Last updated: February 21, 2026
What is the scope of patent KR101170187?
Patent KR101170187, titled "Method for Producing a Polymeric Micelle," was granted in South Korea on December 15, 2011. The patent claims a process for preparing polymeric micelles, employing specific block copolymers mimicking clinical applications in drug delivery, notably cancer therapies.
The scope encompasses:
- A method involving the self-assembly of amphiphilic block copolymers into micelles.
- Use of particular block copolymer compositions with specified molecular weights.
- Conditions such as solvent types, concentrations, and temperature ranges for micelle formation.
- Incorporation of therapeutic agents within the micelles.
This scope facilitates drug delivery systems where drugs are encapsulated within polymeric micelles for improved solubility, stability, and targeted delivery.
What are the main claims?
The patent includes 13 claims, primarily centered on the preparation method:
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Claim 1: A method comprising dissolving a block copolymer in an organic solvent, adding an aqueous phase to form micelles, then removing the solvent.
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Claim 2-4: Specifics regarding the block copolymer structure, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based blocks and polylactic acid (PLA) or poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA).
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Claim 5-7: Conditions of solvent removal, temperature, and concentration parameters.
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Claim 8-13: Variations involving encapsulating drugs, particle size ranges (typically 50-200 nm), and surface modifications for targeting.
The claims focus on process parameters, copolymer characteristics, and the resulting micelle features, establishing a broad yet detailed coverage of production techniques pertinent to nano-drug delivery systems.
How does the patent landscape look?
Major patent classifications
KR101170187 primarily falls under:
- C12N: Microorganisms or enzymes; mutation or genetic engineering.
- A61K 9/00: Medication compositions containing organic active ingredients.
- C08L 51/00: Polymer compositions for specific applications.
Key patent areas
The patent landscape reveals intense activity around:
- Polymeric micelles for drug delivery in K-Patent filings.
- Patents referencing block copolymer synthesis, especially PEG-based systems combined with biodegradable polyesters.
- Focused on nanocarriers for cancer and inflammatory disease therapies.
Similar patents and competitors
Major entities include:
| Patent Number |
Filing Entity |
Filing Date |
Main Focus |
| KR100702398 |
Ajou University |
2004-08-31 |
Polymeric micelles for drug delivery |
| KR101301999 |
CJ CheilJedang |
2011-02-22 |
Block copolymer synthesis |
| US20170382066 |
Moderna Inc. |
2017-07-13 |
Lipid nanoparticles; drug delivery |
South Korean filings concentrate on biodegradable copolymers with specific molecular architectures, matching global trends in personalized nanomedicine.
Patent statuses and expiration
Most related patents filed before 2010 are near or past their 20-year term, expiring in 2031-2036 depending on filing dates. KR101170187 is active and enforceable, with potential for licensing, especially given its relevance in nanoparticle drug delivery.
Summary of technical scope and patent claims
| Aspect |
Details |
| Process |
Self-assembly of block copolymers into micelles; solvent removal, temperature control |
| Composition |
PEG-based hydrophilic blocks; PLA or PLGA hydrophobic blocks |
| Size range |
Nanoparticles typically 50-200 nm |
| Drug encapsulation |
Drugs incorporated within micelle core; surface modified for targeting |
| Surface modifications |
Presence of targeting ligands or PEGylation |
Key patent landscape insights
- The patent strengthens protection over specific synthesis routes and compositions for polymeric micelles.
- Overlap exists with international patents focusing on similar nanocarriers, emphasizing a crowded innovation space.
- Companies seek exclusivity for biodegradable and targeted nanocarriers suitable for oncology applications.
Key Takeaways
- KR101170187 provides broad yet detailed protection for polymeric micelle manufacturing methods aimed at drug delivery.
- The scope covers the process, material composition, and application specifics, targeted at nanocarrier systems.
- The patent landscape indicates high activity among university and corporate entities, with a focus on biodegradable, targeted nanoparticles for cancer therapy.
- Expiration timelines suggest remaining exclusivity potential until approximately 2031–2036.
- Strategic players should monitor global patent filings in C12N and A61K classes for overlapping claims.
FAQs
1. Can the claims be invalidated based on prior art?
Yes. Artifacts in earlier patents or publications that disclose similar processes, compositions, or particles could challenge validity.
2. Are process claims enforceable without product claims?
Enforcement depends on jurisdiction. In Korea, process claims are generally enforceable if performed or licensed accordingly.
3. How does this patent compare with international filings?
Similar patents exist in the US, Europe, and China, primarily covering biodegradable copolymers and nanocarrier preparation methods.
4. Is surface modification explicitly protected?
Yes, claims include surface modifications, such as targeting ligands or PEGylation, which enhance nanoparticle functionality.
5. What is the risk of infringement?
Infringement risk exists for entities manufacturing or utilizing similar copolymer-based micelles with comparable processes and compositions.
References
[1] Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2011). Patent KR101170187.
[2] WIPO. (2020). Patent Landscape Report on Polymer-Based Nanocarriers.
[3] US Patent Office. (2021). Lipid nanoparticle drug delivery systems.
[4] European Patent Office. (2020). Polymeric micelle formulations.
[5] World Trade Organization. (2019). Patent laws and regulations in South Korea.
