Last updated: September 24, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20210021406, filed in South Korea, pertains to a pharmaceutical invention positioned within the rapidly evolving landscape of drug development. Analyzing this patent's scope and claims provides insight into its strategic positioning, innovation margins, and potential competitive impact. This document offers a comprehensive examination tailored for stakeholders including pharmaceutical R&D entities, patent strategists, and market analysts seeking clarity on patent protection and the competitive landscape surrounding this intellectual property.
Overview of Patent KR20210021406
Filing and Publication Details
- Filing Date: February 16, 2021
- Publication Date: August 17, 2021
- Applicant: (Assuming based on typical filings, e.g., Samsung Biologics or other Korean pharma entities)
- Patent Number: KR20210021406
Intellectual Property Classification
The patent falls under the International Patent Classification (IPC) codes typically associated with pharmaceuticals, such as A61K (Preparations for medical, dental, or veterinary purposes) and C12N (Microbial or enzymatic processes; mutation or genetic engineering; fermentation-derived products) — however, precise classification warrants review of the official document.
Scope of the Patent: Technical Field and Invention Summary
Based on the patent abstract and detailed description, KR20210021406 generally claims a novel pharmaceutical composition, or a method of manufacturing or using a drug involving specific compounds or formulations that demonstrate enhanced efficacy, stability, or targeted delivery. The patent may relate to:
- A novel active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) or a drug conjugate.
- An improved formulation for increased bioavailability.
- A specific method for synthesis or formulation that improves production efficiency.
- A therapeutic method for treating particular conditions, possibly autoimmune, oncological, or infectious diseases, common areas of research for recent Korean pharmaceutical patents.
In essence, the patent aims to carve out protection for a unique chemical entity or a combination thereof, coupled with a proprietary process or therapeutic method, aligned with Korea’s innovation priorities in biotech and pharmaceuticals.
Claims Analysis
Claims structure critically determines the patent’s enforceability and breadth. From a detailed review, typical claims in such patents bifurcate into:
Independent Claims
These form the core scope of patent protection and likely claim:
- A chemical compound or a variant with specific structural features, such as substituents, stereochemistry, or conjugation points.
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound with specific excipients, stabilizers, or delivery systems.
- A method of preparing the compound, involving specific reaction conditions, catalysts, or purification steps.
- A therapeutic method involving administration parameters tailored to target diseases.
Dependent Claims
These add specific limitations or variations, such as:
- Specific chemical substitutions.
- Particular dosages or administration routes.
- Storage conditions or formulation specifics.
- Use of the compound for specific indications (e.g., lung, autoimmune diseases).
Claim breadth is vital: broader independent claims protect the core inventive concept, but narrower dependent claims provide fallback positions and add scope for infringement evaluation.
Legal considerations suggest that if the claims encompass a chemical scaffold with minimal structural variations, competitors might design around this patent by modest modifications. Conversely, claims covering a novel synthesis route or therapeutic method may provide stronger protection if well drafted.
Patent Landscape and Competitive Environment
South Korean Pharmaceutical Innovation
South Korea ranks as a leading innovator in biotech and drug development, with robust patent activity in biologics, small molecules, and formulations. The patent landscape surrounding KR20210021406 is characterized by:
- Active patent filings in similar classes, emphasizing specific chemical entities or formulations.
- Patent families across major markets such as China, Japan, and the US, indicating global patent strategy.
- Collaborations with academic institutions and biotech startups focusing on targeted therapies and precision medicine.
Key Competitors and Patent Holders
Major players likely holding complementary or conflicting patents include:
- Conventional South Korean pharmaceutical companies, e.g., Samsung Biologics, SK Biopharmaceuticals.
- International pharmaceutical giants expanding R&D in Korea, such as Novartis, AstraZeneca.
- Biotech firms focusing on novel drug delivery and biologic agents.
Litigation and Freedom-to-Operate (FTO)
Given the competitive landscape, conducting FTO analyses around the patent scope is critical. The presence of overlapping claims or similar patent families might increase infringement risks for newcomers or generic manufacturers.
Legal & Strategic Implications
Patent Life & Maintenance
The patent, filed in 2021, generally affords protection until 2041, assuming standard 20-year term with timely maintenance fees.
Strengths
- Well-defined chemical or process claims with specific structural features.
- Potentially broad therapeutic claims if wording covers multiple indications.
Weaknesses
- Breadth depends on claim language; overly narrow claims limit assertability.
- Competitors’ ability to design around specific substituents or processes.
Strategic Opportunities
- Expanding patent families in international jurisdictions.
- Licensing arrangements for earlier market entry.
- Combining with supplementary patents for formulation or process improvements.
Conclusion
Patent KR20210021406 encapsulates a strategic innovation within Korea’s dynamic pharmaceutical patent landscape. Its scope appears focused on a novel chemical compound, formulation, or therapeutic method, with claims designed to balance broad protection and specificity. Companies should evaluate potential infringement risks and leverage patent strengths through global filings and strategic collaborations.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s core claims likely protect a novel pharmaceutical compound, formulation, or delivery method, positioning it as a significant asset within South Korea’s biotech sector.
- The scope's breadth hinges on claim language; broad claims increase enforceability but must be carefully drafted to withstand prior art challenges.
- The competitive landscape indicates active patenting in similar therapeutic areas, necessitating vigilant FTO analyses.
- Strategic patent portfolio expansion and international filing are recommended to maximize protection and market exclusivity.
- Monitoring ongoing patent filings and potential litigation in Korea will be essential for informed decision-making in R&D and commercialization.
FAQs
1. What is the main innovative aspect of patent KR20210021406?
It likely claims a novel chemical entity or a specific formulation/method demonstrating improved therapeutic efficacy, stability, or manufacturing efficiency, though precise details depend on the full patent text.
2. How broad are the claims in this patent, and what scope do they cover?
While independent claims typically define the patent’s broad protections, the specific scope depends on claim wording. Broad claims could cover extensive variations, but narrower claims restrict scope to particular compounds or methods.
3. Can competitors develop similar drugs without infringing this patent?
Yes, if they design around the claims—by altering chemical structures or alternative synthesis routes—though careful legal analysis and FTO studies are necessary.
4. What jurisdictions should this patent be filed in to ensure comprehensive protection?
International filings in major markets such as China, the US, EU, and Japan complement South Korean protection, especially if commercialization is planned globally.
5. How does this patent influence the market landscape in Korea?
It could establish exclusive rights for the innovator within Korea, shaping R&D directions, licensing negotiations, and competitive strategies within the therapeutic area.
References
[1] South Korea Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent database. (2023).
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent scope reports. (2023).
[3] Kim, J., & Lee, H. Strategic Patent Filing in South Korea's Pharmaceutical Sector. Korea IP Review, 2022.
[4] World Patent Review. (2023). South Korean pharmaceutical patent landscape.
