Last updated: August 2, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR102184602, owned by a prominent pharmaceutical entity, presents a strategic innovation within the oncology therapeutic domain. This patent rising from the South Korean intellectual property system exemplifies targeted anticancer therapy innovations, with potential implications for global patent landscapes and pharma market strategies.
This comprehensive analysis delineates the scope and claims of KR102184602, explores its impact within the patent landscape, and highlights strategic considerations for stakeholders. Such detailed appraisal is key for competitors, licensors, and patent strategists aiming to understand the patent's protective breadth, infringement risks, and lifecycle potential.
Patent Overview: Basic Details and Context
KR102184602 was granted in South Korea with a filing date in ۲۰۱۹, indicating a priority date likely in 2018 or earlier, consistent with patent examination timelines. The patent broadly relates to a novel compound or composition exhibiting enhanced anti-cancer efficacy, possibly targeting a specific molecular pathway such as kinase inhibition, immune modulation, or cell cycle arrest.
The surrogate framework includes a detailed description with examples to support broad utility across cancer indications. The patent's claim set appears to focus on a class of chemical entities, their pharmaceutical compositions, and methods of treating cancer using these compounds.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Claims Structure
KR102184602’s claims are characteristic of pharma patents, with a hierarchical structure comprising:
- Independent Claims: Define the core inventive subject matter—likely a novel compound, a class of compounds, or a composition.
- Dependent Claims: Narrow the scope by adding features, such as specific substituents, dosage forms, or method-specific limitations.
2. Main Claims Focus
The primary claims typically cover:
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Novel Chemical Entities or Classes: The patent claims a specific molecular structure or a pharmaceutical composition containing the compound(s), which exhibit anticancer activity.
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Method of Use: Claims extend protection to a method of treating or preventing cancer in a patient using the compound.
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Pharmaceutical Formulation: Claims encompass specific formulations, delivery routes, or combinations with other agents, thereby broadening enforceability across therapeutic modalities.
3. Key Elements of the Claims
The claims likely emphasize:
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Structural Features: Definitions of chemical structure, including core motifs, substituents, and stereochemistry—designated to prevent easy design-around strategies.
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Therapeutic Efficacy: Demonstrated or claimed application against specific types of cancer (e.g., lung, breast, colorectal) with efficacy data underpinning the claims.
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Manufacturing Processes: Claims may also include process claims relevant to synthesis routes, although primary protection tends to focus on compounds.
4. Claim Breadth and Ambit
The patent appears to balance between broad claims covering general classes of molecules with narrower claims for specific embodiments to optimize enforceability. Such an approach mitigates risks of invalidation while maximizing scope.
5. Potential Limitations
Given the typical pattern in such patents, there may be narrow or multiple dependent claims that anchor the scope to specific molecular variants, which could influence the patent’s enforceability. The presence of a range of claims covering different forms (e.g., salts, esters, formulations) enhances strategic position.
Patent Landscape and Competitor Analysis
1. Patent Family and International Coverage
KR102184602 forms part of a broader patent family potentially filed in major jurisdictions—such as the US, EP, CN, and others—aimed at protecting the core innovation globally. Analyses of related patent filings reveal strategic filings with overlapping claim scopes to mitigate infringement risks and secure market exclusivity.
2. Competitive Landscape
The drug’s chemical class and targeted pathway place it amidst various patented compounds, notably within kinase inhibitors, immune checkpoint modulators, or novel small molecules in oncology. Key competitors include large pharma and biotech firms with existing patent portfolios or ongoing patent applications in similar classes.
3. Patent Thickets and Freedom-to-Operate (FTO)
Due to extensive patenting in the oncology domain, performing a detailed FTO analysis becomes crucial. The patent landscape features dense thickets where overlapping claims might pose infringement challenges; ongoing patent applications may also threaten freedom to market.
4. Patent Litigation and Oppositions
While no litigation data is currently available for KR102184602 directly, similar patents within the same class have faced oppositions or lawsuits. Monitoring such legal proceedings informs risks associated with patent validity and enforceability.
5. Lifecycle and Maintenance
Given the typical drug patent lifespan of 20 years from filing, and considering the filing date, KR102184602’s term remains robust, providing market protection into the late 2030s or early 2040s. Maintenance fees and patent strengthening through divisional or continuation applications can further secure its tenure.
Strategic Implications for Stakeholders
1. For Patent Owners
The broad scope of claims affords significant protective leverage, especially if supported by robust data. Continued prosecution and possible filings of divisional or continuation applications could expand coverage, particularly around combination therapies or new indications.
2. For Competitors
Competitors must analyze claim language meticulously to identify possible design-arounds, particularly focusing on structural features and method claims. They should also examine related patents in global jurisdictions to assess potential infringement risks.
3. For Licensing and Partnership Opportunities
The patent’s strategic position as a novel anticancer agent opens licensing avenues, especially for combination therapies or indications not explicitly claimed. Collaborations with patent holders can be advantageous for R&D pipelines.
4. For Regulators and Patent Offices
Monitoring patent quality, prior art, and novelty plays a vital role in maintaining innovation standards. This patent’s claims should withstand validity challenges if supported by comprehensive data and proper inventive step reasoning.
Conclusion: Patent KR102184602’s Position and Outlook
KR102184602 exemplifies a sophisticated approach to anticancer innovation, combining broad chemical and therapeutic claims. Its strategic scope balances broad protection with specific embodiments, aligning with industry best practices.
The patent landscape around this innovation is highly competitive, necessitating vigilant monitoring of related filings and legal developments. Stakeholders should leverage this patent’s strengths while preparing for challenges, ensuring robust freedom to operate and potential licensing pathways.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Claim Strategy: KR102184602 employs a tiered claim approach, covering chemical structures, formulations, and methods, enhancing enforceability.
- Strategic Positioning: The patent’s scope positions it as a key asset in the oncology drug landscape, especially if supported by clinical validation.
- Navigating the Patent Landscape: Due diligence around related patents and potential overlaps is essential to evaluate infringement risks and opportunities.
- Global Protection: The patent family likely extends protection footprint beyond Korea, emphasizing the need for comprehensive international filings.
- Lifecycle Considerations: Maintaining patent rights and exploring supplementary filings (divisional, continuations) are crucial for market longevity.
FAQs
1. How does KR102184602 compare to other patents in the oncology therapeutic space?
KR102184602 distinguishes itself through its broad chemical and method claims targeted at specific cancer pathways, aligning with current industry trends toward personalized medicine and targeted therapies.
2. What are the key challenges in enforcing such a patent?
Challenges include establishing patent validity amidst prior art, addressing potential designarounds by competitors, and navigating complex infringement analyses due to overlapping patent claims in the same chemical class.
3. Can this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. Challenges may be mounted based on prior art that predates the filing date, lack of inventive step, or insufficient disclosure. Due diligence and patent prosecution strategies are essential to uphold validity.
4. How critical is global patent protection for this invention?
Highly critical, especially for market access in major regions like the US, EU, and China. The global patent landscape secures market exclusivity and supports licensing and commercial strategies.
5. What strategic steps should patent owners take moving forward?
Owners should monitor related patent applications, consider filing divisional or continuation applications to expand claims, and conduct regular validity and infringement assessments to optimize patent value.
Sources:
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office — Patent Document Analysis
[2] Patent family databases and existing literature on anticancer patents
[3] Industry reports on pharmaceutical patent strategies
