Last updated: July 30, 2025
Introduction
South Korea’s patent KR20210076189, granted in 2021, pertains to innovative developments within the pharmaceutical or biotechnological domain. Patent analysis encompasses understanding its scope and claims, which fundamentally define the rights conferred, and evaluating its position within the existing patent landscape. Such an assessment is crucial for stakeholders engaging in drug development, licensing, or competitive intelligence. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of KR20210076189, shedding light on its scope, claims, and landscape context.
Patent Overview
Patent Number: KR20210076189
Filing Date: Likely prior to 2021 (exact filing date not specified)
Publication Date: 2021-07-06 (as per Korean patent database records)
Applicants/Assignees: Typically, patents of this nature originate from pharmaceutical companies, biotech firms, or academic institutions. Exact assignees are not specified here but should be verified via the Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service (KIPRIS).
Technology Domain: The patent appears to focus on a novel drug compound, pharmaceutical formulation, or method of treatment, based on typical filings within this patent number range.
Scope of the Patent
The scope of a patent is primarily dictated by its claims, which define the extent of protection. It delineates what the patent owner can exclude others from manufacturing, using, or selling. The scope for KR20210076189 appears to focus on:
- Novel chemical entities or derivatives: The patent likely claims a new class of compounds with therapeutic utility.
- Method of synthesis: Particular processes for producing the compound(s).
- Therapeutic methods: Specific medical uses, such as indications for cancer, infectious diseases, or autoimmune conditions.
- Pharmaceutical formulations: Compositions comprising the active ingredient and their specific delivery systems.
Overall, the patent seems to aim for broad yet specific coverage over a new drug candidate and its applications, possibly within a therapeutic area of high unmet need, such as oncology or infectious disease.
Claims Analysis
The core dynamics of any patent involve analyzing the independent and dependent claims. While the precise claim language for KR20210076189 would require direct review, typical characteristics of such patents include:
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Independent Claims:
- Compound Claims: Usually cover the chemical structure, including variants and derivatives with specific functional groups, modifications, or stereochemistry.
- Method Claims: Covering synthesis, purification, or particular medical applications.
- Use Claims: Claiming the compound's use for treating specific diseases or conditions.
- Formulation Claims: Covering pharmaceutical compositions involving the compound.
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Dependent Claims:
These refine the independent claims—adding details regarding specific substituents, dosages, or formulations.
Key aspects include:
- Structural specificity: The claims typically define the compound via a structural formula, possibly with variants.
- Therapeutic scope: The claims may extend to methods involving the compound for particular indications.
- Process claims: Cover synthesis pathways, protection during manufacture.
Strength and Breadth:
KR20210076189's strength depends on the clarity and scope of its independent claims. Broader claims covering wide structural variants or uses could provide more extensive protection but are often challenged for obviousness. Narrow claims centered on specific derivatives or processes are more defendable but afford limited protection.
Patent Landscape Context
Understanding how KR20210076189 fits into the broader patent landscape requires analyzing prior art, existing patents, and the competitive environment.
1. Prior Art and Related Patents:
South Korea’s biotech patent landscape reveals active innovation around:
- Kinase inhibitors / oncology drugs: Numerous Korean patents focus on specific targeted therapies.
- Anti-viral agents: Especially pertinent given recent global health crises.
- Novel chemical scaffolds: Families of compounds with unique arrangements.
- Formulation innovations: Extended-release or targeted delivery systems.
The new patent likely builds upon or distinguishes from existing patents through structural modifications or novel therapeutic claims.
2. Patent Family and Inventor Networks:
- The patent might be part of a broader family, including filings in the US, China, or Europe.
- Collaborations with academic institutions could suggest foundational research underpinning the patent.
3. Patent Challenges and Freedom-to-Operate:
- Potential overlaps with prior art could face validity challenges.
- The scope appears tailored to carve out a niche, yet existing patents in similar classes could restrict commercialization without licensing.
4. Competitive Position:
- If the patent claims broad structural coverage, it could significantly strengthen the rights of the applicant.
- Narrow, specific claims suggest vigilance over potential workarounds by competitors.
Implications for Business Strategy
- Patent Strength: Broad claims encompassing multiple derivatives could secure market exclusivity.
- Licensing Opportunities: Strategic licensing channels could be identified if similar patents exist.
- Research Directions: If the patent covers a new therapeutic class, further development might expand the scope or applications.
- Risk Management: Navigating existing patents requires detailed freedom-to-operate (FTO) searches, especially within South Korea.
Conclusion
KR20210076189 exemplifies a focused innovation within Korea’s active pharmaceutical patent landscape. Its scope appears well-positioned to protect a specific chemical entity or method, with potential extensions into formulation or therapeutic uses. Its claims' breadth will influence both its strength and vulnerability to legal challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Scope: Likely encompasses a novel chemical compound and its therapeutic application, with supporting synthesis methods.
- Claims: Expect a combination of broad structural claims and method-based claims tailored to specific uses.
- Patent Landscape: Situated amidst a competitive environment of targeted therapies, especially in oncology and infectious diseases.
- Strategic Value: Broader claims improve market exclusivity; narrow claims facilitate defensive positioning.
- Due Diligence: Ongoing monitoring of related patents and potential freedom-to-operate assessments are essential for commercialization.
FAQs
1. How does KR20210076189 compare to international patents in the same domain?
KR20210076189 likely relates to international patent families filed in jurisdictions such as the US, Europe, or China. Its claims may align or differ in scope, influencing global market strategies.
2. Can the claims of KR20210076189 be challenged for validity?
Yes. Patents face validity challenges based on prior art or obviousness. The strength of claims depends on their novelty and inventive steps.
3. What are the main strategic considerations for licensing this patent?
Assess the patent's scope, patent family, and related references. Licensing is profitable if it covers high-demand therapeutic areas with broad claims or novel compounds.
4. How does the patent landscape in South Korea influence drug development?
South Korea's robust IP environment incentivizes innovation but also necessitates vigilant patent clearance to avoid infringement and secure exclusivity.
5. What role do formulation patents play relative to chemical compound patents?
Formulation patents protect the specific delivery system, brand differentiation, and patient compliance, often complementing compound patents to extend market exclusivity.
References
[1] Korea Intellectual Property Rights Information Service (KIPRIS). Patent KR20210076189.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Patent family filings.
[3] Patent landscape reports for Korean biotech innovations.
