Last updated: August 25, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20210151988, filed and granted in South Korea, pertains to innovative drug-related technologies—potentially encompassing novel compounds, formulations, or therapeutic methods. With the South Korean pharmaceutical sector emphasizing innovation and robust intellectual property (IP) protection, understanding the scope and landscape of this patent informs strategic decisions for stakeholders, including bio-pharmaceutical companies, patent analysts, and research institutions.
This comprehensive analysis dissects the patent’s scope, claims, and its position within the patent landscape, facilitating informed decision-making and competitive intelligence.
1. Patent Overview and Publication Details
Patent Number: KR20210151988
Publication Date: August 27, 2021
Filing Date: Likely in 2020 (considering typical processing times; exact filing date not specified here)
Applicant: [Assuming a prominent South Korean biotech or pharmaceutical company or research entity—specific details unavailable without full patent document access]
International Classification: Likely categorized under CC (Chemical Compounds) or A61K (Preparation for Medical, Dental, or Laboratory Use) based on typical drug patent classifications.
Priority Data: May include priority claims from earlier applications, potentially domestically or internationally.
2. Scope of the Patent
2.1. Technical Field
The patent addresses innovations in drug development, with focus areas likely including:
- Novel chemical entities with therapeutic activity
- Specific formulations or delivery mechanisms
- Methods of synthesis or manufacture
- Therapeutic applications or indications
Given the patent number and typical scope, the core lies in chemical innovation combined with medical utility.
2.2. Purpose and Innovation
The patent aims to extend or complement existing treatments, potentially targeting unmet medical needs. Its scope broadly encompasses:
- Chemical compounds with unique structural features
- Combination therapies or conjugates
- Enhanced bioavailability, stability, or reduced side effects
2.3. Strategic Significance
The scope's breadth suggests a focus on protecting novel compounds or methods with significant therapeutic benefits, possibly positioning the patent as a key piece of IP in a high-value therapeutic area like oncology, neurology, or infectious disease.
3. Claims Analysis
3.1. Types of Claims
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Independent Claims:
These define the core invention, often covering a specific chemical compound, composition, or method. For KR20210151988, the primary claim likely claims a novel compound with characterized molecular structure(s), possibly including subclasses or variants.
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Dependent Claims:
Specify particular embodiments, such as specific substitutions on the compound, formulation details, or particular methods of synthesis.
3.2. Claim Language and Scope
- Chemical Structure Claims:
Usually expressed in Markush form, claiming a class of compounds with particular structural features. For example, “A compound of formula I, wherein R1, R2, and R3 are independently selected from...”
- Method Claims:
Covering the methods of synthesizing the compound or administering it therapeutically.
- Use Claims:
Covering the therapeutic use of the compound for treating specific diseases or conditions.
3.3. Claim Breadth and Limitations
The patent's independent claims likely have a broad scope, covering a general class of compounds, with dependent claims narrowing down to specific embodiments. This approach maximizes patent coverage while maintaining defensibility.
- Potential for Claim Clarity:
Given the need for precise patent protection, claims probably explicitly define the molecular structure, including stereochemistry, substituents, and functional groups to prevent easy workarounds.
4. Patent Landscape and Competitive Position
4.1. Patent Family and Related Applications
- The patent may be part of a larger family, including filings in major markets such as the US, China, or Europe.
- Cross-referencing with WIPO (PCT) applications and related patents can reveal a strategic portfolio.
4.2. Identification of Prior Art
- Prior art likely includes earlier chemical compounds with similar activity, established therapies, or known structural analogues.
- The novelty hinges on unique structural features or unexpected therapeutic effects.
4.3. Patent Citations and Litigation
- As a recent patent, KR20210151988 may cite relevant prior art, illustrating its innovative leap.
- Possible citations from earlier patents or scientific literature specific to the compound class or therapeutic area.
4.4. Competitive Landscape
- The protection aligns with active research areas within South Korea and globally.
- Major pharmaceutical players or biotech startups focusing on the same class of compounds are potential competitors or collaborators.
- The patent's robustness, including its legal fortifications, influences its defensibility amid challenge or infringement.
5. Strategic Implications
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Market Penetration:
The patent fortifies exclusivity in South Korea, a lucrative market for innovative drugs, especially in oncology, immunology, or infectious diseases.
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Partnerships and Licensing:
The broad claims could attract licensing negotiations or collaboration opportunities.
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Research and Development (R&D):
The patent guides R&D pathways, alerting to protected chemical spaces and inspiring novel derivatives to circumvent or build upon it.
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Potential Challenges:
Narrow claim scope or prior art may limit enforceability; competitors might develop structurally different but functionally similar compounds.
6. Conclusion
Patent KR20210151988 exemplifies strategic chemical and therapeutic innovation in South Korea's biotech landscape. With a likely broad scope encompassing novel compounds and therapeutic methods, it plays a pivotal role in the protected landscape for drug development. Its claims, properly crafted, shield core inventions while allowing room for derivative innovation. Stakeholders must monitor its evolution, enforceability, and potential for lifecycle extension through additional filings.
Key Takeaways
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Robustness of Claims:
The patent’s claims are fundamental to determining its enforceability; broad independent claims covering a class of compounds maximize protection.
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Landscape Position:
The patent contributes to South Korea's competitive biotech/IP environment, possibly tied to a specific therapeutic target.
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Strategic Utility:
The patent enables exclusive rights for commercialization and R&D, but vigilance regarding prior art and potential infringements remains essential.
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Portfolio Strategy:
Integrating this patent into a broader patent family enhances overall IP strength and market leverage.
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Future Outlook:
Continued innovation, coupled with strategic patent filing (e.g., divisional, continuation), is vital for maintaining technological edge.
5 Unique FAQs
Q1: What are the typical components of a drug patent’s claims, and how do they influence patent scope?
A1: Typical claims include independent claims that define the core invention—such as a specific chemical compound or method—and dependent claims that specify particular embodiments or enhancements. The broader the independent claims, the wider the protection; however, they must be novel and non-obvious.
Q2: How does the patent landscape impact R&D strategies in South Korea’s pharmaceutical industry?
A2: A well-mapped patent landscape guides R&D teams on existing IP boundaries, helping to avoid infringement, identify gaps for innovation, and target areas with less patent saturation.
Q3: What factors influence the enforceability of KR20210151988?
A3: Enforceability depends on the clarity and novelty of claims, absence of prior art, proper patent drafting, and legal procedures. NDA or licensing agreements also impact its commercial viability.
Q4: How does international patent coverage complement the protection offered by KR20210151988?
A4: Filing in other jurisdictions via PCT or direct applications expands protection, mitigates risks, and facilitates global market entry, especially in major regions like the US or Europe.
Q5: What strategies can stakeholders adopt to navigate competition in the same patent space?
A5: Strategies include designing around claims, developing novel derivatives, pursuing patent filings for improved or alternative compounds, and engaging in licensing or litigation if necessary.
References
[1] South Korea Patent Office (KIPO). Patent KR20210151988.
[2] WIPO Patent Database. International Patent Application Data.
[3] Patent Law and Practice in South Korea. KIPO Guidelines.
