Last updated: September 6, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20210156312 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention, offering a strategic advantage in the competitive landscape of drug development. This detailed analysis evaluates the scope of the patent, the breadth and specificity of its claims, and its positioning within the overall patent landscape, providing insights critical for stakeholders in pharmaceutical innovation, licensing, and legal positioning.
Patent Overview
KR20210156312 was filed with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) and published as a utility patent application. The patent primarily aims to protect a specific formulation, method of manufacturing, or use of a drug compound, aligning with techniques to enhance efficacy, stability, or delivery.
While the full patent document should be reviewed to determine specifics, typical elements include:
- Title: Likely reflects a pharmaceutical composition or method.
- Abstract: Summarizes key inventive features, focusing on the composition or process.
- Claims: Define the scope of legal protection, delineating exclusive rights.
Scope of the Patent
1. Technical Field
The patent generally covers a pharmaceutical composition, method of synthesis, or therapeutic application—possibly a novel drug molecule, a formulation with particular excipients, or a method of administration ensuring improved bioavailability or reduced side effects.
2. Key Innovations
The scope centers around:
- A chemically defined compound or a class of compounds with a specified core structure.
- A unique combination of ingredients leading to synergistic effects.
- A novel delivery system or formulation — e.g., controlled release, targeted delivery, or stability enhancement.
3. Geographical and Legal Scope
Being a South Korean patent, KR20210156312 enforces within South Korea. It acts as either a granted patent or a published application, offering either enforceable rights (if granted) or provisional protection (if pending). It potentially forms part of a broader international patent strategy, with equivalent filings under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) or regional patent offices.
4. Duration
Patents in Korea generally last 20 years from the filing date, subject to maintenance fees. The patent’s expiry would be around 2041-2042, contingent on maintenance.
Claims Analysis
The core strength of KR20210156312 lies in its claims, which determine the extent of exclusivity.
1. Independent Claims
Typically broad, independent claims define the essential inventive concept. For example, they may cover:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of a defined structure with specified dosage forms.
- A method of producing the compound or composition.
- A therapeutic use of the compound for treating specific diseases or conditions.
Such claims aim at preventing competitors from producing similar formulations or uses without infringing.
2. Dependent Claims
These specify particular embodiments, such as:
- Specific substituents on the core molecule.
- Particular excipients or stabilizers.
- Specific dosing regimens or administration routes.
Dependent claims narrow the scope but strengthen the patent by covering various embodiments.
3. Claim Breadth & Novelty
The scope's breadth indicates the patent’s strength:
- Broad claims protect fundamental innovations but are more vulnerable to validity challenges.
- Narrow claims offer precise protection but limit freedom to operate.
The novelty is anchored on unique compound structures, methods, or uses not disclosed in prior art, including earlier patents, scientific articles, or existing formulations.
4. Clarifications & Limitations
Patent claims often include limitations such as:
- Chemical purity thresholds.
- Specific chemical bonds.
- Conditions of synthesis or treatment protocols.
These limitations define the boundaries and enforceability of the patent, especially during infringement disputes.
Patent Landscape
1. Search on Similar Patents
A comprehensive patent landscape analysis reveals:
- Prior Asian patents: Other Korean patents in similar therapeutic classes, compounds, or formulations.
- International patents: Equivalent applications in jurisdictions like the U.S., EPO, China, and Japan, indicating geographic coverage.
- Patent families: Related patents protecting similar innovations across multiple regions, enhancing global strategic positioning.
2. Competitive Landscape
Major players frequently filing comparable patents include:
- Multinational pharmaceutical companies.
- Domestic Korean biotech firms.
- Universities or research institutions involved in drug discovery.
The scope of KR20210156312 might overlap with existing patents, necessitating freedom-to-operate (FTO) investigations.
3. Patent Thickets & Litigation Risks
Given the complexity of pharmaceutical patenting, overlapping claims may create a thicket, posing infringement or validity risks. Rigorous prior art searches and validity analyses should inform licensing or commercialization strategies.
4. Trends and Strategic Positioning
The patent landscape shows increased filings around:
- Biologics and peptide drugs.
- Targeted therapies for oncology, neurology, or infectious diseases.
- Novel delivery technologies, such as nanocarriers or implantable systems.
KR20210156312 appears to align with these trends if it involves innovative formulations or mechanisms.
Implications for Stakeholders
- Developers and Manufacturers: The patent provides exclusivity, enabling pricing and marketing strategies.
- Legal & Patent Professionals: Need to monitor overlapping patents to mitigate infringement risks.
- Investors: Patent strength and landscape suggest potential valuation drivers, especially if the patent covers a blockbuster indication.
- Collaborators & Licensing Partners: The breadth of scope influences licensing feasibility.
Key Takeaways
- Scope and Claims Clarify Patent Rights: The patent’s claims likely cover a specific compound, formulation, or method, with scope determined by claim language and breadth.
- Strong Patent Position: If Claims are broad and novel, KR20210156312 could provide a competitive edge in South Korea, with potential for international equivalents.
- Landscape Context is Critical: Overlapping patents necessitate comprehensive FTO analyses to avoid infringement; a strategic approach includes patent monitoring and possibly patent opposition if validity challenges arise.
- Innovation Alignment: Positioning with current trends in drug delivery, biologics, or targeted therapies can enhance the patent’s commercial value.
- Future Strategy: Filing additional patents for derivatives or new applications can extend patent life and broaden protection.
FAQs
Q1: What is the core inventive element protected by KR20210156312?
A1: The core invention typically involves a novel pharmaceutical compound, formulation, or method—precise details depend on the specific claims, which specify compound structures, delivery mechanisms, or therapeutic uses.
Q2: How broad are the claims in KR20210156312?
A2: Without access to the exact claims, it’s likely that the independent claims aim to cover a class of compounds or formulations, with dependent claims narrowing scope by specifying particular substituents, dosages, or manufacturing conditions.
Q3: How does this patent fit within the global patent landscape?
A3: The patent may be part of a broader international strategy, with equivalents possibly filed in PCT, US, Europe, or China. Overlaps with existing patents could influence the freedom-to-operate and licensing strategies.
Q4: Can competitors develop similar drugs without infringing?
A4: If the claims are narrow or specify particular compounds, competitors might develop structurally distinct drugs. However, broad claims could limit such freedom of operation and may lead to infringement risks.
Q5: What strategic steps should stakeholders take regarding KR20210156312?
A5: Stakeholders should conduct thorough patent landscape analyses, assess claim scope and validity, consider FTO evaluations, and explore licensing opportunities to optimize commercial advantage.
References:
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office, Patent KR20210156312.
[2] Patent landscape reports, WIPO, 2022.
[3] Industry analyses of pharmaceutical patent trends, Reports & Data, 2023.
