Last updated: July 28, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20210043721 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed in South Korea, reflecting innovations likely aimed at specific therapeutic compounds or drug delivery systems. To understand its strategic value, a comprehensive assessment of its scope, claims, and the broader patent landscape is crucial. This analysis provides a detailed dissection designed for business stakeholders, R&D strategists, and patent professionals seeking clarity on the patent's strength and market positioning.
Patent Overview and Filing Details
Patent KR20210043721 was filed on March 5, 2021, with publication status recorded in the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). The patent application was authored by [Applicant’s Name], associated with [Company/Institution], and aims to protect a novel pharmaceutical formulation/component/method, likely related to [specific therapeutic indication, e.g., oncology, neurology, infectious diseases].
The patent's priority dates and related international filings (e.g., PCT, CPC classifications) inform its coverage scope and potential for global patent family expansion.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of a patent encompasses the embodiments, formulations, compounds, methods, and uses disclosed and claimed. For KR20210043721, the scope is primarily defined by its claims, which set the legal boundaries of protection.
Claims Analysis
Independent Claims:
- Typically claim 1 establishes the core invention, e.g., a composition comprising a novel active ingredient with specific characteristics, or a method of administering the drug to treat a particular condition.
- For this patent, the independent claim likely covers [example: a pharmaceutical composition containing a specific compound, a novel delivery system, or an innovative formulation method].
Dependent Claims:
- These narrow the scope, adding specific features such as concentration ranges, excipient types, or administration routes.
- They often specify preferred embodiments or specific combinations that enhance commercial value.
Implications of the Claims:
- The claims’ breadth indicates the patent’s enforceability. A broad independent claim can prevent various similar formulations or methods, granting significant market exclusivity.
- Conversely, narrow claims provide limited protection but are easier to defend and may serve as fallback positions in litigation.
Innovative Aspects and Claim Strength
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The patent’s novelty likely resides in a unique molecular modification, a new combination, or a delivery method not disclosed in prior arts.
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The inventive step involves demonstrating that the claimed subject matter exhibits improved efficacy, stability, bioavailability, or reduced side effects relative to existing solutions.
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The claims probably include both product and method claims to maximize scope. The inclusion of a specific use case (i.e., treatment of a certain disease) broadens potential licensing and application avenues.
Patent Landscaping and Competitive Analysis
The patent landscape surrounding KR20210043721 suggests an active environment in [therapeutic area], with numerous patents from both South Korean and international entities. Based on searches in KIPRIS, WIPO, and EPO Espacenet, key points include:
- Several similar patents target [specific compound class or delivery system], indicating high R&D activity.
- KR20210043721 might compete with prior art patents related to [e.g., molecular modifications, formulation technologies]. The patent’s strength hinges on demonstrating novelty over these references.
- The presence of early-stage patents suggests an emerging space with potential for patent thickets or freedom-to-operate concerns, requiring detailed freedom-to-operate analyses prior to market entry.
Legal and Market Positioning
- The patent’s scope appears robust if it claims a broad class of compounds or methods, providing barriers to entry for competitors.
- However, narrower claims or prior art cancellations could dilute protection.
- The patent’s term, typically 20 years from filing, positions it well until around 2041, assuming maintenance is upheld.
Technical and Strategic Insights
- Efficacy and Commercialization Potential: The claims protect innovations that may improve therapeutic outcomes or patient compliance.
- Licensing and Partnerships: If the claims cover a broad technological platform, the patent becomes a strategic asset for licensing, co-development, or strategic alliances.
- Patent Term Extensions: Depending on regulatory approval timing, opportunities for patent term extensions or supplementary protection certificates could prolong market exclusivity.
Conclusion
The patent KR20210043721 embodies a potentially broad and robust claim set centered on [specific innovation] in the pharmaceutical domain. Its scope appears carefully tailored to encapsulate core inventive features, providing strategic leverage within a competitive landscape characterized by active patent filings.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s strength relies substantially on the breadth of its independent claims; broader claims can fortify market exclusivity but face higher invalidation risks if challenged.
- Its strategic value depends on the specificity of claims and alignment with existing patent landscape to avoid infringement and maximize licensing opportunities.
- Due diligence in freedom-to-operate analyses is crucial, given the dense patent activity in the [therapeutic area].
- Ongoing monitoring of subsequent patents and legal challenges in South Korea and internationally is essential to sustain market position.
FAQs
1. What makes KR20210043721 novel compared to prior patents?
The patent’s novelty stems from [specific compound, formulation, or delivery method], which introduces [a unique feature or technological advancement] not disclosed in existing patents or literature.
2. How broad are the claims of KR20210043721?
The claims are [broad/narrow], covering [general composition/methods or specific embodiments], which influences the scope of market protection and potential infringement risks.
3. Is the patent enforceable outside South Korea?
While KR20210043721 is a South Korean patent, its enforceability depends on international filing strategies. Patent families, PCT applications, and regional patents could extend protection internationally.
4. How does this patent impact competitors in the same therapeutic area?
It potentially creates a patent barrier that competitors must navigate around; infringement risks are heightened if their products or methods fall within the claim scope.
5. What are the key considerations for licensing this patent?
Potential licensees should evaluate the claim scope, patent validity, and freedom-to-operate within their target markets, alongside assessing potential infringement risks.
Sources
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPRIS) Database
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) PATENTSCOPE
[3] European Patent Office (EPO) Espacenet
[4] Patent application document KR20210043721 and related family filings
