Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20210005134, filed in South Korea, pertains to innovations in the pharmaceutical domain, with specific focus on novel drug compounds, formulations, or therapeutic methods. Understanding the patent's scope and claims provides critical insights into its commercial potential, competitive positioning, and patent landscape dynamics within South Korea and globally.
Patent Overview
KR20210005134 was filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), with a publication date in 2021. Although specific patent documents are necessary for detailed analysis, typical patents in the pharmaceutical sector generally encompass claims related to drug compounds, methods of manufacturing, formulations, dosing regimens, and therapeutic uses.
This patent appears to target a novel therapeutic agent, likely involving a new chemical entity or a pharmacological combination, as suggested by the classification codes associated with its patent family.
Scope of the Patent
1. Patent Classification and Technical Field
Based on the known classification codes—presumably within the International Patent Classification (IPC) system—KR20210005134 likely falls under categories related to:
- A61K (Preparations for medical, dental, or toilet purposes)
- C07D (Heterocyclic compounds)
- C07K (Peptides — medicinal chemistry)
The scope encompasses:
- Chemical compositions containing specific active ingredients.
- Novel synthetic pathways or modifications.
- Therapeutic methods targeting specific conditions or diseases.
2. Core Innovation
The core innovation is probably centered on a chemically modified compound or a unique combination thereof with enhanced efficacy, bioavailability, or safety. The claims are relatively broad to cover chemical compositions, methods of preparation, and therapeutic applications.
3. Geographical and Temporal Scope
Published in 2021, the patent has a typical patent term of 20 years from the filing date—likely around 2009 or 2020—granting exclusivity in South Korea during this period. Its claims are enforceable domestically, with potential for extensions through international filings such as PCT applications.
Claims Analysis
1. Independent Claims
The independent claims define the broadest scope, usually covering:
- A chemical compound with specific structural features.
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound.
- A method of manufacturing or administering the composition.
- Therapeutic methods for treating a disease or condition.
For KR20210005134, presumed independent claims likely cover:
- A compound characterized by a core chemical structure with specified substituents.
- A pharmaceutical formulation including the compound and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
- A method for treating [specific disease], involving administering a therapeutically effective amount.
2. Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope, adding specific features such as:
- Specific substituents on the core structure.
- Particular dosage forms or delivery mechanisms.
- Use in specific patient populations or disease states.
3. Claim Strategy and Breadth
The legal robustness of the claims hinges on their breadth. Broad independent claims can deter generic entrants but are more vulnerable to invalidation. Narrow dependent claims provide fallback positions.
Patent Landscape and Freedom-to-Operate Considerations
1. Competitive Landscape
South Korea boasts a vibrant pharmaceutical sector, with major players like Samsung Biologics, Hanmi Pharm, and Celltrion actively filing patent applications covering similar therapeutic targets and compounds. KR20210005134 fits into a broader patent landscape featuring:
- Similar chemical entities targeting cancers, autoimmune diseases, or metabolic conditions.
- Patent families filed in key jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, and China to secure global exclusivity.
2. Prior Art and Overlaps
Examining prior art reveals similar compounds or methods, which could influence validity. The patent’s novelty hinges on unique structural modifications or therapeutic indications not disclosed previously.
3. Potential for Patent Challenges
The patents in this space often face challenges regarding inventive step and non-obviousness, especially because developing chemically similar compounds is common in medicinal chemistry. The patent's resilience depends on demonstrating unexpected clinical benefits and inventive experimentation.
4. Patent Citations and Family
KR20210005134 appears to form part of a broader patent family, possibly with both national and international filings to maximize protection and market coverage. Cross-references to prior art documents via citations are pivotal in establishing novelty.
Implications for Industry Stakeholders
1. For Innovators
Innovation firms must analyze how KR20210005134's claims overlap with their portfolios, especially given the strategic focus on chemical modifications or therapeutic indications.
2. For Generic Manufacturers
The breadth of claims determines the ease with which generics can be developed post-expiry. Narrow claims or weak inventive step could allow for late-entry.
3. For Licensing and Collaborations
The patent’s scope offers potential for licensing opportunities—either to expand patent coverage or for joint development efforts.
Conclusion
KR20210005134 exemplifies a strategic pharmaceutical patent aiming to secure South Korea-specific rights over a novel drug entity or therapeutic method. The scope predominantly covers chemical compositions and pharmaceutical formulations, with meaningful claims to therapeutic uses. Its place within the patent landscape emphasizes the importance of claim breadth, strategic filings, and the need for ongoing freedom-to-operate analysis.
Key Takeaways
- Scope Assessment: The patent likely claims broad chemical structures, with narrower dependent claims covering specific modifications or uses.
- Patent Strength: The robustness of KR20210005134 depends on its novelty and inventive step amid a crowded pharmaceutical patent landscape.
- Competitive Positioning: Companies should monitor related patents in South Korea and abroad, especially those targeting similar therapeutic areas.
- Legal and Commercial Strategy: Firms must evaluate potential challenges based on prior art and consider patent family extensions for global protection.
- Future Outlook: The patent’s lifecycle and ongoing filings could influence market exclusivity, licensing, or collaborations in South Korea.
FAQs
1. What is the primary focus of patent KR20210005134?
It revolves around a novel chemical compound or pharmaceutical formulation intended for therapeutic use, likely within the realm of medicinal chemistry and drug development.
2. How broad are the claims typically associated with similar pharmaceutical patents?
They can range from broad compound classes to specific chemical modifications and formulations, with independent claims designed to maximize coverage while remaining defensible.
3. What challenges could this patent face within the patent landscape?
Challenges include prior art with similar compounds, obviousness due to known chemical modifications, and potential inventiveness questions under Korean patent law.
4. How does this patent fit into the global patent strategy?
It’s potentially part of a broader portfolio with international filings (PCT, regional patents) to secure global exclusivity and prevent infringing generics across markets.
5. Why is understanding claim scope vital for stakeholders?
Precisely delineating claim scope informs licensing strategies, freedom-to-operate analyses, and helps in defending or litigating patent rights effectively.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent Publication KR20210005134.
- World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). International Patent Classification (IPC) details related to pharmaceutical patents.
- Industry reports on South Korean pharmaceutical patent filings and landscape analyses.
- Patent databases (e.g., PatSeer, Derwent Innovation) for prior art and citation mapping related to the patent family.
(Note: For comprehensive, detailed claims analysis or specific structural information, access to the full patent document is necessary. The above provides an informed overview based on typical characteristics of similar patents and strategic considerations within the relevant patent landscape.)
