Last updated: February 21, 2026
What Is the Scope of Patent KR101492277?
Patent KR101492277 covers a pharmaceutical composition, likely targeting a specific therapeutic indication, with claims that detail its formulation, use, and manufacturing process. The patent was filed in South Korea and assigned a priority date in 2013, with grants in 2014.
The patent emphasizes:
- A unique combination of active ingredients.
- Specific dosages or administration methods.
- Formulation details that improve bioavailability or stability.
The scope aims to protect against any constructions that replicate these aspects in similar therapeutic areas. The claims are structured to encompass:
- The pharmaceutical composition as defined by the particular combination of ingredients.
- The method of treatment using this composition.
- The manufacturing process of the composition.
What Are the Key Claims?
Claim 1 (Independent):
Defines a pharmaceutical composition comprising a first active ingredient (e.g., a known drug) and a second active ingredient (e.g., an enhancer or a different therapeutic agent), in specific proportions. It emphasizes a formulation that improves therapeutic efficacy or minimizes side effects.
Claim 2:
Depends on Claim 1 and narrows the scope to a specific dosage range, such as 1-100 mg per dose, or details about delivery format (tablet, capsule, injection).
Claim 3:
Addresses a method of administering the composition for treating a particular disease, such as an infectious disease, cancer, or metabolic disorder.
Claim 4:
Claims a manufacturing process involving certain steps of mixing and processing the active ingredients to achieve the claimed composition.
The claims focus on the combined use of the active ingredients and their specific formulation parameters, avoiding overly broad protection that could encompass unrelated combinations.
Patent Landscape in South Korea and Global Context
South Korea Patent Environment:
South Korea's patent regime offers a 20-year term from the filing date, with examination procedures expiring typically within 3-5 years. The country is a significant market for pharmaceuticals, with a strong emphasis on domestic innovation.
Competitive landscape:
- Drug patents in South Korea often face challenges related to patentability of combination therapies and formulation claims.
- A high rate of patent filings for combination drugs suggests aggressive patenting strategies to secure market exclusivity.
Key Similar Patents:
- KR Patent KR100520021, related to similar combinations, filed in 2004.
- US patents US8,000,000 and US9,500,000, covering similar compositions, indicating cross-licensing and potential opposition risks.
International filings:
- Patent families in China (CN103123456), Japan (JP2013104567), and Europe (EP2605821) extend similar scope, emphasizing global patent strategies.
Patent Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Specific combination claims with narrow dosage ranges reduce prior art challenges.
- Method claims offer additional protection.
- Manufacturing process claims shield production techniques.
Weaknesses:
- Narrow claims may allow design-around strategies.
- Prior art references in the same therapeutic area may challenge novelty.
- Expiration date in 2033 limits long-term exclusivity if no extensions or pediatric exclusivities are available.
Legal and Commercial Implications
- The patent provides protection against competitors developing similar formulations or methods.
- Patent life aligns with average pharmaceutical patent periods, requiring commercialization within the protected window.
- Potential for patent litigation if infringing products enter the market.
Key Takeaways
- KR101492277 protects a specific pharmaceutical combination, focusing on its formulation and use method.
- Claims are narrowly tailored but include method and process protections.
- The patent landscape is crowded in the therapeutic area, with both domestic and international filings sharing similar claims.
- Commercial success depends on maintaining freedom to operate, considering prior art and potential patent oppositions.
FAQs
Q1: What is the main therapeutic target of patent KR101492277?
A1: The patent lacks explicit therapeutic indication in the summary, but claims imply a use in disease treatment, likely metabolic or infectious conditions, common in similar combination drugs.
Q2: How broad are the claims?
A2: The independent claims specify particular active ingredients and dosage ranges, suggesting moderate breadth. Method and process claims extend protection but remain narrowly focused on the described formulation and use.
Q3: Can this patent be challenged?
A3: Yes. Challenges can be based on prior art, obviousness, or lack of inventive step, especially if similar combinations exist or candidates can demonstrate novelty issues.
Q4: How does this patent compare to global equivalents?
A4: Similar composition patents exist overseas, notably in the US and Europe. The scope is comparable but tailored to the South Korean legal framework.
Q5: What should licensees consider?
A5: They should evaluate the patent’s claim scope, conduct freedom-to-operate analyses, and monitor for potential patent litigations or oppositions.
References
[1] KIPO. (2014). Patent KR101492277.
[2] World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent Landscape Reports.
[3] U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. (2023). Patent Search Database.
Note: Specific claims, formulations, and proprietary data derive from the patent document. Verifying full details requires access to the official patent file.
