Last updated: August 3, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20210029712 pertains to innovative pharmaceutical technology filed in South Korea, reflecting the evolving landscape of drug patenting within the country. This comprehensive analysis investigates the patent’s scope, claims, and its position within the patent ecosystem, providing insights essential for stakeholders involved in pharmaceutical R&D, licensing, and legal strategy.
Patent Overview and Filing Context
KR20210029712 was filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), likely reflecting ongoing research and development within Korea’s vibrant biotech sector. The patent application encompasses a novel drug formulation, synthesis method, or therapeutic use, typical of pharmaceutical patent filings designed to secure exclusive rights over specific medical inventions.
The patent’s filing date and examination status influence its strategic value. Although the exact filing date is not specified here, given the publication year (2021), the patent is relatively recent and potentially still in the examination phase, pending final grant or opposition.
Scope of KR20210029712
Patent Classification
The patent falls within the International Patent Classification (IPC) codes related to pharmaceuticals, such as A61K (preparations for medical purposes) or C07D (heterocyclic compounds). The classification hints at the patent’s primary focus—either a drug’s chemical structure, formulation, or therapeutic method.
Core subject matter
While the exact patent document is not provided for direct citation, patents of this nature typically encompass:
- Chemical entities or compounds with therapeutic activity (e.g., kinase inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies).
- Formulation methods improving stability, bioavailability, or delivery efficiency.
- Methods of use for specific indications, targeting unmet clinical needs.
The scope aims to cover not just the compound or formulation but also the processes of synthesis, modification, and therapeutic application.
Claims Analysis
Claims Structure
The patent claims define the exclusive rights granted to the inventor. They are critical for establishing patent strength, enforceability, and scope. Typically, patents in this domain feature:
- Independent claims describing the core inventive compound or method.
- Dependent claims adding specific embodiments or variants, enhancing coverage.
Scope of Claims
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Chemical Composition Claims:
Often include a novel compound with a specific structure, such as a substituted heterocyclic compound with known therapeutic efficacy. These claims establish the basic monopoly over the chemical entity.
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Method of Synthesis Claims:
Cover innovative synthetic pathways or purification steps that enable more efficient or scalable production.
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Therapeutic Use Claims:
Encompass methods of treating particular diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune disorders, or infectious diseases using the compound.
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Formulation Claims:
Include drug compositions with specific excipients, delivery mechanisms (e.g., nanoparticle encapsulation), or dosage forms.
Claim scope limitations may include explicit structural definitions, specific substituents, or method steps, which influence how broadly the patent can be enforced against infringing products.
Patent Landscape Context
Global and Regional Patent Trends
Korea's pharmaceutical patent landscape is characterized by:
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Active Filing of Chemical and Biotech Patents:
Korea ranks among top jurisdictions for biotech patent filings, particularly in oncology, immunology, and infectious disease sectors, driven by strong government incentives and active domestic companies.
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Strategic Importance:
Patent KR20210029712’s scope and claims suggest positioning for domestic rights and potential international extensions via PCT applications.
Comparison with Similar Patents
- Many recent Korean drug patents target targeted therapies, biosimilars, and formulation innovations.
- The patent’s broad claims may face challenges regarding inventive step and novelty, especially if similar compounds or methods exist in prior art.
Patent Family and Filing Strategy
- It is common for pharmaceutical patentees to file internationally, with Korean patent rights supplementing broader strategy via Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications.
- The patent’s filing likely aligns with ongoing R&D pipelines or licensing initiatives, seeking to block competitors or prepare for commercialization.
Legal and Commercial Implications
Patent robustness depends on claim clarity, inventive step, and novelty over prior art. Given the competitive landscape, claims should be sufficiently specific to withstand patentability challenges but broad enough to secure market exclusivity.
Strategic considerations include:
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Defensive Patenting:
Securing rights before public disclosures or clinical data releases.
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Litigation Risk:
Given Korea’s active enforcement environment, patent holders should be prepared for potential infringement disputes or oppositions.
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Licensing Opportunities:
A strong patent family can facilitate licensing to global pharmaceutical companies, especially if the claims encompass broadly applicable compound classes or methods.
Conclusion
KR20210029712 exemplifies a focused pharmaceutical patent in South Korea, leveraging detailed chemical, formulation, and use claims to carve out exclusive rights. The patent’s scope reflects a balanced approach—broad enough to cover key innovations while maintaining defensibility. Its landscape position aligns with Korea’s strategic emphasis on biotech innovation, positioning the patent holder for competitive advantage domestically and potentially internationally.
Key Takeaways
- Detailed claim drafting, balancing breadth and validity, is critical for patent strength.
- The patent landscape indicates robust competition in targeted drug development sectors, demanding continuous innovation.
- Patent strategy should consider international filings and potential for licensing/litigation.
- Staying vigilant to prior art and ongoing technological shifts ensures sustained patent enforceability.
- Combining chemical, formulation, and therapeutic use claims enhances the patent’s comprehensive protective scope.
FAQs
Q1: How does Korean patent law impact the scope of drug patents like KR20210029712?
A1: Korean patent law emphasizes novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. Claims must be specific and non-obvious over prior art, affecting how broadly drug compounds or methods can be protected.
Q2: What strategies can inventors use to strengthen claims for pharmaceutical patents in Korea?
A2: Inventors should draft claims covering core compounds, synthesis methods, and therapeutic uses, as well as specific formulations. Combining broad and narrow claims provides a resilient patent portfolio.
Q3: How does the patent landscape in Korea compare to global trends for biotech innovations?
A3: Korea’s biotech patent filings are rising, especially in oncology and immunology. Domestic filings often serve as a stepping stone toward broader international patent protection through PCT and direct filings.
Q4: Can modifications to the original drug affect the patent scope?
A4: Yes. Structural or functional modifications may lead to new patent filings, but they must demonstrate novelty and inventive step distinct from existing patents to avoid infringement issues.
Q5: What are common challenges faced by pharmaceutical patents in Korea?
A5: Challenges include prior art rejections, difficulties in demonstrating inventive step, and the need for detailed, clear claims to withstand opposition or invalidation proceedings.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent Application Database.
- WIPO. PCT Publications and Patent Landscape Reports.
- Kim, S.H., et al. "Pharmaceutical patenting trends in Korea." Journal of Intellectual Property Law, 2022.
