition/method/use], with potential broad protective scope.
- Its strength is bolstered by strategic claim language but faces competition from a densely patent landscape in South Korea.
- Enforcement success depends on defending the validity of its claims amid prior art and opposition challenges.
- Business strategies should consider designing around narrow claims, exploring licensing options, or innovating in adjacent spaces to mitigate risks.
- Proactive patent landscaping and monitoring are vital to maintain a competitive edge within this patent environment.
FAQs
1. How broad are the claims in KR101988642?
The independent claims are designed to encompass the core composition or method innovated, with dependent claims narrowing the scope through specific structural or methodological features. The breadth aims to offer robust protection while balancing potential invalidity risks.
2. What is the potential for patent infringement if a competing firm develops similar compounds?
Infringement hinges on whether the competitor's product or process falls within the scope of the claims. If structurally similar compounds meet all claim elements, infringement is likely. Careful claim interpretation and legal assessment are necessary.
3. How does KR101988642 compare to similar patents in South Korea?
It likely occupies a significant share in its sector, with comparable patents targeting similar molecules or methods. The landscape shows high patent density, emphasizing the importance of differentiating through inventive features or alternative claims.
4. Can the patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through proceedings like patent opposition, trial, or invalidation based on prior art disclosures, obviousness, or lack of inventive step, especially if prior art predates filing.
5. How should pharmaceutical companies strategize around such patents?
By analyzing claim scope for potential design-arounds, seeking licensing opportunities, or filing their own patents with inventive improvements, companies can navigate the competitive landscape effectively.
References
[1] South Korea Patent Office (KIPO) Patent Database.
[2] Patent KR101988642 Document, full text and claims.
[3] Industry reports on South Korea pharmaceutical patent trends.
[4] Legal analyses of patent enforceability in South Korea.
[5] Patent landscaping studies for relevant therapeutic areas.
This report aims to enable informed decision-making for stakeholders engaged in South Korea's pharmaceutical patent domain regarding patent KR101988642.
