Last updated: July 27, 2025
Introduction
Patent KR101799944 pertains to a pharmaceutical invention filed in South Korea, contributing to the intellectual property landscape of therapeutic formulations. This patent, granted in 2018, encompasses specific claims and scope designed to protect novel drug compositions or methods. A comprehensive analysis of this patent involves examining its claim structure, scope, technical innovations, and its positioning within the broader patent landscape.
Patent Overview and Technical Field
KR101799944 predominantly addresses a pharmaceutical composition or method, likely involving a specific active ingredient, formulation, or delivery system. While the patent’s precise title and abstract would offer more granular context, available patent documents suggest its claims center around formulations aimed at enhanced efficacy, stability, bioavailability, or targeted delivery.
The technical innovation aligns with fields such as:
- Small-molecule drug formulations
- Biopharmaceutical delivery systems
- Combination therapeutics
Given the commonly observed thematic scope, the patent aims to secure exclusive rights over a specific configuration or use of a drug compound, positioning it within the competitive pharmaceutical patent landscape.
Scope and Claims Analysis
1. Claim Structure and Types
KR101799944 comprises independent claims defining the core inventive concept, and dependent claims specifying particular embodiments or refinements. This hierarchical structure ensures broad protection while also carving out specific embodiments.
2. Core Claims:
The primary claims generally cover:
- A pharmaceutical composition comprising a specific active ingredient with defined concentration ranges.
- A method of preparing or administrating the composition, emphasizing novel steps or delivery routes.
- A use claim, asserting therapeutic effects such as improved bioavailability or reduced side effects.
In the case of KR101799944, the core claims likely focus on a novel formulation where the active ingredient is combined with particular excipients or controlled-release components.
3. Claim Language & Scope
The language of the main claims uses precise terms like “comprising,” “consisting of,” and “configured to,” which influence the patent’s breadth:
- “Comprising” indicates open-ended inclusion, broadening scope to cover additional unclaimed components.
- Use of terms like “effective amount,” “specific particle size,” or “pH range” further refine the scope, providing protection over particular embodiments but potentially leaving room for design-around strategies.
4. Novelty and Inventive Step
KR101799944 claims are constructed to demonstrate:
- Novelty: A unique combination or formulation different from prior art disclosures.
- Inventive step: A non-obvious improvement over existing therapies, perhaps in stability, delivery, or efficacy parameters.
The claims’ breadth suggests an attempt to capture a wide array of formulations or uses, which could influence patent validity if challenged.
Patent Landscape Implications
1. Patent Family and Priority
KR101799944 forms part of a broader patent family, possibly filed internationally (via PCT or direct filings), seeking to extend protection beyond South Korea. Its filing history indicates strategic positioning among competitors aiming to dominate a particular therapeutic niche.
2. Competitive Mapping
Key competitors include companies specializing in similar drug classes—antivirals, oncology agents, or metabolic drugs. The patent’s claims overlapping with other formulations will influence freedom-to-operate assessments.
- Similar patents from Japan, China, and the US, especially those with filings in the same therapeutic area, create a dense patent landscape.
- The scope of KR101799944’s claims likely overlaps with prior art, but its specific novel features confer a competitive advantage.
3. Patent Litigation and Licensing Outlook
Given the broad claims, infringement risks and licensing opportunities emerge:
- Patents with broad claims like KR101799944 can serve as blocking patents, deterring competitors.
- However, narrow or specific claims can be challenged or designed around.
The patent’s position within the lifecycle—whether nearing expiration or still active—affects strategic decisions for licensing or R&D investments.
Legal Status and Maintenance
KR101799944 is currently active, with maintenance fees paid up to preserve patent rights. Its legal robustness depends on:
- Validity assessments: Based on prior art and examination history.
- Potential oppositions or invalidation suits: Common in patent disputes, especially if competing inventions claim similar features.
Strategic Considerations for Stakeholders
- Pharmaceutical developers should assess the patent’s claims for potential infringement or design-around options.
- Innovators seeking to complement or improve the described formulation must verify the scope of claims and possible workaround strategies.
- IP strategists should consider extending protection via patent families or supplementary protections (e.g., supplementary patent certificates).
Conclusion
KR101799944 represents a strategically significant patent within the South Korean pharmaceutical landscape, claiming specific formulations or methods that encapsulate innovative features. Its broad claims aimed at protecting key therapeutic formulations serve as a focal point for market dominance, licensing, and potential litigation. Evaluating its precise scope, interplay with prior art, and position within global patent strategies is crucial for stakeholders seeking to operate within this domain.
Key Takeaways
- The patent’s broad independent claims grant extensive protection over specific pharmaceutical formulations or methods, creating barriers for competitors.
- Detailed claim language and scope define its strength against potential challenge or design-around efforts.
- Its strategic value depends on positioning within the patent landscape, existing prior art, and its legal status.
- Stakeholders should monitor related filings and patent expiration timelines to optimize R&D and commercialization strategies.
- Companies must conduct thorough freedom-to-operate analyses, considering overlapping patents and national or international patent laws.
FAQs
Q1: How does KR101799944 compare to similar international patents?
A1: It shares common protective features with international filings in the same therapeutic area but distinguishes itself through specific formulation details and claim language optimized for South Korean jurisdiction.
Q2: Can this patent be challenged legally?
A2: Yes, through invalidation procedures based on prior art or non-compliance with patentability requirements, especially if prior disclosures undermine novelty or inventive step.
Q3: What is the strategic significance of this patent for pharmaceutical companies?
A3: It provides a defensive barrier, enables licensing negotiations, and establishes market exclusivity for specific formulations, influencing pricing and commercialization strategies.
Q4: How does the patent landscape impact drug development in South Korea?
A4: Dense patent landscapes can both stimulate innovation through clear protections and hinder research through blocking patents, necessitating comprehensive IP assessments.
Q5: What should companies do to navigate the patent landscape effectively?
A5: Conduct thorough patent searches, monitor patent family developments, and explore licensing or patent filing strategies to mitigate infringement risks and foster innovation.
References
- South Korea Patent Office, Patent KR101799944 Documentation
- WIPO, Patent Landscape Reports, South Korea Pharmaceutical Patents
- Patent Law and Practice in South Korea, KIPO Guidelines
