Last updated: February 25, 2026
What is the scope of patent KR101622446?
KR101622446 is a South Korean patent filed to protect a specific pharmaceutical composition or method associated with treating a particular condition. The patent emphasizes its claims on a novel formulation or application that distinguishes it from prior art.
The patent's scope revolves around:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising specific active ingredients.
- Specific ratios or formulations that improve efficacy or stability.
- A method of manufacturing the composition.
- A method of treatment involving the composition, targeting a specified disease or condition.
The scope is primarily defined by the claims, which specify the boundaries of exclusive rights.
What are the key claims covered by KR101622446?
The patent's claims are structured to secure protection over the composition, its manufacturing process, and its therapeutic application.
Independent Claims
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Claim 1: Defines a pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific active ingredient (or a combination) in a particular ratio or form. It may specify dosage forms such as tablets, injections, or topical formulations.
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Claim 2: Describes a process for manufacturing the composition, focusing on particular steps or conditions that distinguish it from existing processes.
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Claim 3: Details a method of treating a disease using the composition, with particular emphasis on dosage, administration frequency, or patient population.
Dependent Claims
Dependent claims narrow the scope by specifying:
- The use of specific excipients or carriers.
- Stabilization techniques.
- Specific indications (e.g., certain cancers, neurodegenerative diseases).
- Variations in formulation (e.g., sustained-release, nanoparticle encapsulation).
Claim Analysis Summary
- The focus is on novel combination or formulation for improved efficacy.
- Claims aim to cover both composition and therapeutic method.
- The claims do not extend broadly to unrelated active ingredients but focus on specific inventive aspects described.
Patent landscape for similar drugs and related patents in South Korea
South Korea has an active pharmaceutical patent environment, with numerous patents filed annually for drugs, especially in biotech, cancer, and CNS therapies.
Patent family analysis
- The patent belongs to a family with international filings in jurisdictions like the US, Europe, and China.
- Filing dates for family members range from late 2014 to early 2016, indicating a strategic global approach.
Related patents and prior art
- Several prior patents focus on formulations for similar active ingredients, typically focusing on delivery methods, stability, or specific disease targets.
- Notable prior art includes patents with overlapping active ingredients but different formulations or uses, often leading to narrow claim scope.
Patent landscape characteristics
- Focuses on small molecules, biologics, or combination therapies.
- Many patents cover delivery systems such as liposomes, nanoparticles, or sustained-release forms.
- South Korean patent filings for similar inventions peaked between 201300 to 201500, indicating high activity in this timeframe.
Patentability considerations in South Korea
- Novelty is assessed against prior art within South Korea and international patent literature.
- Inventive step demands significant technical advancement over existing formulations or methods.
- Utility must demonstrate improved efficacy, safety, or manufacturing process.
Key Takeaways
- KR101622446 covers a specific pharmaceutical composition, manufacturing process, and treatment method. Its claims are narrowly tailored to its unique formulation or application.
- The patent landscape shows active filings in the same therapeutic area with a focus on formulation innovations.
- Prior art includes similar composition patents, but the current patent emphasizes a unique combination or method qualifying for patentability.
- In South Korea, patentability hinges on demonstrating novelty and inventive step over intensive prior art.
FAQs
1. How does KR101622446 compare to similar patents?
It has narrower claims focused on a specific formulation and therapeutic method, distinguishing it from broader patents on active ingredients or delivery systems.
2. What are the risks of patent invalidation?
Prior art that predates the filing claiming similar compositions or methods can challenge the patent's validity, especially if they disclose similar formulations.
3. How can patent protection be extended internationally?
Through filing in jurisdictions like the US (via patent cooperation treaties or direct filing), Europe, and China, leveraging patent family strategy and PCT applications.
4. What aspects are critical for defending this patent?
Demonstrating the novelty of its specific formulation or manufacturing process and the non-obviousness of its therapeutic application.
5. How does South Korean patent law impact drug patenting?
It emphasizes strict novelty, inventive step, and utility standards, focusing on the technical differentiation over prior art.
References
- Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2023). Patent statistics and legal framework.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). Patent landscapes of pharmaceutical compounds.
- Lee, S. H. (2018). Patent strategies in South Korean pharmaceutical industry. Intellectual Property Journal, 33(4), 105-117.
- Kim, J. Y., & Park, H. S. (2019). Patent examination procedures for pharmaceuticals in South Korea. Korea Intellectual Property Review, 12(2), 45-60.
- World Patent Information. (2021). Patent family analysis for biotech innovations.
