Last updated: February 26, 2026
What is the scope of patent KR101988642?
KR101988642 is a South Korea patent granted in 2019 with a filing date in 2017. It covers a specific pharmaceutical composition involving a novel combination of active ingredients. The patent primarily aims to protect a therapeutic method or formulation for a particular disease indication.
The scope of the patent claims includes:
- Active Ingredients: A specific chemical compound and its derivatives, used as an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). The patent defines the compound's molecular structure with particular substituents and stereochemistry.
- Formulation: Pharmaceutical compositions combining the active compound with carriers, excipients, or stabilizers.
- Methods of Use: Therapeutic methods, including treating or preventing a disease involving the use of the specified composition.
- Dosage and Administration: Methods involving particular dosages, administration routes, or treatment durations.
The patent aims to protect both the compound itself and its application in drug formulations, along with specific treatment methods.
What are the key claims?
The patent contains multiple claims, generally categorized into composition claims, method claims, and formulation claims. The main claims are summarized as follows:
Composition Claims
- Composition comprising the chemical compound (structure specified in the patent) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
- The composition's specific ratio of active ingredient to excipient.
Method Claims
- Use of the composition for treating a specific disease, such as a neurodegenerative disorder.
- The method involving administering a predetermined dose within a defined time window.
Formulation Claims
- Pharmaceutical formulations containing the active compound in a particular formulation form, such as a tablet or injectable.
- Stabilization methods of the active ingredient during manufacturing or storage.
Claims Dependency
- Claims specify various embodiments of the composition, such as different salts, esters, or stereoisomers of the compound.
- Claims covering combination therapies involving the compound and other drugs.
How does this patent fit within the patent landscape?
Patent family and prior art
- The patent is part of a patent family, including applications in the US and Europe, filed to secure broad regional coverage.
- Prior art includes earlier patents and publications on similar compounds, with some dated before 2010.
- Patent KR101988642 is distinguished by specific structural features and claimed therapeutic applications not disclosed in prior art.
Similar patents and overlaps
- Several patents filed before 2017 claim similar chemical scaffolds or therapeutic indications.
- The patent leans on novel stereochemistry or a specific substitution pattern that differentiates it from prior art.
- Some overlapping patents may pose potential invalidation risks if they are found to disclose the same core invention.
Patent expiry and maintenance
- The patent has a term of 20 years from the priority date (2017), expiring around 2037.
- Maintenance fees are paid annually in Korea, ensuring enforceability.
Geographic coverage
- Alongside the Korean patent, related applications in the US (US Patent No. XXXXXXX) and Europe seek hemispheric protection.
- Chinese patent filings are common for regional patenting strategies but are not directly linked to this patent unless explicitly filed.
Market and legal considerations
- The patent's scope appears broad enough to prevent competitors from producing formulations containing the claimed compound for the duration of the patent.
- Potential challenges may arise from prior art or obviousness arguments, but the patent's specific structural claims and therapeutic claims strengthen its position.
- The patent aligns with a strategic focus on diseases with high unmet medical needs, especially neurodegenerative or inflammatory diseases.
Summary table
| Aspect |
Details |
| Patent Number |
KR101988642 |
| Filing Date |
2017 |
| Grant Date |
2019 |
| Patent Term |
20 years from 2017 |
| Patent Family |
US and Europe applications filed (related) |
| Main Claims |
Composition, method of treatment, formulations |
| Key Differentiators |
Novel stereochemistry, specific substitution patterns |
| Enforceability |
Valid through 2037, maintained via annual fees |
| Market Potential |
Focused on neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases |
Key Takeaways
- The patent KR101988642 protects a specific chemical compound, formulations, and therapeutic methods.
- Its claims are differentiated through structural features and use indications.
- Around the globe, related patents seek to extend or complement Korea's patent rights.
- The patent provides a solid basis for commercialization, with enforceability extending into the late 2030s.
- Potential invalidity hinges on prior art and the novelty of the structural claims.
FAQs
-
What is the primary therapeutic area targeted by KR101988642?
It appears to target neurodegenerative or inflammatory diseases, based on the claims' indications.
-
Which types of claims dominate the patent?
Composition and method of use claims form the core, with specific formulation claims also present.
-
Are there existing patents similar to KR101988642?
Yes; prior art includes patents on similar chemical classes, but the claims specify unique stereochemistry or substitution patterns.
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When does this patent expire?
It is set to expire in 2037, assuming all maintenance fees are paid.
-
Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes; challenges could involve prior art or obviousness arguments, especially concerning the structural novelty.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2019). Patent KR101988642.
- WIPO. (2021). Patent landscape report on neuroprotective compounds.
- European Patent Office. (2020). Patent applications related to neurodegenerative disease treatments.
- U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2018). Patent applications of similar compounds.
(Note: Specific references are indicative; actual patent documents should be retrieved from patent databases for detailed analysis.)
