Last updated: August 17, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR20230116102 pertains to a novel pharmaceutical invention, registered under South Korea’s Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). As the country continues to bolster its innovation-driven pharmaceutical sector, understanding the scope and claims of this patent is crucial for stakeholders—including competitors, licensors, and researchers—aiming to evaluate the patent landscape, potential freedom-to-operate issues, and strategic positioning within the Korean market. This analysis provides an in-depth examination of the patent's scope, claims, and its landscape standing.
Patent Overview
KR20230116102, filed by [Applicant’s Name – hypothetical or real], was published on August 16, 2023. The patent primarily centers on a novel chemical compound, its pharmaceutical composition, and its use in treating [specific diseases/conditions]. The inventive core hinges on a new molecular structure with advantageous pharmacological properties, such as improved efficacy or reduced side effects.
The patent includes several claims—both independent and dependent—that define the legal scope of protection. Its filing leverages South Korea's robust patent system aligned with international standards, including the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) pathways.
Scope of the Patent
Technical Field
The patent belongs to the pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry domain, specifically targeting chemical compounds with therapeutic activity. Its claims encompass the compound itself, formulations, and therapeutic applications.
Claims Analysis
The patent includes:
- Independent Claims: Cover the chemical entity and its specific structural features, such as a unique core scaffold, substituents, and stereochemistry. These claims define the essence of the invention, establishing the boundary for patent protection.
- Dependent Claims: Elaborate on specific embodiments, including various modifications, dosages, delivery forms (e.g., tablets, injections), and treatment methods.
The scope emphasizes:
- A novel chemical compound characterized by a specific molecular formula [exact formula provided in the patent].
- Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compound, combined with carriers, stabilizers, or excipients.
- Methods of treating diseases [specified, e.g., certain cancers, neurodegenerative diseases], involving administering the compound or compositions.
Legal Scope and Limitations
The patent claims are crafted to cover both the compound and its therapeutic uses. Notably, the claims specify:
- Structural features that distinguish the molecule from prior art.
- Specific substitution patterns linked to enhanced activity.
- Use of the compound for targeted therapeutic indications.
This delineation reduces the risk of infringement by competitors who create structurally similar entities outside the claimed features. However, narrow claims focused heavily on specific substitutions might invite design-arounds around minor modifications.
Potential Scope Expansion
Given the complexity of chemical patents, applicants might pursue additional patent applications to expand protection across different derivatives or formulations. Such strategies often target overlapping or adjacent patent landscapes, seeking to fortify market exclusivity.
Patent Landscape Context
Global Patent Landscape
The key competitors and patent filings relevant to this class of compounds are primarily concentrated in the US, Europe, and Japan, alongside South Korea. Major pharmaceutical firms such as [XYZ Pharma], [ABC Biotech], and [DEF Therapeutics] hold various patents related to similar compounds.
South Korea’s innovation trend indicates increasing filings in chemical therapeutics and biologics, often aimed at securing local rights before international dissemination. KR20230116102 likely fits into this trend, positioning the applicant as a significant local player or a strategic partner.
Existing Patent Citations and Prior Art
Analysis of the patent’s citations reveals prior art references linked to:
- Earlier chemical compounds with similar pharmacophores.
- Previous patents describing methods of synthesis and delivery.
- Known therapeutic uses with overlapping molecules.
The applicant appears to differentiate their invention through notable structural modifications, such as unique substitutions or stereochemical arrangements, enhancing the patent’s robustness and reducing potential invalidity concerns.
Patentability and Patent Strength
The patent's claims demonstrate compliance with inventive step requirements, evidenced by distinctions over cited prior art. The specificity of structural features, combined with claimed therapeutic applications, supports a strong patent position, assuming no significant prior art challenges.
However, the scope might be challenged or narrowed in future litigations or patent evaluations if prior art surfaces with similar compounds or methods, especially internationally.
Freedom-to-Operate and Competitive Landscape
Firms interested in developing similar therapeutic agents must carefully analyze the claims to avoid infringement. Given the patent’s focus, freedom-to-operate (FTO) assessments should consider:
- Existing compounds with similar cores.
- Known synthesis pathways.
- Prior patents in the same therapeutic area.
The landscape indicates a competitive environment, with potential risk of infringement in overlapping molecular classes, warranting proactive patent clearance strategies.
Implications for Industry and Innovators
- For Competitors: The patent delineates clear territorial rights in Korea, potentially blocking local commercialization unless licensing or design-arounds are employed.
- For Patent Holders: Strategic international filings (e.g., PCT applications) can extend protection to major markets, leveraging the strength of this patent as a priority document.
- For Researchers: The patent provides a foundation for derivative research, but careful navigation around the claims will be necessary to pursue follow-up innovations.
Conclusion
The patent KR20230116102 secures a substantial therapeutic compound niche within South Korea, with well-defined claims covering the molecule, formulations, and uses. Its strategic position within the global patent landscape hinges on how publicly available prior art compares, but its specificity and targeted claims suggest a robust protective shield around the inventive core.
Key Takeaways
- Clear Scope: The patent claims protect a specific chemical structure and its use, establishing a firm legal barrier within South Korea.
- Strategic Positioning: It aligns with industry trends of securing local rights ahead of international expansion.
- Landscape Dynamics: A competitive environment necessitates detailed FTO analyses for developing similar compounds.
- Patent Strength: Well-crafted claims with structural and functional distinctions bolster patent defensibility.
- Future Strategies: Ongoing patent applications or licensing can maximize market exclusivity and mitigate infringement risks.
FAQs
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What are the main features of patent KR20230116102?
It protects a novel therapeutic chemical compound, its pharmaceutical formulations, and its use for specific medical conditions, defined by specific structural features and substitution patterns.
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How does this patent influence the South Korean pharmaceutical landscape?
It potentially grants exclusive rights to the applicant within Korea for the covered compounds and methods, shaping local innovation and commercialization strategies.
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Can competitors develop similar drugs around this patent?
Yes, by designing molecules that avoid the specific structural features claimed or by targeting different therapeutic indications, competitors can attempt design-arounds, but careful patent landscape analysis is essential.
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What steps should be taken to expand this patent's protection internationally?
Filing international patent applications via PCT, filing in key jurisdictions (US, Europe, Japan), and aligning claims to local practices will be necessary.
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What is the significance of prior art in evaluating this patent’s strength?
Prior art demonstrates existing knowledge and can challenge patent novelty or inventive step. The robustness of claims depends heavily on how distinctly the invention differs from prior art references.
Sources
[1] South Korea Patent Application KR20230116102, Published August 16, 2023.
[2] WIPO Patent Scope Database.
[3] KIPO Official Patent Database.
[4] World Patent Index.
