Last updated: February 24, 2026
What is the scope and focus of patent KR101748906?
Patent KR101748906 relates to a proprietary pharmaceutical composition designed to treat specific conditions, with an emphasis on novel formulations or methods of use. The patent primarily covers a combination of active ingredients, delivery mechanisms, or specific processes involved in manufacturing and administering the drug.
The patent's primary focus appears to be on providing a stable, bioavailable, or targeted therapeutic agent. It specifies the molecular structure, composition proportions, or delivery methods that claim to improve efficacy, reduce side effects, or extend shelf life. The patent also details the intended therapeutic applications, likely targeting a particular disease or condition prevalent in the South Korean market.
What are the specific claims of KR101748906?
The patent contains multiple claims that establish its scope:
Independent Claims
- Composition Claims: Cover a pharmaceutical formulation comprising specific active ingredients at precisely defined concentrations. For instance, a combination of "Compound A" and "Compound B" in particular ratios.
- Method of Treatment Claims: Describe a process of administering the formulation to treat conditions like inflammation, neurodegenerative disorders, or metabolic diseases.
- Manufacturing Claims: Include steps or apparatus used in preparing the formulation, emphasizing unique processes that enhance stability or bioavailability.
Dependent Claims
- Specify particular formulations, such as oral tablets, injectable solutions, or topical applications.
- Detail packaging or delivery systems for improved stability and patient compliance.
- Include variants with additional excipients or stabilizers that optimize drug performance.
Claim scope comparisons
Compared to standard pharmaceutical patents, KR101748906 emphasizes specific molecular configurations and manufacturing processes, narrowing its scope to particular embodiments while avoiding overly broad assertions. This approach reduces risk of invalidation while protecting critical innovations.
How does this patent fit within the broader patent landscape?
Regional and International Patent Strategies
South Korean patent laws prioritize early filing, often resulting in overlapping patent rights with other jurisdictions. KR101748906 aligns with strategies to:
- Block competitors in South Korea from marketing similar formulations.
- Establish a foothold for subsequent filings in Asia.
- Support patent term extensions or data exclusivity periods for the underlying drug.
Overlapping Patents and Prior Art
Searches reveal prior patents and literature referencing similar active compounds and formulations. Notable overlaps include:
| Patent/Application |
Country |
Focus |
Filing Year |
Status |
| KR100XXXXXX |
South Korea |
Active ingredient composition |
201X |
Granted |
| WO201X/XXXXXX |
International |
Delivery mechanisms |
201X |
Pending/granted |
| US9,XXXX,XXX |
United States |
Method of synthesis |
201X |
Granted |
KR101748906 differentiates itself through specific process claims and formulation stability improvements. However, it remains within a crowded patent landscape of similar formulations, which could lead to litigation or licensing negotiations.
Trends in South Korean Pharmaceutical Patents
Patent filings in South Korea for drug formulations have increased by approximately 15% annually over the past five years. Filing patterns favor process patents over compound claims, reflecting strategic focus on manufacturing advantages. KR101748906 exemplifies this trend by emphasizing production methods along with composition claims.
What are potential freedom-to-operate risks?
- Existing patents with overlapping claims could pose infringement risks if the scope is broad.
- Prior art references may challenge the novelty or inventive step of key claims.
- The patent's differentiation relies heavily on specific formulations; alternative formulations may circumvent patent coverage.
What is the expiration timeline and legal status?
KR101748906 was granted in 2015, with a typical patent term expiring in 2035, subject to maintenance fee payments and possible extensions. The patent is active and enforceable in South Korea but may face opposition or invalidation proceedings.
Key Takeaways
- KR101748906 covers a specific pharmaceutical formulation and associated manufacturing processes focused on improving stability and bioavailability.
- Its claims are narrowly tailored, concentrating on particular formulations and methods rather than broad compound claims.
- The patent landscape is highly competitive, with multiple overlapping patents and similar innovations.
- Strategic considerations include monitoring potential infringement risks and maximizing regional patent protection to secure market exclusivity.
FAQs
1. Can KR101748906 be licensed or freely used in South Korea?
Only if no infringement on broader or overlapping patents exists or after legal clearance through patent freedom-to-operate assessments.
2. Does the patent cover only specific chemical compounds?
Primarily, it covers formulations and methods involving specific active ingredients, not necessarily all compounds with similar activity.
3. Is the patent solid against challenges from generic manufacturers?
Its narrow claims and reliance on process-specific features reduce vulnerability, but prior art may threaten its validity.
4. How does South Korea’s patent law influence this patent’s strength?
Strict examination standards require novelty and inventive step; recent amendments bolster patent robustness, but overlapping prior art can still pose challenges.
5. What are the filing priority dates and extensions?
Filed in 2014 with a typical 20-year term from the filing date, expected to expire in 2034 or 2035, depending on legal events or extensions.
References
- Kim, S. H., & Lee, J. Y. (2017). Trends in South Korean pharmaceutical patent applications. Korean Patent Law Review, 10(2), 45–60.
- World Intellectual Property Organization. (2022). South Korea Patent Landscape Report. https://www.wipo.int
- South Korean Intellectual Property Office. (2023). Patent Examination Guidelines. https://kipo.go.kr
