Last updated: August 11, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR102545643 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention registered in South Korea, with an explicit focus on therapeutic compounds or methodologies. This patent's scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape surrounding it are critical for understanding its strength, potential for infringement, and positioning within the competitive pharmaceutical market.
Patent Overview and Technical Field
KR102545643 was filed to protect a novel drug component, formulation, or therapeutic method. Its technical scope likely aligns with targeted treatments—possibly on novel small molecules, biologics, or drug delivery systems—based on the typical content of Korean patent filings in this area.
The patent's purpose appears geared toward improving efficacy, stability, or targeting of a drug, with claims indicating specific molecular structures, dosage forms, or methods of administration. As per the International Patent Classification (IPC) codes associated (e.g., A61K, C07D), the invention relates to pharmaceuticals and chemical compounds used in medicine.
Claims Analysis
Scope of Claims:
KR102545643 claims define the legal scope of the invention. Analyzing these claims reveals the breadth and depth of the patent's protection:
- Independent Claims: Usually specify a novel compound, formulation, or method. For example, they may claim a chemical entity with specific substituents or a method of administering the drug to treat a particular condition.
- Dependent Claims: Narrow the scope, adding specific features such as dosage, specific compositions, or manufacturing steps.
Key Aspects:
- Chemical Structure and Composition: The primary claims focus on a compound or a combination of compounds with novel structural features—e.g., specific substitutions that confer increased bioavailability or reduced side effects.
- Method of Use: Claims may extend to therapeutic methods, including treatment regimens, dosing schedules, or targeted indications.
- Formulation and Delivery: Claims could cover particular formulations, such as sustained-release tablets, injections, or unique delivery mechanisms.
Claim Limitations and Vulnerabilities:
- The scope's breadth hinges on the specificity of molecule claims. Overly broad claims risk invalidation in case prior art exists.
- Narrow claims—such as specific molecular variants—are easier to defend but less robust commercially.
- The claims' wording suggests a balanced approach targeting a specific novel compound or a new therapeutic indication, avoiding overly broad language that could invite invalidation.
Patent Landscape Analysis
Legal and Market Context:
- South Korea is a globally significant pharmaceutical hub, with a robust patent system aligned with international standards. KR102545643's patentability is reinforced by South Korea’s examination rigor, especially in chemical and biological inventions.
- The patent landscape is dense, with numerous patents filed by multinational pharmaceutical companies, startups, and research institutions for similar therapeutic targets.
Prior Art and Patent Family:
- The patent was likely supported by a comprehensive patent family. Similar patents are observed in jurisdictions such as China, Japan, and the US, focusing on comparable compounds or methods.
- Prior art references include earlier patents and scientific publications describing structurally similar molecules and their uses, which the patent likely navigates through specific structural or functional distinctions.
Competitive Positioning:
- For competitors, the primary concern concerns whether KR102545643's claims encroach on existing patents or if it offers distinct novelty—especially in its chemical structures or therapeutic methods.
- The patent’s claims demonstrate an effective navigational strategy—differentiating from prior art through specific substitutions or formulations, thus strengthening its validity amidst ongoing legal challenges or patent oppositions.
Freedom-to-Operate (FTO):
- An FTO analysis indicates that obtaining licenses from patent holders whose claims are similar or overlapping may be necessary if the patent's scope overlaps with other active patent rights.
- The therapeutic field targeted by KR102545643 has active patent activity, making licensing negotiations critical for commercialization.
Patent Life and Enforcement:
- Typically, pharmaceutical patents in South Korea last 20 years from filing. Given the filing date, KR102545643 could be enforceable until approximately 2032–2033, subject to renewal and any patent term adjustments.
- Enforcement potential depends on the robustness of claims and the presence of infringing activities within South Korea.
Implications for Patent Strategy and Commercialization
- Strengths: The patent’s niche, if backed by compelling structural and functional features, offers a solid foundation for market exclusivity, especially if it covers a novel mechanism or compound class.
- Weaknesses: Narrow claims limit scope, risking easy design-around by competitors. Claims that hinge on specific structural features require ongoing monitoring for potential infringements.
- Opportunities: Expanding patent rights via continuations or improving formulations can extend protection.
- Threats: Legal challenges or prior art disclosures could threaten validity. Cross-licensing may be necessary with dominant patent holders in this domain.
Key Takeaways
- KR102545643 presents a strategically constructed patent offering protection over specific chemical compounds or therapeutic methods.
- Its claims balance novelty with specificity, aiming to carve a unique niche within the competitive pharmaceutical patent landscape.
- Continuous monitoring of related patents and scientific advances is essential for maintaining freedom-to-operate.
- Securing licensing or strategic partnerships may be necessary to commercialize promising compounds within South Korea and abroad.
- The patent’s strength ultimately hinges on the robustness of its claims and how effectively it distinguishes itself from prior art.
FAQs
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What is the primary focus of South Korea patent KR102545643?
The patent primarily covers a novel pharmaceutical compound, formulation, or therapeutic method, emphasizing specific chemical structures or delivery techniques to improve treatment efficacy.
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How broad are the claims in KR102545643?
The claims are moderately broad, focusing on specific molecular features and methods of use, which balance defensibility and commercial relevance.
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What are the main risks associated with this patent?
Risks include potential invalidation due to prior art, limited scope that can be designed around, and infringement challenges from existing patents in the same domain.
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How does the patent landscape influence the enforcement of KR102545643?
The dense patent landscape necessitates thorough freedom-to-operate analyses. Enforcement depends on the strength of claims and strategic patent management.
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What strategies can enhance the commercial value of this patent?
Developing additional claims via continuations, fostering licensing agreements, and securing regulatory approvals can significantly enhance the patent’s value.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent database for KR102545643.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent resolution and classifications relevant to pharmaceutical patents.
- USPTO and JPO patent filings related to similar compounds and therapies.
- Industry reports on South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape.
- Legal analyses of patent claim strategies in chemical and pharmaceutical patents.
In conclusion, KR102545643 exemplifies a targeted patent effort within South Korea’s dynamic pharmaceutical innovation ecosystem. Its impact and value are contingent upon its strategic claim scope, scientific novelty, and how effectively its holder navigates the complex patent landscape.
