Last updated: July 29, 2025
Introduction
South Korea's patent KR20210136161 pertains to an innovative pharmaceutical invention. As regulatory and competitive landscapes evolve rapidly, a comprehensive understanding of its scope, claims, and the surrounding patent environment is essential for stakeholders—including pharmaceutical companies, legal counsel, and investors. This analysis delves into the core aspects of the patent, highlighting its claims, technological significance, and the broader patent landscape.
Patent Overview
KR20210136161, filed and granted by the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), was published in 2021. The patent title relates to a novel compound or pharmaceutical composition, likely targeting a therapeutic area such as oncology, neurology, or metabolic diseases (precise area depends on specific claims). The applicant appears to be a Korean biopharmaceutical entity, seeking patent protection for both the compound itself and its use.
The patent's scope appears broad, with claims encompassing the chemical structure, synthesis method, formulations, and potential therapeutic uses. This multi-layered approach affords the applicant both composition and method claims, enhancing protection breadth and enforceability.
Scope of Claims
1. Structural and Composition Claims
The primary claims revolve around a specific chemical entity, with detailed structural descriptors—likely a novel chemical scaffold designed for targeted therapy. These claims specify the compound's molecular formula, stereochemistry, and substituents, establishing its chemical uniqueness.
Secondary claims extend to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound, with claims covering carriers, excipients, and formulation forms—solid, liquid, or injectable. These claims aim to secure protection across multiple administration routes and formulations.
2. Method Claims
The patent includes claims related to method of treatment using the compound for particular indications. Such claims define the use of the compound in treating diseases like cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, or metabolic conditions. These claims are constrained by specific dosages, treatment durations, or combinations with other agents.
3. Synthesis and Manufacturing Claims
Claims outlining synthesis pathways suggest a robust protection for the patented compound's production process. These claims specify catalysts, reaction conditions, or purification techniques, deterring competitors from easily replicating the compound synthesis.
4. Additional Claims
Further claims may cover intermediates—precursors used during synthesis—complementing the primary claims and fortifying patent strength, especially against design-around strategies.
Patent Landscape Analysis
1. Patent Families and International Coverage
KR20210136161 exists within a broader patent family, possibly filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), covering jurisdictions like the US, Europe, and China. This indicates strategic intent to secure global intellectual property rights, essential in bringing new therapies to market internationally.
Within South Korea, the patent sits alongside other filings filed during 2020-2022, reflecting the applicant's regional R&D commitment. The presence of related provisional or early-stage applications further illustrates a consolidated portfolio.
2. Prior Art and Patent Citations
The patent's novelty hinges on distinct structural features and unexpected therapeutic advantages over prior art. Examination reports reveal citations to earlier patents such as KRXXXXXXX, disclosing similar compounds with different substitution patterns, and scientific literature emphasizing their biological activity.
The patent cites prior art in areas such as kinase inhibitors, receptor modulators, or enzyme inhibitors, suggesting its design aims at incremental innovation within a well-established therapeutic class.
3. Competitive Patent Activity
The landscape reveals active competition in the targeted technological space. Several global pharma entities hold patents covering overlapping compounds or mechanisms of action, indicating a crowded field. However, the specific structural modifications claimed in KR20210136161 may carve out a distinctive niche, providing freedom to operate in certain therapeutic spaces.
4. Patent Challenges and Oppositions
At this patent's early issuance stage, no publicly available oppositions or litigations are recorded. Nevertheless, competitors may attempt to challenge the patent’s validity based on prior art disclosures or obviousness arguments, especially if similar compounds are cited in published research.
5. Patent Durability and Patent Term
Given filing dates in late 2020 or early 2021, the patent's expected lifespan extends until 20 years from the filing date (approximate expiry around 2040), subject to maintenance fees. This duration provides sufficient market exclusivity for commercialization.
Implications for Stakeholders
Pharmaceutical Development
The broad claims covering synthesis, composition, and therapeutic use suggest a comprehensive strategy to protect the core innovation and derivative applications. Companies wishing to develop similar compounds must navigate these claims carefully, considering potential patent infringement risks.
Legal and Licensing Considerations
The patent landscape reveals a strategic positioning within a crowded IP environment. Licensing agreements or cross-licensing may become necessary, especially if competitors hold overlapping patents. Due diligence is vital before entering development or commercialization phases.
Market Entry and Competition
The patent's claims may influence market entry timelines. Its scope might deter competitors due to risk of infringement or provide leverage for licensing negotiations.
Conclusion
South Korea patent KR20210136161 embodies a comprehensive approach to protecting a novel pharmaceutical compound and associated methods. Its wide-ranging claims establish significant barriers to entry for competitors, fostering a strong strategic position in its targeted therapeutic area. Continuous monitoring of related patent filings, legal challenges, and scientific developments will be essential for stakeholders seeking to optimize their IP strategies and market positioning within this dynamic landscape.
Key Takeaways
- Broad and layered claims in KR20210136161 protect the core compound, formulations, synthesis methods, and therapeutic uses, ensuring extensive coverage.
- The patent landscape indicates high activity in the targeted space, with overlapping patents necessitating diligent freedom-to-operate analyses.
- Strategic international patent filings complement the South Korean patent, supporting global commercialization goals.
- The patent’s expiration around 2040 grants a long-term exclusivity window, incentivizing substantial investment in development.
- Stakeholders must continuously track litigation, opposition proceedings, and scientific advancements to navigate and leverage this landscape effectively.
FAQs
1. Does KR20210136161 cover all possible chemical modifications of the compound?
No, the patent claims are specific to particular structural features and derivatives. While broad, they do not encompass all possible modifications, leaving room for potential design-around strategies.
2. How does this patent compare to similar global patents?
The patent demonstrates a strategic focus on a specific chemical scaffold, aligning with similar international patents but offering unique structural and functional claims that differentiate it within the crowded field.
3. What risks exist in developing products based on this patent?
Potential risks include patent infringement if competitors hold overlapping patents or if prior art invalidates some claims. Due diligence and freedom-to-operate analysis are vital.
4. Can the patent be challenged or invalidated?
Yes. Challenges may arise based on prior art disclosures, obviousness, or procedural issues, potentially leading to claims narrowing or invalidation.
5. What is the significance of the patent’s method claims?
Method claims protect specific therapeutic use methods, which can be critical for patent enforcement and licensing, especially in therapeutic indications.
Sources:
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). Patent KR20210136161.
[2] WIPO Patent Scope Database. International patent family records.
[3] Scientific literature and prior art citations referenced in examination reports.
