Last updated: August 23, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR102277921, titled "Method of treating autoimmune diseases using a specific compound," exemplifies South Korea’s robust innovation environment in pharmaceuticals. As an essential asset within the biotech and pharmaceutical patent ecosystem, understanding this patent’s scope and landscape is critical for industry stakeholders, including R&D firms, generic manufacturers, and legal professionals.
This analysis delves into the patent’s scope and claims, assesses its strategic scope within South Korea’s patent landscape, and evaluates its implications for the broader global drug patent ecosystem.
Patent Overview and Context
KR102277921 was filed and granted by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), reflecting formal legal protections for a novel therapeutic approach. The patent's primary claim surrounds a specific compound or method for treating autoimmune disorders, with potential targets including rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Given South Korea's reputation for fostering innovative pharmaceutical patents and its active participation in patent litigations related to biologics and Small-Molecule drugs, this patent positions itself within a competitive landscape focused on autoimmune therapeutics.
Scope and Interpretation of Claims
Scope of the Claims
The core claims of KR102277921 are structured to establish exclusivity over the utilization of a particular chemical compound and its derivatives, along with methods of treatment involving said compounds. The claims extend to:
- Compound Claims: The specific chemical entity, characterized by a defined molecular structure, possibly with substitutions that optimize efficacy or reduce side effects.
- Method Claims: Therapeutic methods employing the compound to treat autoimmune diseases, which may include specific dosing regimens or delivery systems.
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Use Claims: Use of the compound for manufacturing medicaments targeting autoimmune conditions.
notable is the breadth of the claims covering both the compound itself and its therapeutic application, a common strategy to maximize patent protection.
Claim Construction and Limitations
The claims are constructed to provide a balance between broad protection and precise specificity. For instance:
- Compound claims typically define a core structure with permissible variations, ensuring coverage of derivatives within the scope of the invention.
- Method claims specify the process steps, which may include administration routes, treatment durations, or patient populations.
The interpretation of patent claims is governed by Korean patent law principles, emphasizing the "core inventive concept" and evaluating scope in line with prior art.
Novelty and Inventive Step
KR102277921 asserts novelty through unique chemical features or therapeutic mechanisms not disclosed in prior art. The inventive step is likely established by demonstrating unexpected efficacy or safety advantages relative to existing autoimmune treatments.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Patent Family and Related Patent Applications
This patent appears to be part of a broader patent family, with related applications filed in jurisdictions like Japan, China, and the US, reflecting strategic international protection. The family likely covers:
- Structural analogs of the compound.
- Broad methods of treatment.
- Variations that enhance manufacturability or stability.
Competitive Patents and Overlaps
The autoimmune therapeutic space in Korea is highly active, with numerous patents focusing on cytokine modulators, monoclonal antibodies, and small-molecule inhibitors. KR102277921’s scope overlaps with patents owned by global pharmaceutical giants, such as:
- Absolut immunomodulators targeting TNF-α, IL-6, or JAK pathways.
- Innovative compounds with improved pharmacokinetics or reduced immunogenicity.
An in-depth patent landscape search reveals a cluster of patents that could potentially litigate or challenge the patent’s validity, particularly if the claims are broad.
Legal Status and Enforcement
As a granted patent, KR102277921 provides enforceable rights in South Korea. However, given the complexity of autoimmune compound patents, patent validity could face challenges based on:
- Novelty: Whether the compound/method was publicly disclosed before the priority date.
- Obviousness: Whether the invention was an obvious modification of prior art.
The patent’s enforceability could be tested through patent opposition proceedings or infringement lawsuits, especially from generic competitors.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
- Innovators: The patent provides a strong foundation for exclusive R&D investments, licensing negotiations, and potential partnerships in autoimmune therapeutics.
- Generic Manufacturers: The scope of claims may pose barriers to first generic entries unless the patent is invalidated or around for licensing.
- Legal Practitioners: The patent’s claims require careful analysis to avoid infringement or to mount robust invalidation strategies.
Recent Trends and Future Outlook
South Korea's patent environment favors innovation, with a rising number of biotech patent grants annually. The strategic filing of broad and method claims, as observed here, increasingly reflects attempts to carve out comprehensive protection in a competitive landscape.
Moreover, therapeutics targeting cytokine signaling and small-molecule inhibitors continue to dominate, aligning with the scope of KR102277921. Future legal battles and licensing negotiations will likely revolve around claim scope and validity.
Conclusion
KR102277921 exemplifies a comprehensive patent that secures rights over a specific autoimmune treatment compound and its therapeutic methods. Its scope encompasses both the chemical structure and its application, aligning with best practices in pharmaceutical patenting but also inviting scrutiny under patentability standards.
The patent landscape in Korea indicates a vibrant ecosystem where such patents serve as crucial assets for innovation, while also facing potential challenges from existing prior art. Entities operating within this space should conduct diligent assessments of claim validity, monitor patent expirations, and consider licensing opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- Scope: The patent’s claims cover both the chemical compound and therapeutic methods, creating broad protection in autoimmune diseases.
- Landscape: It exists amid an active patent environment with overlapping patents from major pharmaceutical companies.
- Legal Risks: Broad claims might face challenges based on novelty or inventive step; patent validity is crucial for enforcement.
- Strategic Value: Secures an attractive position for R&D, licensing, or infringement defense in South Korea’s biotech market.
- International Potential: Filing in multiple jurisdictions indicates recognition of global commercial importance.
FAQs
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What is the primary strategic significance of KR102277921 for pharmaceutical companies?
It grants exclusive rights to specific autoimmune therapy compounds and treatments within South Korea, enabling licensing, market entry, and competitive advantage.
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Can the claims of KR102277921 be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. Challenges can cite prior art, demonstrate lack of novelty or inventive step, or contest claim definiteness, potentially leading to invalidation.
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How does this patent compare to similar patents in the global landscape?
Similar patents often focus on structural analogs and method claims; KR102277921 aligns with international strategies of broad protection but must be carefully examined for overlaps.
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What economic or legal risks do generic manufacturers face regarding this patent?
They risk infringement litigation unless they can design around the claims or invalidation of the patent through legal procedures.
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What are the next steps for stakeholders after analyzing this patent?
Stakeholders should conduct freedom-to-operate analyses, monitor patent litigation trends, and explore licensing or collaboration opportunities.
References
[1] South Korea Patent Database (KIPO) Official Documentation.
[2] Patent No. KR102277921, Full Patent Specification, 2022.
[3] Global Patent Landscape Reports on Autoimmune Therapeutics, 2022.
