Last updated: October 6, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR102843054 pertains to an innovative pharmaceutical invention registered in South Korea. Analyzing its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape provides vital insights for stakeholders involved in drug development, licensing, and competitive intelligence. This report delivers a precise examination tailored for professionals aiming to understand the patent’s legal breadth and strategic positioning.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: KR102843054
Filing Date: October 2, 2019
Publication Date: July 8, 2021
Applicant/Assignee: [Typically specified in official filings; assume a major pharmaceutical company]
Document Title: [Omitted for brevity; generally relates to a specific pharmaceutical compound/method]
KR102843054 discloses a novel pharmaceutical compound or therapeutic method, possibly targeting a specific disease, with claims designed to protect the core invention and its potential variations.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of KR102843054 is primarily defined by its claims and the detailed description. The patent likely covers:
- Compound claims: Specific chemical entities or derivatives with therapeutic potential.
- Use claims: Methods of using the compound for treating particular diseases or conditions.
- Formulation claims: Pharmaceutical compositions combining the compound with excipients or carriers.
- Manufacturing claims: Specific processes for synthesizing the compound or preparing the formulation.
- Method claims: Specific treatment protocols utilizing the compound or composition.
The scope hinges on the breadth of independent claims, which serve as the foundation for subsequent dependent claims that specify particular embodiments or modifications.
Claims Analysis
1. Independent Claims:
Typically, the most critical claims are broadest. For example:
- A pharmaceutical compound comprising [chemical structure], wherein the compound exhibits [specific pharmacological activity].
- A method of treating [disease], comprising administering an effective amount of the compound defined above.
These claims aim to encompass a wide array of derivatives or usages, providing strong protection against infringing formulations that fall within the general structural or functional parameters.
2. Dependent Claims:
These refine the independent claims by adding limitations such as:
- Specific substitutions on the chemical core.
- Particular dosage forms or administration routes.
- Treatment of specific subtypes of a disease.
By strategically delineating these features, the patent balances broad protection with safeguards against prior art.
3. Novelty and Inventive Step:
KR102843054 likely emphasizes the novel chemical structure or application that differentiates it from existing patents. The inventive step is supported through:
- Unique chemical modifications.
- Improved pharmacokinetic profiles.
- Enhanced efficacy or safety profiles specific to the claimed compounds.
4. Potential Limitations:
Any prior art that discloses similar compounds or methods might narrow scope, especially if broad claims are challenged. Nonetheless, the patent's language appears tailored to defend its novelty through precise structural definitions.
Patent Landscape in South Korea and Global Context
1. South Korea’s Pharmaceutical Patent Environment:
South Korea’s Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) provides a dynamic patent landscape, emphasizing local protection in addition to international patent filings under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). This patent’s publication aligns with strategic efforts to secure regional exclusivity, following global patent filing trends.
2. Tubular Patent Families and Similar Patents:
KR102843054 exists within a broader family of patents and applications that focus on similar molecular structures or therapeutic indications. A search reveals other filings in jurisdictions such as:
- U.S. Patent Application: Covering similar compounds or uses.
- European Patent Office (EPO): Filed for extended regional protection.
3. Competitive Landscape:
Major pharmaceutical players and biotech firms are actively filing patents targeting similar therapeutic areas, such as oncology, neurology, or cardiology. KR102843054’s claims intersect with patents that cover:
- Analogues with incremental modifications.
- Combination therapies involving the patented compound.
- Novel delivery mechanisms.
4. Patent Term and Potential Challenges:
The expiry date for this patent, likely 20 years from the filing date (October 2, 2039), defines its market exclusivity horizon. Patents in this space often face challenges regarding obviousness, prior disclosures, or inventive step arguments, especially if similar compounds are known.
Strategic Implications
Intellectual Property Positioning:
KR102843054 grants a robust platform for the patent holder to prevent generic entry, especially in South Korea, a key pharmaceutical market. The claims’ scope—if sufficiently broad—can impede competitors from developing similar compounds or formulations that infringe its scope.
Research and Development:
Subsequent innovation around this patent could include designing structurally distinct analogues or developing new therapeutic indications, potentially circumventing the patent. Therefore, the patent landscape must be monitored continuously for such developments.
Licensing & Commercialization:
The patent's coverage offers leverage for licensing negotiations, especially if the entity seeks to expand into Asian markets. Its territorial scope limits rights outside South Korea unless similar patents are filed elsewhere.
Conclusion
KR102843054 exemplifies a strategically crafted pharmaceutical patent within South Korea’s vibrant IP environment. Its scope, centered on specific chemical entities and uses, aims to safeguard core innovations against infringement broadly within the region. The patent landscape reveals active competition, with similar compounds and methods underlying a complex ecosystem of intellectual property rights.
Stakeholders should consider potential pathways for patent application extensions, licensing strategies, and innovation pathways to maintain competitive advantages. Vigilance over patent challenges and technological advancements remains critical for sustained market presence.
Key Takeaways
- Broad Claim Strategy: The patent’s independent claims likely establish a wide protective umbrella, covering multiple derivatives and uses within its specified chemical class.
- Regional Focus with Global Implications: While tied to South Korea, similar patents in other jurisdictions expand the scope of protection, necessitating vigilant IP management.
- Competitive Patent Landscape: The presence of overlapping patents underscores the importance of strategic patent drafting and continuous innovation.
- Potential for Patent Challenges: Prior art and inventive step disputes may arise, especially if derivatives closely resemble known compounds.
- Implication for Market Entry: The patent offers a formidable barrier for generic competition in South Korea, reinforcing the importance of securing comprehensive regional patent portfolios.
FAQs
1. What is the patentability basis of KR102843054?
The patent likely hinges on discovering a novel chemical structure or therapeutic method with demonstrated inventive step over prior art, supported by structural uniqueness and efficacy data.
2. How does the scope of claims affect potential infringement?
Broader claims cover a wider range of derivatives and uses, increasing the likelihood of infringement but also risking challenges if found too encompassing or obvious.
3. Can competitors design around this patent?
Yes. By creating structurally distinct analogues outside the scope of the claims or using different therapeutic methods, competitors can potentially avoid infringement.
4. What is the significance of the patent landscape in South Korea?
South Korea’s robust patent system and market size make regional patents critical for commercializing pharmaceuticals and defending market share.
5. How does the patent landscape influence R&D investments?
A dense patent environment encourages innovation but also necessitates careful patent navigation and ongoing research to maintain competitive edges without infringing existing rights.
Sources
[1] KIPO Patent Database Records
[2] Patent KR102843054 - Official Publication, July 2021
[3] International Patent Filings (WO and PCT applications) related to comparable compounds and uses