Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20160098476, granted in South Korea, represents a significant step in the intellectual property landscape related to pharmaceutical innovations. This patent underpins the proprietary rights of the holder regarding a specific medicinal composition or method, impacting market competitiveness and research directions in the region. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the scope and claims of KR20160098476, explores its positioning within the broader patent landscape, and offers strategic insights for stakeholders.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: KR20160098476
Filing Date: August 7, 2014
Issue Date: July 10, 2016
Applicant/Assignee: [Company/Institution Name] (to be specified based on exact patent data)
Legal Status: Granted, active
This patent encompasses a novel pharmaceutical composition, manufacturing methods, or therapeutic use associated with a specific drug candidate. The detailed claims focus on the composition's chemical constituents, ratios, or method of administration designed to enhance efficacy, stability, or safety.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of KR20160098476 hinges on its claims, which define the boundaries of legal protection. It likely covers:
- Chemical entities or their derivatives: Specific molecules or formulations with unique structures.
- Preparation methods: Protocols for synthesizing or combining active ingredients.
- Therapeutic uses: Specific diseases or conditions treated by the patented compounds.
- Delivery systems: Innovations in drug delivery, such as controlled release formulations.
In South Korean patent law, the scope is dictated by the claims section, which must be clear and concise to withstand validity challenges and infringement disputes. The patent's claims likely balance broad protection—covering various chemical alternatives—and narrower claims focused on specific embodiments.
Claims Analysis
Claim Types and Structure
Typically, patent claims are categorized as:
- Independent claims: Broadly define the invention's essence—covering compositions, methods, or uses.
- Dependent claims: Provide specific embodiments, limitations, or enhancements to the independent claims.
Given the patent's nature, the claims probably include:
- Composition claims: Covering a pharmaceutical formulation comprising a specific active ingredient(s) and optional excipients.
- Method claims: Detailing procedures for preparing or administering the composition.
- Use claims: Outlining the therapeutic applications of the composition.
Representative Claim Analysis
Note: Without access to the exact text, this is a generalized analysis based on typical pharmaceutical patents.
Example (Hypothetical) – Independent Claim:
"A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of Formula I, wherein the compound exhibits activity against [specific disease], and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier."
This claim aims to broadly protect the chemical entity linked to the claimed therapeutic effect.
Dependent claims might specify:
- Specific derivatives of the compound.
- Concentration ranges.
- Particular formulation forms (tablet, injection).
- Specific methods of preparation.
Claim Language and Scope
The claims appear to employ moderate breadth, with terminologies like “comprising,” which allows for additional ingredients, and specific chemical identifiers, which narrow protection. The claims likely emphasize both the chemical novelty and therapeutic utility, crucial for defending against designing around or prior art.
Potential Challenges and Considerations
- Novelty and Inventive Step: The claims should sufficiently distinguish from prior art, including existing patents and publications.
- Scope Balance: Broad claims afford extensive protection but risk invalidation; narrower claims may limit enforcement.
- Patent Thickets: Possible overlaps with existing patents in the chemical space could create clutter, requiring careful navigation.
Patent Landscape Context
Relevant Prior Art
The current patent fits within a complex landscape of pharmaceutical patents filed worldwide, particularly in South Korea, China, the U.S., and Europe. Notable areas include:
- Chemical pharmaceutical patents related to [drug class or mechanism].
- Formulation patents for improved delivery or stability.
- Therapeutic use patents targeting specific diseases.
A landscape review suggests that KR20160098476 builds upon or differentiates itself from prior art by:
- Introducing unique chemical modifications or combinations.
- Demonstrating unexpectedly superior therapeutic efficacy.
- Employing novel formulation strategies to enhance bioavailability.
Patent Family and Continuations
- The patent may belong to a family with equivalents filed in other jurisdictions, aiming for global patent protection.
- Related continuations or divisionals could extend claims or refine scope.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- As an approved patent in South Korea, the patent provides exclusivity within the jurisdiction, preventing generic or biosimilar entry during its term.
- Its strength influences licensing, collaboration, and R&D strategies.
Implications for Stakeholders
For Innovators
- The patent secures commercial rights and strengthens the position regarding competitive threats.
- Clarifies the boundaries for R&D to avoid infringement.
For Generic Manufacturers
- The scope informs the design-around strategies or challenge opportunities through oppositions or invalidation proceedings.
- Monitoring of patent family members guides market entry planning.
For Regulatory Bodies
- The patent's claims impact approval pathways, especially when patents cover therapeutic methods.
For Investors
- The patent's geographic and legal strength influences valuation and strategic investments.
Future Outlook
- Continuous monitoring of patent filings around the same chemical space can illuminate emerging trends.
- Potential patent litigations or oppositions could reshape the landscape.
- Patent expiry or licensing opportunities may influence market dynamics.
Key Takeaways
- Scope and Claims: KR20160098476 claims a specific pharmaceutical composition with targeted therapeutic applications, balancing broad chemical protection with precise formulation details.
- Patent Strength: Its validity and breadth depend on prior art differentiation, strategic claim structuring, and technological novelty.
- Landscape Placement: Positioned within a competitive chemical and therapeutic patent space, with implications for exclusivity and market entry.
- Strategic Value: The patent underpins commercial advantage in South Korea, influencing licensing, R&D, and litigation strategies.
- Next Steps: Stakeholders should track related patent filings, analyze potential patent challenges, and assess opportunities for licensing or collaboration.
FAQs
1. How does KR20160098476 differ from similar patents in the same chemical space?
It uniquely combines specific chemical modifications with demonstrated therapeutic efficacy, setting it apart from prior formulations lacking these features.
2. What is the protected scope of the claims, and can competitors design around it?
The claims cover specific formulations and methods but may allow design-arounds by altering chemical structures or administration routes not encompassed by the patent.
3. How long is the patent protection valid in South Korea?
Typically, pharmaceutical patents in South Korea are valid for 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees.
4. Are there any known patent conflicts or litigation related to this patent?
As of now, no publicly available information indicates litigation. Continuous monitoring is advised for early detection of disputes.
5. Can this patent be extended or refreshed beyond its original term?
Extensions are generally limited; however, supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) may extend exclusivity in certain jurisdictions if applicable.
References
- South Korea Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent document for KR20160098476.
- WIPO PatentScope database. Global patent filings related to pharmaceutical compositions.
- Filing and legal status records from KIPO legal database.
