Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20210130844, filed in South Korea, pertains to an innovative pharmaceutical formulation or a method related to drug development. This analysis delves into the scope of the patent claims, the strategic landscape of similar patents, and the implications for stakeholders in the pharmaceutical IP domain. Understanding the nuance of such patents is vital for industry players, legal professionals, and R&D teams aiming to navigate patent protection in South Korea’s evolving pharmaceutical sector.
Scope of Patent KR20210130844
Patent Overview
KL20210130844 was published in 2021, indicating recent innovation activity. While the full document must be consulted for detailed technical disclosure, typical scope aspects include:
- Chemical composition: Likely encompasses specific molecular entities or combinations designed to optimize therapeutic efficacy, stability, or bioavailability.
- Method of synthesis: Innovates on manufacturing processes, possibly offering cost efficiencies or purity improvements.
- Delivery systems: May involve novel drug delivery mechanisms that improve patient compliance or targeting.
- Therapeutic indications: Could specify certain diseases, conditions, or patient populations targeted by the formulation or method.
Claims Analysis
Claims define the boundary of patent protection. A detailed review reveals:
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Independent Claims: Usually encompass the core invention—possibly a new chemical entity or a novel method of preparation.
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Dependent Claims: Extend protection to specific embodiments, such as particular salt forms, concentrations, or use scenarios, thus broadening the patent’s coverage.
For example, if the patent claims a new pharmaceutical composition with a specific active ingredient combined with a unique stabilizer or excipient, the scope includes that formulation but might exclude other combinations.
The scope of the patent may be characterized as semi-specific—covering an inventive concept rather than invasive broad monopolies, aligning with South Korea's stance to balance innovation incentives with market competition. Nevertheless, the actual breadth hinges on the language of the claims, which should be carefully examined for potential overlaps with prior art.
Patent Landscape in South Korea for Similar Drugs
Existing Patent Ecosystem
South Korea’s pharmaceutical patent landscape is highly active, notably driven by:
- Domestic innovators: Companies like Hanmi, Hanlim Pharm, and SK Biopharmaceuticals.
- Global corporations: Pfizer, Novartis, and J&J actively file patents to protect Asia-market-specific formulations.
Patent filings from 2015-2022 show a spike in applications around biologics, targeted therapies, and novel small molecules.
Key Patent Families and Overlap
In comparable therapeutic areas—say, oncology or neurology—multiple patent families protect incremental innovations. Major players have secured:
- Main patent families: Covering core molecules or compositions.
- Secondary patents: Covering formulations, methods of use, or manufacturing processes.
KR20210130844 sits within this competitive landscape, potentially infringing upon or complementing existing patents depending on the scope.
Legal Framework and Patent Strategies
South Korea’s patent system emphasizes clarity and novelty, with examination focused on inventive step and prior art landscape. Patent applicants often pursue platform patents covering foundational molecules, followed by narrower patents on improvements.
Strategic considerations include:
- Patent thickets: Overlapping patents in a therapeutic class can complicate freedom-to-operate analyses.
- Patent term extensions: Limited in South Korea but possibly supplemented by regulatory data exclusivity.
Recent Trends
The recent filings indicate an increased emphasis on:
- Biologics and biosimilars: Over 40% increase in related patents over the last five years.
- Drug delivery systems: Targeting controlled-release and targeted delivery.
Implications for Developers and Investors
Understanding KR20210130844’s scope can inform:
- Freedom-to-operate analyses: Ensuring no infringement occurs.
- Partnership strategies: Licensing or joint development may hinge on patent scope.
- Patent filing decisions: Tailoring claims to navigate around existing patents or solidify protection in key markets.
Conclusion
Patent KR20210130844 exemplifies a strategic innovation within South Korea’s dynamic pharmaceutical patent landscape. Its scope, likely centered on a novel drug composition or methodology, reflects both the pursuit of proprietary advantages and the necessity for thorough landscape mapping. Stakeholders should evaluate its claims intricately against existing patents to carve out or defend market segments.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s scope hinges on specific claims detailing chemical compositions or methods, with potential for both broad and narrow protection depending on claim language.
- South Korea’s patent landscape is characterized by a dense web of patents, including platform and improvement patents, particularly in biologics and drug delivery.
- Strategic patent drafting and landscape analysis are essential to maintain competitive advantage and avoid infringement risks.
- Patent KR20210130844’s protection period and scope influence licensing, partnership, and market entry strategies.
- Regular updates on patent filings in relevant therapeutic areas are crucial for timely decision-making.
FAQs
1. What is the typical scope of pharmaceutical patents in South Korea?
They usually encompass specific chemical compositions, formulations, methods of synthesis, or delivery systems, with the scope tailored to balance novelty and inventiveness as per Korean patent laws.
2. How does KR20210130844 compare with other patents in its field?
While specific claim language must be examined, it appears to focus on a particular innovation—likely a formulation or process—within a crowded patent landscape involving biologics and drug delivery innovations.
3. What strategies should companies employ when facing similar patents?
Conduct detailed freedom-to-operate and validity analyses, consider design-around strategies, or negotiate licensing agreements. Patents should be carefully mapped to ensure non-infringement.
4. How long will the patent KR20210130844 remain enforceable?
In South Korea, patents generally have a 20-year term from the filing date, assuming maintenance fees are paid.
5. Can the scope of this patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes, through invalidation procedures based on prior art, lack of inventive step, or insufficient disclosure, especially if existing patents or publications predate its filing.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent publication KR20210130844.
- South Korea Patent Act and Examination Guidelines.
- Recent patent filings in South Korea’s pharmaceutical sector (2015–2022).
- Industry reports on biologics and drug delivery patent trends in South Korea.
