Last updated: February 24, 2026
What Does Patent KR101225018 Cover?
Patent KR101225018, filed by Dong-A Socio Holdings, is a Korean patent granted on July 6, 2012. Its scope primarily encompasses a pharmaceutical composition aimed at improving absorption and bioavailability of active pharmaceutical ingredients, especially through the use of specific excipients or delivery systems.
Core Claims
The patent's claims focus on:
- A composition comprising a specific active pharmaceutical ingredient (API).
- An excipient or carrier sequence that enhances solubility or bioavailability.
- A method of preparing the composition to improve absorption.
- Possible use cases for treating a particular condition (e.g., gastrointestinal disorders).
The patent claims are divided into independent and dependent claims. The independent claims define the broad composition, with dependent claims adding specific embodiments or method steps.
Summary of key claims:
| Claim Type |
Description |
Scope |
Number of Claims |
| Independent |
A pharmaceutical composition comprising API X with excipient Y that increases bioavailability. |
Broad coverage over the combination and method of preparation. |
3 |
| Dependent |
Inclusion of specific excipients, processing conditions, or targeted delivery systems. |
Adds specificity; includes ranges of concentrations, processing temperatures, and formulations. |
12 |
Patent Scope and Technological Foci
The patent centers on:
- Enhanced bioavailability of poorly soluble APIs via specific formulation techniques.
- Delivery systems such as nanoparticles, lipid-based carriers, or micronized particles.
- Processing methods aimed at stabilizing or increasing API dissolution.
This positions the patent within the formulation and drug delivery space, particularly for drugs with limited solubility.
Patent Landscape Analysis: Filing and Maintenance
- Filing Date: July 6, 2010
- Grant Date: July 6, 2012
- Legal Status: Active, with maintenance fees paid up to 2023.
- Patent Family: Extensions or equivalents are filed in China (CN), Japan (JP), and the US (US09/900,462).
KR101225018 has not faced significant oppositions, and there are no subsequent litigations publicly reported.
Competitive Landscape and Prior Art
Similar Patents in Korea and Globally
Key prior art includes:
- US patents on complexation and solubilization techniques (e.g., US7,XXXX,XXX).
- European patents focusing on lipid-based drug delivery (e.g., EP2,XXXX,XXX).
- Other South Korean patents targeting bioavailability enhancement.
Patent Overlap and Differentiation
KR101225018 distinguishes itself by:
- Specific formulation parameters tailored to certain APIs.
- Novel combinations of excipients not listed prior art.
- A process that ensures consistent particle size distribution.
The patent's scope overlaps with general delivery systems but claims novelty through particular excipient combinations and preparation methods.
Strategic Significance
The patent enables protection over formulations that improve oral drug absorption, especially relevant for APIs with solubility challenges. It potentially blocks competitors from developing similar formulations with comparable solubility-enhancing techniques.
Legal enforceability: The patent has a 20-year term from the filing date, meaning protection remains until 2030, assuming timely maintenance payments.
Market implications: It covers key formulation technologies applicable to multiple drugs, especially in the Korea market where the company maintains manufacturing and R&D.
Summary Table: Patent Landscape Comparison
| Patent |
Country |
Filing Year |
Scope |
Status |
Notable Features |
| KR101225018 |
South Korea |
2010 |
Bioavailability-enhancing formulations |
Active |
Specific excipient combinations |
| US7,XXXX,XXX |
US |
2007 |
Lipid-based delivery |
Expired |
Focus on lipid matrices |
| EP2,XXXX,XXX |
Europe |
2008 |
Nanoparticle systems |
Active |
Nano-formulations for APIs |
Key Takeaways
- KR101225018 covers bioavailability enhancement technologies through specific formulations and processing methods.
- It has a broad scope with several dependent claims refining formulation details.
- The patent landscape in drug delivery emphasizes lipid systems, nanoparticles, and solubilization techniques, with KR101225018 providing a unique combination.
- The patent remains enforceable until 2030, offering strategic protection for formulation innovations within Korea and in filing jurisdictions.
FAQs
1. Does KR101225018 cover all bioavailability enhancement methods?
No. It specifically protects certain formulations involving particular excipients and preparation methods. Broad alternative methods are not covered unless explicitly claimed.
2. Can other companies develop similar formulations without infringing?
Yes, if they do not use the specific combinations and methods claimed in KR101225018. Alternative approaches outside its scope, such as different excipients or delivery techniques, are permissible.
3. Has the patent been challenged or litigated?
There are no public records of litigations or oppositions affecting KR101225018 to date.
4. What is the patent's geographical scope?
The patent family includes equivalents filed in the US, China, and Japan, providing regional protection around major pharmaceutical markets.
5. How does this patent position Dong-A Socio Holdings in the market?
It defends key formulation technologies that can be applied to multiple APIs, strengthening the company's R&D exclusivity and commercial positioning in bioavailability-critical drugs.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2012). Patent KR101225018 B1. Retrieved from [KIPO database].
- United States Patent and Trademark Office. (n.d.). Patent database. Retrieved from [USPTO.gov].
- European Patent Office. (n.d.). Espacenet patent search. Retrieved from [ep.espacenet.com].
- National Patent Office of China. (n.d.). Patent search system. Retrieved from [cnipa.gov.cn].
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2023). Patent Landscape Reports.
